Fontana, at the heart of the Inland Empire, is a city of industry and reinvention—where the echoes of the old Route 66 blend with the bustle of family neighborhoods and a food scene rooted in diaspora and determination.
From classic diners to buzzing taquerias and new immigrant cafés, Fontana is proof that real California flavor lives off the tourist track.
1. Martha’s Place
Nothing says “Fontana comfort” like Martha’s: an old-school diner known for bottomless coffee, fresh-baked pies, massive chicken-fried steak plates, and the fluffiest pancakes this side of LA.
Generations of locals share Sunday breakfast—kids coloring on placemats, regulars getting “the usual,” and retirees filling the booths before the church crowd arrives. Waitstaff know the regulars’ birthdays and favorite seats.
Pie slices (pecan, banana cream, or strawberry chiffon depending on season) are absolute musts.
2. Taqueria Tamazula
Part market, part grill, all “abuelita’s kitchen,” Tamazula is famous for carnitas, sizzling fajitas, chicharrón, and tacos bursting with house-marinated al pastor.
Hand-pressed tortillas and fiery salsas make every plate memorable, but the best night is Friday when the birria comes out steaming and families gather for a feast.
Spanish is as common as English, and the friendly staff make everyone feel instantly at home.
3. Café N’ Stuff
Bright, casual, homey, and absolutely packed every morning, Café N’ Stuff is the kind of unpretentious breakfast-and-lunch café that powers Fontana’s workday.
Huge omelets, patty melts, club sandwiches, and homemade soup-and-muffin combos compete for top spot.
On any weekday, expect local teachers, construction crews, and students showing off report cards for a free cookie.
4. Pho Express
Fontana’s Vietnamese hub—brothy bowls of beef and chicken pho, rice plates, lemongrass pork, and hand-rolled spring rolls.
No-frills décor, lightning-fast service, and a regular crowd who insist “this is as good as Westminster.”
The boba tea is dense, sweet, and a favorite with the city’s teens. In cold weather, the soup warms more than just bone—it brings the community together.
5. Cevichitos
For seafood cravings, Cevichitos is a revelation: bright, bold, spicy Mexican seafood served from a festive space.
Shrimp tostadas with pico and avocado, octopus cocktails, aguachile platters, and icy micheladas.
Popular with families and young crowds, this is one of Fontana’s best party spots come weekends (especially during fútbol season and summer nights).
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