About Us

La Merenda is located at 125 E National Ave (just east of 1st Street) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Roasted Kalamata Olives | Greece  

We are a full service casual bar and restaurant featuring small plates from around the world. Whether it's the Italian specialty Osso Buco, the Indonesian delight Sambal Goreng Udang, the Spanish favorite Patatas Bravas, or authentic Colombian empanadas, you'll find it at La Merenda.

In Italian, La Merenda means "early snack" and refers to an Italian custom of early evening socializing and gathering to share food and drink amongst friends and family.


La Merenda is located in a renovated woodworking shop which has been painted and decorated in bright colors to make the restaurant energetic, full of light and fun so people enjoy a unique cultural experience. The restaurant features a welcoming bar of concrete, walnut base and Italian ceramic tile, as well as restored and stained antique tables and chairs.

We opened on February 14, 2007, and on October 1, 2007 we went completely smoke-free to offer you a better dining experience in both the dining room and bar areas.

For more information, please peruse the following recent articles & listings:

National Press:

  • AirTran Go Magazine
  • Hemispheres Magazine (United Airlines)
  • ABC News
  • Local Reviews, Awards, Features:

  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
         2009 Top 30 Milwaukee Restaurants
         Best of 2008
  • Milwaukee Magazine:
         2010 Top 25 Milwaukee Restaurants
         2009 Readers' & Critic's Choice
         2008 Readers' & Critic's Choice
         2008 Top 25 Milwaukee Restaurants
  • OnMilwaukee.com:
         2009 Readers' Poll - Best Hidden Gem
         2009 Readers' Poll - Best Appetizers
         OMC Review
         OMC Article
  • Shepherd Express:
         Review 2009
         Review 2007
  • Other Local Press:

  • OnMilwaukee.com article
  • ¡Aquí! Milwaukee
  • M Magazine
  • Milwaukee Magazine
  • Milwaukee Magazine "Dish on Dining"
  •   Ceviche | Peru

    Pancit | Philippines


    La Merenda on Urbanspoon

    Have you enjoyed your visits to La Merenda? If so, please do us a favor and visit our page on the UrbanSpoon.com website. This site has various restaurant info and reviews for cities around the U.S. and beyond. We appreciate your support!

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