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Located on 360 and 2222, Siena is one of the seemingly hidden four-star gems of Austin. Siena is the product of a long time dream of Stan Adams to bring to Austin an authentic Italian dining experience. With its high stone ceilings and roaring fireplace you feel as if you have stepped into the great room of a rustic tuscan villa. Parking is in short supply but luckily they offer complimentary valet most evenings.
Although we did have to wait almost thirty minutes past our reservation, we passed the time with a glass of red wine while we discussed the menu and wine options with our dining companions. The restaurant could definitely use more waiting area as we seemed to be in the way of most people coming and going.
When we finally got seated we were able to concentrate on getting down to business, deciding what we wanted to try from their very appealing Antipasti menu. We decided to share a pair of very tasty options, the Fettuna di Anatra and Risotto.
The Fettuna di Anatra, a grilled duck confit with shiitake mushrooms on grilled bread, had an amazing smoky taste complimented by the balsamic roasted onions. Our other dish, the Risotto, was one of the most divine dishes we have ever tasted and plan to go back ASAP and eat nothing but a large bowl. With it's wild mushrooms and white truffle oil its texture was amazing following only behind its heavenly taste.
For our entree we had the Pollo al Funghi e Prosciutto, a prosciutto grilled chicken breast. The flavor combination of the grilled chicken and prosciutto went together quite well. Seated over sauteed spinach with a lemon butter it was an excellent example of how good a simple chicken dish can be. We also shared part of the Bistecca alla Zingaro, a grilled sirloin served with grilled polenta. The steak was quite tender and moist accompanied by a portabello mushroom with gorgonzola cheese and a Chianti wine reduction. Both plates were devoured with much discussion of which was the tastier meal.
All of Siena's menu choices seem to meld together into a combination of flavor that leave you wanting more of the inspired Tuscan cuisine. The waiter recommended an affordable bottle of wine that complimented our dishes and that met each of our wine preferences. The service was impeccable, and the waiter knew the menu front to back and offered very useful information when making our dining decisions. While the prices were more than we would spend on a normal meal it was a dining experience that we have talked about for weeks since. They are also open for lunch with a more affordable selection. If you are looking for a delicious Tuscan meal, skip that chain location and head to Siena.
Speaking of Italian food in Austin, which is your favorite?
Siena
6203 North Capital of Texas Highway
512.349.7667
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It's difficult to find an affordable bottle of wine that will give you compliments.
I know! It told me I was a jerk but it did offer to make out with my dining compatriot, that was wierd when she went home with it. :-(
Ya spelling/grammer nazi!! Why I aughta!! :-)
why no one should every trust me with copyediting. I blame Allen and Matthew!
hah! i like it as it is.
Don't sweat it. Our President might just think you were "imminently" qualified to copyedit.
While the food and service is better than most, is just wasn't worth it. I ate there after a trip to Tuscany, and I just wasn't too impressed. Granted it may be good for Austin, but for the price I expected so much more.