Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar

I think all the other reviews captured what I want to say. The place is big, loud, and pretentious. The service was very poor for us, the food was overpriced, and we look forward to going back again this weekend. Do a double take - it's true. We just know now when and why to go there. It's not romantic at all - too crowded, too big, and too loud. However, it's loud for a reason - everyone is there! The wine list is great, especially the by-the-glass wine list, the food is inventive and interesting if overpriced, and it's just a great ambience to sit at the bar during happy hour or at late night. We'll be going elsewhere to eat then hang at the wine bar afterward. This is a great idea for Bend and I'm happy they did it. Pros: Creative Menu, Great Wine List, Great Location Cons: Loud, Expensive, Bad Service more

Highly overated! The service was bad and the food was average. It is a hip place but it takes more that that to get us back. The wine by the glass list is long but very average. Pros: wine bottle list, busy Cons: food, service, sound level more

Merenda's is a great experience in Bend. It's definately a place with a young energetic crowd. Not the stuffed shirt dead-beat dining of the Pine Tavern types. Lots of excitement. Great flights of wine. The roti pork is AWESOME and when it's all said and done you want to come back for more great food, drink and fun. Other reviewers have commented on the noise ... it's a big open building with a lot of dinners on more than one level ... each having something other on their mind than just looking at the food on their plate and keeping their mouths shut. Hey, if you want to pick at your food and talk under your breath go somewhere else ... but Merenda's is a lively energetic ""roti"" where you're guaranteed to have fun. I'll be back this weekend! Pros: Where it's happening, Great wine flights, great new food ideas Cons: 175 miles from PDX more

Food was poor, service was very poor and it was really loud. Hated everything about it. Just was not impressed. more

This is a great restaurant to 'be seen' at but has little to offer other than its great wine selection and late hours. The tapas menu is fun for the first visit or two, but lacks depth thereafter. Great entertainment on a late Friday or Saturday as you watch the tipsy locals or tourists trying to pick up on one another. Live music is good, but too loud to have conversations... Pros: great wine fleets Cons: loud more

I walked in the door and was sure that I had stepped through into another place. Merenda looks as if it couldn't be in Bend, Oregon. And the entire experience, food, atmosphere and service take you to another place. Add the value of the pricing and the selection of wines by the glass and Merenda delivers the entire package. Pros: great food, professional service, real dining scene Cons: can be loud, reservations difficul more

I am from Portland, the city where restaurants have forgotten what ""service"" really is. We had the best food, service, wine, atmosphere and promptness than anywhere in Portland. Try the oysters and wine samplers. Prawns are to die for and everything is super fresh! Pros: Yummy wines, good food, perfect service more