Ceniza by Fonda Lola

What is Ceniza by Fonda Lola? Occupying the long-standing Queen West footprint at Queen and Shaw just steps from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Ceniza represents the sultry reinvention of neighbourhood staple Fonda Lola. The interior trades casual cantina colours for an intimate, low-lit aesthetic framed by warm amber lighting, dark wood tones, and a sleek cocktail bar up front. Out back, an inviting rear garden patio remains a warm-weather refuge for evening drinks and weekend alfresco dining.

Ceniza by Fonda Lola Menu & What to Order Guided by heat, smoke, and ember-kissed cooking, the kitchen bridges contemporary Mexican techniques with broader Latin influences. Kick things off with charred corn ribs dusted in lime, paprika, and parmesan, alongside their signature tortilla ash guacamole topped with crackling pork belly chicharrón. For mains, order the fork-tender, demi-glace slow-braised short rib over silky potato purée or the rich seafood risotto crowned with calamari and parmesan foam. From the bar, the namesake Ceniza cocktail—mixing black mezcal with citrus cordial, smoke, and edible gold—is an absolute showstopper.

Know Before You Go Dinner reservations are strongly advised on Friday and Saturday nights when Queen West date-night crowds fill the dining room, though walk-in seats at the bar are often possible early in the evening. Streetcar transit is seamless via the 501 Queen line stopping directly at Shaw Street, while street parking along Queen is strictly metered. The room opens Tuesday through Sunday for dinner service, plus weekend brunch offerings from noon to 3:00 p.m.