Fónico is a place just around the corner from my apartment, and one I had been wanting to visit ever since I moved to Madrid almost six months ago. And there was one very specific reason for that: chilaquiles verdes.
If you don’t know, I lived in Mexico for a year, and one of my all-time favourite guilty-pleasure breakfasts was chilaquiles verdes. This traditional Mexican dish is made with fresh tortilla chips (totopos) covered in a green salsa made from tomatillos, chile serrano, chile poblano, and a mix of other delicious ingredients. Fónico’s menu is based on Mexican food, but with a modern twist, which immediately caught my attention.
The Breakfast in Question.
The Place and the Vibe
Inside, Fónico feels relaxed and cozy. It’s not a big space, which gives it a very welcoming atmosphere. From Monday to Thursday, it’s also a nice place to work or study for a bit.
That said, they don’t take reservations, and because it’s quite small, it can be hard to get a table. That’s actually why it took me so long to finally go. I tried a few times before, mostly on weekends around lunchtime, and it was always full. Last Wednesday, however, I went around 13:00 with my friend Claire and managed to grab the last available table.
We ended up staying for about two hours and never felt rushed, which was a big plus.
The Food
We started with coffee and then ordered lunch. I, of course, went straight for the chilaquiles verdes, no hesitation. I added a fried egg on top, which was absolutely the right choice. Claire went for the smash truffle burger, without the truffle since she’s not a fan.
The food was genuinely delicious, and I honestly have no complaints about the taste or quality.
The only small downside is the price. The chilaquiles verdes are €15, which is slightly on the higher side, especially considering that extras add up quickly. A fried egg costs an extra €1.50, and avocado is €3 extra. In Mexico, those are usually staples that come with the dish, so it did feel a bit strange. Claire’s burger was €16.90 and came with fries.
Still, the quality was there, and the flavours really took me back.
Practical Information
Fónico is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, they also open in the evening from 20:00 to 01:00 for drinks. I haven’t been yet for evening drinks, but judging by the atmosphere during the day, I’m sure the vibe will be relaxed and fun.
Address: Calle de Juan Bravo 41, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid
Located between Goya and Lista.
They don’t take reservations, so you’ll need a bit of luck. My tip is to try on a weekday for a better chance of getting a table.
Cover picture is from Fónico’s instagram*
