About Us

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

La Merenda  

We are a full service casual bar and restaurant featuring small plates from around the world. From the Indonesian delight Sambal Goreng Udang to the Spanish favorite Patatas Bravas to 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. We are honored to have been gathering with you at La Merenda since February 14, 2007.

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.

For more information, please peruse the following links:

National Press/Reviews:

  • Open Table - Diners' Choice Winner
  • AirTran Go Magazine (2009)
  • ABC News (2009)
  • Hemispheres Magazine (United Airlines) (2008)


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    Local Reviews, Awards, Features:

  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
       2012 Top 30 Milwaukee Restaurants
       2011 Top 12 Milwaukee Wine Lists
       2011 Top 30 Milwaukee Restaurants
       2010 Top 30 Milwaukee Restaurants
       2009 Top 30 Milwaukee Restaurants
       Best of 2008
  • Milwaukee Magazine:
       2012 Readers'/Critic's Choice & Top 5 Restaurants
       2011 Readers'/Critic's Choice & Top 5 Restaurants
       2010 Readers'/Critic's Choice & Top 5 Restaurants
       2010 Top 25 Milwaukee Restaurants
       2009 Readers'/Critic's Choice
       2008 Readers'/Critic's Choice
       2008 Top 25 Milwaukee Restaurants
  • OnMilwaukee.com:
       2012 Readers' & Editors' Choice - Best Appetizers
       2012 Editors' Choice - Best Milwaukee Restaurant
       2011 Readers' & Editors' Choice - Best Appetizers
       2010 Readers' Choice - Best Appetizers
       2010 article on La Merenda's remodeling
       2009 Readers' Choice - Best Hidden Gem
       2009 Readers' Choice - Best Appetizers
  • Shepherd Express:
       2009 article

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