It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
La Merenda
125 E. National Ave., (414) 389-0125
lamerenda125.com
Small plates
$$-$$$
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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.
Dimly lit quarters make fall and winter meals feel cozy and special, while the beautifully appointed patio is a welcome oasis during the summer months. Best of all, the ever-changing menu of locally sourced but worldy flavored dishes always seems to offer something new.
It’s the perfect place to visit with a group of friends who love to try a variety of items. Be sure to order at least one dish that falls outside your comfort zone.
For instance, have you had huitlacoche (corn smut)? It's delicious. Try it on the Quesadilla de Hongos featuring earthy local mushrooms, corn, truffles and huitlacoche on a flour tortilla with melted Clock Shadow menonita cheese.
Want to avoid the crowds? Try La Merenda out for lunch! They're open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Recommended: Columbian empanadas; pulpo español; goat cheese curds; Roman pork belly
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.
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