Sirena Serious Eat Italian - Overhyped & Disappointing Experience This restaurant was recommended during a wine tasting by someone who is very knowledgeable and well-traveled when it comes to food and wine, so I went in expecting a really elevated Italian experience. I made a reservation right away because we were told it was necessary -- but when we arrived there were plenty of open tables. It didn't feel like reservations were needed at all, which was confusing. The host even seemed surprised that we had one. We were seated at a very small two-person table tucked into a corner by the window, despite there being more open space available. It felt cramped and not very thoughtful in terms of seating. Service was another challenge. Our server was polite, but there was a clear language barrier that made it difficult to understand menu explanations or get recommendations. With a smaller, more curated menu, that guidance really matters -- and we didn't get it. We ordered the Tagliatelle Bolognese, which was decent but not memorable. For a place that's described as "top-notch" and made-from-scratch, I expected more depth and wow factor. The best part of the meal was honestly the bread, which was excellent -- we even bought a loaf to take home. Dessert was the Tartufo al Caffè and while it wasn't what I initially expected, it was enjoyable and a nice finish to the meal. Overall, this experience didn't live up to the hype. Between the unnecessary reservation requirement, cramped seating, communication issues, and food that didn't stand out, it just wasn't worth it for us. We both agreed we wouldn't return. read more

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Sirena was highly recommended so my friend and I were very excited to stop in and try it out. As soon as we walked in, we stood at the counter for a while, waiting to be greeted. The restaurant was small but absolutely beautiful, I loved the decor. After a few minutes, the owner walked over and asked my friend, "Can I help you?". Can I help you lol?!? I thought that was such an odd question to ask! He didn't look at me at all when he asked the question. She mentioned to him that we had a 6:30pm reservation, which he then proceeded to look around the restaurant to find us a table. Mind you, the restaurant was practically empty. He found us a table tucked in the corner of the restaurant. There were a plenty of other open tables that we could have been seated at but he sat us at a very tight, 2-person table literally tucked in a corner. Our server brought us the menu and explained that we needed to order everything all at once. Unfortunately, she was a tad bit hard to understand so we had to ask a few follow up questions for clarity! I ordered the Calamari Fritti as my starter. The owner brought it out and practically tossed the plate in front of me. Since my friend mentioned that she can't eat seafood, he snatched the small plates from our table and told us we didn't need it. It was just very odd. The calamari was very fresh and tasted great though! Our entrees were brought out shortly after. I decided on the Tagliatelle Bolognese. It was pretty good but nothing to write home about; however, it paired well with my Cabernet Sauvignon. We ended the evening with some dessert. I ordered the Cannolis "to go" and my friend tried the Tartufo al Caffé, which was a chocolate truffle paired with a shot of espresso. It was actually very tasty. Overall, I wish I can say I had a better experience. The service made me feel slightly unwelcome and the food was good but I don't plan on returning. read more

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We just had a party of four celebration of friendship on our last night in Viginia Beach. 4 antipastas, 3 full specialty meals and 4 splendid deserts. The food was great quality ingredients that were exceptionally prepared and beautifully presented. The service was without fault with just the right amount of engagement during and post meal. We would love to come back and sample more. Thank you for a great night of food and enjoyment. read more

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Visited with my family that lives in the area. I must say, coming from NYC, this place is as good as places I eat in back home. The service was excellent! The food quality was excellent!! Owner came around to check how everything was. read more

