Merenda

Named for the Italian word for a casual snack, this Mediterranean-leaning bistro and wine shop occupies the ground floor of the Flats at 1931 South Coast Highway. Beverage director Heidi Greenwood, previously of Cucina Urbana and Herb & Wood, built the wine list around low-intervention bottles from Italy, France, Portugal and California's Central Coast. The kitchen, designed by chef advisor Travis Hayden of Rustic Canyon, serves shareable plates like house-cured charcuterie, crudo and a spicy Calabrian nduja spread warmed under a tea candle in a dog-shaped dish.