LOCATION Across the street from the Emporium complex in Fortitude Valley.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA Finally the vortex of the Valley’s northern end is being filled with restaurants and bars worthy of a venture past Brunswick Street. Siana has expanded its stronghold over the ‘after work drinks set’ and opened a sister venture on the corner of Wickham Terrace and Brookes Street. The decor is sleek and minimalist with the kind of chameleon-like malleability that makes a large venue suitable for any type of occasion. You can whisper sweet nothings to your date at the bar and lounge upstairs, have a beer with a mate downstairs and dine with whoever takes your fancy at the long communal tables.
The cuisine is a mish-mash of Asian regions and styles, which is an issue if you are chasing an authentic experience but a great alternative for those wanting to pick and choose. With dishes inspired by Indian, Japanese and Thai flavours among others, Siana’s menu is like enjoying your own personal smorgasbord without the humiliating queues, oversized spoons and suspiciously lukewarm curries. The sticky pork belly and crispy lamb will line your arteries for days but it’s a fair trade off for dishes so delicious they come with a side of guilt. Finishing off with deep fried ice-cream will conclude your stylish meal with a “to-hell-with-calories” flourish. We all need a palate cleanser after all.
Katrina Meynink