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The exterior of the restaurant doesn't give any hints about how fantastic this Italian spot is. We made reservations, which I highly recommend because it is a small place with limited seating and they definitely get busy. If we didn't have the reservation, we would have been lucky to get a seat at the bar but that really would have been our only hope. It's located in a strip mall and to be honest, when I pulled up, I was a tad disappointed, but I quickly reminded myself not to judge a book by its cover (or a restaurant by the storefront entrance). We were greeted wholeheartedly by the hostess and another gentleman who seemed to be the owner. We were seated quickly and taken care of by a young server who knew the menu like the back of her hand. She gave some suggestions and we enjoyed every bite of our meal. The bruschetta was traditionally prepared, very simple and delicious. Same with the calamari. A friend had specifically recommended the Veal Saltimbocca, so we tried that along with a pasta dish. Both were incredible. I can't remember the name of the pasta dish but it had a nice mint flavor and perfectly al dente pasta. We ordered plenty, but couldn't pass up dessert. It was so hard to choose because they have lovely options. No bites were left behind and we left extremely full and happy. One visit and I truly believe this is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Make sure to bookmark this place and make reservations for a lovely night out! read more

Sirena - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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What a lovely unassuming establishment! You can tell there were plenty of regulars visiting on this Friday evening. Service was excellent, the food was probably the closest in authenticity we had, in comparison to the food I have had in Italy. The bread was soft and perfect with their olive oil/balsamic/rosemary dip. Each of our entrees were cooked perfectly, and the desserts were also really good. The only thing I wish that was done was to disclose that the tartufo dessert had nuts in it (I think hazelnuts). Luckily my son and I switched desserts and he preferred the tiramisu anyway. All in all, we will definitely be back. read more

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Small, not assuming place in a strip mall that hit every expectation of a small Italian restaurant. The olives and cheese appetizer was just the right size. The homemade Italian bread and olive oil balsamic were perfect. My Buccini was cooked to perfection and the prices were fantastic for the Level of service and quality of food. Make reservations for sure on the weekend by leaving a voicemail and they are quick to respond. We did not have a reservation, but after leaving a voicemail within 20 minutes, we had one. Score! read more

Celebrated my 25th anniversary here. It was a great local Italian restaurant in great neck. Slow on the service but the food was wonderful. Worth the wait and the ambiance was great! read more

Sirena - Carbonera - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This small Italian restaurant is hidden if you're not looking closely. There isn't a large bright sign, but let me tell you it shines once you experience it. Seating is limited so depending on the day you may want to make a reservation. There is a bar and about 12 tables. They have a very good wine list. We started with the Bruschetta and then the carbonara and gnocchi. The carbonara was cooked to a perfect al dente the cheese and pancetta were delish. The gnocchi was in a tomato base sauce that had pulled veal, celery, and carrot. This brought back memories of my grandmother's sauce and it measured up as well. We ended with tiramisu. Which was just the right end to the meal. This was the most traditional Italian meal that I have had in Hampton Roads. The pasta and sauces were homemade. The meal was delish and the staff and ambiance were an addition to the meal. The owner walked around the entire time talking to each. This night was 5 stars from the moment we walked in. If you want fresh him made pasta and sauces then you NEED to go to Sirena's. read more

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A nice boutique Italian restaurant. They don't allow walk-ins and aren't on open table, so likely need to call directly for reservations. They let us seat anyway when we arrived early. The service is fantastic and excellent attention to detail. A nice wine list to compliment the meals. The prices are reasonable and portions are a reasonable serving. The food was a bit bland for my taste but a little seasoning at the table helped. The environment is intimate but not very warm and cozy, likely a byproduct of being in a strip mall environment. Worthy of another visit to try some new dishes, in this guests opinion. read more

Sirena - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This restaurant is truly exceptional- every appetizer, entree and dessert was perfectly executed Server very knowledgeable about the daily specials and wine parings. Certainly not the caliber of restaurant typically found in a strip mall .. so much better ! read more

Sirena - Veal medallions Grilled artichoke, cherry tomatoes - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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The best Italian food in Virginia Beach! I love the Carbonara! The restaurant has a very intimate setting and is perfect for a date night read more

Sirena - Spaghetti alla carbonara - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Our first time visiting Sirena and what an amazing experience! Our meal was excellent, and Audry gave us stellar service. After cocktails, we started from the menu with Bruschetta and Melanzane al Forno. Enjoyed a wonderful wine flight with dinner from the expansive special offerings, and finished with a tartufo swimming in a delightful bath of espresso and Grand Marnier. Sirena is well worth waiting for the reservation and we plan to return again and again. We would rate 25 stars if available! read more

