Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub - Durham

3.9 (33)

$30 and under

Italian

5311 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703

OverviewReviewsDetails

About this restaurant

Innovative
Good for groups
Great for happy hour

For over 3,000 years Sicily has been a melting pot of humanities, cultures and culinary delights. We at Serena continue Sicily’s history of infusing multi-cultural culinary traditions to create fresh perspectives on Mediterranean & New World cuisine.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Sicilian
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday 11:00am -10:00pm
Website
http://www.serena-rtp.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Retirement party- We can do thatCorporate dinner - That tooNetworking event - AbsolutelyCall for details to customize your event

Location
5311 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703
Neighborhood
Cary
Cross street
Old Page Rd / Slater Road
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Bruschetta$7.95
Roma Tomatoes, Trapanese Sea Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Basil, Garlic Herbed Crostini
Sicilian Marinated Olives$7.95
Garlic Herbed Crostini. Carrot, Celery, Cucumber
Sicilian Seasoned Hummus$7.95
Fried Chickpeas, EVOO, Parsley, Garlic Herbed Crostini, Carrot, Celery, Cucumber
Sicilian Caponata$8.95
Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, Vegetable Medley, Mint, Garlic Herbed Crostini
White Anchovies$7.95
Arugula, Pomodoro Crudo, Garlic Herbed Crostini
Burrata$8.95
Pomodoro Crudo, Truffled Balsamic Double Reduction, EVOO
Fried Chickpeas$3.95
Moorish Piment Spice, Parsley, Lime Wedge

1/4 Kilo of Kennebec Fries

One of Five Ways

Trapanese Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper$4.95
White Truffle Oil & Truffle Salt$6.95
Garlic, Pecorino, Trapanese Sea Salt & Parsley$5.95
Herbed Buttermilk & Bacon$6.95
Gorgonzola Creme & Crumbles$6.95

Insalatini

Choose 3 - $13.95

Side Romaine Salad$3.95
Celery & Chickpea Salad$4.95
Garlic Wilted Spinach$4.95
Citrus Quinoa Salad$4.95
Garlic Roasted Vegetables$4.95
Braised Cannellini Beans & Herbs$4.95
Warm Sicilian Farro Salad$4.95

Hot

Black Bean Vegetable Cakes$7.95
Red Bell Pepper Coulis & Sicilian Herbed Aioli
Grilled Chicken Spiedie Skewers$8.95
Sicilian Herbed Aioli
Grilled Octopus$14.95
Sicilian Style "Firm Texture" Marinated, Fresh Herbs, Meyer Lemon, EVOO, Chickpea Puree, Pomodoro Crudo & Celery Chickpea Salad
Sicilian Arancina$9.95
Classic Sicilian Street Food. Mozz Center, Seasoned Ground Steak & Peas, Wrapped in Parmesan Risotto & a Crispy Breadcrumb Shell
Calamari Fritti$9.95
Flash-Fried with a Select Flour Blend, Spicy Marinara Sauce & Lemon Caper Remoulade
Herb-Crusted Mozzarella$8.95
With Marinara
Moorish Beef Meatballs
With Seasoned Ricotta & Ricotta Salata
- 2 Meatballs$5.95
- 4 Meatballs$10.95
Garlic Bread with Sauce$2.95

Soups

Cup - $3.95, Bowl - $5.95

Minestrone
Chicken Stock Infused Broth with Seasonal "Rustic Cut" Vegetables
Plum Tomato Bisque
Stewed Plum Tomatoes, Pomodoro Crudo, Mild Spice with a Touch of Cream

Salads

Choose your Salad

Giardino$6.95
Chopped Romaine, Turda Red Onions, Greenfield Cucumbers, Roasted "Mango" Red Bell Peppers, Roma Tomatoes, Sicilian Olive Mix
Luca$8.95
Baby Spinach, Gorgonzola, Bacon, Fried Chickpeas, Hard-Boiled Egg
Alessio$8.95
Peppery Arugula, Pomodoro Crudo, Sicilian Olive Mix, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese
Sicilian Celery & Farro Salad$9.95
Chopped Celery, Chickpeas, Broken Olives, Mint, Oregano, EVOO, Red Wine Vinegar, Sicilian Herbed Aioli (Pre-Dressed Salad, No Dressing Option)

