Siena - East Greenwich, RI

Siena is a restaurant that describes itself as "Tuscan Soul Food". I have visited a total of 3 times. I'm not sure exactly why but I have been pretty hesitant to talk about this place. The reality is, it is not a chain. There is one location on Federal Hill and one location in East Greenwich.

I have only visited the East Greenwich location and I can honestly say I have never once had a bad bite of food there. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, the staff is high quality and knowledgeable. Good help is hard to find, but Siena has done it, and done it well. The staff pronounces the food properly in flawless Italian, this includes the lovely ladies running the bar!

To the food...

My most recent experience, pictured above was the push me over top dinner that made me decide to write about the restaurant. My appetizer, from the Menu di Enoteca, a piece of Taalllleeggggio....I just LOVE to say Taallllleeeggggio! Served with nuts, jam and bread...No way to mess it up, also no way to see if they know how to cook because the cheese stands alone...just fine!

Next up my entree...Bisteca Toscana. Grilled Tuscan herb rubbed 14oz Ribeye. Cooked to the temp I asked for, VERY important to this chef:) Topped with a lemon dressed arugula and tomato salad. I love the hot smoky item, topped with something light and refreshing...a really perfect meal!!

My first time was a series of meats and cheeses from the Menu di Enoteca and an appetizer that if I recall was called a Mushroom Crostini. PURELY SUBLIME.

The second visit was almost a year after the first...when I couldn't find the mushroom appetizer on the menu I wasn't too surprised. What did please me was when I explained to the waitress the dish I was looking for, she pointed me to the pasta dish "Schiaffoni alla Norcina" so delicious the pasta with creamy mushroom and truffle sauce. This is more than dinner, it is a life experience! You won't be disappointed!!

Finally the wine. I have never ordered a wine that I knew anything about here and likewise nothing that was on the menu. Go with the special offered that day. The price is never over the top and always delicious!