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Siena Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Siena Tavern
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Siena Tavern leans into a loud, party-friendly take on modern Italian, pairing housemade pastas and pizzas with big-format cocktails and a DJ-adjacent vibe. Since 2013 it has anchored Kinzie’s going-out strip for groups who want sharable plates and a social scene in one stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu beef meatball, Rigatoni alla vodka, Gnocchi with truffle cream
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-energy Italian spot where big meatballs, pizzas, and cocktails drive the night.
Who should go: Groups wanting buzzy Italian with strong drinks.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for peak scene and DJ energy.
What to order: Wagyu meatball, rigatoni alla vodka, truffle gnocchi.
Insider tip: Book earlier in the evening if you want conversation-friendly noise levels.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during dinner service along Kinzie (rates in line with downtown valet); street parking is limited in the evening and most guests use nearby River North garages.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most groups lean dressy for the nightlife-forward vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation can be challenging near the bar and DJ areas; quieter earlier in the evening or at weekday lunches.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally little to no wait, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several salads, pizzas, and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or adapted on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be modified, but options are better with advance communication to the server.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free (including select pastas and pizzas), but availability may vary — ask your server when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy date than a quiet, get-to-know-you dinner — the scene is lively and social, with conversation easier earlier in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables are released as they open up, but weekends book up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for families at earlier meal times, but the space skews adult and party-forward at night; not ideal for very young kids during late weekend service.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group dinners, celebratory outings, and social, share-heavy Italian with cocktails in a buzzy River North setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic Italian dinner, white-tablecloth service, or a menu with extensive vegan or allergy-specific accommodations.
Siena Tavern
8.6
Fabio Viviani’s Siena Tavern is a modern Italian standby where housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a lively bar scene anchor a big, buzzy River North corner. The sidewalk patio doubles as a dog-friendly hang, so you’ll see pups parked next to truffle gnocchi and Aperol spritzes once the weather cooperates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi with truffle cream, fried sage & crispy pancetta, Squid Ink Linguine with grilled lobster tail, Rigatoni Alla Vodka with parmesan and burrata
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Scratch-made pasta, a scene-y bar, and a dog-friendly patio in one high-energy package.
Who should go: Italian lovers planning lively, patio-friendly dinners with pups.
When to visit: Prime evenings for buzz or early dinner for smoother pacing.
What to order: Truffle cream gnocchi, squid ink linguine, Rigatoni Alla Vodka.
Insider tip: Ask for a sidewalk patio table in nice weather so your dog can sprawl while you work through antipasti and pasta.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet most evenings and weekends; nearby garages within a block; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy — conversation is possible but can be raised during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially earlier in the lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — several pastas, pizzas, and antipasti can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and modified dishes; confirm with the server for swaps.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many items can be prepared gluten-free and GF pasta is typically available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well if you want a lively, scene-forward setting with a great patio vibe; choose an earlier seating if you prefer easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — expect a wait during peak evenings; try arriving early, requesting patio or bar seating, or joining the list and grabbing a drink while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — families are common earlier in the evening and at brunch; portions are shareable, but there’s no dedicated kids menu and late nights skew adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Dog-friendly patio dinners, energetic Italian nights, and groups that want polished food with a social, upbeat atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, highly specialized vegan dining, or strictly low-noise conversation during peak hours.
Siena Tavern
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Siena Tavern is a high-energy River North Italian spot where Fabio Viviani’s truffle gnocchi, wood-fired pizzas, and housemade pastas anchor big nights out. Private and semi-private rooms off the main dining room make it a go-to for upscale dinners, celebrations, and client events that still feel lively rather than stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Cream Gnocchi with Crispy Pancetta, Squid Ink Linguine with Lobster, Rigatoni Alla Vodka with Burrata
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Lively modern Italian with legit housemade pasta and true private rooms.
Who should go: Groups wanting polished Italian with scene-y energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinner for peak buzz and kitchen focus.
What to order: Truffle gnocchi, squid ink linguine, rigatoni alla vodka.
Insider tip: Ask events team for pre-set menus to streamline big-group service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically offered during peak dinner hours; availability and pricing can vary by night. Street parking in River North is limited after 6pm, and most guests rely on nearby paid garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most groups lean dressy for nights out and private events.
Noise level: Loud during prime dinner with bar and group energy; conversation is possible at close range, quieter in private / semi-private rooms.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait without a reservation, especially for larger groups or prime times.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; reservations still recommended for groups or private rooms.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pastas, pizzas, and starters can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified; best to confirm with the server in advance.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free accommodations available for select dishes; notify the server so the kitchen can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, scene-forward Italian spot — the vibe is lively rather than quiet or intimate. Better for fun, social dates than hushed conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and select tables may be available early or off-peak, but weekends and group visits almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids during earlier hours; later evenings skew adult and celebratory. High chairs and dedicated amenities are limited.
Best For
Better for: Large celebrations, private and semi-private dining, and big-night Italian with crowd-pleasing pastas and pizzas in a high-energy room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, ultra-traditional regional Italian, or strictly vegan / gluten-free dining with extensive options.
Siena Tavern
8.3
Siena Tavern, from Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani, runs a polished Italian menu with a legit pizza bar and a specific late-night menu on weekends. It’s where River North diners cap the night with from-scratch pies, pastas, and cocktails in a spacious, buzzy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza from the Late Night Pizza Bar, Gnocchi with truffle cream, fried sage & crispy pancetta, Rigatoni alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-driven Italian with a dedicated late-night pizza program in a large, stylish space.
Who should go: Date-night couples wanting polished Italian with legit pizza bar.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday late-night for drinks and pizza.
