Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Milwaukee
  5. Milwaukee

La Merenda

4.9
4.9
2402 Reviews
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

  • 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).

  • 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

Popular dishes

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

NoiseModerate

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

Sort by

Filters

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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!!
  4. 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
  5. 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!
  6. Tigger

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We really enjoyed the excellent food...so many great choices!
  7. 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.
  8. 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!
  9. JB1234

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Such great food - the empanadas were the highlight.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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!
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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!
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. MiaC

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, excellent service, excellent prices. Will definitely be back!
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, amazing drinks, and amazing service!! Per usual!!
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. Kikimke

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always.
  26. 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.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday celebration
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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!
  31. 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!
  32. 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.
  33. 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!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and wonderful food
  35. 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!!
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 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)
  39. 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.
  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
Google Map for La Merenda

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

  • 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).

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo