La Merenda

Michelin-worthy food in an accessible, home-style setting
Word to the wise: The cash-only eatery is only open on weekdays and doesn't take phone reservations. Swing by in the morning to reserve a table for lunch or dinner.

Tucked behind a beaded curtain, La Merenda is about the size of a single car garage. But the discomfort of squeezing into a tightly-packed table in this minute restaurant proves to be a minor inconvenience when you get a whiff of the homely Mediterranean food dished up by chef Dominique le Stanc, who ditched the Negresco Hotel's Michelin-star Chantecler Restaurant to open his own quirky, unpretentious eatery.
Ordering from a blackboard brought to your table, expect honest Niçoise dishes from tender, slow-cooked beef with polenta chips and daring offal creations. If you care for wine, you'll drink whatever your server pours. Embrace the experience - they always get it right.