La Merenda
125 E. National Ave., (414) 389-0125
lamerenda125.com
Global, Small plates
$$-$$$, reservations recommended
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Inventive globally inspired shared plates are the hallmark at this classic Milwaukee restaurant where the menu showcases dishes from Italy and Mexico to Indonesia and Peru, all while supporting local Wisconsin farms.
Now that the weather has warmed, it's the perfect time to visit for tapas and drinks on La Merenda's patio, which showcases plantings from the local farmers at Pinehold Gardens. Even better, visit for lunch (Monday through Friday) when the restaurant isn't quite as busy.
Treasures on the current menu include fresh, summery dishes like Honduran ceviche with citrus-marinated tuna, coconut milk, pineapple and crisp vegetables; delectable Clock Shadow Creamery goat cheese curds served warm with Tia Paquita chorizo cream sauce and crostini; and comforting choices like Argentinian pork belly with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and chimichurri.
My advice: Dine with a group of friends so that you can try a larger variety of dishes. Also, as always, be sure to order at least one dish that falls outside your comfort zone.
Recommended: Goat cheese curds; Columbian empanadas; risotto
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
