La Merenda

Name: La Merenda
Address: 125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI, United States, 53204
Telephone: (414) 389-0125
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.9

4.9

2402 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Top Tags:

La Merenda is a bar and grill located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that specializes in serving globally inspired cuisine, local beers and wine. The restaurant offers a casual dining with upscale flavors.

La Merenda has an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, so the menu is constantly being updated with new dishes based on available ingredients. The main menu at La Merenda offers a selection of snacks, seafood and meat entr�es. Menu selections include such dishes as Wisconsin farmers� salad, seasonal gnocchi, veal stracotto, Sambal Goreng Udang with Gulf shrimp and pork and shrimp tostadas.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(414) 389-0125

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, International
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(414) 389-0125
Website
http://www.lamerenda125.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Peter Sandroni
Private party facilities
We do not offer private parties but we can accommodate large parties, please call the restaurant or email info@lamerenda125.com for more information. (414) 389-0125Reservations for 6 or fewer can be made through OpenTable (please call to reserve for parties of 7 or more).

Location
125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Cross street
Between 1st and Barclay
Parking details
Street Parking Available. In Response To The Covid-19 We Are Asking Guest To Drive Up To The Loading Zone In Front Of The Restaurant To Be Greeted By Host Before Entering The Restaurant. Thank You For Your Patience During These Difficult Times.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Milwaukee

Popular dishes

Local Artisan Cheese (WI)$8.50
farmstead cheeses | roasted kalamata olive | Troubadour bread
La Merenda Salad (Italy)$9.00
local arugula | cherry ginger vinaigrette | Sartori dolcina gorgonzola | roasted hazelnuts | braised cherries
Grilled Endive Salad (France)$9.00
grilled endive & radicchio | frisee | candied walnuts | pears | Brightonwoods Orchards apples | Sartori dolcina gorgonzola vinaigrette
Pistachio Salad (Italy)$8.50
local arugula | pistachios | Sartori dolcina gorgonzola | pistachio vinaigrette
Wisconsin Farmers Salad (WI)$9.00
local black lentil | Turtle Creek Gardens beet | local arugula | toasted almonds | LaClare goat chevre | Lemon-dill crème fraiche
Truffled Potato Skins (WI)$6.50
potato skin peelings | parmesan cheese | truffle oil
Sage Squash Gnocchi (Italy)$12.00
house made carrot gnocchi | local winter squash medley | sage sherry cream sauce | toasted pepitas | fried sage
Empanadas Vegetarianas (Colombia)$7.00
yellow cornmeal pastry | Clock Shadow Creamery quark | River Valley Ranch mushrooms | sweet corn | aji
Moroccan Spiced Grilled Parsnips$9.00
saffron-carrot puree | crispy kale | cilantro yogurt | toasted almonds
Sautéed Spinach (Italy)$6.50
garlic | local parmesan cheese | spinach

Sea | Mare | Farraige | Dagat

Pork and Shrimp Tostadas (Mexico)$12.00
Maple Creek Farms pork belly confit | gulf white shrimp | creamy salsa verde | pineapple - poblano pico de gallo | cayenne dusted lime wedge | cilantro | corn tortillas
Gambas al Ajillo (Spain)**$13.00
gulf white shrimp | garlic | olive oil | parsley | red pepper flake | Troubadour Bakery bread
Sambal Goreng Udang (Indonesia)$13.00
gulf white shrimp | garlic | ginger | sambal chili paste | tomatoes | coconut milk | coconut mashed Igl Farms potatoes | black sesame seeds
Grilled Octopus Salad (Chile)$15.00
grilled octopus | frisee | orange supreme | grape tomato | salt roasted fingerling potato | chive | cacho de cabra | lemon vinaigrette
Seared Trout (Japan)*$15.00
cast-iron seared Rushing Waters trout | broccoli & local mushroom medley | ginger miso dashi | scallions | white rice

