Merenda

Absolutely loved our meal here. The staff were so great and the atmosphere and decor were on point. Food was beautiful- super tasty and perfect portions. Loved the wine on offer and was great to buy a few bottles on the way out. Perfect date night or dinner with the girls venue. Thanks to our host Kelly. Super sweet and patient with us asking all the questions. ‘What are fingerlings?’ Yummy is what they are!

Oh my goodness what a gem this place is! First off the decor and ambiance is next level chic like you’ve been swept away to a hip little cafe in Paris and then the staff is so friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable about suggesting wine and food. Everything we ordered was just delicious, the charred leeks, the beautiful carpaccio, and the warm bread with this rosemary shallot compound butter was to die for! Wines by the bottle were super reasonable too our waiter suggested a really fun red varietal from Italy we had never tried before. Such a cute spot for date night will definitely be back.

We had such a great experience at Merenda Wine Bar. The vibe is relaxed but upscale, and everything from the food to the service was on point. A special shoutout to Phil, the GM, he was genuinely amazing. Super welcoming, attentive, and clearly passionate about what he does. The food was outstanding. It was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. You can tell there’s real care put into every dish. The wine list was impressive too, with some great pairings that really elevated the meal. Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in Oceanside. We’ll definitely be back!

The service was great, staff were super friendly and tentative, the wine was delicious, & the bread and butter was incredible! Aside from the bread appetizer, I couldn’t find anything on the menu that I liked and neither could my friend. We would 100% go back for all the other positives listed, but wish they’d revamp the menu to have some more normal options to choose from

Amazing flavors all around. If I was being hypercritical - some things don’t need to try so hard. The “bread and butter” gets a win for having the bread come from Black Hat Bakery (favorite local baker), but the butter was trying to hard and was infused with too many spices. Simple is better when it comes to butter. It seems like there is enough variety dishes to suit different tastes and diets. The wines were awesome. The dessert tonight was also super tasty. The music was spot on. Vibe is very cool, but somewhat “Been there done that” - kinda feels like “Communal Coffee After Dark” or something. Service gets a 70%. The thing that will bring us back is the high quality ingredients, powerful flavors and inventiveness of the menu. Great place for a date night.

This place is just incredible. If you’re looking for a fun, peaceful place to enjoy a glass of Wine and great food with friends look no further. Not only are the food, wine, and ambience top tier, the service is impeccable. I walked in yesterday asking for a reservation for 8 girls for a galentines celebration – unsure if they would have anything open. They reserved the front patio for us, let us move inside when a big party moved, AND gave us all complimentary Prosecco for our celebration. Their staff is SO friendly, enjoyable, and warm. We stayed for hours. I got a lamb pasta dish & their NA Riesling and was impressed. I already can’t wait to return :)

Okay I am sooooo happy this gem opened up to enjoy snacks and wine with friends. They have a little bottle shop and their bites (although a little pricier than other tapas/wine bars near by) were such high quality and the wine selection (and wine cocktails) were a great selection and servers were so helpful! The place is designed with great care and I love the artwork and overall vibe. Def a nice date night or girls night spot!

My boyfriend and I visited Merenda over the weekend and had such a wonderful experience. The restaurant itself is beautiful, the staff was so knowledgable on the food/drinks, and our meal was delicious. My boyfriend is Italian and he was so impressed by the authenticity of the menu. We also really enjoyed meeting Aaron (the owner)- his hospitality added such a personal touch. The whole experience was lovely! We can’t wait to visit again and to share this gem with our friends.

They are open for Sunday Brunch! YAY!! Yummy different menu options!! Enjoyed food & staff!!

