We had the chefs tasting menu. It was phenomenal over all. However, there were two stand outs. They were the crispy sea scallop and the iberica pork. The scallop was very tender yet had deliciously crispy edges. The pork was incredible. I'm not sure if I would have identified as pork if I hadn't known what it was. Tender, yet meaty, it was truly a delight.
I held a group dinner here for customers. It was a fabulous experience!!! The food was bragged about by almost everyone there. The room and the service were just perfect. These folks are so nice.
PaulW
was on a business dinner with out of town guest. We both had the pork dish - mine was OK but hers was very rare and fatty and I had to give her some of mine. I suggested we send it back but she did not want to... said she wasn't very hungry. Don't think i will be coming back.
Ashley
Food is always great Wine is overpriced for Italian wines Hotel is beautiful, lighting was a little bright in the dining room with the recess lighting, but the server kindly dimmed the lighting for us. All in all a wonderful experience and great food!
Massimo was the best server ever. He really made our 20th year Anniversary wonderful. Exec. Chef Robert Compton personally came to our table multiple times to check on us and took pictures with us. I had the most intimate service friendly chef's dinner I have had in many years. 5 star food and service hands down.
Sglaymon
Always a treat to enjoy a meal here with my wife when we're in Chapel Hill. The menu evolves over time so I'm always treated to new entrees. The seafood stew was exceptional! Just the right amount of spice. Service always excellent!
Linda Barsamian
This is our 4th trip here (staying and eating at the Siena Hotel) and it’s always been such a treat! We always feel so lucky to be staying somewhere with A++++ food and service! We especially enjoy and appreciate being greeted by a very friendly and familiar face each time we’ve visited. Her name is Kim and if you are lucky enough to meet her, she will always go above and beyond whatever you need! We are looking forward to our trip in 2025!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Keith Lamoureux
A perfect and relaxed atmosphere surrounded in a space that truly makes you feel at home. Lyle, our server, was impeccable. We could not ask for better. The food and service was THE best you could ask for. 10 out of 10! Thank you all for making this an amazing evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Stuffed Ravioli with Lobster, Pappardelle Alla Ragu Bolognese, Truffle Noods, Flourless Chocolate Torta, Prosciutto and Burrata
Globalgourmand
We had four exquisite dishes across a range of categories, then two delicious desserts. Massimo, our server, was charming and another server went to the trouble to find out from the chef what the creamy stuff on one of our desserts was (zabiglione).
NikkiN
There seem to be some sort of issue at the hostess stand. When I arrived since I was dying alone, it seemed to confuse all the staff. Although I had a reservation, there seem to be confusion as to where to sit me I requested a certain table and was told oh no that's reserved, only to be later sat at the table I requested. The food was just average. There was nothing extraordinary about this restaurant other than the amazing server who was very knowledgeable about the city and the restaurant. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but it was simply average to me.
Food was authentic Italian and extremely good. Mossimo our server was a gracious host and quite professional - request him when you go there. We ordered small portions highlighted by the grilled octopus, braised lamb and an incredible chocolate and ice cream dessert. We will return, soon.
MichaelJ
I will honestly attest that Il Palio is one of my all-time favorite restaurants!! We will always come back whenever we are in the Chapel Hill area. There are so many reasons why this restaurant is a true hidden gem... just know that here you will be treated to a truly polished dining experience. First and foremost staff go above and beyond. I cannot say enough how kind, gracious and skilled everyone we have interacted with has been. Of course, our server, Massimo is simply a legend and has warmly taken care of my family on multiple visits! The ambiance of the restaurant is lovely: both special and comfortable... and is perfectly enhanced with Massimo's curated playlist. The hand crafted cocktails and uniquely on-pointe wine list are stellar. Last... but certainly not least... the food at Il Palio is simply incredible!! Locally grown produce, fresh ingredients and hand-made pasta are the stars that are beautifully directed by the talented chef and kitchen staff. Honestly, there has not been one dish we have not loved. So,... go, enjoy... and absolutely don't miss the affogato!!
Jabar
This is our third time to have dinner at Il Palio and stay the night at The Siena Hotel. The food and service at Il Palio is excellent and the ambiance is very nice. We were a party of five this time and we each had different appetizers, main courses and desserts. We did share and found everything to be wonderful. It is a little pricey but well worth it. A nice selection of cocktails and wines.
