Exquisite. Sultry. Must Experience. Siena is an elegant Mediterranean Seafood and Steak Restaurant located right in the heart of West Boca Raton, and a real neighborhood gem. Upon entering, you will be warmly greeted by the hostess at the front desk and escorted either to your left to the magnificent dining room or to the right to the marble-countered and well-stocked bar that has romantic, cushy booths beckoning you to come in and relax. No matter where you choose, you will be pampered with watchful service and amazing cuisine.
The moment you are seated, a basket is brought containing a variety of interesting small bites to ease you into the dining mood. You will see a couple of homemade Bruschetta appetizers that have olive oil, chopped tomatoes, garlic, red onion and balsamic vinegar on crispy toasts, a little dish with a spread made of peppers, onion and garlic, and some crusty slices of yellow raisin bread. This is a delightful warm-up while you peruse the special cocktail or wine list.
Brothers Joe, Viktor and Bobby are careful to make sure every detail is perfect in Siena Grill. They are friendly and attentive; knowledgeable and charming. They are quickly at hand to get you started with a few appetizers. You will feel like you are basking in the sunny Mediterranean when you taste the Siena Meatballs which are made in a thick, tasty Marinara sauce enhanced with light Ricotta cheese and shaved Parmesan.
The Crispy Fried Calamari may be served with a Fra Diavolo (devilishly spicy) or a Marinara sauce on the side, but the best part of the preparation is that it is not overly-breaded nor is it the least bit chewy. What a tantalizing contrast: soft inside yet crispy outside.
If you’re a seafood lover, don’t stop with the calamari because the Mediterranean Clams are a good companion. They are small Little Necks, served in a bucket of broth that has lots of garlic, white wine and fresh herbs. No doubt you’re going to want to ask for more bread for dipping in that delightful broth.
For something a little different Siena’s Bolognese is not made with ground beef. It was a refreshing treat to have the dish made with Short Rib instead. Normal bolognese is like a ragu but Siena Grill’s has some out-of-the-ordinary ingredients that set it apart. In addition to the creative use of Short Ribs, three other “secret” ingredients are used: plum tomatoes, Chianti wine, and shredded Grana Padano cheese (in the same family as the King of Cheeses, Parmigiano-Reggiano, but maybe even a bit stronger.)
Deciding on an entrée will be difficult since there are many choices as well as more than ten daily specials. The Grouper Filet comes sauteed in white wine with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes, creating a delicious symmetry of simplicity. The fish is tender and flaky, light and healthy, being one of the best sources of vitamins and minerals yet, as a bonus, low in sodium. The spectacular Dover Sole served tableside was expertly prepared for us by Viktor who deboned that beautiful fresh fish with such ease that we were delighted with the performance as well as the final work of art. Siena also offers a divine Branzino (European Bass), an iconic Mediterranean fish that is delicate and mild, and with very few bones.
It’s time to focus on veal since they are sensational specialties at Siena. The Veal Mediteraneo is a Veal Scallopini (sauteed cutlets that have been pounded thin) cooked in white wine, capers and lemon juice, topped with the best, delectable Prosciutto di Parma and served over a bed of spinach, garlic and olive oil. The comments overheard from other diners: “This is as good a veal as I’ve had in my life.” Still, we can’t miss out on mentioning the pièce de résistance, the showpiece, Siena Grill’s Bone-in Veal Chop. Showing off its fresh grill marks, it is a juicy, mouth-watering masterpiece. To sum it up, the Veal Chop is a meaty, perfect cut with perfect taste. But we must also mention other winners on the menu: the tender 8-ounce Filet Mignon is a prime aged center cut served with sides of carrot puree, mashed potatoes and asparagus, and the juicy 16-ounce New York Strip will satisfy all carnivorous cravings.
Another unique and memorable dish is The Angry Lobster made with a 2-1/2 pound lobster, shrimp and clams in a Fra Diavolo sauce served on a bed of linguini. This is one of the most requested dishes, a real palate-pleaser and an all-time favorite with seafood lovers.
Don’t even think about leaving yet because the best finish to a meal with spice and garlic is something sweet and savory. This is just the place to linger over a homemade Tiramisu or cheesecake dessert along with a cup of Cappuccino. And if you just can’t bear leaving, the good news is that Siena Grill is open every day, 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with multiple daily specials. Siena
also has a hugely popular Happy Hour every Monday through Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring 50% off all drinks and live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant constantly receives raves about their bartenders, Nick and Emily, two of the best mixologists in Boca Raton and noted for their Signature Cocktails such as the Pear Cosmopolitan, Espresso Martini and Salted Watermelon Margarita, just to mention a few. The restaurant is perfect for private parties, available for up to 150 guests in-house, also offers catering for parties off the premises, and is a proud member of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Whether it’s an escape for a quiet evening of cocktails and dinner or a celebration with music, friends and dancing, you simply must experience this absolutely classy, exquisite heaven on earth.
Siena Grill
9101 Lakeridge Boulevard
Boca Raton FL. 33496
561-923-9966
Siena-Grill.com