Sometimes the best discoveries are made by accident! I stumbled upon Merenda Italian Deli while on the hunt for a taco truck, and I'm so incredibly glad I did. Italian delis hold a special place in my heart, and the sign for Merenda immediately caught my eye.
Parking was a breeze thanks to their private shared lot, which is always a plus. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a bright, inviting atmosphere and the most delicious aromas. It instantly felt welcoming.
I really appreciate their concise menu. To me, a smaller selection often means they've perfected each item, rather than spreading themselves too thin. It's a sign of true dedication to their craft!
I ordered the Morta and my wife chose the Curdo, both grilled paninis. They were cooked to absolute perfection, each bite transporting me back to the familiar flavors of my hometown deli. My wife also ordered a cold brew with pistachio cream, which I was skeptical about, but it was surprisingly amazing – a unique and delightful treat!
If I lived in Oregon, Merenda would definitely be a regular stop for us. It's an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates authentic, well-made Italian sandwiches. The neighborhood itself was lovely, with plenty of other tempting-looking eateries nearby.
I'm already looking forward to...
Read moreTucked in among other restaurants is this hidden gem. I'm so glad we stumbled across this fantastic deli.
My girlfriend had the Morta and I had the Crudo sandwiches. I have a thing for hot (temp) italian sandwiches and this did not disappoint. Every bite was amazing and I only finished half. As we drove on with my leftovers in tow, I honestly couldn't help but think about how awesome dinner would be finishing the 2nd half.
The sundried tomato puree brought the combination of the prosciutto, stracciatella cheese, and veggies all together.
I live in Portland and have searched options for something similar. Unfortunately, I haven't found something even close yet. I guess that's good for Merenda because it means when a craving happens, I have to make the beautiful country drive...
Read moreFlawless sandwiches, and I don’t say this lightly. The best I’ve had in many years and easily the best in the Willamette Valley.
They are true to form Italian sandwiches, humble in one respect yet when crafted like these they become a sublime, transcendent experience.
Each ingredient was so fresh it almost seemed impossible—did they just pluck this arugula? Did this bread come out of the oven an hour ago? Did they fresh slice this prosciutto and salami? Is this cheese freshly made? The answer to all these is almost certainly yes, for there’s no way you could end up with a sandwich like this any other way. Perfect ratio of ingredients, fantastic plating, great atmosphere, excellent service, tremendous attention to detail across the entire restaurant....
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