What a lovely, lovely South Oceanside gem. We had planned on meeting friends for dinner, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, my wife and I instead found ourselves alone for an impromptu date night. We decided to try Merenda during their first Tuesday evening opening. It had been recommended to us by friends who had visited during happy hour. I admit that when I first looked at the menu, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, and was a bit worried that I'd be getting small bites that left me unsatisfied, and I would need to hit In-N-Out on the way home. The experience we had, however, was absolutely delightful and fulfilling. We're already planning our next trip back for happy hour. The ambience is quite lovely, as it's the first dedicated restaurant in that space and thus was custom built and designed. The serving pieces are also made for them by a local craftsman, which just adds to the charm. Our server was warm, friendly, exceptionally knowledgable, and checked in often - but not too often - so that we felt cared for but not rushed. As my wife put it "it's like we're back in Europe and are able to enjoy a leisurely dinner." There were around 6-7 other small groups of 2-4 people dining around us, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was lively enough to make it feel fun not overbearing. As for the wine, we asked for an orange wine, and it turns out they actually had 4 on the menu (impressive). The one that was finally recommneded turned out to be just what we'd hoped for. The way the wine is priced is simple - they sell it at retail (what you'd pay at a wine shop) so that you can grab it and go. If you'd like to have it with your meal, they simply add the standard $15 corkage fee. We had a lovely full bottle of wine for under $40 total. We selected something from each section of the menu. First, the bread and butter are a must-try. I've included photos of the Tin Fish Plate (Sardines), the Beet Confit Salad, the La Scalda 'Nduja, and the Duck Liver Paté. We rounded it out with comté cheese and giardiniera. Needless to say, there was no room left for dessert, and we wound up taking enough home for a second meal (sorry doggies, this is all ours and we're not sharing). If you are looking for a cozy dinner spot that offers something a bit unique, I'd definitely give Merenda a try. We'll be back - next time for happy hour!

All-around awesome! Merenda's wine, food, service and atmosphere fuse together exceptionally. It's a great addition to the neighborhood. The experience reminded me of a casual evening in a European tapas bar. I visited on a mellow Thursday evening and enjoyed a couple glasses of wine paired with a Tinned Fish Plate, Beet Confit Salad and buttered baguette. While somewhat simply prepared, everything was top notch and packed with complementary flavors. I sat at the bar and chatted with Connor and Phil who gave me an abundance of food and drink recommendations, introduced me to new white and orange wines. I also appreciated how they shared the story and vision for Merenda. Even though it was my first visit, I felt overly welcome like a regular patron there. Whether you're a local or just passing through, I highly recommend you stop by Merenda and experience it for yourself. Pro Tip: For my tastes, the house made hot sauce packs next level heat! Try with caution.

Loved the vibe, food, wine and service! I was initially a little worried because the food menu is small. But for what they do, they do it very well. The chef's plate (charcuterie) was fantastic - finely shaved meats and delicious cheeses. Beet confit salad was lovely - beets and fennel, oranges, yogurt, mint, pistachio. Friends loved the chilled mussels, calabrian sausage spread, pasta of the day. Really great addition to the Oceanside food scene!

Absolutely divine. The service was warm, genuine, and a bit quirky. The sips and bites were familiar yet unique. The vibe was immaculate, designed perfectly to draw attention yet make it feel like it's just normal to be surrounded by beauty. I know it's a bit vague, but I can't quite put into words the feelings Merenda invokes. Come and stay a while.

We had dinner somewhere else and were casually walking and saw this lovely restaurant. We decided to have a bottle of wine since there were 3 of us. The atmosphere/service was lovely, the music was great! When we got the bill for the bottle of wine they added a $15.00 cork fee. We asked and they said yes there is a $15.00 cork fee for THEIR bottle! Won't be going there again as there are other lovely restaurants where we can buy bottles of wine without the added fee. So bummed as it really is a very nice place! : / Sad Oceanside Resident, Laura B.

Great little place for sittin' and sippin' some great wines at a reasonable price for the quality. I sat at the bar and selected a nice biodiverse white, partnered with a selection of olives, cheese, and bread. The interior was very cute--they've created a nice, inviting atmosphere right there on PCH in South O. They sell wines by the bottle, but don't expect the usual big vineyard names--they have curated a nice selection of wines with an apparent focus on biodiversity. Love to come back on a rainy evening and just linger here with friends.

Cute little spot located right off the 101 in South O. Sampled quite a bit if the menu and nearly everything was prepared nicely and tastes unique. The selection of natural wines is amazing and the ambiance is solid. Service was a bit in the slow side, but they were slammed! Totally returning here

A very different type of place to enjoy small plates and wine. Great atmosphere, friendly and attentive service, and interesting and unusual small plates. Some work better than others, but enough variety to satisfy most everyone. Much like a wine and tapas bar you might find in Spain or France. Beautiful environment where the wait staff seem to be enjoying it as much as the diners.

