Location: Merced
Top Restaurants in Merced
California, United States Food Guide: 7 Italian food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Merced
Reviews on Italian food in Merced, California, United States. Merced /mɜːrˈsɛd/ (Spanish for "Mercy") is a city in, and the county seat of, Merced County, California, United States, in the San Joaquin Valley. As of 2014, the city had a population of 81,743. Incorporated on April 1, 1889, Merced is a charter city that operates under a council-manager government. It is named after the Merced River, which flows nearby.
Things to do in Merced
7. Reinero's - Italian Restaurant
Reviewed By ordglobal
Was taken here by two friends that have lived and worked in Merced for many years. This was their favorite place for lunch, drinks, and good times. It was a downtown Merced legend, opened first in the mid-1940's. But eventually closed about ten years ago. Just re-opened Dec 2013. My first time here but my friends say it looks much like it did during its heydays. Lots of character - much of that character also linked to the Reinero's Trophy bar which adjoins the restaurant. It really hasd character with various game mounted on the walls. Actually even if you don't eat in the restaurant, a drink in the bar would be fun.Food great. Not high-end Italian, but neither are the prices. Just basic, flavorful Italian. My hosts said I had to try the chowder and I agree it was excellent. More on the New England / creamy side but with a touch of I think tomato. Salad bar nothing over the top - but fresh and decent options. Main event was the pasta. I actually just had the basic meat sauce spaghetti which I liked a lot ... more on the deep, almost roasted tomato taste than bright. Really liked it. Others all enjoyed their pasta including the lasagna and portions were enough for some to take home. Service excellent.Based on reviews here, there are lots of great Italian options in Merced. But for the character, good prices, and link to history, this should soon become another favorite.
6. Pizza Factory
Reviewed By Photom299
Pizza Factory's grand opening is scheduled for Jan 10th, 2017 but they are already open for business. Merced didn't really need another pizza place, but this is a great addition. Their selection of gourmet-type pizzas is excellent. A bit pricey, but delicious. Takeout online ordering web page works well.
5. De Angelo's
Overall Ratings
3 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By howtodoit
We happened upon De Angelo's in Merced on our way through town. We were surprised by the prices (rather high) for the formal restaurant so we decided to try the bistro instead. It was very reasonable and the food and service were both excellent. We shared the spinach lasagne and a pizza. Both were huge. The lasagne had great flavor but could have used a little more spinach. The pizza was a 12 inch (large for 1 person). I got the sausage and meatball version and it was very good.
4. DiCicco's Merced
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By hotspringqueen
Recently had the opportunity to eat at this restaurant as I was passing through town. It has been many years since I had eaten at a DiCicco's restaurant and DiCicco's Merced did not disappoint. Delicious pasta, cooked perfectly, with a spicy sauce; fresh signature bread. Salad, which used to come with the meal, is now extra. The food arrived promptly and perfect temp. Friendly and helpful staff. Background music did not overpower the conversation. Highly recommend!
3. Strings Italian Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Strings opened its doors for the first time in Sacrament in 1987. Now, nearly 30 years later and under the original ownership, Strings is still successfully serving the original area and locations along central and northern California. Strings Italian Caf
Reviewed By erica a
Saturday night visit. Not too busy. Nice setting and clean restaurant. Husband ordered the salmon Nicolette-salmon over angel hair pasta in a caper/marinara/alfredo sauce. 1st plate had a hair in it. Sent back. 2nd plate the angel hair was over cooked and I could smell fishy salmon from the other side of the table. From what I understand properly cooked fish shouldnât really smell. My husband had 1 bite and couldnât finish. I took a bite and it was pretty gross. I ordered lasagne. It was ok. Salad was pretty good. It was ok but if youâre gonna spend money on Italian food I would recommend Bella Luna. Would not come back here but staff was great.
2. Destino's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By calinurse
We had lunch including burgers, Caesar salad, and minestrone soup. The latter was recommended by the server, and was as good as she'd said. All food was delicious. We really enjoyed the friendly warm atmosphere here. It's getting more and more unusual to see this kind of great local non-chain restaurant
Where to eat Diner food in Merced: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Bella Luna Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 127 reviews
The restaurant just recently re-opened after a fire. I believe it was last fall. There was something in the local paper that may help you find more ifo.
Reviewed By robinr328
From freshly baked bread to freshly baked pastries, this restaurant is very very good. We came here with a large group, and they had a lovely buffet set out for us including a pasta Primavera and four different kinds of sandwiches. Theyâre fresh ham sandwich was excellent, as was the pasta Primavera. Service was very good, especially considering we were group of 28. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
