Vlora Restaurant

Eat Better, Live Better

(617) 600-7685

545 Boylston Street (Clarendon Street)
Boston, MA 02116 42.3506 -71.076

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Neighborhoods: Back Bay, Back Bay East

www.vloraboston.com

Hours:

7 days a week: 10 am until closing

Price:

$$$

Last updated 9.12.11

Category:

Restaurants, Banquet Rooms

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Catering Services:

Wedding Banquets

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Private Rooms, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Private Parties, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene

Cuisine:

Greek, Health Food, Mediterranean, Vegan, Vegetarian, Seafood

Smoking Permitted:

No

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Editor's Tips

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What People Are Saying About Vlora Restaurant

The Owner

Vlora Restaurant

Owner

Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Aldo and Cindy Velaj, Vlora features flavors inspired by the Northern Mediterranean region including Southern Italy, Greece and Albania. Dine in the relaxed, sophisticated ambiance of this authentic Mediterranean restaurant. Vlora's menu and wine list are an extension of the flavors and dishes served in Aldo's own home, including exclusive handpicked wines and lovingly prepared signature dishes that are unmatched within Boston. Planning a special event or desire private dining? This Copley Square Mediterranean restaurant's main dining room seats…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Gerrish Lopez

Contributor

In Short – A focus on authentic Mediterranean cuisine--from Italy, Greece, and Albania--makes this restaurant a healthy and affordable alternative in the Back Bay. Named for the chef's hometown, Vlora embodies a minimalist approach to cooking with an emphasis on taste and fresh ingredients. The grilled octopus is as good as any in the city, and the salads, pies and grilled meats and fish are all suitable authentic. The extensive and reasonably priced wine list offers something for everyone. A cozy, European atmosphere enhances the dining experience.