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One of the best authentic Italian restaurants in VB. It's a must try! You won't regret it :) read more

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Ever since Ive been to Italy and actually had real the chance to eat real Italian food, Ive hd high standards when it came to it. And for me, Sirena for me has to be one of the closest to authentic Italian food in the area. The owner, who is always greeting and talking to his guests is from Sicily. He is always there to answer any questions you have on the menu and always there to make you have a better experience at his establishment. The food here is amazing. Everything is made in their kitchen and made from scratch. Regardless of what you get, there is always a burst of flavor on your palette. I went there yesterday with 2 other friends and we tried each other's food and all of us agreed whatever we had was all good. Their restaurant accepts reservations but also take walk ins. They give you a certain ambiance as dimmed ambiance just so you know when you walk but it suits the place. So if you are looking authentic Italian and you are in the Great Neck area not too far from the Oceanfront definitely visit this spot. You will not regret it. read more

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Sirena serves real Italian food! There's a food review article hanging on the wall that states it best: "no meatballs, no kids menu, just Italian Italian food." That said, Sirena is a great spot that was recommended to us by friends who live in that area. I had not ever heard of it otherwise, but am glad that we've now been introduced to this gem. Upon walking in, it feels like a place that you'd need reservations for, but we were able to walk in and be seated immediately on a busy Thursday night. (There's actually a sign outside that says "Walk-ins Welcomed.") The menu is varied and very rich with all types of traditional pastas and meats including veal and chicken. I had the Tagliatelle with the best traditional Bolognese I've had in a long time. It was thick and meaty with just the right balance of flavors. There was a mixup with my dish at first and the server and kitchen staff moved at light speed to correct it. The dish was served piping hot and with really nice Italian bread. The wine menu is extensive. Pretty much every type is available by the glass, but really by-the-bottle is a better value for two people. There is a full bar, as well, that seats about 5 or 6 people. It looked to be a pretty lively spot. Throughout our meal, the Manager (I assume he's the Owner, too), was moving about keeping things on track in the dining room and in the kitchen. His attention to detail and passion for the restaurant were obvious and ensured the experience was great. His employees clearly aim to please and all are very friendly. I can't wait to visit again! read more

We visited Sirena Serious EATalian last evening for or 48th wedding Anniversary. We used to eat at Sirena's regularly when they were located in Downtown Norfolk but have not visited their location on West Neck road as often since it is a significant ride from our South Chesapeake home. We have been missing a lot of quality Italian based food. I ordered the Medallions of Veal sautéed in wine with artichokes and cherry tomatoes, it came with spaghetti in the same sauce as the veal. The flavor was vibrant and the four veal cutlets could be cut with a fork. I would definitely order this again. My wife had the Lasagna (only available on Tuesday) which was all homemade (pasta, sauce, bolognese and cheese). The size was an approximate 6" x 6" square about 4" thick.This was not your fast food commercial lasagna but was rich in flavor and not drowned in a red sauce. We ordered a Caesar and Gorgonzola Poached Pear salad which were generous and well seasoned. For desert we had homemade tiramisu and a Creme Brûlée. The Creme Brûlée had a hint of orange flavor and the custard was perfectly set with a thin sugar crust which was browned but not burnt. The Tiramisu was a 4" square dusted with cocoa powder. The custard and lady fingers were properly flavored and delicious. The owner, Fabio Rinaldi, greeted us at the door and returned to our table several times throughout the evening to make sure things were okay. I would recommend reservations since the restaurant is limited to about 12 tables. Not opened on Sunday and holidays. read more

Best Italian in VB! So fresh and authentic. Love the chicken cutlet with arugula salad

Will definitely be going back! The staff was friendly. Our server was attentive. The food was amazing. Can't say enough good things about it. read more

