La Merenda

4.8

2743 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Make a booking

2 people

21 Dec 2024

23:30

Booked 15 times today

Good for special occasions
Good for groups
Neighbourhood gem

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.

Order delivery or takeout

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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

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

Sea | Mare | Farraige | Dagat

Pork and Shrimp Tostadas (Mexico)US$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)**US$13.00
gulf white shrimp | garlic | olive oil | parsley | red pepper flake | Troubadour Bakery bread
Sambal Goreng Udang (Indonesia)US$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)US$15.00
grilled octopus | frisee | orange supreme | grape tomato | salt roasted fingerling potato | chive | cacho de cabra | lemon vinaigrette
Seared Trout (Japan)*US$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)US$9.50
local arugula | pistachios | Sartori dolcina gorgonzola | La Quercia prosciutto | pistachio vinaigrette
Local Artisan Cheese & Meat (WI)US$15.00
farmstead cheeses | roasted kalamata olives | house pickles | La Quercia prosciutto | house charcuterie Troubadour bread
Goat Cheese Curds (WI)US$10.00
LaClare goat cheese curds | Tia Paquita chorizo cream sauce | crostini
Beef Empanadas (Colombia)US$9.00
yellow cornmeal pastry | malbec braised Wisconsin Meadows beef | Roth gran queso garlic mashed potato | aji
Pork Empanadas (Colombia)US$9.00
yellow cornmeal pastry | house smoked Maple Creek Farms pork | River Valley Ranch mushrooms | sweet corn | aji
Butter Chicken (India)US$11.00
Prairie Folk Farm chicken curry | cream | ginger | turmeric | tomatoes | garlic | cashews | cilantro | white rice
Beef Pad Thai (Thailand)US$15.00
organic grass-fed beef tenderloin | rice noodles | vegetable medley | spicy pad thai sauce | peanuts
Lamb Bolognese (Italy)US$14.00
local lamb bolognese | housemade pappardelle shaved Uplands Dairy pleasant ridge reserve
Beef Short Rib Gnocchi (WI)US$14.00
Wisconsin Meadows beef short ribs | house made carrot gnocchi | local chili roasted cauliflower | house pickled local jalapeño
Patatas Bravas y Chorizo (Spain)US$9.50
Igl Farms potatoes | spicy tomato sauce | roasted garlic aioli | Tia Paquita smoked chorizo
- Patatas Bravas Without ChorizoUS$7.00
Argentinian Pork Belly (Argentina)US$14.00
Maple Creek Farm grilled pork belly confit | roasted garlic mashed potatoes | chimichurri
Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina)*US$17.00
grilled organic grass-fed beef tenderloin | chimichurri | mashed plantains | walnuts
Veal Stracotto (Italy)US$14.00
Wisconsin Meadows veal | River Valley Ranch mushroom risotto | arugula gremolata
- Mushroom Risotto Without VealUS$9.00
Duck Confit Poutine (Canada)US$14.00
Igl Farm russet potatoes | Maple Leaf Farms duck leg confit | LaClare goat cheese curds | scallions | duck gravy

What 2,743 people are saying

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
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Wisconsin
Best Overall
Wisconsin
Best Value
Milwaukee
Best Overall
Milwaukee
Best Food
Milwaukee
Best Value
Milwaukee
Innovative
Milwaukee
Good for groups
Milwaukee
Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

La Merenda offers a culinary journey with its multicultural tapas concept, featuring "amazing flavors" and a "great wine list." The outdoor patio is a favorite spot, providing a delightful ambiance. With attentive service and a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, La Merenda promises an "exceptional dining experience" that keeps patrons returning.

