Avila

(617) 267-4810

1 Charles St S, Boston, MA | Directions   02116

42.352470 -71.067480 View Website

Avila view & upload
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Neighborhoods:
Beacon Hill, Back Bay

Categories:
Restaurants, Restaurants
Cuisine:
Eclectic & International, New American, Mediterranean

Price:
$$$

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Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, Theater District Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene

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At a Glance ?
100% ambiance
“The bar and chefs table creates a warm, inviting ambience, plus the service is outstanding - our waiter was very professional and alttentive, and knowledgeable about the menu.”
100% dessert
“My sister and I also appreciated the attention to service; the wine steward was able to answer all of our questions, and our waiter provided a wonderful pre-appetizer of scallops as well as a wonderful chocolate dessert gratis.”
88% drinks
“would recommend dinner and drinks at Avila.”
82% food quality
“My husband had the best sea bass dish he has ever tasted and he eats a lot of fish!”
75% menu variety
“After asking for the person in charge we were confronted by a very abrupt and unprofessional woman who told us that "if other diners saw us they'd want to order off the bar menu too" and that downward slide would lead to "baseball caps in the dining room”
100% overall
“We had the best dinner, the food was the best ever but the best part was the dessert with a personalized "Happy Birthday" message with her name,send from the executive chef Rodney, I highly recomend this restaurant for special occasions like birthdays, an”
100% return potential
“The delicious food arrived in generous amounts, and I would be happy to return.”
91% service
“Avila is a fantastic restaurant, where food, service, and wine are to excellence.”
75% value
“The delicious food arrived in generous amounts, and I would be happy to return.”
100% wait time
“Not knowing what to expect after making a last-minute reservation on a recent Saturday night, this was one of the best dining experiences I've had in awhile!”

5.0
October 06, 2011

Perfect Date Spot!. We were seated immediately, the atmosphere is airy and modern with a sexy flair. Our table was next to the window and was great for people watching and taking in the scene. The restaurant was busy and not once did we feel rushed or pressured to place our order. We started with a $45 Malbec wine from Argentina that was smooth and had a hint of fruit. For an appetizer we ordered the Kobe beef meatball

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5.0
July 12, 2009

Perfect Pre-Theater Experience. Avila is THE perfect place to kick off the evening before seeing a show. I was pleasantly surprised by the vibe which was classy yet casual enough to not feel stuffy - high ceilings, beautiful art work and a variety of seating options, including bar, tables and counter seats facing the open kitchen. Our server was very knowledgeable and provided several sound suggestions. The drinks were amazing, especially the bar tender’s latest creation called "Summer Lovin" featuring homemade passion fruit sorbet, with citron vodka, cointreau and fresh basil. The menu offers a wide variety Mediterranean dishes (too many to choose from) that are creative but not overly eccentric. Everything we sampled was simply delicious. Attentive service kept us on pace to make our show with time to spare. They even offer a pre-theater menu which allows you to come back for coffee and dessert after the theater. I strongly suggest the valet parking for $16 which covers the whole night (up until 11)! Avila is a great find!

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5.0
June 30, 2009

superb!. Went there with my husband and we ended up sitting at the "chefs table" because the chairs were too high or the tables too low for us... (couldn't figure it out).. anyway the chef's table was romantic and wonderful to watch this amazing team work together.

We had the tuna tartar and the Escargots for appetizers and then moved on to Sea Bass and Veal..everything was simply amazing!!!! We will most definitely go back!!!

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1.0
September 17, 2008

Disappointing meal and waitstaff. The four of us had very high hopes as we love Davio's (same restaurant group). The waitress spoke so highly of the crispy bass that all four of us ordered it. When we asked her about the preparation, she did not provide any details other than it was her favorite item on the menu. She had not told us that it would have many bones and that it was served whole, with the head on the fish. The fish was bland, not much flavor and a small portion of fish. We guessed we were supposed to be wowed by the presentation, but the quality of the fish was subpar. More importantly, when we expressed that we were not happy with the boney fish, she was not at all sympathetic. Salads and sides were average. Bartender was friendly. Nothing special about this experience at all.

0
August 01, 2008

Upscale Mediterranean restaurant serves a lengthy, far-reaching menu in stylish environs.. In Short
Sharing ownership with Davio's, which is located down the street and sports a similarly pricey menu, Avila features dishes from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and France. Fresh, seasonal ingredients dot the menu, and most items are made in-house (hand-rolled gnocchi and fruity sorbets). Soft colors and lots of natural light make for a welcoming dining environment. Those seated near the bustling open kitchen or handsome bar have plenty to look at.

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3.0
June 14, 2008

Wait until the kitchen changes. Wait staff was efficient; decor attractive. We ordered the waiter's touted dish, the paella, which was dry; the chicken was cooked until stiff; and the only fish in the dish (squid) was unfresh & rubbery. The chef was heavy handed with the salt on the first course; most of the small dishes were good. Although we were wanting dessert, the dessert cart was unattractively displayed which made the choices look unappetizing. I think the management is trying to run the restaurant properly but is hampered by an unsophisticated chef. Attendance was very poor leading me to think i was late in hearing of the restaurant's downturn.

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3.0
March 23, 2008

a kinda disapointing experience. I took my wife and my one year old baby for Brunch this Sunday. The place looks nice, high ceiling and clean. Hostess was friendly. They sat us at this secluded table, I guess because we have a baby...I understand. The waitress came to great us after 8 or 10mn.

The food was ok, nothing that left me in an awe!!, oredered steak and eggs, eggs over med. which came over hard almost like rubber. my wife ordred a burger wich came with some truffle fries that after tasting them, I asked if they was bacon in them and the answer was yes, though the menu failed to mention that pork was one of the ingredients, I don't eat pork, so, I was desappointed!!

I'm glad we went there, because I know how it is!! I also feel it was too pricey, and they should've done a better job with the food.

I won't go back, won't recommend it!!

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4.0
February 21, 2008

Top Notch. Excellent restaurant - I wish I still lived at 1 Charles so I could stop by more often. Still, the location is perfect for a pre-theater meal. The food is great, the ambiance a bit sterile and the prices a bit steep. Overall, I'd recommend it.

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5.0
January 11, 2008

go here now!. The Boylstonbum has returned after a brief hiatus to write this review. I have dined here on many occasions and never once walked away unhappy. I usually love to rip apart restaurants in this forum. In this case no negatives come to mind. Bring your girl,friends, or family. The food,service, and decor is outstanding. Everyone from the manager to the hostess made the my visits there wanting to come back again and again.The Boylstonbum08 is going there tonight to feast. See you there.

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5.0
June 12, 2007

Wonderful Service & Great Menu. My husband and I have visited Avila twice in the last month and the great service and food remains consistent. Whenever we have dined here the wait staff and hostess have been friendly and knowledgeable. There is great attention to detail with the food and presentation. The ambience is warm and inviting whilst remaining classy. I loved the broad range of dishes on the menu and loved the chickens livers. My husband had the best sea bass dish he has ever tasted and he eats a lot of fish! There is a great choice of different breads to accompany your meal and the wait staff always make spot-on recommendations. My parents are in town next month for my moms birthday and I will definitely be reserving a table at Avila.

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