Sirena

Sirena

Myriad Latin cultures (Chilean, Peruvian, Mexican) converge at the corner of Columbia and Fir with the arrival of Sirena, a stylish new seafood eatery in Little Italy. From an open kitchen emerges a plethora of artfully plated dishes almost too pretty to eat, yet too vibrantly flavorful to resist. An aggressively citrus-based uni leche de tigre marinade brings an uppercut of acid to numerous dishes including El Chileno — tender ocean fresh snapper, octopus, and scallops served ceviche-style, while smoked ahi tuna tiradito (Peruvian-style sashimi) comes alive thanks to a mango coulis made spicy care of habanero peppers. But those looking for meat or poultry will be pleased with a 12-ounce New York strip steak with chimichurri or a lovely cheese-stuffed chicken breast slathered in a viscous, earthy hot sauce with shrimp. Adding to Sirena’s early appeal is a happy hour that even takes place Fridays and Saturdays. Fish tacos and empanadas du jour can be had for the low price of $2 apiece while other starters, including the aforementioned Chileno, are priced around half the normal going rate along with discounted local craft beers and sea fare-friendly wines. (619.564.8970, www.sirenagourmet.com)   Brandon Hernández