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La Merenda, Milwaukee, WI
La Merenda, Milwaukee, WI
La Merenda, Milwaukee, WI
La Merenda, Milwaukee, WI
La Merenda, Milwaukee, WI

La Merenda

4.9
4.9
2561 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

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 25 times today

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
  • Neighbourhood
    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

What 2,561 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
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Overall

  • Wisconsin

    Best Food

  • Wisconsin

    Best Value

  • Wisconsin

    Innovative

  • Wisconsin

    Healthy

  • Wisconsin

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Milwaukee

    Best Overall

  • Milwaukee

    Best Food

  • Milwaukee

    Best Value

  • Milwaukee

    Innovative

  • Milwaukee

    Healthy

  • Milwaukee

    Great for outdoor dining

2,561 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful food, ambience, & service! One of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee.

    Is this helpful?

  2. SamanthaP

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food is beyond amazing. The service and the timing of the plates is wonderful. Its like a continuing merry go round of amazing flavors that just dance a happy dance in your mouth! You don't even get time to want more of one plate, as the next one is right behind it and just as good. The food and service make this one of the best in Milwaukee, hands down!

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  3. VincentF

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Service was great, food also very fresh and culturally diverse. The dinner was not relaxing or intimate at all because we were sat at the table in the middle of the restaurants kitchen walkway path. (The table closest to the kitchen not on the walls) and we were swished in as far as we could go (my husband and I are average sized people) and guests and servers alike bumped into our chairs countless times. The constant having to feel like you should be squeezing yourself in more and always having someone brush past you as you are trying to enjoy your dinner isn’t great.

    Is this helpful?

  4. AmberK

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The food was great. The only disappointment was that I’d noted in the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, and that was not acknowledged.

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  5. Shirley

    Cleveland

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Loved this place . I want to go back and try everything on the menu . It was so much fun trying so many different flavors and nationalities . Absolutely loved the sambal vegetables and the risotto of the day that was full of fall flavors . My son loved the Argentina beef . Very attentive staff , seated right away . Ceviche could have used a little more tuna and more lime flavor , but still was delicious . I will be back .

    Is this helpful?

  6. ReginaE

    Milwaukee

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We love the food here! Great service too! We do miss the valet parking though.

    Is this helpful?

  7. SteveB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place! We had a friend recommend and it did not disappoint! We will be back

    Is this helpful?

  8. JillH

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As always, the food was delicious and unique! Our server was friendly and knowledgeable.

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  9. MarkS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful menu. Ordered 4 things and it was all amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  10. LeiaF

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such great food and so fun to try all the different places. We had a wonderful time!!

    Is this helpful?

  11. KirstenC

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My second visit - food was once again outstanding. I tried a cocktail this time. Our table shared - we all agreed each of the five were delicious. Hoping to replicate the whiskey drink at home.

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  12. Deee

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Last night two of us went to La Merenda ... we love sharing & tasking different foods. This is the perfect place for doing that. we ordered 5 tapas and one desert .. we shared everything. The Butter Chicken was amazing. Liked the veggie empanadas lots. The Tres Leches cake great too. We liked everything we ordered. Wait staff was great, very helpful, very attentive. We first ordered 2 tapas, waited a bit, ordered 2 more than later another, and later desert. Wait staff came often to check if we needed anything and took away plates. Wait staff was great at explaining how things worked and knew the menu too. The tables for 2 had semi clear dividers between them. We liked that ... we felt part of the whole room, but could not hear those next to us. NICE! We liked the quiet there. I will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  13. Duke19371

    Milwaukee

    120 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    120 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful choices of small plates from many countries. The pork belly was delicious as was the mushroom risotto. The little tostadas were a delight.

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  14. HLD401

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely amazing tapas restaurant! Hidden gem. Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  15. diningBA

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, eclectic in every way which is why it is so much fun!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lots of variety! Butter chicken was my favorite by far! Highly recommend

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  17. DenisseV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience2
    I enjoyed the food, but I think the staff should be more friendly.

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  18. KerriB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    This restaurant has a beautiful patio and we were lucky enough to enjoy it on a warm October evening. They gave us a small table for two and I was stuck on a hard bench seat with no padding or back support. It made for a long two hours. Our food was amazing. Both the goat and lambs dishes were delicious and the dessert was an extra treat. I look forward to enjoying La Merenda again!