What to order: Margherita pizza, truffle gnocchi, rigatoni alla vodka.
Insider tip: If reservations are gone, aim for bar seating and order straight from the late-night pizza bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during dinner and late-night service; street parking is limited and most guests use nearby River North garages.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Loud during peak and late-night hours — conversation is possible but expect a buzzy room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re open to bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though the dining room can fill during business lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including pizzas, pastas, and appetizers that can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be modified on request, but selections are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free modifications available on some dishes and pizzas; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space is stylish and lively, with a good mix of pizza, pasta, and cocktails. It’s best for dates who are comfortable with a louder, high-energy environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at the bar or later in the evening. Expect a wait on weekends; the bar area is the best bet for walk-ins during the late-night pizza window.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings and daytime are fine for families, but the vibe trends adult-oriented and loud later at night. Better suited for teens than very young kids during late-night hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night pizza in a polished, scene-y setting where you can pair cocktails and from-scratch Italian dishes in one stop.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a strictly pizza-only spot, or a budget-friendly casual slice shop.
Siena Tavern
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Siena Tavern is Fabio Viviani’s lively Italian restaurant where a substantial gluten-free menu covers salads, mains, and several pastas, giving gluten-free guests real choice alongside the restaurant’s signature pizzas and housemade pasta.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Short Rib with white truffle risotto, 16oz Delmonico Ribeye, Roasted Carrots with whipped ricotta
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Celebrity-chef Italian spot with an unusually deep gluten-free menu in a high-energy room.
Who should go: Gluten-free groups wanting lively, scene-forward Italian dinners.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the dining room and bar are buzzing.
What to order: Braised Short Rib, Delmonico Ribeye, gluten-free-marked sides and salads.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for the current gluten-free menu; staff are accustomed to walking guests through safe pasta and entree modifications.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically offered during dinner service; street parking is limited and competitive in the area
Dress code: Smart casual that leans dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but raised voices may be needed at large tables
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though bar and lounge areas can fill quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, starters, and several pastas can be ordered vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and vegetable sides may be modifiable; confirm details with staff
Gluten-free options: Strong — dedicated gluten-free menu markings with multiple entrées and pastas; confirm preparation details to avoid cross-contact
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for an energetic, scene-forward atmosphere — the room is lively and social rather than quiet or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and lounge seats are often first-come, but weekends book up fast; walk-ins should expect a wait during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — early seatings work best for families, but the space skews adult-focused at night and is more suited to older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and celebrations where gluten-free diners want real menu choice without feeling limited compared to the rest of the table
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or intimate dinner, or want a strictly low-key environment without nightlife-style energy
Siena Tavern
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Siena Tavern, from chef Fabio Viviani and DineAmic Hospitality, runs like a high-energy modern Italian tavern with a full kids menu alongside pastas, pizzas, and bigger mains. Since 2013 it’s been a standby for families and groups who want truffle gnocchi and wood-fired pies in a scene-y but still welcoming room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Gnocchi with Truffle Cream & Crispy Pancetta, Short Rib Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Celebrity-chef Italian where a real kids menu and shareable pizzas keep families comfortable.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting lively Italian with a kids menu.
When to visit: Early weekend evenings before the bar crowd fully ramps up.
What to order: Truffle mushroom pizza, truffle gnocchi, short rib ravioli.
Insider tip: Ask for a standard-height table if you’re bringing small kids instead of being seated at high-tops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Typically valet is available during dinner service and nearby garages are common; street parking in River North is limited, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible at standard tables, but it can get loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, though larger groups should still book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, pastas, and antipasti can be ordered or adjusted vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be modified, but options are not extensive; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes and pizzas can be prepared gluten-free upon request; cross-contamination precautions may vary, so ask staff if sensitivity is severe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an upbeat, scene-forward Italian spot with strong energy — less ideal if you prefer a quiet or intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially earlier in the evening or at lunch — but weekend dinners usually require a reservation to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — there is a real kids menu, standard-height tables are available, and earlier seatings are best for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Families and mixed-age groups who want lively, modern Italian with shareable pizzas and pastas in a high-energy room.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet, romantic dinner, need extensive vegan options, or want a low-key neighborhood trattoria experience.
Siena Tavern
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Siena Tavern is Fabio Viviani’s from-scratch modern Italian restaurant, pairing wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and a serious cocktail and wine program in a design-forward room. It walks the line between upscale and casual, making it a go-to for birthdays, anniversaries and dressed-up date nights in River North. Strong review volume and a decade-plus run give it real staying power in a crowded Italian field.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Wagyu Beef Meatball, Rigatoni alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: From-scratch modern Italian from Fabio Viviani with strong cocktails and a scene-y yet comfortable dining room.
Who should go: Couples celebrating birthdays or date nights with cocktails and pasta.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when music, bar and dining room buzz.
What to order: Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Wagyu Beef Meatball, Rigatoni alla Vodka.
Insider tip: Split a pizza and meatball first, then share one or two pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available during dinner service; nearby paid garages common; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but not hushed, especially near the bar and larger tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak windows; bar and lounge seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; walk-ins are often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, salads, and pastas can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable items, but most dishes lean dairy- or egg-forward.
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodation — select items and pasta substitutions available; confirm with server for cross-contact considerations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels lively and stylish without being formal, and the shareable pizza-and-pasta format keeps the meal comfortable and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside of peak hours — arrive early or be flexible with bar or lounge seating on busy weekends, when prime-time tables book out in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — early seatings can work for older kids or teens, but the vibe leans adult and scene-forward during prime evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Lively, celebratory Italian dinners with cocktails, large-format starters, and pastas in a stylish, social room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, strictly traditional Italian cooking, or extensive vegan and allergy-specific options.