This place was also suggested from a friend. Got sat right away , we actually asked if we can sit at the bar and they did. Super nice and friendly. The place was Nicely lit. Very welcoming and warm. Got to try half of the menu and it did not disappoint. The bartender and the kitchen was so great everything was a fully over the top experience. I will def say to try the rock fish with peach and vanilla And the duck rillettes prob one of my favorites. The whole staff here were so friendly and welcoming.

The wine is always amazing, food is delicious and elevated but also not like anything else you can get in Oceanside, service is fantastic (HUGE shout out to Katie and the general manager - incredibly welcoming and top notch service), ambiance is chill and chic with a European vibe, but best of all is the happy hour can't be beat. Affordable glasses of wine and the best meat and cheese plate I've ever had. Will come back over and over again, thrilled to have this place in South O!

Okay I am sooooo happy this gem opened up to enjoy snacks and wine with friends. They have a little bottle shop and their bites (although a little pricier than other tapas/wine bars near by) were such high quality and the wine selection (and wine cocktails) were a great selection and servers were so helpful! The place is designed with great care and I love the artwork and overall vibe. Def a nice date night or girls night spot! Los (Carlos) was a wonderful server.

Outstanding food & service! Very charming place, cool vibes & music. I do have to emphasize on the food: sardine toast, mezza plates, cheese, dessert etc. All tapas style, love the concept & flavors! Very friendly atmosphere, we felt very welcomed. Thanks guys!

The ambiance, decoration, and service was incredible at this spot. We got a reservation for 5 on a Sunday, but ended up getting seated right away around 4 since we were early. The waitress was quick about taking our orders and checked in multiple times to make sure we were okay. We each got a glass of red which we liked. I took off a star because the total ended up being $40 with tip! I thought that was pretty overpriced for the half glasses of wine with no food or appetizers. We probably won't be returning but it's a great spot regardless

First let's start with the decor and ambience. Perfectly lit and curated throughout. This place is perfect for intimate and also lively dinners with a loved one or small group. I cannot say enough about how cozy and luxurious this place makes me feel. The food equally matches it in taste. Great for sharing and excellent quality!

Doesn't look like it would be vibey from the outside- but walk inside and it's great! Warm feeling, great use of small space and the nice staff greeted us right away. We ordered lots of things - Gouda (amazing), Duck, Potatoes cooked in pork fat (sauce was to die for) and some savory pastry thing (can't remember the name). I don't think it matters what we ordered since the menu changes but it all was delicious. Price point seemed very fair. Not cheap- not too crazy expensive. We had two very attentive servers (Carlos was one- very good at his job) who would interchange in a nice flow. I would recommend this restaurant for sure! Also- I'm gonna say, they have the coolest bathroom trash can I've seen in a restaurant. I took a picture because I need to find one for my house. :)

The restaurant itself is lovely (reminds me of NY bars). The wine choices by glass were limited but their wine cocktail was great. The menu changes and I ordered: rockfish carpaccio, sardine toasts, pasta, ravioli. My favorite was the pasta (the noodles were so good+sauce). The sardine toast is VERY fishy. Small portions which is expected at a wine bar.

What a nice surprise. This carefully curated wine bar is such a great addition to Oceanside. At the moment of entry, the staff was warm, accommodating and focused on ensuring we had a good experience. We went around 4:30 on a Saturday and although we didn't have reservations, they found a space for us with a time limit to accommodate a later arrival with a reservation. This worked perfect for us. Our server introduced us to a new Austrian white wine we had never had and we decided to have a bottle. With only a $15 corkage fee, we felt this was a great deal. We paired our wine with a salmon rillette and a crudo as well as some off-menu smoked Gouda. Everything was excellent. Go visit, we'll see you there!

I'm so excited for this modern wine bar in Oceanside. It's so well done inside! Will definitely be back. Overall I would give them a 4.5/5 Vibe 5/5 - super cute decor and perfect vibe for a happy hour with friends or a date night. The tile work is A+ Wine / Drinks 5/5- recommend the Sangiovese by the glass. I also loved their phony Negroni mocktail. Food 4/5 - The cold plates were really good. The pork and apples were awesome, as was the crudo and smoked trout. The noodle dish was just ok. The cheese came out just casually on a plate- nothing special, just cheese. Price 4/5 - on par with what I would expect Service 4/5- one of our dishes went to the wrong table but they are new so assuming it was just a miss up! The owner was so nice as was the manager.