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  19. AngelaR

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice variety and great quality. I have never been disappointed at La Merenda

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved La Merenda!! Our server was knowledgeable and had great suggestions for us. Every dish we ordered was better than the next!

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  21. HaroldB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Gem of a place. Was concerned when we first saw it from the outside. But the service was excellent and the food was outstanding!! Incredible value, highly recommend.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and drinks, great service. Highly recommend

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  23. MichelleT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was so good that I made our next reservation while we were still eating dinner.

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  24. JulieP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La Merenda is consistently great. I've been there many times and have never had a dish that was just so-so. Fresh ingredients are used. Staff is wonderful. Couldn't ask for more!

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  25. MarkK

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great food as usual. Great service. The only part I didn't like was the plexiglass walls between all of the tables for two.

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  26. AnneM

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fantastic meal, with 5 people we each got a good bite of a variety of different dishes. We had 3 desserts and they were each really good too.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. Don’t let the unassuming entrance deter you from a wonderful food experience! Everyone is right about the truffle fries as a starting winner but all the dishes were wonderful, varied, and made for a thoroughly enjoyable tapas experience.

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  28. KMEK

    Naples

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, a wonderful selection of very tasty small plates. So much fun to try new things every time we come.

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  29. MichelleK

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Though the service was great, the food and drinks left much to be desired. I was excited to try as I'd heard only good things, but the cheese platter was a laughably small portion for the price, yes, even for a small plate (at least there could have been more bread) and lacking in presentation. The patatas bravas y chorizo were unlike any I'd ever had- soaked in sauce to the point where the potatoes lost all crispiness. The flavor was there, but the texture was not. The chorizo was also different from any that I've tried in that the texture was strangely smooth like a hot dog instead of crumbly like, well, any chorizo I've had. The chorizo wasn't bad, but just not what I expected. I'm also not a chorizo expert so who knows. I ordered a cocktail (the Motown Musuem) and the flavor was balanced and the quality was there but I suggest double straining because there were ice chips in my drink. The two saving graces of this meal were the sambal goreng udang and the Argentinian beef. The sambal goreng udang was perfect in quality, texture, flavor, and portion. A little spicier than expected but perfectly balanced with the creamy sweetness of the coconut. The shrimp was cooked to just the right level, and the ginger, garlic, and sesame worked beautifully together for a cohesive dish. The Argentinian-style beef really hit it out of the park from the quality of the beef- juicy and tender, to the punchy garlic flavor and silky texture of the mashed potatoes to the fresh bite of the chimichurri. Overall, I was a little disappointed for how much hype La Merenda receives, but there were still some great options.

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  30. noonthirty

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience4
    Food is always good here. Ate plenty and enjoyed every bite. Service was lacking. Our server didn’t even know there was a weekly wine special when asked about it. He left to find out what was going on with it and didn’t come back for nearly 10 minutes. Some servers there are great, some are not. It’s almost always hit or miss.

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  31. JamesB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's my wife's favorite place. the food is wonderful. the staff is very nice. The outdoor seating is great though it was closed due to weather today.

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  32. Steve

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent Tapas, just right sized. Very flavorful and tender pork special and empanadas are fabulous

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food- the truffle potato skins are to die for!

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  34. RodD

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter was excellent, and his explanation of each dish we asked about made very clear to us what to expect. The result was that what we ordered even exceeded our expectations.

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  35. Mickie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We made reservations a couple hours ahead, for 3@ 7pm on a Monday. Table was ready ahead of that, so smooth check in. Waiter was knowledgeable & helpful. Plates came out hot & tasty. Ask about their specials & desserts, as not on the menu. Every plate was delicious & a different flavor from around the world! We truly enjoyed our journey ... delicious!

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  36. MikeB

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible small plates, had the Argentina beef, trout, spinach, Prosciutto Arugula salad and octopus. They were all amazing.

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  37. Kaylin

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend for foodies. First - food was excellent. Everything we had we absolutely loved. The variety of different dishes was really fun, and the portions were perfect for sharing. They do 'tapas' style right. Second - patio was great! Very cool. Service was on top of it.

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  38. PatP

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. Great service. Beautiful outside area

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious , consistent, and a great variety of flavors.

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  40. Melisa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time. Our server was very attentive and all of the dishes we tried were fantastic. I enjoyed the Times Square cocktail, empanadas, goat cheese salad and the butter chicken. Definitely recommend.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised 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 2561 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 p.m.
Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for La Merenda

125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between 1st and Barclay
  • Neighbourhood
    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).
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