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Was craving authentic spaghetti carbonara and wanted to celebrate my birthday in a cozy setting, with lively chatter and the tunes of Bocelli (and other Italian greats) filling the room. Sirena delivered that and so much more. While apprehensive to venture out and dine alone on a Saturday night, the owner and staff of Sirena made me feel welcomed and valued - I was seated promptly and the owner/server checked on me periodically. The food was unbelievably delicious and the glass of Rosso di Montalcino was pleasant as well! I had forgotten they bring slices of warm bread to the table - another delightful addition to the dining experience. I will definitely return on other occasions and I thank the owners/staff for their passion, dedication, and for bringing a slice of Italy to Hampton Roads! Grazie mille! read more

Sirena - Polpo alla Griglia (grilled octopus) - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This place is tucked away in the corner of a strip mall and I never even knew it was there, despite eating at the sushi place two doors down. A friend recommended we try this place out, she said it was the best Italian place in VB. We decided to drop in on aTuesday because they make their pasta fresh on Tuesdays. The lasagna was very good and this will be a new go to spot for me. The bruschetta and calamari was out of this world! Great appetizers! The double expresso finished everything off perfectly. read more

Sirena - Canoli was delicious!!! - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Once you really start to relax and eat the dishes , one starts to appreciate the quality of the food despite the seeming simplicity. After recreating a few dishes at home , I have a new appreciation of the quality ingredients and mastering of the recipes on the menu. They stay with what they know and do it well. Leave a message for reservations on the phone and they will text you back. read more

I cannot imagine what has led to this place only having four stars. It should have 10. (Yeah, I know.) The food here is outrageously good. Everything I have tasted has been fresh and/or perfectly cooked. It isn't gorgeous inside in terms of decor, but the atmosphere is lovely, cultivated by good servers. The wine list is solid and there is a full bar. If you love real, good Italian food, this is a must-stop. read more

I visited this place a couple weeks ago. As soon as I walk in, the owner is arguing with a customer over a reservation. He insisted she didn't have one and she said the opposite. Who knows but it was the way he handled it. He wasn't yelling loudly but it was such a disturbance the entire restaurant was watching. We sat down for a mediocre dinner at best. The owner was complaining constantly they didn't have anyone to work and was clearly frustrated. That's fine but extremely unprofessional. We spent several hundred dollars and were trying to enjoy our night. After dinner I requested Limoncello for our group before we left. He looked at me and rudely stated we don't serve shots here. So embarrassing. I will Never visit this place again. The bathroom was filthy also. read more

Some close friends recommend the place here in Great Neck and I was skeptical as we had been to the location in. Norfolk years ago and never went back. OMG, The food and atmosphere (even in this covid world we live in) was amazing. My husband got the "Aquarium" (a seafood pasta mix in a red sauce with yummy pasta) and I got the carbonara. ahhhhhhmazing. The menu description says "as close to Rome you can get without the airfare" and they are right. It did not disappoint. I didn't want the bowl to end. I will be back again and again. read more