Choose a Housemade Dressing

Sicilian Herbed Aioli
Soft Gorgonzola Creme
Aged Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette
Tony's of Endicott Herbed Red Wine Vinaigrette
Tony's of Endicott Herb Buttermilk

Choose your Toppings for Salad & Pasta

Meats

Sliced Sausage^$2.95
Spicy Würstel^$3.95
Moorish Beef Meatballs^$3.95
Sirloin Steak$5.95
Pork Ribeye$4.95
Hickory Smoked Bacon$1.95
Smoked Prosciutto$3.95
Chicken Spiedies$4.95
Grilled Chicken$3.95
Herb Crusted Chicken$4.95
Grilled Octopus$9.95
Iron-Seared Ahi Tuna$6.95
White Anchovies$3.95
3 (U 16-20) Gulf White Shrimp$5.95
Jail Island Salmon$6.95
Hard-Boiled Egg$1.00

Vegetables

Garlic Roasted Vegetables^$1.95
Battered Eggplant^$1.95
Sautéed Button Mushrooms^$1.00
Marinated Portobello$2.95
Pomodoro Crudo$1.00
Spinach$1.00
Roasted Red Peppers$1.00
Hot Cherry Peppers$1.00
Banana Peppers$1.00
Fried Chickpeas$1.00

Cheeses

Parm Style^$1.95
Seasoned Ricotta^$1.95
Barrel Aged Feta$2.95
Fresh Mozzarella$2.95
Ricotta Salata$1.00

Join Us for Happy Hour

RTP's Best Sliders$1.95
Monday through Friday, 3 to 6PM, Dine-In Only

Pasta

Choose Your Style

Tony's of Endicott Sicilian-Style Tomato Sauce$7.95
Oregenata - free
Alfredo Rustica$8.95
Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce
Garlic, Pecorino & Pepe$10.95
Aged Pecorino Cheese, Garlic, Trapanese Sea Salt, Chili Flake, Toasted Bread Crumbs
Bolognese Farsumagru$12.95
Seasoned Ground Steak, Tomato Sauce, Ricotta Salata, Hard-Boiled Egg, Seasoned Ricotta
Straccoto Di Maiale$12.95
Slow-Cooked Sicilian-Seasoned Pork Butt Confit in Tomato Sauce

Choose Your Favorite Pasta

Our pasta is cooked "al dente", which means "with firm bite". If you prefer your pasta with a softer bite, please let your server know. We are proud to serve Primeluci Pasta, produced in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. Made from Sicilian Semola di Grano Duro

Spaghetti
Rigatoni
Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi$1.95
Whole Wheat$1.95
Gluten Free$1.95

Additions

Add to Any Entrée with Tony's of Endicott Sicilian-Style Tomato Sauce

Side of Spaghetti or Rigatoni$4.95
Side of Whole Wheat, Gluten Free or Gnocchi$5.95
Cup of Soup or Side Romaine Salad$3.95

Sandwiches

All Sandwiches include Trapanese Sea Salt Salt & Cracked Pepper Kennebec Fries. Add: Bacon $1.95, Barrel Aged Feta or Fresh Mozzarella $2.95, Aged Cheddar or Gorgonzola $1.95

