New Eatery, Siena Ristorante Italiano, Rooftop Bar Open At Blake Hotel

NEW HAVEN, CT —Siena Ristorante Italiano, a new restaurant, rooftop bar, and caterer from the Siena Restaurant Group of Stamford and Norwalk, introduced their brand of seasonally inspired Italian cuisine and genuine hospitality to New Haven Tuesday.

Located at The Blake Hotel, Siena Ristorante Italiano is a "spirited restaurant and bar that will raise the bar of New Haven's flourishing dining scene," it's noted in a news release.

Siena's vibrant and modern design aesthetic is wrapped in dark wood accents, plush banquette seating, cascading plants, a marble bar top, and contemporary lighting fixtures. The restaurant occupies over 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor bar and dining space and The Blake Hotel's stunning 1,100 square foot rooftop bar and event space, High George by Siena. This unique rooftop gathering space has a fully retractable glass roof and transforms itself according to the season, adding a special layer to Siena's food and beverage offerings.

The menu is executed by Chef Foster Lukas, whose kitchen credentials include Westchester County's famous Xaviar's Restaurant Group and Castle Hotel & Spa, in addition to Eastend Restaurant in Greenwich.

Menu highlights begin with cold antipasti, salads, and crostini such as marinated olives and roasted almonds, watermelon salad with buffalo mozzarella, basil, vincotto, hazelnuts, and fennel pollen, and whipped truffle ricotta atop grilled bread. The fritti misti of lightly fried calamari, zucchini, eggplant, and hot peppers served with spicy aioli and marinara is a true showstopper, as is the restaurant's grilled Mediterranean octopus. Pasta dishes include crab bucatini with dried grape tomatoes, white wine, and lemon breadcrumbs, and a slow-simmered pork and beef Bolognese over egg pappardelle. The grilled fillet of branzino served with saffron rice, sugar snap peas, and salsa verde, and Siena's wood-fired half chicken kissed with a marsala mushroom glaze are just a taste of what's in store from Chef Lukas' kitchen and his talented team. And because there's always room for dessert, hazelnut and chocolate mousse and olive oil cake will end any meal on a high note.

"We are thrilled to welcome Siena to The Blake and the greater New Haven community," Brandon Salvatore, Director of RMS Hospitality, said. "Our family has known Pasquale, Pietro, and the entire Siena team for 26 years, dating back to when they opened Siena Stamford, which remains one of the most beloved restaurants in Stamford to this day."

He said they partnered with Siena at Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk two years ago with "tremendous success, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from our guests in the Norwalk market."

"The Siena team has the unique ability to consistently provide top-tier food and beverage offerings while also creating a highly personable, elevated dining experience for their customers," it's noted. "Siena’s emphasis on guest service aligns perfectly with what we strive to do at The Blake Hotel. We are extremely excited for hotel guests and members of the New Haven community to experience what we are confident will be one of the top restaurants in the greater New Haven area."

About Siena

Siena Ristorante Italiano was founded in Stamford in 1997 by Pasquale Conte, who was joined shortly thereafter by his partner Pietro Polini. Celebrating the rich heritage of Tuscany and Italian food and wine, Siena quickly solidified itself as a premiere dining destination in Fairfield County. In 2021, Siena expanded its operations by partnering with Chef Foster Lukas and Beverage Expert Jonathan Rodriguez in its new Norwalk location at Hotel Zero Degrees. Within this new contemporary restaurant design, the duo refreshed the food and beverage program, adding a more current food and beverage ethos, which included an eclectic wine collection, craft cocktails, and a fresh approach to Siena's classic Italian fare.

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from noon to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m.

Valet parking is available at The Blake Hotel. Complimentary parking is available through the Park New Haven program at the Crown Street Garage, 213 Crown Street, daily after 4 p.m.

The Blake Hotel is located at 9 High St, New Haven, CT, 06510, 203-942-6667

sienanewhaven.com theblakenewhaven.com

About High George by Siena

One of the top rooftop restaurant and bar destinations in New Haven, High George by Siena is located on the 6th floor of The Blake Hotel at the corner of High and George Streets. The menu features Siena’s fresh take on modern Italian and authentic favorites in a small plate format, complemented by a full beverage program featuring award-winning cocktails, wine, and beer. The three-season space is also available for private parties and functions. For more information, including hours and menus, visit theblakenewhaven.com or the restaurant’s social media channels: Facebook and Instagram (@highgeorgenh).

High George hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m to 10 p.m.

About The Blake Hotel

The Blake is a 108-room boutique hotel located at the bustling intersection of High & George Streets in New Haven, Connecticut, within walking distance to Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital. Each of the guest rooms features classic design elements with contemporary flourishes, including spacious closets and full kitchenettes for longer-term guests. Downstairs, the lobby, which eclectically mixes refined millwork and rich leather with blackened steel accents and concrete floors, has been designed as a communal hangout for guests and locals alike. In the heart of the space, a large fireplace serves as a convivial meeting point that harkens back to the city’s storied legacy. Stamford-based RMS Companies developed, owns, and operates The Blake. The ground floor restaurant, the rooftop restaurant and lounge, as well as all meeting and banquet facilities, are run by Siena Restaurant Group.