Food is excellent, even if it's a pit pricey. Creative varied menu expertly prepared. The Service is also very good. It's in a hotel so bar area can be a bit loud if there is a group in there and the noise easily bleeds into the dining room. If you're in the mood for a fine dining experience in CH then this is the place.
HeatherW
This is our second visit to Il Palio. Both experiences have been wonderful. The food and service are absolutely wonderful! The first time was just my husband and I. We liked it so much that we brought our friends visiting from Texas the second time. We will be back again and again!
Had the taster menu with matching wine flight. The food was ok nothing really blew me away. The wine was ok. The server was attentive possibly a little too which at times interrupted the flow of of conversation. Nice ambiance in the restaurant but the it was very noisy perhaps due to the acoustics or it was full house but it was difficult to hear our server describe the food or wine because of this. However on the whole it was a pleasant evening but not wowed by the food. I will give it another chance but will try the main menu next time.
Susan Simko
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.
Celebrated my husband's birthday with the Tasting Menu with wine pairings. While the food was selected from the regular menu, it was tastefully put together with excellent wines for a delightful meal. Chef Bob (who was new to us) came to the table for a nice chat and was so very kind and down-to-earth. We really enjoyed hearing his philosophies and thoughts about food (which is always our favorite subject!). The service was wonderfully attentive and we had a marvelous time. We also love to go there and eat a casual meal at their bar - great cocktails and fun food. Their cheeseburgers are incredible!!
BuddyW
The food was moderate for the price. Our meals were brought out 10 minutes apart. We didn't complain and the wait staff camp's one drink. We were kinda disappointed...maybe just an off night.
Michelle
This was my second Chef's Tasting Menu experience at Il Palio. They hit it out of the park providing a gluten-free option. Delicious flavors. Generous portions for a tasting menu. I like how many of the tasting options changed between my visits but excited to get the Iberico Pork tasting again! If you don't go for the Chef's Tasting Menu, I highly recommend ordering the Iberico Pork Pluma as an entree.
JimW
Four-star, four-diamond, authentic, homemade Italian. Great service and great food. Not what one would think of when talking about hotel restaurant. 100% fantastic. Highly recommend.
Food was amazing and service on point! Executed chef visited our table when we arrived and actually brought out our appetizer of raw oysters which was perfect ! We had the pork entree which tasted like a filet mignon. Dessert we chose was an affogato gelato sundae that was amazing!
Greg C.
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.
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!!
Food is excellent, even if it's a pit pricey. Creative varied menu expertly prepared. The Service is also very good. It's in a hotel so bar area can be a bit loud if there is a group in there and the noise easily bleeds into the dining room. If you're in the mood for a fine dining experience in CH then this is the place.
This is our second visit to Il Palio. Both experiences have been wonderful. The food and service are absolutely wonderful! The first time was just my husband and I. We liked it so much that we brought our friends visiting from Texas the second time. We will be back again and again!
Had the taster menu with matching wine flight. The food was ok nothing really blew me away. The wine was ok. The server was attentive possibly a little too which at times interrupted the flow of of conversation. Nice ambiance in the restaurant but the it was very noisy perhaps due to the acoustics or it was full house but it was difficult to hear our server describe the food or wine because of this. However on the whole it was a pleasant evening but not wowed by the food. I will give it another chance but will try the main menu next time.
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
Celebrated my husband's birthday with the Tasting Menu with wine pairings. While the food was selected from the regular menu, it was tastefully put together with excellent wines for a delightful meal. Chef Bob (who was new to us) came to the table for a nice chat and was so very kind and down-to-earth. We really enjoyed hearing his philosophies and thoughts about food (which is always our favorite subject!). The service was wonderfully attentive and we had a marvelous time. We also love to go there and eat a casual meal at their bar - great cocktails and fun food. Their cheeseburgers are incredible!!
The food was moderate for the price. Our meals were brought out 10 minutes apart. We didn't complain and the wait staff camp's one drink. We were kinda disappointed...maybe just an off night.
This was my second Chef's Tasting Menu experience at Il Palio. They hit it out of the park providing a gluten-free option. Delicious flavors. Generous portions for a tasting menu. I like how many of the tasting options changed between my visits but excited to get the Iberico Pork tasting again! If you don't go for the Chef's Tasting Menu, I highly recommend ordering the Iberico Pork Pluma as an entree.
Four-star, four-diamond, authentic, homemade Italian. Great service and great food. Not what one would think of when talking about hotel restaurant. 100% fantastic. Highly recommend.
Food was amazing and service on point! Executed chef visited our table when we arrived and actually brought out our appetizer of raw oysters which was perfect ! We had the pork entree which tasted like a filet mignon. Dessert we chose was an affogato gelato sundae that was amazing!
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.
Restaurantji Recommends
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