Siena — Restaurant in East Greenwich

Pass on Siena - Great food, but very poor service. This restaurant doesn't warrant a visit until they fix the service element, including the absentee manager. Prices are way to high for failed service!!!! Visit a service oriented restaurant instead!!!!

We decided to visit an Italian restaurant for dinner near North Kingston, Rhode Island on Jan 11, 2021. I figured I would also conduct a review. We selected Siena at 5600 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI. The restaurant looked beautiful from the outside, and it was so inside the main dinning room. We checked the menu to review the available options. The items were at the high end of reasonable. The selections looked very promising, so we dined-in. We were promptly seated by a hostess/waitress at a table for two in a side section of the restaurant. This section was much more plain than the main dining area. This section was definitely colder than desirable. My companion needed to keep her jacket on through dinner. We received service promptly. We received our requested water and tea quickly. We ordered in a very timely manner as well. The waitress was courteous and polite, but not friendly. Thr other servers seemed exceptionally friendly and very attentive. The speaking volume of the table was very loud and really should have prompted the attention of the server/Manager to ask them to keep it at a reasonable volume OR to offer other guests a table elsewhere, or address it in some manner, as a casual conversation could not be had. The waitress delivered our entrees and nothing else. For an entree over $20, in a nice Italian restaurant, it would be reasonable to expect a small salad and some wonderful fresh bread, as is customary in Italian restaurants. We certainly expected at least the bread because bread plates were on the table. No salad and no bread!

The entrees were served by the now somewhat unattentive server who clearly was not all present. She showed up at the table three times, to take our order, deliver our order and to literally toss the check on the table.

The Braised Short Rib and Gnocchi Pomodoro were very good. The Pomodoro sauce was plentiful and an item I wanted to devour, but it proved impossible to do as we were provided no bread or spoon to consume it. The restaurant choose to not provide a spoon as they wanted to be more authentically Italian. As a result a great deal of the chefs/cooks efforts in the delightful sauce went to waste, in the trashcan, instead of across my tastebuds. We passed on dessert, because it was far to loud, to the point of being grating and very annoying.

After processing the bill I spoke with the hostess and then the Manager, as she finally appeared on the floor. I inquired about the existence of the bread plate on the table when there was no bread delivered. She seemed shocked and stated bread is required by policy. I also asked how one is supposed to enjoy the lovely sauces since I had only a fork, that immediately drained the sauce tauntingly back into the bowl. I was 'told' I could have requested a spoon. It was a review, so I wanted the real experience as intended. I did get a half-hearted apology from the manager. I also explained that we left early, no dessert, because of the very loud table and the disappointing experience to that point... so no dessert review here. I was offered a different table at this point, so we could order dessert, if desired. I explained we already paid and were no longer interested.

The manager could/should have made a presence on the floor and could have addressed the concerns/issues timely, but never showed on the floor during our meal. The section had only 5 tables of guests and three servers, so it was not overwhelming. Our waitress was observed prepping napkins rolled up with forks and a knife throughout our visit, in the backroom area.

Pass on Siena until the service failures are addressed...

The food here was absolutely amazing. So positively satisfied, I would give it four stars... but first impressions mean a lot. So my only complaints here lie with the hostess. After walking in and telling her we had a reservation but were about 15 minutes early, she found my name in the system, said “Okay” and then started tinkering away at her computer, pointing at tables and chatting with other employees as if she was working on it... and all the while, we just stood there for ten minutes literally leaning on the hostess station with no clue what to do. Eventually it became clear that she was going about other business. She proceeded to seat other people who came in after us, without indicating whether or not we should wait in the bar or step aside because it would take a few minutes to prep the table. I realize we were early. I realize the people who came in behind us might have had reservations before us. I can respect that. I was in no rush. They were waiting for a table and/or prepping one. That’s great. But please advise us what to do next because she was literally talking through us and past us and over our heads to address the people behind us as they came in and out. We felt like we were in the way. We felt that we should move, but didn’t know to where because she hadn’t instructed us on what was happening next. It was awkward to be left standing at the hostess station, in everyone’s path, with no idea if I should walk off and use the restroom, because she kept grabbing menus and walking off as if she was going to seat us... and then she’d do something else. A good hostess welcomes and directs customers. I finally had to interrupt her and ask “So, are we being seated or are we waiting? I’d like to use the restroom and find a place at the bar or something if it’s going to be a while.” She then told me they were prepping a table. Wonderful. But she should be offering that information to me right away when I arrive, not making me ask what’s up. Say something like “Wonderful. I see you here in the system. It’ll just be ten minutes if you’d like to check your coats and wait at the bar.” Or “Great. You’re all checked in. Unfortunately we don’t have any tables available just yet because you’re early, but if you’d like to wait in the bar or step aside...” Easy. Customer Service 101.

I also could have done without the hostess instructing me to remove my baseball cap as I was still in the midst of sliding into my booth and hadn’t even removed my coat yet, nor fully settled into my seat. I don’t need to be lectured on etiquette — I always remove my hat at the table. I don’t need to be schooled on manners in front of my entire dinner party, especially in a place where people are wearing jeans and sneakers and cheering at the sports on TV. It was cold that night. The place was packed. I had been made to stand directly in front of the door for ten minutes while people went in an out, so I kept my coat and my hat on. The food is perfection... but you’re not THAT fancy that you need to lecture me before I’ve even shucked my jacket. People don’t hoot and holler drunkenly in upscale restaurants. School the hostess on proper treatment of a customer first. Then, when you see someone has been seated and ordered and STILL hasn’t removed their hat... then you can politely ask them to remove it. I surely didn’t see her schooling the woman at the next table for rudely digging into her meal before the rest of the table had received...

Every Friday evening, a close-knit group of individuals, bound by the unbreakable ties of family, embarks on a delightful tradition of venturing out to indulge in a delectable dinner experience, each member taking turns in selecting the esteemed establishment of their choice. Last Friday, our discerning palates led us to the enchanting realm of Siena, where we were privileged to partake in an extraordinary culinary journey that left an indelible mark on our hearts and taste buds. Our collective experience was nothing short of extraordinary, as laughter reverberated through the air, forging unforgettable memories within the cozy confines of this establishment. The ambiance exuded an unparalleled warmth and hospitality, enveloping us in a comforting embrace that set the stage for an evening of unparalleled enjoyment. The gastronomic offerings presented before us were nothing short of extraordinary, tantalizing our senses and transcending our expectations. The libations, carefully crafted and expertly paired, proved to be a symphony of flavors that danced upon our palates, leaving us in awe of the masterful artistry that was showcased before us. In the midst of this gastronomic extravaganza, our attentive and gracious waitress, Victoria, emerged as a beacon of excellence. Her engaging demeanor, unwavering attentiveness, and genuine care for our well-being were evident in every interaction, making us feel valued and cherished as guests. She exhibited an unparalleled level of professionalism, attentively catering to our dietary restrictions, particularly with regards to gluten allergies, ensuring that our dining experience was not only memorable but also safe. Furthermore, the general manager of Siena, recognizing the importance of personal connection, graced our table with their presence, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the utmost satisfaction of their esteemed patrons. This display of genuine care and dedication further solidified our belief in the exceptional caliber of service that Siena in East Greenwich consistently delivers. Our evening at Siena was an exquisite amalgamation of laughter, camaraderie, and culinary brilliance. From the warm and inviting atmosphere to the impeccable service provided by Victoria and the attentiveness of the general manager, every aspect of our experience was meticulously curated to perfection. Siena has undoubtedly etched itself into our collective memory as a beacon of excellence in the realm of...