Fonda Balam

Permanently Closed

Fonda Balam

Permanently Closed

Birria, aguachile, and chocolate flan cake; tortillas made in-house.

Information

802 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V3, Canada Get directions

@michelinguide

48,133 Postcards · 8,016 Cities

Fonda Balam

"Is that the best lengua taco you’ve ever had? Is there a better birria in the city? You might find yourself asking a lot of questions at this casual fonda where it’s impossible not to over-order. What started out as a summer birria pop-up by celebrity chef Matty Matheson and former Quetzal chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo quickly evolved into this brick-and-mortar where tortillas are made in-house. The menu has expanded sensibly with aguachile de camaron, spicy seafood cocktail and sweets like chocolate cake with coconut flan. This is food you crave on a regular basis served in an easy-going setting that doesn’t care how you’re dressed. Low-flung counter seats, sunshine-yellow napkins and cacti in every corner add to the charm." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/ontario/toronto/restaurant/fonda-balam

Fonda Balam

@infatuation

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The 24 Best Restaurants & Hotels In Toronto

"Birria Balam started as a pop-up, but has now settled into a permanent home in Trinity Bellwoods. The menu features a range of tacos, including a really good rendition of birria with an incredible consommé. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed with some outdoor picnic tables, food served on plastic trays, and a no reservations situation, but it’s a great place to start the night (especially with their solid selection of beer and cocktails) before venturing to other bars along Dundas Street." - julia eskins

https://www.theinfatuation.com/toronto/guides/toronto-restaurants

Anna Haines

Fonda Balam

@infatuation

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Fonda Balam - Review - Toronto - The Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/toronto/reviews/fonda-balam

Anna Haines

Fonda Balam

@michelinguide

48,133 Postcards · 8,016 Cities

2022 Toronto MICHELIN Bib Gourmands

"What started out as a summer birria pop-up by celebrity chef Matty Matheson and former Quetzal chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo quickly evolved into this brick-and-mortar where tortillas are made in-house. The menu has expanded sensibly with aguachile de camaron, spicy seafood cocktail and sweets like chocolate cake with coconut flan." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/2022-toronto-michelin-bib-gourmands

@michelin

Fonda Balam

@canadas100best

173 Postcards · 31 Cities

"Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn — the husband-and-wife chef team who helped get Quetzal off to its great start and then unexpectedly upped and left — are now in the taco business with Matty Matheson. Their Spadina Avenue pop-up purveys two versions of that social media darling of tacodom: birria."

https://canadas100best.com/the-100-list-2021-birria-balam-tacos/

Canada's 100 Best 2021 - Ontario

Jacob Richler

Fonda Balam

Asma S.

Google

One of the coolest taco spots in Toronto! I loved their communal seating and ambiance. We had the birria, chicken, and potato tacos. Portions were big and delicious and got messy eating them. The cherry on the top however was the chocolate flan cake as it was possibly the best underrated dessert I’ve had.

Michelle K.

Google

Asked the server what they would recommend. These were the 4 dishes plus a dessert. The peppers tasted great, a little too much for 2 people. Fair warning, it gets super spicy after a while. The ceviche was amazing. I think its the most worth it dish of all the meals. Fresh and light, perfect amount of acidity and it came with some chips which were a perfect pairing. The tacos werent mind blowingly good for the price. They were good but Ive had better for less. The dessert was also wasnt for me. The overall atmosphere and staff was 10/10. Super friendly staff and the inside is beautiful. Great space to be in. The price was just a lot more than I expected

Nhu L.

Google

We did not place a reservation and waited for an hour to be seated but it was worth every minute of the wait. I can see why this restaurant is so busy, the decor is vibrant and lively. The bar-style seating made the atmosphere feel inviting and intimate. I ordered the quesabirria tacos and the combination of the tender, juicy meat and savory broth was out of this world. The dipping sauces that came with our appetizer complemented the chips very well, they were addictive.

Andrea L

Google

Came here around 5pm on Friday and quickly got a spot but the restaurant filled up quickly! I got the birria taco and fish special taco. Unfortunately I didn’t think the fish one was that great cause it was barely battered/ fried. So seven lives fish taco is way better. I did enjoy the Birria and the guacamole was so good! The deep fried cheese and Birria tacos (Quesabirria) were extremely heavy too. Good for the first couple bites but you feel so heavy after I also got the blood orange slush drink which was good! I will return next time probably in the summer, and only order 2-3 tacos which should be more than enough food! The portions are huge.

Steven O.

Google

Hot & cold on this one.There’s still a lot to love, so I highly recommend checking them out for their unique dishes and flavours. You won’t find favourites like tongue tacos or hangover friendly menudo at many other places. Their colourful exterior and name “Fonda” suggests a warmer and more playful experience than I think they offer. Feels like an upscale (and just as noisy) cafeteria with the industrial grey walls or maybe even a less comfy diner. Always had 5 different workers trying to take my plates, but not much conversation or help when I actually wanted to order. Highlights: The cocktails tasted great at the $14 price tag. Thought the seafood and meats were all beautifully tender. If their Birria tacos are anything like what they served at Birria Balam, they should be among my favourites! What will likely keep me coming back as often as I’d love to: the lack of salsa was very noticeable with the tortillas super tough and dry (wouldn’t expect that in the long run as two head chefs have been responsible for great tortillas in the past). Both tacos I tried were definitely missing something. You can pay $10 for extra salsas if you’re less cheap than me. Also, while ketchuppy seafood cocktails are super common in certain parts of Mexico, and theirs is delicious, it’s not quite my preference.

Christina S.

Google

Had a really nice dinner here Sunday evening, sat outside on the heated patio. The food was really good! The star of the show was definitely the quesabirria. I highly recommend this dish if you’re coming here for the first time. The guacamole is also really flavourful. Service was friendly and attentive. I did initially want to sit inside, but it was a little loud. Overall, great experience and will visit again.

Melanie S

Google

First off, the patron slushie is just a flavour explosion. They are served in small glasses but that did not stop me from ordering them all night. Well worth it regardless of the sizing! The service was extremely friendly and timely. They also took my allergies very serious. Everything we chose to order was wonderful, 0 complaints. The Quesabirria con consome was definitely the standout dish hands down. Overall a trendy, organized, and delicious experience.

Juanma V.

Google

Ufff! Simply amazing! One of my Toronto’s top 5 so far. It tastes like Mexico, incredible mexican authentic flavours and a very original and interesting sitting layout. Sitting at the bar and being served there makes you feel like if you were in a real Mexican Cantina. Wainting for coming back!