Pasture | Pascolo | Fearaigh | Pastulan

Prosciutto Salad (Italy)$9.50
local arugula | pistachios | Sartori dolcina gorgonzola | La Quercia prosciutto | pistachio vinaigrette
Local Artisan Cheese & Meat (WI)$15.00
farmstead cheeses | roasted kalamata olives | house pickles | La Quercia prosciutto | house charcuterie Troubadour bread
Goat Cheese Curds (WI)$10.00
LaClare goat cheese curds | Tia Paquita chorizo cream sauce | crostini
Beef Empanadas (Colombia)$9.00
yellow cornmeal pastry | malbec braised Wisconsin Meadows beef | Roth gran queso garlic mashed potato | aji
Pork Empanadas (Colombia)$9.00
yellow cornmeal pastry | house smoked Maple Creek Farms pork | River Valley Ranch mushrooms | sweet corn | aji
Butter Chicken (India)$11.00
Prairie Folk Farm chicken curry | cream | ginger | turmeric | tomatoes | garlic | cashews | cilantro | white rice
Beef Pad Thai (Thailand)$15.00
organic grass-fed beef tenderloin | rice noodles | vegetable medley | spicy pad thai sauce | peanuts
Lamb Bolognese (Italy)$14.00
local lamb bolognese | housemade pappardelle shaved Uplands Dairy pleasant ridge reserve
Beef Short Rib Gnocchi (WI)$14.00
Wisconsin Meadows beef short ribs | house made carrot gnocchi | local chili roasted cauliflower | house pickled local jalapeño
Patatas Bravas y Chorizo (Spain)$9.50
Igl Farms potatoes | spicy tomato sauce | roasted garlic aioli | Tia Paquita smoked chorizo
- Patatas Bravas Without Chorizo$7.00
Argentinian Pork Belly (Argentina)$14.00
Maple Creek Farm grilled pork belly confit | roasted garlic mashed potatoes | chimichurri
Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina)*$17.00
grilled organic grass-fed beef tenderloin | chimichurri | mashed plantains | walnuts
Veal Stracotto (Italy)$14.00
Wisconsin Meadows veal | River Valley Ranch mushroom risotto | arugula gremolata
- Mushroom Risotto Without Veal$9.00
Duck Confit Poutine (Canada)$14.00
Igl Farm russet potatoes | Maple Leaf Farms duck leg confit | LaClare goat cheese curds | scallions | duck gravy

What 2,402 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Wisconsin
Best Overall
Wisconsin
Best Food
Wisconsin
Best Value
Wisconsin
Innovative
Milwaukee
Best Overall
Milwaukee
Best Food
Milwaukee
Best Service
Milwaukee
Best Value
Milwaukee
Innovative

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Filters

BM
BrookeM
Milwaukee
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and amazing service, as always! On of my very favorite places to eat.
DF
DustinF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Table was ready when we got there. Food was delicious as always and the specials were Excellent
A
Auggiedoggie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It's been some time since we have been to LaMerenda. Honestly not sure why we have waited so long. Food was delicious. As I told the owner hands down the best risotto I have every had. If you love food you need to make a reservation today!!
GR
GaryR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The menu was well done, great food, service outstanding and reasonable prices
GK
GregoryK
New Mexico
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
La Merenda never disappoints. The food is consistently amazing, service is excellent and the ambiance is cozy and fun. Highly recommend!
T
Tigger
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We really enjoyed the excellent food...so many great choices!
MB
MarkB
Phoenix
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always we had a great time. The food is always delicious. The staff was fantastic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exactly what we expected based off of our previous experiences here. Wonderful service. Devine dishes. 10/10 recommend!
JB
JB1234
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Such great food - the empanadas were the highlight.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Introducing a new Milwaukee resident to the restaurant. It was a wonderful evening.
j
jakes
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience2
Sadly, not as good as they once were. Truly disappointing and it breaks my heart to have to say it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was AMAZING! Our waitress was so great. She did a phenomenal job of explaining dishes and went as far as making sure those who had allergies were safe! Could not recommend enough.
GG
GaryG
Milwaukee
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Awesome food, great service by the entire staff. I like the fact that the wine list offers a wide variety and not overly priced
KF
KylieF
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you can snag a reservation it’s a must! So many choices, tons of variety, everything was incredible. The workers were some of the nicest people we’ve met. SO MANY GLUTEN FREE CHOICES!
JV
JacalynV
Milwaukee
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
As always, La Merenda does not disappoint. The food was spectacular, and the ability to try different dishes is so great. The tres leches cake alone would be a reason to go
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic. The service was great. The food came out faster than expected so maybe in future we will order a little slower. So great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience with fabulous drinks and delicious menu items.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gosia is amazing! Most people go out to have dinner, but We 𝒉𝒂𝒅 dinner. It was another memorable experience that we cannot wait to recreate soon!
RC
RitaC
Chicago
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Still good, but definitely not remarkable. We ordered 5 dishes and none stood out as truly unique or exceptional. The service, however, was perfect.
M
Mames
Milwaukee
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful time at La Merenda. One of my favorite restaurants I’ve ever been to.
MC
MiaC
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent prices. Will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, amazing drinks, and amazing service!! Per usual!!
LS
LynetteS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was wonderful from the moment we entered to our server to the food!
MV
MegV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Everything I’ve ordered has been spectacular.
K
Kikimke
Milwaukee
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always.
F
Foodie
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent small plates; ingredients are authentic, made for a truly international experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday celebration
LH
LizH
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Everything was lovely, except some of the dishes we had ordered in the past (duck poutine & prosciutto pistachio) were much saltier than I ever remember them being.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
This is a restaurant that NEVER disappoints. We tried the trout and in the words of, public figure Tabitha Brown, BABY!!! The trout dish was superb. Our server was outstanding. He was knowledgeable of each dish and made great recommendations. Can’t wait til the next time.
NP
NateParadise
Tahoe
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience1
La Merenda far exceeded my expectations. Walking in, I'll admit, ai was worried. But the food made it WELL worth it. Some good dishes, some very good dishes. Great selection; some great ingredients and we'll sourced. Drink menu was a bit limited. Ambiance was not to my liking and an overall low point, but the food made up for it all and more. Highly recommend!
AW
AlyssaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
La Merenda is our go-to restaurant in Milwaukee. We've dined here many, many times, and it's always an amazing experience. They have a wide-variety of food options, many of which are vegetarian and gluten-free. The service is always great, and we always leave happy!
k
kirans
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall3food1service4ambience3
our taste may be different than the chef and we did not like food. Too much salt. Salad and wine was good.The server was great.
MB
MikeB
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and great service ... we thoroughly enjoyed our meal and compliments to all the staff at La Merenda!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service and wonderful food
N
Norap21
Milwaukee
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another amazing dinner at La Merenda! Great for sharing and excellent service!!
WI
WIFoodie
Milwaukee
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The variety and flavor of the dishes were excellent. Service was also outstanding. We especially enjoyed the pork & shrimp tostadas.
LA
LuAnne
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always enjoy La Merenda! Great food and service and a quiet atmosphere.
J
Jane
Milwaukee
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
One of my favorites places in Milwaukee, it never disappoints. We have our tried and true favorites and then usually try something new, usually the special. I have family that comes to visit from TN every year and this is the one place we always go. We have had from 4-12 diners and this restaurant is so accommodating. We have eaten inside and outside, my choice is outside but with WI weather it is not always possible and when we have to be inside they staff is so amazing I hardly notice. The staff is so willing to work with you on ordering. They are also very knowledgeable about the wines on there menu. Take friends and family here you won't be disappointed take a risk on an item or two to try new things and you might be surprised by finding a gem you order every time you go. (Happened to me)
DJ
DianeJ
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience3
Service was efficient and the food arrived soon after preparing. Although I wrote that it was a Birthday in the reservation it was overlooked.
SD
SuzanneD
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the tapas at La Merenda, and the beverages are top notch, too! Four of us shared Goat Cheese Curds, Gambas al Ajillo, Truffled Potato Skins, Gnocchi d'Autunno, Beef Ram-Don, and Beef Empanadas. Perfect amount of food for our group, and each dish was AMAZING! Artfully plated and presented, and beyond delicious. Can't wait to go back!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from La Merenda using the Order Online button. La Merenda also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (414) 389-0125.