Sirena - Carbonara-delish!! - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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First time visit after hearing rave reviews and I could not imagine that it would not be a great visit. So the just at, or above par is a little surprising. The location off of N. Great Neck may be a little difficult to see from the road. Look for the Food Lion and this will be helpful. Signage cannot be seen until you are close. Parking is plentiful and the lot was clean as was the walk in front. I visited Sirena for lunch and arrived around 10 minutes prior to their open at 11:30 AM. I did not know that and tried the door which was locked and then saw the posted time. Our party waited only seconds for the door to open and then close as if to say we are open, come in. So we did just that and stepped in to have a man who would later be our waiter ask us to step outside until they opened. Of course they have every right to do so, but awkward to do so when standing inside and could have just as easily waited by hostess check-in. Our party of three was seated with menus and drink order completed. The menu is large and lots to choose from, so guidance by a well trained wait staff is always appreciated. The waiter came back with drinks and when asked about recommendations he said "everything is good"...well okay I guess no recommendations. We looked a bit more and our waiter came back to take our order. No bread was offered, but they have bread plates at the table. The entrees are served with a house, or Caesar Salad. I thought the waiter was professional, maybe too much so that there was no personality, no smile, but polite at all times. I asked the waiter how long they had been open and they are almost at a one year anniversary at this location and previously were in downtown Norfolk on Granby St. I recall coming to this establishment years back when it was a breakfast-lunch diner joint called Beckett's. It has been transformed with booths taken out and tables and chairs installed. Tile floors and attractive crimson walls. The art on the walls is pleasing decor for an Italian restaurant. A partition divides the dining room and small bar that was the same location of previous business. The bar had paper work and office supplies to the side and appeared messy to me. The most striking issue that I had was the lack of lighting. I can see for a dinner service, but not lunch. The restrooms are also in the same location to the back right. I did wash up prior to eating and found them in excellent condition with proper supplies. Our salads were served quickly. I thought my Caesar was fresh and scrumptious. The house salads were large and looked fantastic. There were a few customers beginning to trickle in, but they were never busy during our entire stay of a few hours. Probably around 15 minutes after our salads were served the entrees came out. Two out three had finished their salad and one had not and got a bowl of some type of soup. The tables are small so it was somewhat challenging to maneuver. The one person in our party questioned the waiter as to what she had and told him that is not what she ordered. The waiters retort was that is what you pointed at. Instead of immediately just taking care of replacing the meal it was discussed and my friend said she would accept it. Our party was in no hurry at all and enjoyed the meals. My Penne alla Vodka portobello was delicious. It would have been nice to have bread with it is my only complaint. Also no grated cheese was offered which I do usually add. My friend who got the incorrect order was not enjoying and her portion size was miniscule compared to mine. I had no idea at the time on the price of her entree, but mine was $10.50 and I thought a very fair price point for the size and inclusion of a salad. My friend did not want question the bill, but was shocked her cheese ravioli was $17.28 with tax. I must say something just seems wrong and she was planning on calling them back to discuss this and service issues. During our meals waters were slow to be refilled, but never hit the bottom at this point. After we all finished up I recalled my favorite desert on their menu and wanted to try the creme brulee. However, the waiter said they were out which was disappointing. Our waiter never asked how to deliver the check, together or separate. So when it arrived on one ticket we asked for it to be split which was done without a hitch. We visited at the table for over another hour and was never approached again for water refills even though two, out of three were empty. We needed next to no maintenance, but service should have continued until we left. The ball was dropped here. When we left to my recollection the waiter was no where to be found to say thank you and please return. The service alone was weak enough to peg them at a 2.5 and will round up with a clean and attractive dining room and delicious dish. I probably will not rush back, but would like to see how a dinner service compares as well another waiter. read more

Sirena - Penne alla Vodka con portobello - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This is not a bad Italian spot. It's nothing special to me, but as for Italian food an area that has not many decent Italian spots, I would say it's a slightly above average place. Service was great. The food and portions were ok but not a bad spot, just an alright spot. read more

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Really solid Italian... owner is very engaging and takes pride in everything that leaves the kitchen it seems...interesting menu and well priced wine list... cozy atmosphere read more

The food was amazing, service was terrible. Once she took the order, the entrees came to the table and was not what was ordered, and did not come back by to see if we needed another beverage. If you're looking for an accommodating restaurant, this isn't the one. read more

