Fonda 12 South is chef/owner Roberto Santibañez's Nashville location, part of a group that includes his original Fonda restaurants in New York and Tokyo, along with Mi Vida and The Grill in Washington, DC. Born in Mexico City and a graduate with honors from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Santibañez has built a career as a chef, consultant, author, and teacher centered on Mexican cuisine.
The menu blends traditional Mexican dishes with more composed, creative plates, backed by a beverage program of handcrafted margaritas and mezcal flights. Birria tacos and quesadillas have developed a following among regulars on a stretch of 12th Avenue known for its restaurant density.
The restaurant also has a private dining room that holds up to 40 guests for events and gatherings. Fonda 12 South was named a 2025 favorite by Nashville Lifestyles.
The menu blends traditional Mexican dishes with more composed, creative plates, backed by a beverage program of handcrafted margaritas and mezcal flights. Birria tacos and quesadillas have developed a following among regulars on a stretch of 12th Avenue known for its restaurant density.
The restaurant also has a private dining room that holds up to 40 guests for events and gatherings. Fonda 12 South was named a 2025 favorite by Nashville Lifestyles.