Sirena

I am a New York City Italian and the spaghetti Cabor nara was outstanding. Best I have had in Hampton Roads

Visited serinas for the first time, I made reservations ahead it was my son birthday dinner. It was a little hard to find the location and at first I was a little worry because of where it was. But, never judge a book by it cover. Place is def small, only a couple of tables.
Our waitress was Michelle S. We order appetizers, bruschetta, bietole (beets) appetizer, Entrees and desert. Everything was delicious! Amazing! Michelle was great! Always checking on us even tho the place was getting a little busy. Our water and drinks always refill. My son and he’s girlfriend loved their food, except my husband and daughter got sardi e salsiccia and it was pretty boring, nothing much (I’m not a fan of red sauces on pasta). The prices where also great! And nice servings! I thought that entrees came with salad, we didn’t got one and actually forgot to ask since we order so much food. But will have to check on that next time:)
I will def be driving to va beach to visit this place again, the food and service its def worth the 30 minute drive. Thank you for our complimentary crème brûlée birthday dessert!!! I wish I can give 10 stars! They deserve it!

My wife and I ate with another couple. We have been here several times but it was their first visit. Needless to say, they were impressed. Fabio does a super job with his restaurant! Our server, Jake, took good care of us, as usual. The two gorgonzola salads were split and were excellent. The four entrees were the Penne Vodka, Spaghetti Campagnola, Bucatini Amatriciana, and the Mediterraneo (lots of seafood). All were very good. We each had dessert, cannoli, gelato and panna cotta.

Had a fantastic lunch here. We were late joiners to a party of five and they went out of their way to accommodate us, which was kind. Ordered the bruschetta and the tagliatelle with bolognese. It was fantastic! Service was top notch and the space is lovely. I would love to go back for dinner sometime. Highly recommended.

Craving carbonara and I saw online they serve it. Heard some great reviews when they first opened but they always had odd hours for me. When I arrived I didn’t know if they were open since the windows are blacked out and there’s no sign. Pulling on the door and voila, I was going to eat some carbonara. It came out shortly after ordering and I think it was great. The spaghetti was cooked perfectly, pancetta was tasty, and the carbonara wasn’t too heavy for what it is. I think they served a great portion size as well. I’d definitely come back to try some other dishes.

If you want a true Italian experience, and by that I mean as close as you can get to the real deal, this is the place to go. I’ve been to Italy before and this restaurant was recommended to me by a woman who is from Rome. So, missing the food, I decided to have my birthday dinner there.
Best decision ever! The food is delicious and flavorful but very clean and light, and the portions are good. It leaves you feeling wonderfully full, not the greasy ick full. My whole family loved it and we will be coming back! I tried all of my family’s dishes, from my own lamb shank special to the seafood pasta and gnocchi. I did the same with the desserts and found each one to be just as amazing. I have to come back to try more on the menu because there wasn’t a single thing not delicious. I felt like I was back IN Rome. They surely made my birthday a very memorable one! The waiter was very attentive and the owner came in to check on us as well. Lovely warm atmosphere. New favorite food place in Hampton Roads!

We ate at the Norfolk location several years ago, but hadn’t made it to the new Great Neck location until tonight. We went for hubby’s birthday and now wonder what took us so long to make it back. We made a phone reservation by leaving a message yesterday and received a confirmation call from Fabio today. We are told that now walk-​ins are welcome as well. When we arrived at 6:30 Monday night, there was only one other table occupied. However, by the time we left several hours later, the bar area was completely full and very lively and at least half the tables were occupied.
The food, service, and atmosphere were all wonderful. We had such a great dining experience. Our servers were attentive and professional. Fabio came around to the tables to chat it up with the diners and was giving what sounded like a boisterous and entertaining Italian language lesson to the bar patrons as well. Hubby and I started off with the calamari Luciano, which was sauteed in a delicious, spicy red sauce, and the the insalata gorgonzola. Very tasty! For dinner we had the pollo fiorentina and Sardi pasta. Can’t say enough good things about both dishes. Everything tastes so fresh! We finished the meals with cappuccinos (served with a small biscotti and real cubed sugar), cannoli, and tiramisu. Don’t judge– we’re carbo-​loading for a marathon haha. I lived in Rome as a college student and everything at Sirena is authentic and delicious. We definitely won’t wait so long to go back again!

