100 Best Restaurants 2010: Washingtonian Magazine:
Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Cynthia Hacinli , Ann Limpert , Kate Nerenberg , Rina Rapuano

This modest newcomer stands out more for what it’s not than for what it is. It’s not, for one thing, an exercise in over-the-top richness, larding on the cream, the butter, and the prosciutto, as so many high-end Italian restaurants do. Nor is it the budget buster that the setting and level of execution would lead you to believe. It minds the middle—a place of quiet refinement and moderation. Martin Lackovic’s pastas are among the best in town, all of them imaginatively but judiciously sauced, and he manages to imbue common-sounding dishes with bites of luxury. Read full article»

December 29, 2009
the Best New Restaurants of 2009
By Tim Carman, Washington City Paper

Of all the new restaurants I visited this year—not just all the new Italian restaurants, a sizable sub-group itself—Siroc is the only one that feels flawless to me. I’m not saying chef Martin Lackovic made no mistakes during my visits, but they were minor and have all vanished in my mind, replaced with that vague sense of goodwill and glee that the best restaurants inspire from diners. Read full article»

October 18, 2009
2009 Fall Dining Guide
By Tom Sietsema, Washington Post

One can eat very well on the low and the high rungs of the price scale in the Washington area. What's missing from the scene are more restaurants that allow people to dine memorably somewhere in the middle. That makes Siroc such a find. It's a smart little Italian-Mediterranean dining room in the center of the city watched over by a couple of dapper brothers and a discerning chef, all of whom want to show you a good time without putting a dent in your budget... Read more »

June 10, 2009
Succulent, speedy fare: Siroc boasts great food, superb service
By Gabriella Boston, The Washington Times

Everything from the speedy service to the perfectly executed house-made pastas is a breeze at Siroc, a recently opened Italian restaurant at McPherson Square. What first impresses, though, is the friendliness and ease of the waiters. It's a busy night on a recent Tuesday, but they're not rushed. They're knowledgeable about the food without sounding rehearsed, and, most important, they have no airs. Read full review »

May 3, 2009
A Delicious Breeze Siroc elevates its food, not its prices
By Tom Sietsema, Washington Post

There are restaurants we're drawn to because we want to refuel with minimal fuss and restaurants we seek out because they let us suspend reality for a few hours. Somewhere between, say, the drive-through at Popeyes and the opulence of the Inn at Little Washington, there's another, equally useful type of establishment. The place I'm thinking of isn't necessarily a looker, although it offers sufficient comforts. It might not be the first place you'd consider for a date or a birthday, although it could pinch-hit for either occasion. Read full review »

February 18, 2009
First Bite: Change Is in the Wind Downtown
By Tom Sietsema, Washington Post

Osso buco with polenta has replaced scallops with parsley sauce at downtown Washington's Siroc (915 15th St. NW; 202-628-2220), a new Italian establishment that supplants Gerard's Place, the late French restaurant. Siroc's debut returns Martin Lackovic to a regular gig; for the past two years, the chef freelanced around the Washington-Baltimore area. Previously, Lackovic, 45, cooked in the District at the Caucus Room, Galileo and I Matti. Read full review »

January 9, 2009

Former Executive Chef of Galileo, I Matti and The Caucus Room Opens restaurant Siroc: McPherson Square Restaurant Will Open in Time for 2009 Inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC, January 9, 2009—Martin Lackovic, formerly of Galileo, I Matti and The Caucus Room is set to open his inaugural restaurant, Siroc Restaurant, as Executive Chef and Co-Owner. Siroc will open on Friday, January 16th, just in time for Washington’s inaugural celebration, in the space formerly belonging to Gerard Pangaud Bistro on McPherson Square.

Chef Lackovic, whose tastes are inspired by his work in Italy, London and Cape Town, will create contemporary cuisine influenced by Italian and Mediterranean tastes. Siroc’s menu will be built around house-made pasta, innovative salads and entrees. Chef
Lackovic’s love of charcuterie and desserts will also influence his dynamic menu. The restaurant will use organic and local products whenever possible, creating an exciting and constantly evolving menu that will take its cues from the seasonal availability of various ingredients. Siroc’s wine list will feature vintages from Italy and
beyond, specifically selected to complement the innovative cuisine.

Chef Lackovic has teamed with Keram and Mehdi Dris. The Dris brothers have also long been involved with Washington restaurants: Keram is formerly of Le Lavandou and I Matti, and Mehdi is formerly of Cesco Trattoria and Le Caprice. The duo on the floor
will ensure that guests are welcomed and comfortable throughout their dining experience.

Siroc takes its name from the relaxing wind that blows from northern Africa across the mediteranean. Siroc will have an elegant, yet modern atmosphere, and will be bathed in warm and inviting earth tones drawing from the large chandelier. With the arrival of warmer days and evenings, Siroc will offer street-side dining, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the unique cuisine while enjoying the blossoms and greenery in McPherson Square.

Siroc Restaurant is located at 915 15th Street, Washington D.C., between Eye and K Streets. Lunch will be served Monday through Friday and Dinner will be served nightly Monday through Saturday. Reservations may be made by calling the restaurant directly
at (202) 628-2220 or through OpenTable beginning Thursday, January 15th.