Location: Merced
Top Restaurants in Merced
Where to Eat in Merced: The Best Restaurants and Bars
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
1. Jantz Cafe & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Welcome to Jantz! We offer a variety of pastries and pies to enjoy with our locally roasted freshly brewed coffee or espresso. In the morning we have a breakfast menu that includes a long time favorite 'cinnamon swirl french toast' from our bakery. For lunch we have a variety of hot and cold sandwiches including our best seller since 2001, the chicken salad sandwich! We also offer free WiFi and an outdoor patio.
Reviewed By Belgo96 - Australia
We stopped in here on the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite on the basis of Trip Advisor reviews. We were not disappointed. The service was super welcoming and friendly, even though we arrived within 30 minutes of their closing time on a Saturday. The...MoreThank you! We are so thankful that you enjoyed your visit enough to recommend us!
2. Toni's Courtyard Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
In downtown Merced....patio and indoor seating. Excellent food and service. Locally owned
Reviewed By Bob C - Detroit, Michigan
Courtyard has fresh-made breads and deserts that are awesome. I got their Mediterranean chicken sandwich, which was excellent, though the chicken breast portion was very small and thin and lost in the large bun and greens. Of course, cookies for desert are delicious. Always a great lunch spot overall.
3. The Branding Iron Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 371 reviews
Our neon sign has been designated an Historical Landmark.
Reviewed By John I - Auburn, California
First ate here in 1962, same location, maybe same owners, same great bar and solid steak house menu. But really it's the servers that steal the show, always ready to answer any food or other question. Never standing around,always busy getting ready to please the next customer.
4. Black Bear Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 161 reviews
This Is A Chain
Reviewed By Douglas T - New York City, New York
We stopped here on our way to the mountains. I know this chain is all over the state of California. It was a blazing hot day and the air conditioning was not in peak form, but the staff was sympathetic, informative and helpful. The four of us had really good food and unprofessional but helpful and sincere service. Worth the money and we were not looking for a 4 star engagement so we could recommend it.
5. Mi Casa Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Kimm0817
Walked over from the Holiday Inn, just a few blocks away. Had a buffet or menu. We opted for the buffet, which we rarely do but it had all our favorites. Chilaquiles with red sauce and Chile rellenos for me, lots of meat dishes for my husband. And of course, rice and beans. We liked everything and I would have kept going back for more had my husband not prevailed to my better instincts. Friendly staff. Fast. Chips and salsa. We are from San Diego and go to Mexico frequently, and this is exactly what we want our basic Mexican food to be. Would pull off the road for Mi Casa next time, even if not staying in Merced.
6. J & R Tacos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Service out of this world and extraordinary food.
Reviewed By Anna S - Lucerne
This is a great little gem! Nice variety of traditional and more experimental Mexican food, great wait staff, and easy going atmosphere. Definitely a good spot for a meal!
7. Bella Luna Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 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 Furnman61 - San Jose, California
Visited here last week and really enjoyed it. Chicken Marsala was great and good service. Also great drinks. Can’t wait to go back and try deserts!
8. Paul's Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Cor V - Westminster, United States
Paul's Place is that one diner that exudes Americana and all around community goodness. On Sunday mornings, find a parking place and immediately get your name on the roster. You know you'll have a bit of a wait. Checkout the family affair going on in the restaurant, find local heros honored in the lobby and pictures on the wall of smiling faces. Checkout the table top as you get seated and greeted by a hardworking waitstaff that keeps your cup of coffee filled. Don't be afraid to order the omelette and big country breakfasts. My omelette was with mushrooms and toast and potatoes and more coffee. Our group had the best breakfast, bar none. We would definitely find Paul's Place again when we are in Merced.
9. BBQ Pit
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Debbie R - Pitt Town
After arriving late in town we were recommended this restaurant by the hotel staff. Parking out the front that catered for disabled. The food was excellent. An older style inside with vinyl floor and laminate tables...50's looking with lots of memorabilia on the walls. The service was good and staff very friendly.
10. Five Ten Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 104 reviews
American Bistro Style restaurant and lounge. We are Serving a Lunch Menu and a Dinner menu. Using local fresh ingredients, we make fresh food in house everyday. Fourteen craft beers on tap alone with 50 bottled beers. Hand crafted cocktails,24 brands of Whiskey and Bourbon's The lounge is opened until 1:15am on Friday & Saturdays Happy Hours in the big bar for 3 until 7 and all Sunday Ask us about Catering your coming parties, baby showers, bridle showers, weddings, high school reunions, Tour Bus Friendly
Reviewed By timbuktu2016 - Merced, California
The food is good - excellent at 510 Bistro. The goals of the restaurant are spot-on. They waver a bit in consistency. During my last visit, I had the special - lamb and a chicken wonton appetizer. Both were excellent. This is the only restaurant in town that I visit for dinner. I have been to the Branding Iron and to Bella Luna, which are in the same category of restaurant and have found the food at 510 Bistro superior to that at the others.