In Submarine

Eggplant$9.95
Hand Battered, Tomato Sauce
Moorish Beef Meatballs$9.95
Tomato Sauce
Chicken$9.95
Herb Crusted Cutlet, Tomato Sauce
Garlic Aioli BLT$9.95
Hickory Smoked Bacon, Garlic Aioli
Garlic Aioli PLT$9.95
Smoked Prosciutto, Garlic Aioli
Pressed Cubano$10.95
Porchetta, Ham, House Marinated Pickles, Endicott Mozz Blend, Mustard
Gorgonzola$9.95
Flat-Top Grilled Chicken, Grilled Onions, Soft Gorgonzola, Garlic Aioli
Shaved Steak$10.95
Grilled Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Endicott Mozz Blend, French Fries. Primantis-style
Endicott, N.Y.- Style Chicken Spiedies$10.95
Perfected by Agostino Iacovelli and Peter Sharak

On Ciabatta

Boscaiola$9.95
Marinated Portobello, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula, Pomodoro Crudo
Pressed Caprese$9.95
Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Pomodoro Crudo, Balsamic Double Reduction
Vegetable Hummus$9.95
Red Onions, Broken Olives, Cucumber, Arugula, Pomodoro Crudo, Hot Cherry Peppers, Barrel Aged Feta & Sicilian Herb Aioli
Iron-Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich*$13.95
Arugula, Grilled Onions, Tomato, Red Bell Pepper Coulis, Roasted Garlic Aioli

On Potato Bun

Pane e Panelle$9.95
Popular Palermo Street-Style Sandwich Chickpea Fritters, Meyer Lemon & Champagne Vinaigrette Emulsion, Herbs & Seasoned Ricotta
Chicken LTO$9.95
Grilled or Herb Crusted Cutlet, Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette
Black Bean Vegetarian Burger$9.95
Iron-Seared Vegetable, Black Bean & Rice Patty. Spinach, Tomato, Red Pepper Coulis

Hamburger

Custom Blend of Short Rib, Brisket & Chuck

Classico$9.95
House Marinated Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Royale$10.95
Aged Cheddar, Roasted "Mango" Red Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Cipollata$10.95
Soft Gorgonzola Creme & Crumbles, Grilled Onions

Additional Sandwich Sides

Garlic Roasted Vegetables$1.95
Celery & Chickpea Salad$1.95
Side Romaine Salad$1.95
Cup of Soup$1.95
Warm Sicilian Farro Salad$2.95
Citrus Quinoa Salad$2.95
Braised Cannellini Beans & Herbs$2.95

From the Oven

Agrodolce

Roasted Vegetable Spiked Caponata (Sicilian Ratatouille). with choice of

Marinated Portabello$8.95
4 oz Grilled Chicken$10.95
5 oz Pork Ribeye$10.95
5 oz Porchetta$10.95
5 oz Sirloin Steak$12.95
4 oz Jail Island Salmon$12.95
4 oz Iron-Seared Ahi Tuna*$14.95
6 (U 16-20) Gulf White Shrimp$12.95

Parmigiana Style Entrées

Molten & Browned Mozzarella Blend, Over Tony's of Endicott Sicilian Tomato Sauce. Add to Your Parmigiana Entrée with Tony's of Endicott Sicilian-Style Tomato Sauce: Spaghetti or Rigatoni $2.95, Whole Wheat, Gluten Free, or Gnocchi $3.95

Herb Crusted Chicken$13.95
Moorish Beef Meatball$13.95
Herb Battered Eggplant$13.95

Classic Plates

Pressed Lasagna$14.95
Merquez-Seasoned Ground Steak & Three Cheese
Vegetable Lasagna$14.95
Layers of Panelle (Chickpea Fritters) with Roasted "Mango" Red Bell Pepper, Sautéed Mushrooms, Eggplant, Spinach & Three Cheese
Herb Crusted Chicken Milanese$13.95
Arugula, Pomodoro Crudo, Meyer Lemon
Eggplant Rollatini$13.95
Stuffed with Seasoned Ricotta
Manicotti$13.95
Stuffed with Seasoned Ricotta

