Siena Tavern

We went to this place while visiting South Beach during our New Year’s «Going to Miami to see Phish» trip. (Not «Going to Miami to seafish» trip) I noticed now that it is permanently closed, which actually doesn’t surprise me. We are more of a hole-​in-​the-​wall type of people, so this place was fancy for us — but I think in this part of the world, everything is glitz and glam, cha-​ching!
We stopped by this establishment mainly because we had a heck of a time finding a place to park on the street, and this place had valet parking plus it looked quite hip — so we tried it.
The location is pretty darn good, on the corner of 5^th Street and Washington Ave. — smack dab in the middle of all the action. When we walked in, we saw the place was almost empty, but it was early on for the lunch crowd, so we didn’t think much of it. The restaurant had a very nice bar, exactly what I’d expect to see in South Beach, and it also had patio seating.
The service was decent, and the food OK. My main complaint would be that the portions were really small and the prices were pretty big. So not a good value. Everything we ordered tasted good, but just not a good value for me.
We had sushi for starters, I forget now what type of fish it was — maybe Hamachi? which was about $ 18, and as you can see, not such a big portion (but maybe par for South Beach?) My girlfriend had a Lobster roll, which was fresh and tasty, but again, a little on the small side. I had a seafood concoction that featured plump lobster claws — good flavor, but I was still hungry afterward.
We had three small dishes, albeit one was an appetizer, no alcoholic drinks, and still our bill was close to $ 80 with tip. This did not include the $ 12 for valet parking, and the tip for the valet guy.
I haven’t read up much on it, but I wonder what reason they gave for closing up shop for good. Even if it was still open, this Unilocaler would not recommend it.

Delicious food
Excellent service
Nice albeit noisy patio area
Meatball and squid ink linguini a must
Sage gnocchi was tasty as well
Great cocktails and wonderful wine selection

Closed for the season, cancelled my reservation without an email or explanation.
Call to hear the VM yourself — 305.534.5577.

Had my birthday dinner at Siena Tavern this year. The service was absolutely amazing!!! The food was beyond great!!! The Coccoli antipasti was delicious, I had never tried stracchino cheese, but omg it was out of this world! The grilled octopus was one of the best I’ve ever had and the T-​bone steak was cooked perfectly and even sliced for sharing. And not to mention how beautiful the restaurant is — all in all I highly recommend it.

The service, food and booze here were spectacular.
We went for lunch after working out at the gym… so we feel that we deserved to indulge.
It ain’t cheap but it’s SO worth it. A great mix of out of towners like us and locals.
Great décor also.

Love everything about this place including chef hotness! Went during happy hour and say at the bar, the gnocchi is amazing and the meatballs to die for!
Great job Fabio!

While taking an evening stroll, my husband and I noticed the building that Siena Tavern is located in. I mean, how can you not with the round façade and bright lights? It peaked our interest so we decided to venture in for a nightcap.
We snagged a couple seats at the bar and were greeted by a very friendly bartender. The hubby tried the No. 7 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a bit under the weather, so I just drank some water. The bar area is really nice with a bunch of TV’s on both sides. Fortunately for my husband, the hockey game he wanted to watch was on, so he was able to catch the 3^rd period.
We had such a great time, that we decided to come back the next night after dinner too. The hubby tried a couple of beers made by a local brewery, Wynwood Brewing. (We’ll have to stop by there the next time we’re in town). I ordered a glass of wine, August Kesseler ‘R’ Reisling. It was delightful. Oh, and we had the same bartender helping us the second night too. He even remembered our order from the previous night. Awesome customer service!
They have a nice outdoors area. If we had a few more days in SoBe, we definitely would have dined here. Unfortunately, we didn’t have an opportunity to try the food, so this is a bar/​drinks/​ambiance review only. I’m reserving the 5^th star until we have an opportunity to try the food. This place was really cool and we can’t wait to come back!

Siena Tavern is THE place to go when looking for a Saturday brunch with bottomless mimosas/​bloody Mary’s. So we came here to celebrate a birthday and the food was awesome! We had a nice big table outside and got to enjoy the beautiful Miami weather while brunching the day away! I ordered the lobster hash and a side order of their sticky potatoes. The service was on point. A little slow on the mimosa refills but still great!
We also brought a homemade cake in made of kit kats and m&m’s and the staff happily cut it for us and plated it fancily as if it were a dessert of their own. So cool! Everyone was very friendly and attentive and the place itself is beautiful! Will definitely come back to try their dinner menu.

