What a great find! Delicious, fresh food in a professional, friendly, fun, clean ambiance. This was our second visit in a weekend. Both times for lunch. Husband chose the Blue Cheese Wedge Salad both visits. The house made blue cheese dressing really makes this fresh salad. I had the pastrami sandwich lunch combo with Caesar Salad. Best pastrami ever with au jus. Fresh salad was a great side for the sandwich. Today I had the cold turkey sandwich. Delicious with house made fries. Large portions for a fair price. I had to take half the sandwich for the evening. The Yelp reviews are on point for this new go to establishment. Can't wait to try a pasta dish next time. We didn't use bar service this time, but the unending list of cocktails and wine look inviting and prices are fair. We will return again and again. Go here! read more

I finally got to try this place out and it was worth the wait. I ordered the lobster ravioli it was so good and jalapeño martini the service was great. read more

I have been here many times and tonight did not disappoint us! We usually get the roast beef sandwhich with peppers and onions. It's fabulous. The large is really for the very hungry that can afford the calories and the half is plenty for the rest of us! Tonight I got the turkey and it was just as terrific. We sat upstairs and the service was great! read more

Food was not even sub par. Just horrible. Ordered the zucchini pasta with added chicken and received bowl full of warm zucchini covered in cheese. Since I'm from the bay, guess I had different idea of what this dish should be. Light, fresh and crisp! read more

Great food and great service:).....We sat outside and it was a beautiful evening.....We had the Bruschetta for our appetizer and it was yummy I enjoyed the spaghetti squash with white sauce and loved the garlic bread on the side......I will definitely be back read more

The besssssttttt Italian food in Merced, my go-to is the spaghetti squash with the meatless red sauce & of course one of their amazing house salads! Fair prices, sweet owners, friendly staff. Will always be a favorite of my family's! read more

Came into town from Orange County for a fam party.. we drove downtown to find a spot to eat & thought we'd check it out. Ambiance was cool w sports on the tvs & sat upstairs. Food was so good. We ordered a family portion caesar salad that didn't disappoint. It was fresh ingredients &delicious. We got some calamari, side of fries, Venetian pizza, & the coconut shrimp..Everything was on point! Service was also great:) the host accommodated our party of 6 w a friendly smile as did the server. On our way out noticed they had gelato & even though we were already full, couldn't resist Got single scoops of tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake & stracciatella. So worth itThanks for an awesome night guys! Definitely recommend this place & are excited to go back again read more

Destino's - Tiramisu&stracciatella - Pizza Near Me - Merced, California

Food was very delicious and surprised for such a busy crowd on a Tuesday night! Great job Destino's!!! We will definitely be going back

Well tried to go out for my wife's birthday, in town, as this was a work night. I had been here before with a group from work and was good then, but not tonight. First off I had my sites set on the Salmon or steak. Reading the fine print those dishes are only available Thursday through Saturday. Strike 1. We ordered the chicken and broccoli pasta and I had the Lobster ravioli. The wife's pasta was not done and mine although tasted good, got cold fast. Strike 2. We had coffee and creme brûlée for desert. Both were horrible. Strike 3 and 4. The coffee was a bitter. Maybe Folgers, maybe the bottom of the pot, but not what would you would expected at a nice restaurant. Denny's coffee would have been better. The creme brûlée was runny, not a proper custard that it should have been. May not have been done. Can we say new cook? We were trying to support a local restaurant, but came away very disappointed. We will not be back. Should have gone to the Branding Iron. read more

Don't come here if you expect good service or good service. Or decent service. Food is ok. But not worth the bad service. They sat us also at a dirty table on a half busy night and said they would come clean it when the food arrives. Blah read more

I love this place. Cool atmosphere and really good food. Everything is clean, prices are reasonable, food is exceptional, service is good. Parking is hit or miss, but that's not their fault. One of my favorite restaurants. read more

Im super picky with food but everything that I tried was absolutely delicious!! Service was friendly and the atmosphere was great! This is my new favorite place to go. read more

Destino's - Pizza Near Me - Merced, California

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This placer has a mean Prime rib steak sandwich I add mushrooms and their au ju sauce is delicious!!