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 décor 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 entrée, 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 crème brûlée. 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.

Excellent italian, must be one of the best if not the best in Virginia Beach! Real italian, the closest to Rome I’ve felt in the states

Sirena is certainly putting out some of the finest Italian food in Hampton Roads. Last night was our first visit and I am kicking myself for not getting here sooner.
One thing that caught my attention right away was the reasonable prices. Most of the pasta dishes range in the mid-​teens ($ 15-​$ 17), which is incredible for the quality of the food you receive. Even the specials were only in the mid-​twenties ($ 24-​$ 25). Most other high end Italian restaurants would be charging ten bucks more for what is in most cases lower quality food.
Our starters were fresh-​made pumpkin ravioli for my wife and the Calamari alla Luciana for me, which is their sauteed baby squid in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and white wine. Both were scrumptious. The squid was so tender it almost melted on the tongue.
For mains my wife did the Rockfish special, which was cooked perfectly. It had a nice crust but the fish still retained its moist succulence inside. I have never been able to master cooking fish this well at home but heck, why should I bother when we can come here to get it?
My choice for entrée was the Osso buco, which is one of my all time favorite cold weather dishes. However, I was surprised when what came out of the kitchen was actually a whole braised lamb shank. While both dishes rank highly in my book, they are not interchangeable. Osso buco comes from a cross sectioned cut of a veal calf shank. It should come with a bone in the middle of the meat with the hollow marrow section easily recognizable. A whole (i.e. uncut) lamb shank looks entirely different. A simple google search for images of both easily shows what I am talking about. Plus, veal and lamb are entirely separate critters.
But I am just making a technical point. The lamb shank was as tender as soft butter and magically delicious. The risotto milanese underneath wasn’t quite the best I have ever had (Sorry…nobody tops Terrapin’s risotto) but it was passable and served its function as the starchy base for this hefty shank. There wasn’t a speck left on my plate. You couldn’t have paid me to complain about this naming error.
Desserts were quality versions of Italian classics. Tiramisu and panna cotta. Both were light and not too sweet, which is exactly what is called for to finish off a big meal.
The only real gripe I have with this place is the out of place «Serious Eatalian» tacked on to the name. It sounds like something that would be splashed across the top of a menu at Olive Garden. I think just having the name Sirena is enough. Short, dignified and befitting the quality dining experience you receive here.

My wife, my family, my friends, my whole wardroom of Navy officers have been to this or the Norfolk location (RIP). AMAZING. AUTHENTIC. And I’ve been to Rome. My wife is Italian. This food is great. The owner is a pro and genuinely a great guy. Frutti di mare. Ossobuco. Saltimbuco ala romana. Or just randomly put your finger on the menu. Really no down side.

Good atmosphere for a stip mall. Takes reservations. Service was pretty good but not great. Vodka pasta was excellent. Good portion of calamari for appetizer. Beef dish was not that good. I thought it would be tenderloin or something good. It was Angus ground beef and not worth it. Wish I got something else. It was good but ready to try out something else. A bit pricy for what you get.

This place was great. The food was delicious and everyone was very nice — and it has a nice atmosphere inside, much nicer than you might think given its humble shopping center location.
I live in New York and eat in good Italian restaurants a lot — and I wish this place would pick up and move to my neighborhood! I hope to return often.

This is THE Best Italian restaurant in all is Hampton Roads!!! The wine is fabulous. Fabio is a wonderful host. The patrons are fun.