We decided to come here for a spur of the moment date night a few weeks back to break up the work week. We haven't had Italian food in awhile and we came across this place on Yelp with some good reviews. When we arrived for dinner (around 6.30) there was only two other patrons in the whole restaurant, and they were sitting at the bar; this made us feel a little uneasy since we weren't sure if this restaurant wasn't good or if it was just a slow night. We took a chance and got a table. Our waiter was very professional, nice, and checked up on us multiple times. I would give the service 5 stars. Another worker came by and checked up on us as well and they were both very knowledgeable of the menu. The ambiance is semi romantic with mood lightning and candles that light up each table. We wanted to order the grilled octopus but unfortunately that wasn't available that night. We went with an order of the calamari instead and it was spectacular! It's some of the best I've had in recent memory! The calamari was lightly battered and seasoned and really melted in your mouth. On top of that they give you a HUGE plate for the calamari and for $10 it's definitely worth it. I am not a sauce guy but the red sauce it came with was delicious. For my entree I got the Spaghetti alla Carbonara: house made pancetta, imported romano with spaghetti. This dish was very rich and also really good. I think I filled up too much on their complimentary bread and calamari that I was only able to finish about 2/3rd of the dish and take the rest home. My wife got the Orecchiette con Rapini and she said she enjoyed it although I think I enjoyed my dish more than she did. The prices were a little high for the entrees (close to $20) but I think we got quality meals made with great ingredients. I would definitely come here again for the food and the service was really memorable. I hope the next time we come they have the octopus! read more

Obsessed with place. The food is so authentic and delicious. Great for a family dinner, date night or a solo dining experience. I will be back again soon for the calamari, the spaghetti carbonara, and the tiramisu -- so good read more

This is one of our absolute favorite places. It's small, and the food is outstanding, so reservations do fill up fairly quickly. Fabio does a great job keeping the authentic feel and authentic food of a true Italian restaurant. read more

Walked in for dinner excited to try after hearing good things. Called for a reservation and was told to text the number and we did. Came in and stood at the hostess stand for 10 minutes while being ignored by 3 different servers who made eye contact before we decided to leave and try another spot. Im not one to leave a negative review, but need to make sure the business is aware of the lack of customer service. read more

This place is really nice. Great atmosphere, friendly staff. Food is very fresh, I had the lasagne and it was amazing. They have a really nice super tuscan by the glass. And the food tastes really fresh! read more

We ordered to go and it was amazing! We stopped in on a Thursday evening to place the order and it only took 20 minutes. The food was piping hot when we got it back home and delicious!! They have very generous portion sizes. We can't wait to go back! read more

We just wanted to tell you that Saturday evening we came in and the food was so good it gives us the desire for more. It's been a year at least since we dined with you (for obvious reasons). We are so excited to find your passion for making great food is alive and kicking (as it has been in the past!). We appreciate it so much! The vodka penne with portobello was amazing, the fish special was terrific! Also, the veal medallions were spectacular! I can't wait to come back and order from the menu again. Thank you for all you do! Best wishes and good fortune. read more

By far the best Italian restaurant I've eaten at in decades. Excellent food, service, atmosphere. Wouldn't go anywhere else. A must place to visit. read more

Sirena - Mussels and clams - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This is the third time I've been to this place. The 2nd and third time I went the owner wouldn't seat us. I never write reviews because I generally like the restaurants I attend. If I don't like them, I simply don't go back. The reason I'm leaving a review is because I went tonight around 8:15. There was a huge sign that said not seating before 7:30. I was thinking we should be ok because it was well after 7:30 when we arrived. People were walking out and we waited at the front door for about 20 minutes no sign of any staff just people talking and some staring at us waiting there. My husband finally went to find someone and he just told him, I'm not going to serve anymore people tonight. If that's the case he should've had wait staff to come upfront and have a sign that said that instead of have customers wait forever and a day to be seated. It's very unprofessional for a business. The only reason I gave him 2 stars because the food was good the 1st time I went. I got some odd vibes from him the 1st time I went and he was sick so I just assumed he was having a bad day. Also he doesn't answer the phone when you call. He needs to hire some more people to come in and help out because that is ridiculous! read more

Sirena - The fact I called the restaurant several times and he didn't answer the phone or respond to the message. - Italian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Best Italian in the area. Authentic. Delicious. Love the specials. Italian owner very nice and clearly cares about the quality of food he serves. Definitely recommend read more

We did carry out from Sirena. It was easy to order and arrange a pick-up time. The food was exactly as ordered and packaged perfectly. Our food was terrific. Everything was delicious. Also, when I went into the restaurant to get the food, they were following the guidelines from masks to distancing of tables. We highly recommend Sirena. read more