Fonda de Mexicali: the Araiza Hotel buffet
Breakfast $465–$485 · afternoon $460 · cenaduría $390 MXN (adult, 2026)
Araiza hotel buffet: 2026 prices and hours
Per person, in Mexican pesos (MXN). Child = ages 5 to 12. Outside these hours you order à la carte (6:00 AM to 10:45 PM, every day).
Breakfast buffet
Afternoon buffet
Cenaduría (dinner) buffet
Prices published on the official Hoteles Araiza website, in effect since January 2026. Data verified on October 21, 2026; confirm before you go at +52 686 564 1100.
About Fonda de Mexicali
Fonda de Mexicali is one of the most recognized culinary traditions in the city. It sits inside Hotel Araiza Mexicali —the largest hotel in town, with 270 rooms— and has spent decades as the place locals and visitors go for authentic Mexican food in an elegant setting.
What to order at Fonda de Mexicali
Its reputation rests on its buffets. Every day: the Breakfast Buffet, which many consider the best in Mexicali, and the Afternoon (Grill) Buffet, with premium cuts. Monday to Friday there is also the Cenaduría Buffet, of Mexican antojitos in the evening.
The à la carte menu widens the offering with paella on Fridays, ceviches, chiles en nogada in season and specialties such as the white menudo with chiltepín, described in reviews as "the best in the city."
Events, private hall and getting there
It is 10 minutes from the U.S. border and has bilingual staff, two reasons it draws so many visitors from the other side.
With seating for 190 people and the private Fonda Hall for up to 76 guests, it is also one of the city's favorite venues for weddings, Sunday brunches, engagements and corporate celebrations.
Tradition
Decades as the favorite restaurant of Mexicali. A culinary institution.
Buffets
Breakfast and afternoon buffets daily; cenaduría Monday to Friday.
Events
Private hall for 76 people. Weddings, baby showers, Sunday brunches.
🍽️ The buffets at Fonda
Each buffet has its own schedule. Check before you go to find the one you are looking for.
Breakfast Buffet
Adult $465 Mon-Thu · $485 Fri-Sun · child $345-$365The most renowned breakfast buffet in Mexicali. Omelets made to order, pancakes, red chilaquiles, machaca, fresh juices and much more.
Afternoon Buffet (grill)
Of the day $460 · with 330 g steak $635 · salads $225Premium grilled cuts, hot bar, salads and desserts. The favorite option for lunch.
Cenaduría Buffet
Adult $390 · child $280Mexican antojitos, home-style stews, soups and tacos in a warm, family atmosphere. The evening tradition.
📞 À la carte service and room service: 6:00 AM - 10:45 PM every day
Services & Facilities
🌶️ House Specialties
From the Buffet (year-round)
"The best white menudo" according to multiple reviews. A traditional northern dish.
Repeatedly praised as the star dish of the breakfast.
House-made, "delicious" according to guests. They accompany every breakfast.
"D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s" according to a featured review. An authentic Mexican specialty.
⭐ Seasonal
A tradition every Friday — a house classic.
Served alongside the paella. Fresh Pacific flavors.
In season August-September. Mexican tradition at its finest.
Tuesday to Sunday, 6:30-11 PM. An evening specialty.
Themed Events Throughout the Year
According to the official site, they celebrate the big dates "from Valentine's Day to Christmas and New Year's". Dates and prices for each event are announced on social media (@araizamexicali): confirm before you go.
Halloween
Themed buffet with a dessert table
Thanksgiving
Buffet with roast turkey
Christmas and New Year
Holiday dinners and buffets; date and price are announced on social media
Rosca de Reyes
King cake for Three Kings Day
Valentine's Day
Special menu for the date
Chiles en nogada
Season of the dish
Tips for Your Visit
What you need to know before you go
Watch the buffet hours
Each buffet has its own schedule. If you arrive after the buffet closes, your order will be from the à la carte menu. Check before you go.
The Sunday "brunch"
There is no separate brunch: on Sundays the breakfast buffet runs until 12:45 PM ($485 MXN adult). Guests call it "my favorite thing"; arrive early.
Order the white menudo
Multiple reviews agree: "the best white menudo" thanks to the touch of chiltepín. Don't skip it.
Friday paella
Every Friday they prepare traditional paella with ceviches. A house tradition, worth planning for.
Reserve for events
The private Fonda Hall (76 people) fills up fast. If you are planning an event, book ahead by calling 686 564 1100 (hotel switchboard).
Park inside the hotel
The hotel has its own parking lot, free according to booking sites. Confirm when you arrive.
Upscale atmosphere
It is the favorite spot of Mexicali's "upper class" according to reviews. Dress accordingly if you want to fit in.
Chiles en Nogada only in season
If you visit in August-September, be sure to order them — it is one of the best places to try them in the city.
⭐ What visitors say
“Without a doubt the best place for truly Mexican food. The white menudo with chiltepín is the best in the city. The beef tongue in green sauce is delicious. A tradition.”
— Visitor · Real review
“The best breakfasts in Mexicali. The breakfast buffet is excellent compared to the ones included at other hotels. Variety and quality in Mexican food. The fruit water is a perfect 10.”
— Hotel guest · Real review
“The lunchtime buffet is perfect — you can order beef cuts. Definitely the best buffet in the area. Excellent food and magnificent service, they always go out of their way to attend to you warmly.”
— Regular diner · Real review
“Sunday brunch is my favorite thing about the hotel. The staff is absolutely friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.”
— Visitor from the USA · Real review
“The atmosphere is excellent, very Mexican. The food is delicious and nicely presented. Although the buffet is a bit pricey, it is worth it because of the quality of the food. It is one of the best restaurants I have visited.”
— Tripadvisor · Real review
“The arrachera with guacamole and quesadilla is delicious. The mango water is very good. If the buffet is not enough, they will make the dish you want if they have the ingredients.”
— Visitor · Real review
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Araiza hotel buffet?
What are the Araiza buffet hours?
What does each buffet include?
Is there a Sunday brunch at the Araiza?
Is there a buffet on Saturday and Sunday evenings?
Where is it and is there parking?
How do I book or check prices?
Do they hold special buffets for Christmas and holidays?
Does the staff speak English?
Do they have room service?
Hotel switchboard: ask for Fonda de Mexicali
General Hours
⚠️ Each buffet has its own schedule — see the buffets section above
Location
Blvd. Benito Juárez 2220
Fracc. Jardines del Valle, C.P. 21270
Inside Hotel Araiza Mexicali
Mexicali, B.C.
📍 A 10-min drive from the U.S. border
Private Fonda Hall
Capacity for up to 76 people. Ideal for weddings, baby showers, engagements and corporate gatherings.
Call to reserve