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“Onda Arrives in the Financial District”

The financial district could use some good news these days. A restaurant is certainly not a cure for fraud (thanks, Bernie) or the general economic flu from which Wall Street continues to suffer, but good food and good company (not to mention strong cocktails) are a balm for distress of almost any kind. And so the financial district welcomes its newest restaurant, Onda, a pan-Latin spot serving flavorful comfort food named for the Spanish word for “vibe.”

Chef Raymond Mohan is serving small and large plates that cross the borders of Peru, Brazil, Guyana, Jamaica, Ecuador, Cuba, the West Indies, Spain and more. Under starters, for instance, you’ll find a crab and arepa salad with jicama, papaya and chile lime vinaigrette ($14) sharing menu space with pork spare ribs ($13), baked curry chicken empanadas ($11), ceviche ($9-$14). Entrees include a vegetable paella ($21), churrasco with pickled tomatoes and chimichurri ($23), and coconut crusted mahi mahi with Rioja braised oxtail and chayote escabeche ($21).

At the bar you’ll find cocktails that beg for umbrellas like the South Street Pina (ginger root with Rum Clement silver, fresh pineapple and sugar), and the Melon Batida spiked with coconut puree and cachaça, along with traditional Pisco Sours and Mojitos. Bring your own sunscreen.

Onda is now open at 229 Front Street (between Peck Slip & Beekman St.), (212) 513-0770, www.OndaNYC.com

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