Drinks

Bottled Water
San Benedetto Sparkling or Still, Dasani
Soda Fountain
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Barq's Root Beer, Orange Fanta, Lemonade, Tonic
Soda Bottles
Mexican Coke, Mexican Fanta
San Pellegrino Fruit Sodas
Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Sicilian Chinotto
Juice
Orange, Cranberry, Pineapple
Vitamin Water
Various Flavors
Fresh Brewed Iced Tea
Sweet, Unsweet

Coffee

Espresso$2.95
Macchiato$2.95
Espresso with a Touch of Cream
Coffee$2.95
Regular or Decaf

Desserts

Pannacotta$5.95
Translation: Cooked Cream. Cross Between Crème Brulee & Flan with Housemade Caramel
Tiramisu$5.95
Translation: Pick Me Up! Classic Preparation of Espresso-laced Ladyfingers, Egg, Mascarpone Cream
Cannoli$5.95
Translation: Little Tubes. Deep Fried Shells Stuffed with Sweet Ricotta, Chopped Pistachios & Milk Chocolate
Limoncello Mascarpone$5.95
Sicilian Lemon Infused Sponge Cake Layered with Mascarpone, Topped with White Chocolate
Pressed Nutella Panini$5.95
Nutella, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Dominos 10X Confectioners' Sugar

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub - Durham.

3.9

(33)

3.9Food
3.7Service
3.3Ambience
2.6Value

Noise • Energetic

33 Reviews

JE
JEFF Gold
Raleigh101 reviews
1.0
Dined on May 26, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Way too loud, slow service & food gave me indigestion
Is this helpful?
JE
JEFF Gold
Raleigh101 reviews
2.0
Dined on May 25, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
service was slowest I've seen in a while, music much too loud, preventing any kind of conversation & forcing the waitstaff to raise their voices to be heard. the worst part was the food, I was sick to my stomach after eating the spedie! happened to this place?
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c
cmcm Gold
Raleigh36 reviews
2.0
Dined on May 12, 2017
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Food was good. Service was very bad. Music is way too loud.
Is this helpful?
MV
MikeV
West Palm Beach16 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 2, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Overall good experience. Went there for an early dinner (5:30PM) so not crowded at all. The music level inside is way too loud. Outside seating is nice but still a bit loud with the music. I was disappointed that they did not have the prosecco or the red Italian wine I wanted. Though they did have a fine alternative. Overall nice place to chill The food was plentiful and good- The olive dish as a appie was huge and the chicken parm with pasta was good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco1 review
3.0
Dined on March 28, 2017
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
The wine was chilled but it shouldn't have been. It left a strange aftertaste as well, like it had been left open for a few days. The food was fine but nothing you could not get at a cheaper, nicer restaurant. It was also extremely loud and made conversation nearly impossible. The server was very nice and prompt, I have no complaints with our waitress.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin3 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 27, 2017
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Tasty "Italian tapas" - the meatballs, the arancina, and the sausage were all very good.
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F
Foodvacationer Gold
New York City34 reviews
1.0
Dined on March 13, 2017
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
A note, I have dined here 3 times in the past year and have had pleasant experiences, particularly with the food. This evening did not live up to previous experiences. The hostess, without a smile or pleasant greeting, was not aware of our reservation for later (we arrived early) and looked at us like we were confused (myself and two colleagues). She said she could seat us anyway and we were seated next to the door on a cold and rainy evening. There were other tables available so we are not sure why we had to have the coldest table in the restaurant. It was a dark table with a single color changing light above, not romantic, not practical. We were given wine, dinner and specials menus; specials, that did not appear to include any available on this evening, a Monday night. We waited for a server to take the drink order and by the time he arrived we were on the verge of leaving. We agreed to an opportunity of redemption but the server only confirmed one person's request for water and then walked away before anyone else's order was taken. We promptly left. I had talked up the food to my colleagues and this was quite a let down. I hope the take out process is better later this week. I'm looking forward to the create your own pasta dish.
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MC
MClemente
San Diego5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2017
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food service and value. I will return.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner Gold
Austin11 reviews
2.0
Dined on September 16, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
This place has an inviting outdoor dining area, and the weather was nice the night we visited. The white anchovy crostini were actually quite tasty, and the olive appetizer was generous. Wish we had stopped there. The house special sparkling wine cocktail was odd. Steak and lasagna nothing to write home about, for sure. The waiter was not attentive, and didn't seem into his job providing service. Was much more concerned about stacking all the chairs and taking the seat cushions inside, so that they could close the doors. And we arrived for dinner around 7:30, not that there was much of a crowd even at that early hour on a Friday evening.
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R
Rachel Gold
Nashville41 reviews
4.0
Dined on September 15, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Lovely. Had a mid afternoon lunch. Place clearly popular as it was just clearing out the lunch group. When we arrived at 1:30 the place was still pretty packed. Excellent octopus- we had the grilled and the fried. Salads wonderful. Impressive beer list for this type of place. Really enjoyed. Would come back.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Sicilian
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday 11:00am -10:00pm
Website
http://www.serena-rtp.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Retirement party- We can do thatCorporate dinner - That tooNetworking event - AbsolutelyCall for details to customize your event