I went to Siena Tavern for brunch today to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I’d been to China Grill before, but for some reason the space has a more airy and homey feel to it now. I absolutely loved the outdoor patio, even though we weren’t able to sit out there today. To drink, my friend had a mimosa which she said was delicious. I had the No. 2 cocktail which is made up of grey goose, lime, opal basil and celery bitters. It was fantastic! I loved and highly recommend if if you enjoy tart flavors.
For our appetizer, we shared the Wagyu Beef Meatball which was so so so good! The meatball was my favorite dish by far. I’d definitely order it again. For our entrees, my friend had the avocado toast and I had the truffle scrambled eggs with goat cheese toast. Both dishes were solid, but I wouldn’t have to have them again. I kind of regretted not getting the tavern burger, the tiramisu french toast or the truffle mushroom pizza.
For dessert, we had cappuccinos and the caramel cookie jar. The cappuccinos were perfect (most places don’t get them right). The nutella mouse was a bit bitter which I didn’t’ expect, but the hazelnut cream was delicious. The caramel cookies were good too. I can’t wait to go back for dinner because i’m dying to try the monkeybread.
I thought the service was excellent. There was a moment where the server didn’t come back for a while because the restaurant got slammed all of a sudden. We weren’t in too big a hurry so we didn’t say anything. But one of the managers came by and told us they were comping our dessert and cappuccinos due to the lag in service. That was much appreciated! Also appreciated was the confetti ice cream they surprised my friend with for her birthday. The ice cream was so delicious I almost liked it more than the cookie jar dessert!
The only thing keeping me from giving Siena Tavern 5 stars is the fact that I wasn’t completely in love with the entrees. But, I would ABSOLUTELY go back and can’t wait to try the dinner menu.

Amazing food and service… we came for brunch and had the diavola sandwich, lobster hash and steak and eggs of which all were delicious! Excited to know they have daily happy hour from 6 – 8 which we will definitely have to try.
We just ordered dessert and it’s divine…

Loved the space and the service. The menu was hit-​or-​miss.
I can’t give the 5 stars that I want to give for the mozzarella with balsamic reduction, eggplant and pomegranates (which was out of this world) or the truffle gnocchi that I was blessed to try (also out of this world) because my main course was just bad. I don’t know what happened with the sea bass and kale but it was over cooked and lacking in flavor.
I also need to note that the 3 stars are attributable to a below average seafood tower. It’s hard to mess up seafood but the crabmeat wasn’t lump. It came in a bowl and it looked like it was destined for a California roll. And the tuna tartare (strange choice for a seafood tower) was also not good.
In summary: stick to pasta and the Italian inspired dishes. Avoid the seafood.

Siena Tavern offers all the glitz and glamour of a South Beach dining destination, but with excellent service and delectable Italian eats that you just can’t resist. Unfortunately, the reasonableness of the prices I loved at the Chicago location have gone out the window, in favor of the South Beach «mark up,» but I guess they’ve gotta pay the rent somehow.
I’ve been to Siena Miami now a handful of times, and each time have been able to sample a few new items. Yet there’s still an abundance of delicious-​sounding menu items, cocktails included, in which I’d like to indulge. Start with one of their hand-​crafted numbered cocktails. The #7 is refreshing with St. Germain and ginger beer. It has a tendency to go down wayyyy too easily, so be warned. Cocktails are typical South Beach prices — $ 14/​pop.
For food, you’d be remiss not to check out the coccoli — crispy puffs of dough that you stuff with creamy stracchino cheese and prosciutto. If you’re a meatball fan, Siena’s wagyu iteration is great. I’m not the biggest meatball fan, but did enjoy this.
The pizzas and meat/​cheese platters are great for sharing. The roasted brussels sprouts pizza is a great mix of tangy and sweet. The truffle mushroom pizza is delicious and worth going in for a second slice. When they first opened, Siena offered a delicious farro salad made served with grilled shrimp and calamari, but it’s since been taken off the menu. The tuscan kale caesar is also quite tasty, but tends to be a bit over-​dressed, so I’d go for the dressing on the side.
The pastas are tasty, with the lasagna and gnocchi being favorites. The squid ink linguini and the crab spaghetti are both tasty, but not the best versions of those dishes I’ve ever had. The scallop entrée I tried on one of my first visits was not served as hot as it should’ve been, and left much to be desired. There are a lot more delicious-​sounding pastas and entrees, which I’m sure I’ll sample on future visits.
As for dessert — I can only speak of the key lime icebox cake. It is sinfully scrumptious with toasted coconut. It’s a huge portion and easily shareable for the table.
Overall, prices are as can be expected for South Beach. Expect to drop at least $ 60 – 80 per person, without gratuity, if you get a drink or two. The space is huge, but crowded on weekend evenings. Valet is available (for a price, of course), and street parking can be tricky.
Siena Tavern is a worthy successor to the huge space that formerly housed Siena Tavern. I’m looking forward to making many return visits, and to check out their brunch soon!