Food was amazing, and servers were very kind and helpful. I'm still dreaming of the pasta I had, it was incredible. Highly recommend this place!

The service was very welcoming, friendly and helpful in navigating the food and wine menus. We enjoyed the wines and tapas, even the bread and butter= hot loaf with deliciously seasoned butter. And the ambiance was nice, music was classy and when an elderly customer came in and requested the music to be lowered a little they totally accommodated her and I thought that was really sweet. We'll be back, especially for no-corkage fee Wednesdays

The wine was great and the server was able to recommend some things as well as give tastings. The food was overpriced and not good. The scallops were edible but the rockfish carpaccio was very much not. I know they are a new restaurant and probably figuring out their menu but the food felt pompous and over fluffed instead of just tasty. Vibe was nice, they did a good job decorating.

This place is a vibe! I visited this place with my wife and in laws and definitely scored some major points. We visited on a Saturday night in November and the place was packed (which is always a good sign if you ask me). The low-intervention wines were full of flavor, but also light and enjoyable. The staff was very knowledgeable and also patient with those of us who didn't know much about wine. The food really stood out as well. The small plates were fresh with complex tastes that really provided a unique experience. Our favorites were the nuts, seasonal crudo, and the pork & apples. I should also mention that the ambiance significantly added to the experience. It was hip without being pretentious. I felt like I was a cute wine bar that the locals don't share with tourists in Madrid or Milan. This is a great place if you want to impress a date or your in-laws. We'll be coming back!

It's a culinary visit to virtual Rome! After returning from Rome just a few weeks ago, the atmosphere, fine choices of cuisine and the exceptional wine selection transported us right back to Italy! We loved the prompt service and the hosts were so friendly and knowledgeable about their menu and were able to recommend a fine choice of wines, in fact we had to buy a bottle! We look forward to exploring the rest of the menu! Benvenuto!

Was really excited to try Merenda. It has a great setting and very cute inside. Service was good. The menu items sounded great, but some ingredients were questionable. We ordered the duck pate, a cheese and meat board, lamb tarar, and rockfish carpacio - with 3/4 having an unusual taste. Citrus was way too overpowering on the rockfish and pomegranates in the lamb tartar was an odd texture and citrus added an odd flavor. I would try again, but would just do the wine and the chef's cheese/meat board rather than any of the other plates.

Everything was incredible! We had the lamb tartar, fingerling potatoes, cauliflower, and duck pate. 10/10 across the board! Katie and Whitney were both fantastic

Merenda Wine Bar is a gem. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with an ambiance that exudes warmth and casual sophistication. The beautifully decorated space is a testament to the owners' dedication and passion . I chatted with the owner(local Oceanside resident ) to find out they journeyed to Italy to study food and wine returning an inspired vision. This translates into every element of Merenda from the curated wine list to the delicious bites. I really enjoyed my experience and can't wait to return!

What a vibe in this place. Great time! Friendly staff, killer food and music that makes it epic. We've been here a half a dozen times and it never disappoints.

Had a school night date and this place is mid point between our places. Wine selection and food were amazing. Dessert was good as well. Never disappoints. We will return and enjoy another lovely meal there soon.

Merenda has quickly become my new favorite restaurant in Oceanside. It has been open for a little over a month and I've already returned five times! Everything from the atmosphere to the wine to the service is exemplary. The attention to detail and the knowledge and service from the sommeliers and servers is top-notch. Special shout out to Kiko who went above and beyond, remembering my dietary restriction from a previous visit to let me know that one of the dishes I ordered didn't align with my diet, and also recommended wine based off of what I ordered before! Amazing memory and service.

Everything about our funday Sunday dinner here was exceptional! The staff was so knowledgeable about the wines, food, ingredients and they all loved working there! I highly recommend Merenda!