Location
5311 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703
Neighborhood
Cary
Cross street
Old Page Rd / Slater Road
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub - Durham

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Small Plates

Cold

Bruschetta$7.95

Sicilian Marinated Olives$7.95

Sicilian Seasoned Hummus$7.95

Sicilian Caponata$8.95

White Anchovies$7.95

Burrata$8.95

Fried Chickpeas$3.95

1/4 Kilo of Kennebec Fries

Trapanese Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper$4.95

White Truffle Oil & Truffle Salt$6.95

Garlic, Pecorino, Trapanese Sea Salt & Parsley$5.95

Herbed Buttermilk & Bacon$6.95

Gorgonzola Creme & Crumbles$6.95

Insalatini

Side Romaine Salad$3.95

Celery & Chickpea Salad$4.95

Garlic Wilted Spinach$4.95

Citrus Quinoa Salad$4.95

Garlic Roasted Vegetables$4.95

Braised Cannellini Beans & Herbs$4.95

Warm Sicilian Farro Salad$4.95

Hot

Black Bean Vegetable Cakes$7.95

Grilled Chicken Spiedie Skewers$8.95

Grilled Octopus$14.95

Sicilian Arancina$9.95

Calamari Fritti$9.95

Herb-Crusted Mozzarella$8.95

Moorish Beef Meatballs

Garlic Bread with Sauce$2.95

Soups

Minestrone

Plum Tomato Bisque

Salads

Choose your Salad

Giardino$6.95

Luca$8.95

Alessio$8.95

Sicilian Celery & Farro Salad$9.95

Choose a Housemade Dressing

Sicilian Herbed Aioli

Soft Gorgonzola Creme

Aged Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette

Tony's of Endicott Herbed Red Wine Vinaigrette

Tony's of Endicott Herb Buttermilk

Choose your Toppings for Salad & Pasta

Meats

Sliced Sausage^$2.95

Spicy Würstel^$3.95

Moorish Beef Meatballs^$3.95

Sirloin Steak$5.95

Pork Ribeye$4.95

Hickory Smoked Bacon$1.95

Smoked Prosciutto$3.95

Chicken Spiedies$4.95

Grilled Chicken$3.95

Herb Crusted Chicken$4.95

Grilled Octopus$9.95

Iron-Seared Ahi Tuna$6.95

White Anchovies$3.95

3 (U 16-20) Gulf White Shrimp$5.95

Jail Island Salmon$6.95

Hard-Boiled Egg$1.00

Vegetables

Garlic Roasted Vegetables^$1.95

Battered Eggplant^$1.95

Sautéed Button Mushrooms^$1.00

Marinated Portobello$2.95

Pomodoro Crudo$1.00

Spinach$1.00

Roasted Red Peppers$1.00

Hot Cherry Peppers$1.00

Banana Peppers$1.00