Prime location on the beach! I have always adored the location back when China Grill was there. I was so sad when they closed. Happily Siena Tavern came in and Fabio has a wonderful thing going here. Inside is just as gorgeous and so large. The front area has a huge bar. There is just something about this space I have always loved. You just feel good as you dine here. Everything just seems to flow properly.
We came late one evening and decided to sit at the bar. From the moment we sat down the bartenders were top notch. They all had such fanatastic personalities and really mingled with every guest sitting at the bar.
They have a nice wine list to choose from. We chose the Ferrari Carano Siena which is so easy to drink. It is a blend of Sangiovese, Malbec, Petitie Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Siena has delicious aromas of strawberry, plum, blackberry and mocha. Bing cherry flavors are enhanced by sweet oak notes of vanilla and some spice. It is a very elegant wine with soft tannins, lovely viscosity and a nice long finish.
Since it was late we decided to share a plate of papardelle bolognese which is one of my favorite dishes if done right. No surprise the dish was perfectly prepared. Hubby and I very much enjoyed it. Perfect portion size, fresh pasta with great flavor on the bolognese. We enjoyed our few hours hanging out here and look so forward to going back for a full on dinner so we can sample other fantastic dishes. Fabio, you have hit the jackpot here. Excellent food, fabulous service!
Grazie!

I recently had the chance to dine at what was one of the most beautiful restaurants on South Beach. Everything from the décor, to the service, to the homemade pasta was what I describe a great experience. The only disappointment — was that my experience had to end!
First my date and I started with the grilled octopus which was easily the best octopus I’ve had on South Beach. I mean, I’m not exaggerating. Not only was the presentation beautiful, but it was cooked to perfection.
Our waiter was extremely helpful and helped us pick out one of their eight choices of homemade pastas. We then ordered the gnocchi with truffle cream, fried sage and crispy pancetta. I mean, c’mon! The combination of the fried sage with truffle cream was out of this world.
I will absolutely be back to Siena Tavern because it was truly an AH-​MAY-​ZING experience. Thanks Siena Tavern!

Siena Tavern was one of those places that I really wanted to try out. Ever since I heard about it opening, I wanted to visit and see what it was all about. I ended up visiting on a Saturday night with a group of 6. We were initially seated at a high top table near the ovens, but after speaking with the hostess we were moved to a more comfortable table near the window. The staff was very nice and attentive with our request, but I do have to say, the seating is a bit off. I saw about 2 other groups also request to have their tables changed because their tables were in awkward locations.
As for the food, it was wonderful. We started out with the coccoli, grilled octopus, and wagyu beef meatball. I didn’t try the octopus, but the coccoli and meatball were delicious. As for meals, we all tried something different. I shared a truffle mushroom pizza, which was divine. We also got the baked lasagna, a side of potatoes, and they especially made a hamburger for one of us. All in all, the food was great and everyone was really happy with what they chose.
I definitely want to return to Siena Tavern again. My next goal is to try their happy hour and brunch.

Fabulous new hot spot with delicious food. Our server was great, very knowledgeable. Told us the margherita was not a good pizza which we appreciated her saying but we got one anyway and half of us liked it, just FYI. We shared a bunch of pasta dishes and other starters and truly enjoyed all of it. The wine selection was great and well priced. We loved the Valpolicella bottle the best. Ambiance was inviting, open and the crowd was easy on the eyes.
Love this place… will definitely return.

Great brunch!!!
Bottomless mimosas that you blend yourself & bloody mary’s! Beautiful place & easy to valet parking with an app that you can request your car & pay with. The mushroom scrambled eggs with truffle & the toast was delicious and also the lobster hash. And the monkey bread was the best part. And Soe the waiter was probably one of the best & nicest waiters I’ve ever experienced.
Definitely a must brunch place!