Still finding their footing, I'll give Merenda the benefit of being new, but be aware they're not quite ready for prime time. I've been twice since they opened, as I truly want this place to be great. As the menu is limited, with 3 friends on 2 visits we were able to try everything on the food side of the menu. Everything was good. Nothing was exceptional, save the giardiniera which was amazing. For a wine bar, I found the selection quite limited. Perhaps their adherence to sustainable and mostly organic wineries is a limiting factor. Nice idea, but not great if you want variety. Most importantly, on both occasions we found the service sluggish at best. One example stands out; I had ordered a beverage (from a can, so zero labor) when the mains hit the table, but did not get the drink until dessert landed more than 20 minutes later. Again, I want this place to succeed, so I hope they see this and reflect. A high end wine bar with tapas within walking distance distance in South O sounds AMAZING, I just wish it delivered on that promise.

Their menu is just plain awful, sorry to say Hopefully this is a temporary menu or they will never make it. Nice people though.

Dinner here was a highlight of the girls' trip. The food surpassed expectations, but the service was really what made our night. Thanks Phil for the warmth, humor, and hospitality. If we were local, we'd make it a habit!

Oh my days. I was excited to try this new spot purely based on how pretty it was with its Kelly Werstler style design, but the food was just as pleasing!! The crudo was hands down one of the best things I've ever eaten. Butternut squash is my favourite vegetable so having a plate of that stuffed with some kind of mushroom ragu was amazing. And then the spicy pasta...it was all soooo good!! Can't wait to come back and feast more as the menu expands!

Hands down some of the best service, wine and food I've ever had in my entire life. Connor and Phillip take you on an experience. You must come check this place out. The duck liver pate transported me; it is a MUST. Would come here every single day of my life if I could.

We're coming h back! Service was outstanding! The people warm and attentive! The food was great!

Merenda offers a cozy, authentic dining experience with a focus on quality meat, cheese, and wine pairings. Walking into the restaurant feels like stepping into a local favorite, with a warm ambiance and a rustic yet refined decor. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, ready to guide you through the menu and suggest the perfect pairings. What truly elevates the experience at Merenda is their wine pairings. The selections complement each flavor profile, enhancing the tasting journey. A silky red wine accompanies the robust flavors of a hard cheese and cured meat, while a crisp white brings out the subtleties of softer cheeses. Each sip and bite feels balanced and intentional. Merenda is ideal for a relaxed evening with friends or a romantic date. It's not only a meal but an experience of flavor and harmony between food and wine that leaves you looking forward to your next visit. Just another example of how special Oceanside can really be. Enjoy local, family owned dining

Honestly, outstanding dinner. The smashed potatoes in duck fat is worth the embarrassment of licking the plate. I can't identify the perfect sauce that the ground lamb (raviolis?) sat in. I'll have to go back to try it again but will order bread to mop it up. The duck liver pâté is perfectly paired with a pear and whole grain mustard jam- a combination that only an artist could dream up. Mod and hip but not stupidly so. Delightful.

Merenda is a great addition to the neighborhood with a cool vibe inside. I really enjoy natural wine, so was happy with their offering, but pretty disappointed in the food options. I was hoping for some easy options on the menu, but there wasn't anything that really stood out to me. We ordered the lamb tartar and rockfish carpaccio, and were underwhelmed. The food okay. I really hope they change up the menu and go a bit more traditional. It feels like they may be trying a bit too hard with the food. I would surely enjoy a more relaxed and yummy menu!

what a cute spot. popped into the bar for a couple bites and drinks and had a lovely time. great atmosphere and decor, super nice staff, and fun food and drinks to boot. wish the wine by the glass selection was a touch larger but we enjoyed everything we had. the ravioli was definitely a standout.

A little trip to Europe for the night with delicious food, service and atmosphere. Best duck I have ever had and the ravioli's were also a show stopper. Grateful for this seasonal menu, 5 star chef and vibes that take me across the world. Thanks for coming to oceanside!

Absolutely outstanding wine, food, service, ambiance and experience. Perfect date night! Shared the bread & butter, assorted meat, cheese and sides, the pork chop hot plate and dessert. The staff is highly knowledgeable and friendly. Can't wait to go back!

Absolutely epic neighborhood spot that hits the same. From beautifully crafted small plates born of high-quality ingredients to low-intervention, hand-selected wines; markedly top-notch service; GORGEOUS design. Breathe easy and swoon at this gem of a place. Thank God we have it in Oside.

