Il Girasole’s La Merenda happy hour brings an Italian ritual into the Costa Mesa afternoon. In Italy, “merenda” refers to a light late-day bite — something social, unhurried, and meant to bridge the space between lunch and dinner. Il Girasole adapts that tradition into a relaxed pre-dinner experience that still reflects the restaurant’s elevated standards. Rather than treating happy hour as an afterthought, the restaurant frames it as part of how Italians actually eat: slower, communal, and centered on flavor. It’s an ideal way to experience Il Girasole in a more casual rhythm, especially for guests spending time in the SOCO district or easing into an evening out.