2,743 Reviews

J
James
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Food and service fabulous. Acoustics bad. Couldn't hear each other. Unfortunately when we walked in we smelled Fabuloso cleaning solution. It permeated the bar and dining room until our food came. The worst was the bathroom. It was so strong it almost caused a headache. Quite a turn-off mixed with food.
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J
John
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every dish was amazing. It was paced out wonderfully. We had a table of 5 and everyone got a significant amount of food.
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M
Michelle
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 28 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
La Merenda was a great experience for a birthday get together for the birthday girl, me, and her husband. They are vegetarians and I was so happy that-- as a table going all-vegetarian-- the array was bountiful. My friends raved about everything and felt we had quite a range of taste sensations. Also we loved that the goat cheese dish and the Kung Pao could be made vegetarian in addition to the vegetarian dishes on the menu that were most obvious. All in all a great night of vegetable sambal, the vegetarian empanadas, the veggie Kung Pao, the vegetarian goat cheese curds, the mushroom risotto, the pistachio salad, and three wonderful desserts: the lemon merengue flan, the bomb dessert, and the apple cobbler topped with a liquor flavored ice cream. The drinks we had with dinner were also tasty. And, since we were one of the later settings of the night, we weren't chased out of there-- this was nice since we were able to leisurely talk, digest, and bask in the deliciousness we has just consumed. A truly enjoyable experience!
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J
Jennifer
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 25 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
La Miranda has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee but this time around the food seemed incredibly spicy and it kind of ruined it for me. Bring the butter chicken back and I’ll be happy.
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K
Kathleen
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food - would recommend La Merenda - something for everyone to enjoy!
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J
Joyce
Milwaukee
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 23 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful service, delicious food, a bit expensive but worth the experience. Second time there although many years apart due to distance. We had an event in Milwaukee so we chose La Merenda for dinner beforehand. WELL worth it!
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J
Josclyn
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 21 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was great, and most of the dishes were tasty. I felt that the taste of some of the plates did not live up to the value though.
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C
Curtis
VIP
Milwaukee
94 reviews
5.0
94 reviews
Dined on 20 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a treat to dine here. We gathered eight brothers/sisters/spouses for a pre-holiday dinner. The restaurant was full, but the service was excellent - waitress was friendly, attentive and every request was promptly addressed. The variety of dishes is a big part of the experience, and with so many people we sampled quite a few. All were outstanding. One of my favorite Milwaukee restaurants!
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J
Joyce
Milwaukee
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brandon was an excellent server. Food was wonderful.
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B
Brian
Milwaukee
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Hidden gem in the city. A wonderful experience with great food, service and reasonably priced. Get reservations two weeks ahead of time!
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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 2743 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

21 Dec 2024

23:30

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Between 1st and Barclay
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Truffled Potato Skins (WI)

Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina)

Goat Cheese Curds (WI)

Field | Campo | Reimse | Parang

Local Artisan Cheese (WI)US$8.50

La Merenda Salad (Italy)US$9.00

Grilled Endive Salad (France)US$9.00

Pistachio Salad (Italy)US$8.50

Wisconsin Farmers Salad (WI)US$9.00

Truffled Potato Skins (WI)US$6.50

Sage Squash Gnocchi (Italy)US$12.00

Empanadas Vegetarianas (Colombia)US$7.00

Moroccan Spiced Grilled ParsnipsUS$9.00

Sautéed Spinach (Italy)US$6.50

Sea | Mare | Farraige | Dagat

Pork and Shrimp Tostadas (Mexico)US$12.00

Gambas al Ajillo (Spain)**US$13.00

Sambal Goreng Udang (Indonesia)US$13.00

Grilled Octopus Salad (Chile)US$15.00

Seared Trout (Japan)*US$15.00

Pasture | Pascolo | Fearaigh | Pastulan

Prosciutto Salad (Italy)US$9.50

Local Artisan Cheese & Meat (WI)US$15.00

Goat Cheese Curds (WI)US$10.00

Beef Empanadas (Colombia)US$9.00

Pork Empanadas (Colombia)US$9.00

Butter Chicken (India)US$11.00

Beef Pad Thai (Thailand)US$15.00

Lamb Bolognese (Italy)US$14.00

Beef Short Rib Gnocchi (WI)US$14.00

Patatas Bravas y Chorizo (Spain)US$9.50

Argentinian Pork Belly (Argentina)US$14.00

Argentinian Style Beef (Argentina)*US$17.00

Veal Stracotto (Italy)US$14.00

Duck Confit Poutine (Canada)US$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does La Merenda offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is La Merenda restaurant rated?

Is La Merenda currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information