First time here at Destino's ! Omg I must say this place has such great customer service and amazing tasting food ! I rate this restaurant a 5 star for over all service and food ! read more

Not from around here but called in to check out the reviews the service was great and the food even better. Well worth a visit good food great service from Amanda. read more

Was passing through town and stopped in at Destinos. Was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and service. Guy's pizza was great. Also had the wedge. Very good. read more

Traveling home to Sacramento from Yosemite we searched for Italian Restaurants. Luckily Destino's came up. We had the Scampi, pizza and beer. Everything was delicious. Service was great. Worthy of a great review. I'm not a Yelp type person but looking at the reviews four days after my visit I can only think to myself how the system is not perfect. One review rubbed me the wrong way. How does one leave a review for her husband and friend's visit and expect that to be valid? Keep on serving on Destino's. Thank you for having us. read more

Destino's - The kid said, "Take my picture with this place so we don't forget it". - Pizza Near Me - Merced, California

Stumbled upon this place while driving through Merced. Food and service were exceptional. Stephanie's suggestions worked out perfectly, she was fun and quick with anything we needed. Thanks Stephanie for a fun evening! We enjoyed it! read more

Nothing special about the pizza I got here (lucca). The ingredients were still raw on the top and over dressed with oil. My coworker got ravioli. It looked at tore bought as well as the garlic bread. Nothing special here read more

The Guys Special is one of the best pizzas I have ever had. Just delicious. I also frequent Destino's for sandwichs since they are right across from my work. I have had the pastrami and turkey, both delicious. The fries are my amazing! read more

Almost five. We recently spent a couple of days in Merced and found Destino's in Yelp. It didn't disappoint. Our first dinner there was minestrone and white lasagna, followed by a sample from their gelato collection. We liked it so much that we went back the next day for lunch and dinner both. On day two, we had the sausage and zucchini soup. It was as good as the minestrone. Our server told us she likes mixing the two together. Speaking of servers, the service was as good as the food. read more

We ordered two salads and an appetizer to go. We got home and there was no dressing. When my wfie called and spoke with the female manager, her condescending response was, "Well the dressing doesn't make the whole meal." We try to support local businesses especially during the pandemic but rest assured we'll be scratching this place off our list and spending our money elsewhere. read more

The most consistent food around. Very good pizza's and sandwiches and let's not forget the pasta dishes. This is definitely a go to for business lunches or a nice dinner with your significant other. I've always had tremendous service as well!! read more

We were happy to see that even with an ownership change the food is still very very good and the service is great! Definitely a place we like to go to over the summer for outdoor seating! Plus it's fun to get a window seat on the upper floor. Really enjoy the atmosphere. read more

Easily the best restaurant in town, it has only gotten better since it became destino's! My wife and I go there almost weekly, Absolutely always friendly service fast And delicious food . The negative reviews I have read make absolutely no sense, But Hey you just can't make everyone happy . Would always recommend this restaurant and we will definitely be back. read more

Never Fails! The Red Lasagna Is A Must. Service Is Great And Friendly, I Feel Welcomed Everytime.

Love this place!!! Really good food and great customer service!! This is definitely the best place to eat in Merced.

Amazing atmosphere and workers!! Always a great time when I stop by! The food is delicious and at a faire price. The drink choices are almost endless and supports local brewery. Locals supporting locals . read more

A few years back when Destino's opened I had a terrible experience BUT over the last year I have given this place another chance and I love it!!! I Love the food, the atmosphere and the staff is amazing! read more