Great food. Good services. Reasonable prices. My wife got the 4 cheese ravioli and loved it. I ordered a pasta carbonara and I lived in Italy for two weeks… they nailed it. Bruschetta was fantastic as well. No complaints from us tonight and if you look at my other reviews that is not normal fir me.

Sirena is our «go to» restaurant now. The food is very authentic Italian. If you’re looking for fettuccine Alfredo with loads of cheese on top this probably isn’t for you. However if you’re looking for true Bolognese, fresh housemade pasta, a fresh fish deboned table side, or an amazing seasonal salad check out Sirena. The house made desserts are pretty amazing too!

Absolutely one of the best meals I have ever had in Virginia Beach.
Having lived In Italy myself, I know authentic. Virginia Beach lacks personality big time when it comes to food culture, but we have some pretty decent Italian spots. This gives My favs (La Bella, Maninos) a run for their money. Homemade pasta from unexpected regions in Italy… I had the Sardinian gnocchi with sausage. It had a hint of mint and strong pecorino cheese and was on par. The hubs had the pasta special which was made in house and loaded with fresh mushrooms and shaved asparagus. It was super fresh, different and clean tasting. The chef himself made multiple rounds to ensure quality and make sure everyone was taken care of in the front of the house.
Have a reservation or be prepared to sit at the bar. This place is cozy, the dishes are fresh and authentic, and they have wine flights! Woo hoo!
Go get yourself a great meal.

four of us went back once again wed. night for dinner.
we had two repeaters — the chicken w/​spinach and sole.
i had one of the nightly specials — Cod special and chris had pasta and mushroom something. — all dinners were great and new brand of Chianti for 29 bucks.
one dessert — Panna Cotta –nice.

The Good/​Great:
1. The food. seriously. all of it! The tagliatelle was phenomenal and the stuffed chicken took me back to Italy. The tiramisu was light and flavorful– a terrific end to the meal. I also really enjoyed the grilled octopus This was one of the best Italian meals I have ever had. What a great find for VB!
The Bad/​Ugly:
1. The service still leaves something to be desired. The owner clearly takes pride in his food but with a no substitutions/​questions or changes policy it felt a little more like the «soup nazi» order line then a fine dining experience. Also, don’t even think about going without a reservation — email is the best way to get on the books. Try calling and risk being sent home without apology.
The verdict: A must try if you like Italian food (or even if you don’t), but please make a reservation and trust the chef!

Fabio Rinaldi, one of Norfolk’s premier Granby Street restaurateurs for 12+ years, has finally given up the ghost on downtown Norfolk and relocated his wonderful Sirena Cucina Italian restaurant to N Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach. It’s only called Sirena now, and resides in the much smaller space previously occupied by the iconic Beckett’s Café, in what’s referred to as the «Farm Fresh Shopping Center» by the locals. But Mr. Rinaldi was able to keep the entire kitchen staff, and several of the waitstaff, in place for the move, and brought along just enough of the old restaurant décor to make his regulars feel quite at home, if maybe a little more cramped. The dinner menu is almost unchanged from the Norfolk restaurant, and Sirena will also make a new attempt at attracting the mid-​day crowd with a new lunch menu of salads, limited pasta dishes and paninis.
Rinaldi’s wonderful menu samples every part of Italy except Tuscany; a spicy, rich veal ragu served with house-​made gnocchi is maybe my favorite of his pasta offerings, and the amazingly tender Saltimbocca veal dish — prepared a la Rome, without any cheese — is unbeatable. And I’m never able to get away without a piece of the house-​made Tiramisu, which I judge currently to be the best in Tidewater.
So I think it was some time in 2011 or so that I first talked to a very frustrated Mr. Rinaldi about relocating to the Beach. Now that he’s finally made the move, he’s picked a very convenient spot within a very short bicycle ride from my house. And while my waistline and wallet may suffer a little from here on out, my palate will never have been happier. Welcome to the neighborhood, Fabio, and you’re gonna kick yourself for waiting so long!