A common place to gather
Fonda Fora is a nod to the celebrated fondas found throughout Mexico. Traditional, unpretentious, mom and pop eateries with just a few tables serving breakfast, snacks or inexpensive Comida Corrida.
Today, the definition of fonda has become blurred and is used to describe a range of restaurants, from classic white table cloth joints to modern, chef-driven restaurants.
Fora, the plural of forum, is a place where ideas can be exchanged. We want Fonda Fora to be a place to gather, converse and enjoy an incredible meal amongst friends.
Chef Jhonattan Lona
Chef Jhonattan is a talented professional with over 21 years of experience in the culinary industry. He has worked in renowned restaurants all throughout Mexico, and became one of the pioneers in the gastronomy scene on Holbox Island, where he lived and worked for four years.
His career has taken him around the world, including Italy, where he lived for nearly a year, as well as cities like Brussels and Spain, where he refined his style. Upon returning to Mexico, he founded a Mexican-Italian restaurant in Playa del Carmen, blending international influences with traditional Mexican flavors.
In Canada, he has worked at prominent hotels like the Marriott in Vancouver and high-end restaurants such as Amicci in West Vancouver, as well as Chillawak in White Rock. At Fonda Fora, he continues showcasing his passion and creativity in the kitchen.
Take a trip through Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
Located inside the Westley Hotel in the heart of Downtown Calgary, Fonda Fora is an exciting new contemporary dining concept brought to you by the folks at Thank You Hospitality.
Let us take you on a journey through the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine.
Join us for a bite from our seasonal, and corn-forward menu – we’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you’ll always have a reason to visit Fonda Fora. Or sample our eclectic list of innovative cocktails, all while enjoying our modern-meet-vintage decor designed by award-winning Frank Architecture.
Awards
Runner up for Best Mexican/Latin American 2023 - Avenue Magazine
Runner up for Best of Downtown 2023 - Avenue Magazine
Runner up for Best Mexican/Latin American 2024 - Avenue Magazine
