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Fonda

4.4

About this business

Fonda Solana, which is Spanish for 'cafe on a sunny corner' is definitely worth a visit. The food here is Latin American, and is served in small plates—specialties include Grilled Rack of Lamb with Chimichurri and Duck and Pomegranate Tacos. Such unusual combinations make for an exciting dining experience, and the colorful decor lends the place a festive air. So come, catch a ray of sunlight at the delightful Fonda Solana. 

Location details

1501 Solano Ave, Ste A, Berkeley, CA, 94707, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
Mon9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tue9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wed9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thu9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SatClosed
SunClosed
4.4403 reviews
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ebgirl's profile image
19 years ago

Good food, but not for the price – I have been anxious to try Fonda as I have heard good things about the food. After trying it last night, I have to say that it's a lot of hype. Yes, the food is good, but the portions are extremely small and overpriced. I can get food this good at El Huarache Azteca for about 1/4 of the price. Our server was great - very friendly and attentive and the drinks were also good. They have an extensive, and somewhat unusual, cocktail menu, which is nice. However, I can't say this place was worth ... read more

gaussmarkov's profile image
gaussmarkov 
19 years ago

Fonda Solana is a fantastic – My wife and I have been to Fonda several times now and we have always been pleased with the experience. The drinks are great and a good value given the taste/quantity of alcohol. The plates are not large (given that Fonda serves tapas) but we feel that they are a good value given how good they are. Several reviewers have remarked that the tapas are ridiculously small and highly priced, but my guess is that these people have not eaten at many other tapas places. Compared to Acote or Cesar, the ta... read more

skillee's profile image
19 years ago

Good experience! It's about who you're with! – I took my friend for dinner around 7p on Thrusday. We were greeted/seated as we walked in. The service and attention we received, although the place was busy, was exceptional! Thanks Ivan. The food was experimental in my view, but tasty - new combinations for me. Plates are definitely small. I expected small but these were smaller than anticipated. We had 4 mixed drinks and 6 plates - $104+plus tip. Ambiance was nice, little noisy but not too bad. Get the comfy soft chairs if yo... read more

jendaly's profile image
19 years ago

Great for drinks, pan-Latin in the East Bay – This is our neighborhood joint and a favorite...often when we're heading out for the evening, we find it hard to get further than Fonda. The drinks aren't cheap, but they are fresh, tasty and plenty strong. The food is great--try the prawns, duck tacos and especially the mushroom quesadillas (nothing like a quesadilla you'll get in most restaurants, but awesome nonetheless). As some have said, portions aren't big (similar to other small plates places with a cocktail focus), but e... read more

mojokat's profile image
20 years ago

Disappointing... – I was looking forward to a great meal based on the comments left by others, but I have to say I was really disappointed in the quality of food and the service. Everything was sooooo slow and we had three different wait staff helping us. The food was just okay really...nothing compared to the many other amazing places I've eaten in the Bay Area. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exciting either. 

jimmydeanstonecold's profile image
jimmydeanstonecold 
20 years ago

An Absolute Gem – This is the restaurant of my dreams...we had an amazing meal last night. Ordered several dishes and they were all exceptional. Latin American food with complicated ingredients and flavors. Just enough spice. If it's not hot enough for you, they make their own hot sauces! You have to have the shrimp plate! I thought I had died and gone to heaven. A perfect blend of flavours. Great service and generous drinks. I think this place would be perfect for a date or ladies night out! 

Contributor's profile image
Contributor 
20 years ago

Hipster style, cool Pan-Latin tapas and top-shelf margaritas bring big-city buzz to Albany's Solano Avenue. – In Short A long bar, high ceilings, an open kitchen and bi-level seating all give the spacious restaurant a chic warehouse vibe. Solano Avenue's 20-somethings flock here in droves for the small plates. Slim sticks of cucumber and jicama drenched in lime juice and ground chili make a good starter. Highlights of the main courses include grilled quail dabbed with smoky peanut mole, a seviche-style seafood cocktail of ta... read more

howudoinsf's profile image
howudoinsf 
20 years ago

Fond of Fonda... – This nice spot is tucked away across from a Safeway supermarket on Solano. Decor is hip and colorful with little metal tables, an upstairs loft and patio out front. Small Latin American plates are the draw here, we tried the chips/salso, duck tacos and prawns negra, all very spicy and good! Service was very professional and courteous. Overall a nice experience at an eclectic little spot, good for smaller parties. 

sherrykoyama's profile image
sherrykoyama 
21 years ago

Tasty food but tiny portions! – While Fonda delivers tasty tapas, the portions are ridiculously small and the prices very high. Each dish is usually not more than a few bites (a few SMALL bites may I add!). Don't expect to get full here unless you blow big bucks. Their cocktails are pleasing and the ambience is cozy but is not a good value for your money at all. 

Frequently asked questions about Fonda

How is Fonda rated?

Fonda has a 4.4 star rating with 403 reviews. 

When is Fonda open?

Fonda is closed now. It will open at 9:00 a.m. 

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