Najette Outtas
I do not recommend the chef testing menu. I left hungry. I got the wine pairing and didn’t like the last dessert drink and asked for a different wine but they refused… disappointed by the food selection and service…it used to be a favorite but not anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Sam Paradis
Valentine’s dinner was outstanding, and the service from Spencer even better. Will certainly look to be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Stuffed Ravioli with Lobster, Wine Pairing, Black Truffle Pasta
We had the chefs tasting menu. It was phenomenal over all. However, there were two stand outs. They were the crispy sea scallop and the iberica pork. The scallop was very tender yet had deliciously crispy edges. The pork was incredible. I'm not sure if I would have identified as pork if I hadn't known what it was. Tender, yet meaty, it was truly a delight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flourless Chocolate Torta, Iberico Pork Pluma, Seared Scallop
I held a group dinner here for customers. It was a fabulous experience!!! The food was bragged about by almost everyone there. The room and the service were just perfect. These folks are so nice.
was on a business dinner with out of town guest. We both had the pork dish - mine was OK but hers was very rare and fatty and I had to give her some of mine. I suggested we send it back but she did not want to... said she wasn't very hungry. Don't think i will be coming back.
Food is always great Wine is overpriced for Italian wines Hotel is beautiful, lighting was a little bright in the dining room with the recess lighting, but the server kindly dimmed the lighting for us. All in all a wonderful experience and great food!
Massimo was the best server ever. He really made our 20th year Anniversary wonderful. Exec. Chef Robert Compton personally came to our table multiple times to check on us and took pictures with us. I had the most intimate service friendly chef's dinner I have had in many years. 5 star food and service hands down.
Always a treat to enjoy a meal here with my wife when we're in Chapel Hill. The menu evolves over time so I'm always treated to new entrees. The seafood stew was exceptional! Just the right amount of spice. Service always excellent!
This is our 4th trip here (staying and eating at the Siena Hotel) and it’s always been such a treat! We always feel so lucky to be staying somewhere with A++++ food and service! We especially enjoy and appreciate being greeted by a very friendly and familiar face each time we’ve visited. Her name is Kim and if you are lucky enough to meet her, she will always go above and beyond whatever you need! We are looking forward to our trip in 2025!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A perfect and relaxed atmosphere surrounded in a space that truly makes you feel at home. Lyle, our server, was impeccable. We could not ask for better. The food and service was THE best you could ask for. 10 out of 10! Thank you all for making this an amazing evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Stuffed Ravioli with Lobster, Pappardelle Alla Ragu Bolognese, Truffle Noods, Flourless Chocolate Torta, Prosciutto and Burrata
We had four exquisite dishes across a range of categories, then two delicious desserts. Massimo, our server, was charming and another server went to the trouble to find out from the chef what the creamy stuff on one of our desserts was (zabiglione).
There seem to be some sort of issue at the hostess stand. When I arrived since I was dying alone, it seemed to confuse all the staff. Although I had a reservation, there seem to be confusion as to where to sit me I requested a certain table and was told oh no that's reserved, only to be later sat at the table I requested. The food was just average. There was nothing extraordinary about this restaurant other than the amazing server who was very knowledgeable about the city and the restaurant. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but it was simply average to me.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was authentic Italian and extremely good. Mossimo our server was a gracious host and quite professional - request him when you go there. We ordered small portions highlighted by the grilled octopus, braised lamb and an incredible chocolate and ice cream dessert. We will return, soon.
I will honestly attest that Il Palio is one of my all-time favorite restaurants!! We will always come back whenever we are in the Chapel Hill area. There are so many reasons why this restaurant is a true hidden gem... just know that here you will be treated to a truly polished dining experience. First and foremost staff go above and beyond. I cannot say enough how kind, gracious and skilled everyone we have interacted with has been. Of course, our server, Massimo is simply a legend and has warmly taken care of my family on multiple visits! The ambiance of the restaurant is lovely: both special and comfortable... and is perfectly enhanced with Massimo's curated playlist. The hand crafted cocktails and uniquely on-pointe wine list are stellar. Last... but certainly not least... the food at Il Palio is simply incredible!! Locally grown produce, fresh ingredients and hand-made pasta are the stars that are beautifully directed by the talented chef and kitchen staff. Honestly, there has not been one dish we have not loved. So,... go, enjoy... and absolutely don't miss the affogato!!
This is our third time to have dinner at Il Palio and stay the night at The Siena Hotel. The food and service at Il Palio is excellent and the ambiance is very nice. We were a party of five this time and we each had different appetizers, main courses and desserts. We did share and found everything to be wonderful. It is a little pricey but well worth it. A nice selection of cocktails and wines.
I do not recommend the chef testing menu. I left hungry. I got the wine pairing and didn’t like the last dessert drink and asked for a different wine but they refused… disappointed by the food selection and service…it used to be a favorite but not anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Valentine’s dinner was outstanding, and the service from Spencer even better. Will certainly look to be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Stuffed Ravioli with Lobster, Wine Pairing, Black Truffle Pasta