La Merenda

4.8 (2783)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Make a reservation

2 people

May 16, 2025

May 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 32 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
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).
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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 2,783 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
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Wisconsin
Healthy
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 vibrant tapas experience with "amazing food" and "wonderful service." Its diverse global menu, featuring local ingredients, is perfect for adventurous diners. Highlights include "delicious desserts" and a "fantastic patio" for summer dining. Despite occasional service hiccups, the atmosphere is lively, making it a "favorite spot in Milwaukee."

2,783 Reviews

T
Todd
Milwaukee1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food and service was great. Very loud environment, at least the evening we were there. Particularly loud group of six right next to us may have skewed this. However, they did make it difficult for us to have a conversation and there was no reason for them to be that loud. Perhaps management will consider toning such individuals down in the future. But the overall experience was great and will definitely keep going back.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
Milwaukee24 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
So glad they are open for lunch! Delicious food and Felix was great
Is this helpful?
D
David
Milwaukee3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very enjoyable lunch outdoors. Excellent choices. Pleasant and efficient service. Hope to return before long.
Is this helpful?
S
Sara
Milwaukee4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always fabulous food. So fun to share to get tastes of several different dishes. The patio is gorgeous and the service is fantastic. One of my all-time favorites!
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Milwaukee1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time (4 of us), like the sharing and variety.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another in the long line of excellent meals at La Merenda. This visit was made extra special by the staff going over and above normal practices to accommodate our group, making for a terrific Mother’s Day dinner celebration. Major kudos to management, kitchen and wait staff. A very busy Saturday night was just a great time. Thank you!
Is this helpful?
R
Rich
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Here is a place that offers some unique tasting experiences and the tapas menu helps to enjoy as many small plates as you can eat!
Is this helpful?
C
Chariti
Milwaukee1 review
4.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Delicious and would return to try all the things we had no more room on our bellies for! 😉
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
Washington DC1 review
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We tried a variety of dishes and everything was delicious. We even got two desserts, which we usually skip, and they were so worth it!
Is this helpful?
K
Katherine
Milwaukee4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My nephew was visiting from Portland, OR, and I knew he would love it! We had the Pistachio salad , empanadas, the shrimp w/coconut mashed potatoes ( Sambal Goreng Udang), the chicken tikka masala and the Argentine beef. It was delicious and perfectly seasoned. Everything is brought to the table as soon as the dish is ready, so the food is hot when it is served. Service is attentive and gracious. We also had dessert: the Basque cheesecake and the chai accented flan- like custard. They, too, were delectable. This is my favorite restaurant and I always take visiting friends and relatives there for a memorable meal.
Is this helpful?

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 2783 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 32 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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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).

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

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