La Merenda is rated 4.9 stars by 2402 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(414) 389-0125

Other options

Order online

125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between 1st and Barclay
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, International
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking Available. In Response To The Covid-19 We Are Asking Guest To Drive Up To The Loading Zone In Front Of The Restaurant To Be Greeted By Host Before Entering The Restaurant. Thank You For Your Patience During These Difficult Times.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Peter Sandroni
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lamerenda125.com/
Phone number
(414) 389-0125
Private party facilities
We do not offer private parties but we can accommodate large parties, please call the restaurant or email info@lamerenda125.com for more information. (414) 389-0125Reservations for 6 or fewer can be made through OpenTable (please call to reserve for parties of 7 or more).

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Milwaukee

La Merenda

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Milwaukee

Beef Empanadas (Colombia)

Pork and Shrimp Tostadas (Mexico)

Truffled Potato Skins (WI)

Field | Campo | Reimse | Parang

Local Artisan Cheese (WI)$8.50

La Merenda Salad (Italy)$9.00

Grilled Endive Salad (France)$9.00

Pistachio Salad (Italy)$8.50

Wisconsin Farmers Salad (WI)$9.00

Truffled Potato Skins (WI)$6.50

Sage Squash Gnocchi (Italy)$12.00

Empanadas Vegetarianas (Colombia)$7.00

Moroccan Spiced Grilled Parsnips$9.00

Sautéed Spinach (Italy)$6.50

Sea | Mare | Farraige | Dagat

Pork and Shrimp Tostadas (Mexico)$12.00

Gambas al Ajillo (Spain)**$13.00

Sambal Goreng Udang (Indonesia)$13.00

Grilled Octopus Salad (Chile)$15.00

Seared Trout (Japan)*$15.00

Pasture | Pascolo | Fearaigh | Pastulan

Prosciutto Salad (Italy)$9.50

Local Artisan Cheese & Meat (WI)$15.00

Goat Cheese Curds (WI)$10.00

Beef Empanadas (Colombia)$9.00

Pork Empanadas (Colombia)$9.00

Butter Chicken (India)$11.00

Beef Pad Thai (Thailand)$15.00

Lamb Bolognese (Italy)$14.00

Beef Short Rib Gnocchi (WI)$14.00

Patatas Bravas y Chorizo (Spain)$9.50

Argentinian Pork Belly (Argentina)$14.00

Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina)*$17.00

Veal Stracotto (Italy)$14.00

Duck Confit Poutine (Canada)$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does La Merenda offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is La Merenda restaurant rated?

Is La Merenda currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Milwaukee