Traditional Colombian cuisine in a warm setting.
Rue aux Fleurs 8
What’s good? Every dish we ordered was very well seasoned and the portions were massive. As starters we picked patacones, crispy plantain fritters with guacamole, and beef empanadas. Most mains come with either fried plantains or rice and a tiny salad. My delightful company went all in and chose picada, a literal pile of mixed meats with baked potatoes and fried plantains. I chose grilled fish that, you guessed it, was served with plantains and rice. For drinks, we went for their super sweet homemade lemonade and water to wash down the food. But if you’re in the mood to try out something new, go for Postobón, often referred to as “champagne cola,” a fizzy drink made of either apples or grapes.
What’s not? Once you enter the restaurant, you’re on Colombian territory and that means: time as a concept doesn’t exist anymore. While the drinks and appetizer came rather quickly, we had to wait an hour (!) for the main dish.
Vibe: With its rustic decor and warm ambiance, the restaurant provides an inviting and rather casual atmosphere. A bit out of place but endearing: The green curtains with a football pattern on them, clearly a remnant of the 2024 European Championship.
Who’s picking up the check? Anyone with cash or bancontact. They don’t accept credit cards and as we didn’t want to look for a bank in the cold we ended up having to transfer money on the spot. Prices are pretty reasonable too. Starters range from €1.50 to €9 and main dishes go up to €24.
Spotted: A bunch of Colombians celebrating a birthday party with the song “Que Dios Te Bendiga” by Peter Manjarrés playing on the screens. Otherwise this restaurant is so far from the EU bubble, it is the perfect place if you want to avoid running into somebody you work with.
Insider tip: La Fonda opens its doors only three days a week, from Friday to Sunday.
How to get there: Located five minutes walk away from De Brouckère and Place Sainte-Catherine, La Fonda is easily accessible both by foot and public transport.
Review published on February 20, 2025. Illustration by Natália Delgado/POLITICO.