After much anticipation I finally came. We ordered the 5 cheese pizza, the Brussel sprouts salad and the grilled octopus. Best of all the octopus hands down!
The Brussel sprouts salad was very good but a little overpriced. As of the pizza, the crust was thin and crispy just how I like it :) Please do not leave this place without trying the Bamboloni! AMAZING!
Will be back :)

Happy anniversary Siena Tavern! You have only been open 2 weeks (today) and you are doing a phenomenal job.
Walking in to the former China Grill space was very exciting for me. It’s a spot I always loved and it’s been very depressing to see it abandoned all these years. Even more exciting was seeing just how beautiful the renovation turned out. The restaurant truly went all out. So much detail everywhere you look! It’s modern, rustic, and chic all rolled into one.
I was a little weary given Fabio’s popularity. Because of that, I was really expecting a tourist trap. I am happy to report that the restaurant is not all for show. The ambiance remains casual even with all the expected pretty-​Miami-​party-​people prancing around and the food and service are actually SOLID. I have now been there twice and the first time was on their 4^th day of being opened. You wouldn’t know it though, the staff must have had some incredible training. From the hostess, to the bartenders, to the waiter, to the managers walking around, everything was as smooth as can be. Just one week later, I visited again and the experience was just as good. Our friends could not believe they had only been open that short of a time.
Let’s talk about the food. There are plenty of choices on the menu: something for everyone and the portions are great. It’s pricey, but I find it’s priced very well for South Beach (with a couple of exceptions). Some highlights are the mozzarella bar, pizzas, and crudos that are offered in addition to the expected pastas and meaty entrees.
Coccoli: ORDER IT! This is a crispy dough which is croissant– like. You take the accompanying stracchino cheese and prosciutto di Parma with truffle honey, make a little sandwich with it, and are instantly transported to dreamland. Mmm, mmm, mmm.
Hamachi crudo: It’s not attractively plated, but it was excellent!
Tuna crudo: one of my favorites!
Stone crabs: perfectly fresh and Miami worthy!
Burrata: fresh and delicious
Wagyu Meatball: it has its own Twitter account. Really. I think it’s good, but not out-​of-​this-​world good. I just don’t feel like spending the $ 22 with every visit. This one was a one time novelty thing for us.
Truffle mushroom pizza: Delicious. We ordered it with extra cheese and it was perfect.
Burnt pepperoni pizza: Not enough cheese IMHO. Should have asked for more. Just OK
Gnocchi: very savory, although it was a little overcooked the second time around.
Short rib ravioli: I found this one a little boring and the plating was dated. Not wild about it.
Squid ink linguini: grilled lobster tail, spicy lobster cream and shaved green onions. LOVED IT!
Pappardelle bolognese: hearty! Very good. It’s a good idea to share this one.
Colorado lamb tenderloin: Asked for it medium and it came well done instead. The portion was small compared to others I have had in the area and it was tasteless. I’m almost positive someone just dropped the ball on this one and forgot several key ingredients. That said, they took it back (when I commented on it) and did not charge us for it. Classy move!
36oz. dry aged porterhouse (serves two) florentine style, rosemary-​garlic rub, grilled lemon. If you are going to splurge, this is it! Better than J&G Grill’s and better than The Dutch’s (and that’s a big claim). SIMPLY SPECTACULAR! I’m dreaming of having this again.
Charred shishito peppers: GREAT side!
Bomboloni: small bottles with whiskey caramel, chocolate hazelnut, and raspberry chianti accompany these small doughnuts for you to «inject» into them. Very good. That said, have them BEFORE the monkeybread since it’s intensely sweet compared to this one.
Caramel cookie jar: it looks pretty, and the cookies were good, but this was one was just blah. Nutella mousse, hazelnut cream, chocolate drizzle, and caramel cookies.
Monkeybread: If you have a sweet tooth, this is the dessert for you. Just perfect! In love with this dish and will keep me returning time and time again for it.
There are still so many things on the menu I cannot wait to try. Siena Tavern is a great spot for groups or a just fun night out. There is a DJ playing (although the music is not too loud) and I love the varied seating options: booths, regular tables, high tops, outside tables, or at the bar. too The corkage to bring in your wine is $ 25. I have not tried their cocktails yet, but knowing they were designed by our very own Bar Lab peeps means they are probably very good. Also continuing with the local theme, I had a glass of Wynwood Brewery’s LA RUBIA during one of my visits. Score! I love that they offer that and more.
I wish Fabio would have stopped by our table (like he did some others) especially given the restaurant’s newness! It was great seeing him engaged and hard at work. He must have a great team working with him. It cannot be easy to deliver given everything else he’s simultaneously involved in!
Go show this place some love Miami, you won’t be disappointed.

Food was delicious. Our server Vicky was very attentive .
We had a great table and we had someone taking care of us the whole evening .
For starters we had the shaved Brussels sprouts salad and the meatball .
For dinner we had the crab spaghetti and truffle mushroom pizza.