I live in Bend and moved here from San Francisco 6 yrs ago. We love Merenda! As far as restaurants in Bend go, sure you can find quieter and more intimate dining experiences, but for the whole package, I feel Merenda is hands down the best in town! The happy hour is fantastic, and with over 100 wines by the glass, there are more options than anywhere in town. Jody Denton is a legitimate chef with a pretty hefty resume and reviews to back him up ( he spent several years in Sanfrancisco, Restaurant Lulu and Azie) . Don't go to Merenda for a quiet dinner, but if you are looking for good food, great atmosphere and an extensive wine list, it is the place to be!
Pros: Wine list, happy hour, great prices
Cons: parking, noisy
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