Fonda | Collingwood

THE VERDICT

Fonda Collingwood isn't one to miss. And no, we’re not just talking about the very Instagrammable pastel pink and purple wall out front…this place is bang-on with the food and drinks as well.

You've obviously heard of Fonda by now—the Mexican restaurant that's slowly taking over the city, one burrito at a time. All the Fondas have their own indefinable charm, and Smith St definitely brings a little northside swagger to the table. 

Start off with a bowl of chipotle chips and yellowfin tuna ceviche (layered on a bed of forbidden black rice), then spice things up with some house-made salsas.  

Your stock-standard beef and cheese tacos don’t appear here: try some sweet potato gem tacos instead, or the pulled beef brisket.

For those not looking for something too heavy, the bounty bowl with red and white quinoa, herb-lime dressing and charred sweet corn balances everything off nicely, just in time for some burelos (crispy flour tortillas dusted in cinnamon sugar—go on, we know you want it). 

If you’re wanting a cheeky tipple, go for a frozen elderflower and lychee cocktail, or even the Aperol Spritz (which also comes in it’s frozen form, so you can cool down after eating too many jalapeños). The bar itself is adorned with pastels and neon lights, so you'll feel right at home—we are in Melbourne, after all. 

This place is perfect for those first date nerves or who want to have that ace work lunch. Get on it. 

Image credit: Walter Collato