George M.
Yelp
What I missed most about New York City when I was living in NYC, were the old-school chef-owned and operated Italian restaurants, most of which were owned by Croatians. But I digress...
It took nearly five years since I relocated to West Palm, to find Marcello's La Sirena (MLS) but as the adage goes, better late than never. This is by far one of two great old-school Italian restaurants in Palm Beach County; I daresay in all of SoFlo.
I've visited several times since my inaugural visit. Each time Chef extraordinaire Marcello Fiorentino was holding court. Occasionally, he would grace the dining room to gauge his exuberant patron's satisfaction with their meals; as any proud king would survey his kingdom alongside Queen Diane, whose domain consisted of all things front-of-house. People enjoyed the Marcello and Diane experience for all the reasons that people--like yours truly--return to restaurants.
During my several visits, my guests and I tried just about every menu item and offering du jour. Highlighting one dish from another is tantamount to picking your favorite twin-child. Since I hail from the Aegean I can't help but mention the Langoustine Alla Grilglia dish. Or, Dan's Steak or Crusty Skined Branzino, dishes but that's it, no more standouts because every dish was worth a return trip to MLS.
The waitstaff was attentive and efficient. One Yelp reviewer complained and one-star rated MLS citing that "The food is good but the staff (maitre d', in particular) are unfriendly to "the point of rudeness." Is there any establishment that doesn't have an off-night? Some of the legendary places I know up north (Rao's, Peter Lugar, et al) are well known for their great food but perpetually dyspeptic staff but you'll folks return for the food. Contrary to my fellow Yelpers experience and review, MLS performed on all fronts, and writing this review entices me to make rezzies for this evening--if there will even be availability on such short notice.