Really cute and chic spot. No photos because we ate too fast. longer review since it's new, and I'm talking mostly about pricing! ANYWAY, I'm always torn, as I love locations like these- but over the years you see the prices booming. Going out tends to cost you quite a bit in Oceanside (or anywhere) nowadays. Luckily for us Merenda's more on the affordable side, especially considering their tapas and small plates. Really interesting options, with nothing over 26$ I would love to see a tad more variety in the menu, but I could see them having a rotating seasonal menu in the future, which would be excellent. Really unique parings and interesting flavors. Delicious olives, walnuts and carpaccio- we really wanted the chared leek to be hot though. Otherwise excellent. The design, ambience and vibe is 10/10. The owner Aaron was very sweet, professional AND a local. I had just a few questions for him. First was the pricing for wine. What you may not expect is a "corkage fee" for every individual in house bottle you buy, which is 15$ a pop. I balked at this at first- but the owner explained their concept: A local spot to both buy, take home or dine in with your wines. So the individual bottles were only around 30-60 (this is off the top of my head) and that being said- Typical bottles of wine for a dine in restaurants usually start at 60+ and that could be a mid offering. At Merenda while you may not expect a corkage at first, it is simply to keep their wine prices at retail. Suffice to say, while math can be scary and unappetizing- if you take the time to do it, you may find yourself saving on a luxury. ESPECIALLY if you buy a few to take home I am looking forward to Merendas growth, concept, and trying more yummy dishes and exciting wines. Aaron- if you see this, thank you for the lovely experience, and transparency. i hope theres not much here we didnt already talk about! We will be back soon.

Came in when they opened at 4pm and the staff/managers were just lounging around in the bar area. I asked if they were open thinking I had mistaken their business hours and the host told me it was juts slow. As we waited to be seated (btw the restaurant was empty so I was not sure why we were asked to wait ) we asked one of the staff what was the best thing on the menu and he said the walnuts. After waiting for a few minutes we were seated. Beautiful restaurant. Menu is small. And so are the portions. They only have two main entres (pasta and squash),the rest are snacks and apps/cheese etc. We decided to order the walnuts, beef tartar, some bread ,the pasta, and the butternut squash. Walnuts were great (it is the best thing that we ordered). Beef tartar was ok, tasted a little bit gamey but not bad. Butternut squash was also ok.However for the price of $20 something dollars I would not order it again since they serve only half of a very small squash. The pasta was awful it was over salted and the sauce was overly sour and thick it reminded me more of pizza sauce. Honestly I should have sent it back and have them redo it, but the portion of the pasta was so small we basically ate it all in 2-3 bites (again portions are small). I felt a little weird sending back an empty plate. Our server forgot our bread and we had to ask twice about it to two different staff. When I looked around for our server she was back at the bar lounging with the rest of the staff. Over all not sure if I would come back mainly due to the staff/managers lounging around and not paying attention to customers. In this situation I would've tipped $0 but it seems like this restaurant splits tips so we decided to tip for the person that recommended the walnuts and made sure that our bread came out.

Best dining and wine experience I have ever encountered. The food is exquisite, unique and complimentary to the environment and the beverages. Phil adds a unique flare with his exceptional wine knowledge and suggestions to pair with food. We have been back twice for food and wine in 1 week. Repeat customers for sure! Taking my mother here for Mothers day as well! The future is bright with this new establishment.

Heard a lot about this place so we tried it. Food portions are tiny and limited selection so don't come here if you're hungry unless you plan on tasting the whole menu. Service was ok, waiter was a bit strange. We had the cauliflower, hamache, pasta njuda, butternut squash, trout rollete and some meat and cheese, with bread. Cauliflower had too much vinegrette on it. Meat and cheese was good but only 6 pieces of bread. Trout and butternetsquash were good but again small portions. Pasta was fine could have use a hint of sugar to make the sauce sweeter and some cheese. Hamache was bland. I know they are new so hopefully they adapt. Can't say there is anything here that would really drive me to return as it was overall average.

Ambiance is great. They actually made a new place feel lived in. The staff are all super friendly. The bread and butter is to die for. I would go back and just get 10 orders of that.