We got there at 7 pm. (1 hour before close) I asked before ordering if the kitchen was still open. Their reply was that the kitchen is open until 8 pm. (Wednesday night) THE FOOD: I ordered the Bandeja Paisa with carne asada. It comes with white rice, chorizo, 2 pieces of platano maduro, a cut of skirt steak, a cut of chicharron, one egg, and frijoles (beans). THE SERVICE: You pay when you order at the counter, and then you find a seat. The lady who took the order (she seemed to be the one in charge) lacked a little professionalism. To add, when we were done eating (7:55 pm), I went to order some arepas to go. It was another woman who said to me that the kitchen was closed. It made perfect sense since it was 5 minutes before they closed. But again, the interaction with her was less than par. THE MARKET: Yes! They have a Colombian market inside! It's filled with typical brands you would find in Colombia as well as toys and trinkets. The market itself takes up about two-thirds of the restaurant. As you can imagine, that left very little space for indoor seating. (By the way, no outdoor seating) The food and the market helped give it an additional star from the 3 that are based on the service.
Overview
If you're ever in the mood for a delicious and authentic Colombian dining experience, La Fonda Paisa located at 323 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, is the place to visit. This cozy gem offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying traditional Colombian dishes with a modern twist.
From the moment you step inside, La Fonda Paisa makes you feel at home. The vibrant decor, with colorful accents and rustic touches, gives off a lively Colombian vibe. Whether you're dining in with friends or picking up a meal to go, you'll be treated to top-notch service that reflects the friendly nature of Colombian culture. It’s a place where you can truly experience the essence of Colombian hospitality.
One of the highlights of La Fonda Paisa is its expansive menu. Colombian cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, and this restaurant does not disappoint. The menu boasts a wide variety of options, from grilled meats to savory stews, to satisfy any palate. Some of the most popular dishes include the bandeja paisa, a traditional platter featuring rice, beans, plantains, avocado, chicharrĂłn, and grilled steak, and the arepas, a classic Colombian snack that pairs perfectly with any meal.
What sets La Fonda Paisa apart is its dedication to authentic ingredients. The flavors are rich and bold, making every bite an experience to remember. If you’re unsure about what to order, the friendly staff is always happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you're a fan of spicy dishes or prefer something milder, there’s something for everyone.
The restaurant doesn’t just cater to those looking for a hearty meal. For those with a sweet tooth, La Fonda Paisa serves up traditional Colombian desserts like the tres leches cake and arroz con leche, which provide the perfect end to a delicious meal. And if you're in the mood for a refreshing beverage, try their fresh fruit juices or a traditional Colombian coffee, which is strong and flavorful-just the way it should be.
In addition to the mouthwatering food, La Fonda Paisa has become a local favorite for its consistent quality and inviting atmosphere. Regular patrons rave about the exceptional service and the attention to detail in every dish. It’s not uncommon to hear customers saying that it feels like they’ve been transported straight to Colombia. The restaurant’s location in Gaithersburg makes it an easy stop for those living in or visiting the area.
For those planning a visit, La Fonda Paisa offers both dine-in and takeout options, making it a convenient choice for a quick meal or a leisurely dining experience. The restaurant is known for being family-friendly, so it's an excellent choice for a casual outing with loved ones. The portions are generous, ensuring that you leave full and satisfied.
The authenticity of La Fonda Paisa’s dishes can also be attributed to the expertise of its chefs. Many of them have deep roots in Colombian cuisine, bringing a wealth of knowledge and years of experience to the kitchen. This commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every dish they serve, from the carefully marinated meats to the perfectly seasoned rice and beans.
If you're in the Gaithersburg area and craving Colombian food, La Fonda Paisa is a must-visit. Whether you're new to Colombian cuisine or a long-time fan, you’ll find something to enjoy on the menu. The combination of authentic flavors, excellent service, and warm ambiance makes this restaurant a standout choice. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in a true Colombian dining experience.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small platesDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ GroupsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kidsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I have to say their Empanadas are so good!! I have tried almost every single Colombian restaurant in the DMV and these are the closest to the ones that I rem eating in Colombia and these closest to the ones my mom makes. Their other food i haven’t tried yet but their breads are so good like pandebobo. It’s also really great that they have their little convenient store where they sell Colombian sodas and other things you can’t really find elsewhere. Def go a try their empanadas!!
Stumbled on this place by mistake and glad I did. The service was great as the lady who only spoke Spanish ran to get the only who was bilingual. When the other lady came she was patient and answered all my questions and helped me order some typical Colombian breakfast/food. Because I barely come to that side of Gaithersburg, I got more than enough. Photos below. I also got the strawberry and mango yogurt and they were both so so good! And the other best part os the freshly squeezed orange juice. They have the machine and I saw with my own eyes them squeezing the juice from the oranges. Tasted so so good! What I ordered is called Colombian breakfast on the menu. Oh and they have a mini grocery store inside the restaurant too! How neat! I will return!