When we learned that AJ Pinocchio was selling his restaurant, a fixture in downtown Merced, we were worried. Pinocchio's had been our favorite place to eat. What would become of it? Fortunately these ominous tidings were quickly followed by great news: Tessa and Drew would be the new owners, so we knew our restaurant of choice, now named Destino's, would be in great hands. They've added a few new items to the menu and artistically modernized the decor of the patio, where we like to dine, and they've kept the core of great food and fantastic people. We've dined in restaurants all over the world, but we've never found any other place where the quality of the staff is so uniformly excellent. The people at Destino's have a passion for providing great food and superb service. Since we need to watch what we eat for health reasons, we tend toward dishes featuring vegetables and chicken. We usually get the Italian Chicken and Vegetables and the Chicken Salad. Both are chock-full of freshly cooked chicken. The Italian Chicken and Vegetables features sliced chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and broccoli in a light sauce, while the Chicken Salad is made with cubed chicken, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, red onion, and feta cheese with a house-made vinaigrette. Both of these dishes are satisfying without being diet-busters. The best thing about Destino's, though, is the people. Tessa and Drew have a great staff. The servers are always attentive, friendly, and accommodating. The servers and kitchen staff have learned our dietary restrictions and our preferences. Being regulars at Destino's, it's such a relief not to rehash our "dining do's and don'ts" The servers know what's in every dish on the extensive menu, so we can branch out from our usual choices and still get a healthy meal. They don't even raise their eyebrows when I drink a vintage cabernet through a straw to protect a cracked tooth. When you're in the mood for great Italian food in Merced prepared and served by skilled, friendly people, head over to Destino's.Tessa, Drew, Jaelynn, Antonio, Amanda, Sabrina, Stephanie, Roel, and the rest of the staff will make sure you have a great meal! read more

My go to spot for Italian dining in Merced. I've never had a bad experience here since I began eating here back when it used to be Pinocchios. Great full size bar with good beer selection. I've had various items on the menu from soups/ salads to sandwiches and pastas. Today I tried the 10oz steak with potatoes. I ordered my steak medium rare and it was cooked to perfection. SHOUT OUT TO THE CHEF! The minced garlic on top mended perfectly with the juicy tender Angus beef. The service is great, and the staff is friendly. Good fresh food takes time and if you're willing to wait you are in for a treat! read more

Destino's is a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon--watch a ball game on one of 3 screens at the bar while enjoying happy hour 1/2 drink prices all day long, AND 1/2 price appetizers which are plentiful and plenty tasty. If you are a Bloody Mary Sunday person, I hope Stephanie is behind the bar because she makes the tastiest ones I've had in a very long, long time. And she will go out of her way to make sure you get everything you order just the way you like it, including blue cheese dressing with the deep fried cheese cubes instead of the usual ranch. Check out the full menu while you're there. There is something for everyone and it's All-Good. Laid back, contemporary atmosphere, big windows run the entire length, looking out onto the Main St. strollers. The bar regulars are as nice and friendly as can be. Good people. Relax. You won't get the bum's rush here. read more

Favorite place in Merced to eat. Excellent service and delicious food. Staff remembers you and makes you feel at home. Love the new owners and the menu additions. We look forward to watching you grow! read more

This food is blan. There is nothing special, if anything it's overpriced. Panera has better sandwiches. The only reason this is a 3 star is because the service was okay. read more

Awesome pizza. Get the Verona! Great pasta. Everything I've ordered is extremely good. Destinos is a diamond in the rough.

Great place to eat. The service was great and the food was tasty. Always a great place to eat spaghetti squash.

My family loves Destino's and went tonight for dinner. There is usually good service there, but tonight it was extraordinary! Javier went above and beyond to provide customer service. He definitely made us feel like we were the most important people in the restaurant. Hoping his manager sees this to pass on our praise. Best night at Destinos because of his customer service. read more

Some of the best food I've had in Merced! I absolutely love the pasta and pizza here. The raspberry tea is amazing as well as the raspberry gelato! The staff is so amazing and courteous. They always comply with my weird food requests and preferences. I love it! read more

Fabulous! The steak was perfect, juicy, hot and so tasty. The cesar salad, seriously the best I've ever had, the freshest. Pizza very yummy. Great customer service read more

Stopped going to Pinocchio's for bad service. Pinocchio's closed less than a year later. My wife and I were happy to see a new restaurant in its place. We were seated quickly. Menus and water were delivered and was told waiter would be with us shortly. Turns out, the menu is exactly the same as Pinocchio's, literally the same menu just a different front cover. The waiter never showed up. Never saw a waiter. 3 staff members were chatting behind the counter. Not sure if they were our waiter or waitress. We walked out. A customer walking in asked us how it was. Shared our experience and he left also. We want new businesses to succeed in Merced! My wife contacted the manager the next day. She said she has not had any complaints, though they have not been open long. There was no real apology. She did not seem to care about our incident. Very Sad! Went to Black Bear Diner and had a wonderful time. read more