DUNDEE, Ore. — A new sandwich shop in Dundee is bringing an authentic taste of Italy to Oregon’s wine country. Merenda Italian Deli, founded by brothers Luca and Marco Ponzi, offers a curated menu of high-quality, Italian-style sandwiches inspired by their time living in Italy.
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Luca and Marco Ponzi, a third-generation members of the Ponzi wine family, spent over a decade in Italy after moving there for high school. The experience shaped their vision for Merenda Italian Deli, named after the Italian word for “snack”.
“In my high school, there was a café on the ground floor where students would grab sandwiches during break. That concept stuck with me,” Luca said. “I wanted to bring a little bit of Italy here, combining high-quality ingredients in a simple, flavorful way.”
The deli opened in October 2024, specializing in sandwiches made with imported Italian cured meats and cheeses, house-made sauces, and scratch-made tiramisu.
“We want to create a little experience for anyone who walks in here. We want them to feel a little like they’re walking into a deli in Italy,” Luca said. “Someone recently came in and had a sandwich, and told us it transported them back to Florence. That’s what we’re going for.”
The menu is intentionally kept small, featuring six sandwiches with options to customize.
“We’re testing what people like, and my brother Marco, who attended culinary school in New York, has been instrumental in developing the recipes,” he said.
The most popular choice so far has been the mortadella sandwich with pesto and hot honey. But a new seasonal Pollo sandwich, made with chicken cutlet, is quickly rising up the ranks, he said.
Merenda Italian Deli is located across 7th Street from Red Hills Market, which Luca said the deli could use to its advantage given the restaurants popularity and frequent overflow of customers. As the former manager of the Dundee Bistro, he saw an opportunity to create a fast-casual option for visitors between wine tastings.
“We’re open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to align with tasting room hours, so people can grab a quick bite between winery tastings,” he said.
He continued to say the deli has already attracted attention from wine tour groups placing advance orders, and the real test is coming with the upcoming summer tourism season.
As warmer months approach, Merenda Italian Deli plans to expand its menu with salads and a cold brew coffee program, as well as weekend specials.
Though he’s considered offering wine, for now, the focus remains on sandwiches and creating a casual, authentic Italian experience in the heart of the Willamette Valley.
Merenda Italian Deli is located at 110B SW 7th St, Dundee, Oregon 97115 and open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers can dine in at the restaurant, or place orders to go online or by phone.
Learn more at merendadeli.com
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