A woman engages in conversation as she sips on a crafted cocktail at Siena, a new “Meditalian” restaurant in Alpharetta.
SIENA/PROVIDED
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Siena, a restaurant offering a bold fusion of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, opened Dec. 20 in Alpharetta, giving food enthusiasts a chance to gather around soulful dishes.
The “Meditalian” flavors naturally complement one another, co-owner Aïda Lemma said in an email interview. She said she believes bringing together these cuisines will give guests a sense of comfort as they recognize flavors they love while discovering new interpretations.
“We wanted to create a restaurant that feels refined yet approachable, where guests can enjoy high-quality food, crafted cocktails and a beautiful space without the formality feeling intimidating,” Lemma said. “Siena is meant to be a neighborhood staple with a destination-worthy menu.”
Lemma said her business partner visited Siena, Italy, and fell in love with the city’s charm and culture. The restaurant’s name is an ode to its inspiration and reflects the restaurant’s warm and elegant soul.
By focusing on simple, seasonal ingredients like herbs, fresh produce and olive oils, Executive Chef Baba Estavillo curated a menu inspired by cultural staples. Every dish had to earn its place on the menu, Lemma said.
The biggest challenge was creating a cohesive menu while allowing creativity and bold flavors to stand out among dishes. Many dishes were inspired by traditional Mediterranean and Italian staples but reimagined with modern techniques and global influences.
A woman smiles as she enjoys dishes from the menu at Siena, a new restaurant in Alpharetta at 124 Devore Road.
SIENA/PROVIDED
Their tapas-style menu features small plates of whipped feta and burnt honey, sweet potato falafel cake and harissa chicken lollipop. Entrees include Moroccan market chicken, golden oxtail and honey-lavender lamb chops. Even the kid’s menu offers bold flavors with cheese pizza on warm pita bread and the fried chicken lollipop.
“Siena offered the freedom to create without boundaries while still honoring culinary tradition,” Estavillo said. “The concept encouraged exploration, storytelling and thoughtful [execution], making it an exciting and fulfilling project.”
Developing the restaurant has been a collaborative endeavor between the co-owners and Estavillo. The result is a tribute to food that brings people together, encourages conversation and creates memories around the table.
“These cuisines are soulful and celebratory,” Lemma said. “Food is essential to gathering, conversation and joy — values that are at the heart of Siena.”
Siena opened at 124 Devore Road in Alpharetta, the former site of Gourmania and Seven Seas Mediterranean Café. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays and serve dinner Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 4 p.m. The restaurant plans to offer brunch service in the new year.
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Dining and Cooking