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: 4.8

4.8 (2796)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 30, 2025

9:30 PM

Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Innovative
Good for groups

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.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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

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 2,796 people are saying

La Merenda reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Wisconsin
Healthy
Wisconsin
Great for outdoor dining
Milwaukee
Best Food
Milwaukee
Best Value
Milwaukee
Healthy
Milwaukee
Great for outdoor dining

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

La Merenda offers a delightful culinary experience with "outstanding" dishes like empanadas, Moroccan goat, and rabbit gnocchi. The diverse menu, featuring global tapas, is a hit. The service is "fantastic," and the patio provides a "beautiful garden atmosphere." Some find dishes salty, but most praise the "amazing" flavors and friendly service.

2,796 Reviews

M
Mary Lou
Wisconsin1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Variety of interesting options. Fun cocktails. Outstanding service!
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T
Theresa VIP
Wisconsin10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding, as always! We’ve never had a mediocre dish in this fantastic restaurant. And the patio is truly the best spot in town.
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e
erin VIP
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 19, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food and cocktails very mediocre. Disappointing because the menu looked great. Server was very friendly however.
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R
Ramani
Wisconsin3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food was excellent. Request for a quiet table was not honored. Service was fine. Overall, great experience. The empanadas and moroccan goat dish were outstanding. The potato bravas was a bit tangy for our taste. The spinach was great. The La Meranda salad was outstanding. The octopus dish was all right, nothing to rave about. A bit too much potato in each dish. Need to work on carb balance in dishes.
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S
Susan VIP
Wisconsin4 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
While the food and service were very good., the only thing that my dinner companions and I were surprised at is that the bar would not pour a taste of a chardonnay wine that was available by the glass for me to try. I can't say I've ever had that experience at any restaurant before. We were told that "because it was a Mom and Pop restaurant that some people would keep ordering 'tastes' and before you know it, they've tasted an entire glass." It was only a $9 glass of wine, not an $18 dollar one. In spite of that uncommon policy, we would probably return because the food is very good and our server Bentley, host and staff were very friendly and attentive.
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A
Aaron VIP
Nashville2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The food was amazing, will definitely go back. The rabbit gnocchi was our favorite.
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C
Christine VIP
Chicago / Illinois19 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely DELICIOUS meal! We shared several small plates and had a hard time deciding on our favorite. Our server, Brandon, suggested a ginger flavored cocktail that was outstanding. The Indonesian shrimp, Japanese trout, and Moroccan goat are all calling us for a return visit soon again! The rhubarb cheesecake was a perfect final touch to the meal.
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P
Peter
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on June 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great mix of tapas and other culture’s shared plates. Service was great. Noise level (on a fairly crowded Monday evening was loud but tolerable. A very good experience for our table of 4.
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C
Clint
Wisconsin5 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food and a very diverse menu. Unfortunately every dish was over salted and hard to enjoy if not for the salt everything would've been great!
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C
Colleen
Wisconsin4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
La Merenda delivered on all accounts. Our server was charming and offered the perfect recommendations. The food was amazing, with the beautiful garden atmosphere on their back patio. I can’t wait to go back!!!
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FAQs

La Merenda offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (414) 389-0125.

La Merenda is rated 4.8 stars by 2796 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 30, 2025

9:30 PM

Booked 17 times today

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
Price
$30 and under
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).

La Merenda

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

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

Review summary

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

Dining areas

Additional information