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! read more

One of the best new spots in Oceanside. My wife and I have been here 6+ times, and, every time impresses more than the last. Definitely a great experience. The Quiche is next level! Wow. A wine and elevated food experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Amazing service. read more

Merenda - Daily Pasta Special - Wine Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

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. read more

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! read more

See all

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. read more

Great for wine, the food menu looks amazing but what comes out needs some love. Dry short rib dish and some items are stellar while others are well under something I would serve on the menu given how they come out. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]When you walk in you are captivated by the bistro's adorable touches and then the warmth of the staff makes it even more impressive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The happy hour is my weekly hangout spot. Yummy plates for $12 and wines on tap for $10 a glass! What a deal for the overall experience! Phil is a great leader to this place and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend you try a few things and get a chance to feel like you escaped for the afternoon. read more

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! read more

Merenda - Pasta - Wine Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

See all

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. read more

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

Merenda - Prosecco Cocktail and Pate' - Wine Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

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. read more

Merenda - Tinned fish plate. Ramon Pena sardines in olive oil. - Wine Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

Best food in Oceanside hands down. Menu is always changing but delivers 10/10 every time. Love coming here to try something new

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

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. read more

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! read more

See all

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

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 read more

See all

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. read more

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! read more

Merenda is my new go to spot in Oceanside. I've been back three times since they opened (once for wine and snacks, twice for dinner). They really nailed the vibe here. Details like the tile mural, analog sound system, and comfortable seating make the space feel cozy and inviting. This is a small detail, but even the music selection contributes to the warm environment. Some highlights on their food menu are the rosemary-scented walnuts, beef tartare (the pomegranate seeds are a fantastic burst of flavor), and the house coppa with apples. The mushroom ragú in the stuffed honey patch squash is rich and savory and also something I'd recommend. You can't go wrong with the meat and cheese selections either. Don't skip the giardiniera! Their curated wine selection is fun and has something for everyone. The Pineau d'Aunis from the Loire Valley is so good. Soft chalky tannins. Delicious. Service was great at each visit. Our servers were knowledgeable and attentive and always ready to help. We didn't have to wait long to get our food either! Merenda is an exciting and welcome addition to Oceanside. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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 read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

Found my new favorite spot! First of all, the place is gorgeous and so cozy. It's perfect for date night or catching up with friends. The wine selection is *chefs kiss* I really appreciated how knowledgeable the staff were in recommending something I would like and explaining the flavor profile. Don't sleep on the lambrusco! And the food was delicious. We got a light assortment of meats, cheeses, the trout rillettes and the hamachi crudo. Everything was perfect with the wine! The staff here is also just so warm and friendly. You can tell this place means a lot to them. Will definitely be coming back regularly! read more

Merenda - Meat and cheese plate - Wine Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

We chose Merenda's for our date night. I'm so glad we did. The ambiance was energetic and welcoming. Our server was very knowledgeable on the best wine pairing with the yummy nibbles we chose. Our favorite of the evening was the beef tartar and the honey cheese. We will definitely be back! read more

Merenda! Welcome to the neighborhood! First off the interior/ambiance is 10/10 it's beautiful in there so cozy, warm & welcoming. My family & I visited and we had the best time food was delicious I tried new things and I LOVE food so I was excited about the menu. My favorite was the pasta the sauce was perfect & the taste was chefs kiss. I enjoyed all the appetizers we had the walnuts, the beef tartar, meats & cheese etc not one was disappointing. To top it off our server was so attentive and made sure we were taken care of. Overall had a great time & will be back again. read more

See all

What a perfect addition to the neighborhood! Such a beautiful place with nice ambience. Service was attentive yet friendly. We enjoyed the food and wine selection. Cool to hear about the local farming they use and even cooler to hear that an Oceanside local owns the place. We will be back read more

Wonderful people and atmosphere! The food was delicious and we left with a wine recommendation that is now a new favorite!