My husband and I made a reservation here for our anniversary. The photos looked nice, and the reviews are good. However, we did not have a good experience. Our reservation was for 7, but we still had to wait for a table. We were seated in the first section by the bar, and people still waiting for tables were hovering between our table and the bar. The atmosphere was not at all worthy of an anniversary dinner. It was extremely loud in the restaurant, and speaking just across our table was difficult. Our server was just ok… She did the bare minimum of what is expected. My husband’s Chicken Parm was extremely bland and under seasoned. All the other tables around ours had salt & pepper shakers, but ours did not, so we couldn’t add anything to make the dish less bland. My lobster ravioli was ok, but the shrimp on top were way over cooked and rubbery. The desserts were also just ok… Nothing to write home about. I’ve made better desserts at home. Overall, this restaurant is better suited for larger parties and not for special occasions.

The Lavender and Orange Crème Brûlée at Bella Siena is a standout dessert that feels both indulgent and thoughtfully composed. The custard is luxuriously smooth, with a delicate floral note from the lavender that never overwhelms, beautifully balanced by the bright, citrusy warmth of orange. The brûléed sugar top cracks perfectly, adding just the right amount of texture and caramelized depth.

Served alongside crisp Italian cigarette cookies, the dessert gains a lovely contrast—light, buttery crunch against the silky crème. Enjoyed at Bella Siena’s waterfront setting in Benicia, whether indoors or on the outdoor patio overlooking the Carquinez Strait, it feels especially meaningful. This is proudly one of my hometowns—the place where I went to middle school and high school—and experiencing such a refined, memorable dessert here adds an extra layer of nostalgia and pride. It’s a beautiful finish to a meal and a reminder of how special this town truly is.