Oceanside's dining scene is set to welcome a new addition with the opening of Merenda, a Southern European restaurant and wine bar that brings Mediterranean culture to the area. Slated to open its doors on Thursday, October 17, Merenda will be located at the Flats at 1931 S. Coast Highway. It offers a menu emphasizing sharing and togetherness with plates of house-cured charcuterie, cheeses, and other delectables. As reported by San Diego Eater, the establishment will be a dining destination where simple ingredients come together to create something more than the sum of their parts.
Inspired by their time in Italy and a desire to embrace their passion for food and wine, co-owners Aaron Crossland and Lauren Crossland-Marr decided to quickly move forward with their vision for Merenda despite originally thinking it would be a later-in-life pursuit. According to a San Diego Magazine interview, the couple aimed to contribute to Oceanside's economic development, harnessing their combined experience in culinary culture and Crossland's local roots to establish a community-centric wine bar and shop.
Fresh off announcing that reservations for October 17 and later can be made via an Instagram post, Merenda is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated openings in the city. To provide a space for people like myself, who love wine but without all that pretentious B.S. that goes along with it, Crossland is eager to welcome guests into a venue that feels more like an extension of their living room rather than a business.
For more information about Merenda's concept and opening, details can be found on Eater San Diego and San Diego Magazine's websites.