Editor's Tips

When to Go:
On Sundays, from 5pm-9pm, Vlora offers a three course, family-style "Sunday Supper" for $30 per person ($20 for kids).
Know Before You Go:
Breakfast (mortadella and scrambled eggs on a croissant, authentic Greek frappes) is served daily from 7am-11am; lunch (homemade gnocchi, Greek peasant salad) from 11am-3pm; a light menu from 3pm-5pm and 11pm-1am; and dinner from 5pm-11pm. There's also a weekend brunch from 10am-3pm.
When to Go:
Monday through Thursday, Vlora restaurant offers 50% off all appetizers from 3-5pm.
ambiance
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. “The inside of the restaurant/bar area is beautiful, very reminiscent of an LA lounge atmosphere, like S Bar, or the Palomar.”
  2. “The ambiance is cold and loud.”
  3. “The restaurant's atmosphere is an added bonus, its friendly owner and servers provide the best customer service, which made me felt like I'm at home.”
  4. “The decor was beautiful, very elegant yet you fit without a very dressy outfit.”
  5. “Beautiful place, great ambience, fantastic customer service & scrumptious food, what more could you ask for?”
  6. “Their compilation of music from Greece, Albania, Italy and other European countries is so appropriate and creates a fine ambience and sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner.”
  7. “If you are looking for a restaurant that offers delectable food, great ambiance, and even better service you can end your search and go to Vlora.”
  8. “The restaurant itself is cozy and welcoming, but also modern and chic.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “The pie plate was so tasty I took one order to go.”
  2. “The kasata as a desert, my God, soooooooooo good.”
  3. “Appetizers are oh-so-good, entrees are delicious, and desserts are the best I have had so far in Boston.”
  4. “Salads were a fabulous start as well, and desserts finished off the meal.”
  5. “also highly recommend the Baklava dessert, I won't describe it into too much detail, as it would only ruin the great yummy experience that you're about to find out!”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “highly recommend Vlora to anyone looking for a relaxing bar to hang out in after a long day of work.”
  2. “The bar is great for after work drinks and appetizers, you have to try the watermelon and feta.”
  3. “They also have a great wine list and the waitstaff made some perfect suggestions.”
  4. “cool vibe, good food, and a well rounded wine list.”
  5. “The other night, we went looking for a place to go out for drinks/appetizers after work, and decided to try Vlora after a co-worker recommended it to me as an upscale, trendy night spot.”
  6. “It's the perfect place if you work long hours and all you want is a light bite and a good glass of wine to end the night.”
  7. “The inside of the restaurant/bar area is beautiful, very reminiscent of an LA lounge atmosphere, like S Bar, or the Palomar.”
food quality
93.8700008392334% positive
  1. “The appetizer 'Trio of pies' was not only crunchy from the outside, its flavorful creamy filling is simply yummy with great taste and aroma.”
  2. “went for a variety of side dishes, each one more delicious than the next (the couscous and baked goat cheese polenta were especially wonderful).”
  3. “The food was different, grilled octopus is indeed what it claims to be (fork tender) and has a nice smoky hint to it.”
  4. “cool vibe, good food, and a well rounded wine list.”
  5. “The most authentic Mediterranean food in Boston.”
  6. “was pleasantly surprised by the unbelievable delicious food and the extremely attentive service.”
  7. “My favorite dishes are the grilled octopus, the tiramisu, flat iron steak, and the watermelon and feta.”
  8. “If your looking for a great meal and great service this is the place.”
  9. “Great food at a reasonable price!”
  10. “Appetizers are oh-so-good, entrees are delicious, and desserts are the best I have had so far in Boston.”
  11. “For brunch, the eggs benedict was great, and my friends enjoyed the gyro plate.”
  12. “We sipped glasses of tasty prosecco and shared the Arancini (filled with rice, feta, and mushroom: super yummy) and the Saganaki (pan fried Greek cheese: melts in your mouth!)”
  13. “would caution the Shrim over Couscous dish was a mild spice (i love spicy food!”
  14. “The waiter was attentive, and the food was outstanding.”
  15. “The ostrich steak was one the best steaks in the city, if you like good steak you need to try this.”
  16. “was told by a friend of mine that this new restaurant opened up and I am all about great food.”
  17. “We started off with an unusual grilled zucchini with garlic yogurt appetizer, which- even to our surprise, was delicious!”
  18. “My friend got salmon with a lobster bisque sauce that was exquisite.”
  19. “The table bread was a brioche-style roll accompanied by homemade garlic olive oil, which was not only delicious but a perfect palate-cleanser before the main dishes.”
  20. “The lamb chops were perfectly cooked but i must say that the flat iron stake was just as yummy.”
  21. “If you are looking for a restaurant that offers delectable food, great ambiance, and even better service you can end your search and go to Vlora.”
  22. “also highly recommend the Baklava dessert, I won't describe it into too much detail, as it would only ruin the great yummy experience that you're about to find out!”
  23. “The service was definitley off and the food wasn't nearly as fresh and flavorful as past meals (even the lemon roasted potatoes have suffered ).”
  24. “Beautiful place, great ambience, fantastic customer service & scrumptious food, what more could you ask for?”
  25. “The food was fantastic, the watermelon feta was out of this world good.”
  26. “The food was so good I finished all the plates.”
  27. “We had the New Zealand Sauvignon blanc at the table which was a perfect mate to both dishes.”
  28. “Not to mention, being a huge fan of fish, I only eat Salmon 'raw', never cooked.”
  29. “The pie plate was so tasty I took one order to go.”
  30. “The steak filet was slightly dry but the side dishes once again rose beyond our expectations- the creamed corn was undeniably fresh and home made, while the sauteed mushrooms were succulent and un-saltily flavorful.”
  31. “And, they have delicious sour dough bread while you wait.”
  32. “Vlora is absolutely a great choice for authentic, healthy and fresh food.”
  33. “would recommend the orange salad and the lamp chops I ordered.”
  34. “Salads were a fabulous start as well, and desserts finished off the meal.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “went for a variety of side dishes, each one more delicious than the next (the couscous and baked goat cheese polenta were especially wonderful).”
  2. “The staff is very friendly and has no problem explaining things on the menu.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “If your looking for a great meal and great service this is the place.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “The trendiness of Vlora is amazing I will go back again in August.”
service
96.42999649047852% positive
  1. “The service was definitley off and the food wasn't nearly as fresh and flavorful as past meals (even the lemon roasted potatoes have suffered ).”
  2. “We received excellent attention from the staff from the time when we made (and then changed) our reservation, to our being seated promptly upon arrival.”
  3. “The restaurant's atmosphere is an added bonus, its friendly owner and servers provide the best customer service, which made me felt like I'm at home.”
  4. “The service was great.”
  5. “If you are looking for a restaurant that offers delectable food, great ambiance, and even better service you can end your search and go to Vlora.”
  6. “heard good comments from people who had the sea bass.”
  7. “Food is exotic and amazing, fair priced and service is very friendly!”
  8. “Beautiful place, great ambience, fantastic customer service & scrumptious food, what more could you ask for?”
  9. “The staff is very friendly and has no problem explaining things on the menu.”
  10. “Also, the staff there are very nice - friendly but not overbearing.”
  11. “was pleasantly surprised by the unbelievable delicious food and the extremely attentive service.”
  12. “The waiter was attentive, and the food was outstanding.”
  13. “the beautiful service, and the sweet and non intrusive waitress make it a MUST GO!”
  14. “If your looking for a great meal and great service this is the place.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “Great food at a reasonable price!”
  2. “Not to mention, being a huge fan of fish, I only eat Salmon 'raw', never cooked.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “highly recommend Vlora to anyone looking for a relaxing bar to hang out in after a long day of work.”
  2. “It's the perfect place if you work long hours and all you want is a light bite and a good glass of wine to end the night.”
3 Star Rating: Average

09/12/11

Excellent food

by arjunyadav at Citysearch

good tasty food...!!!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/22/11

wonderful personnel

by vebrooks at Citysearch

We found this spot on a hot afternoon after a day of shopping. From the moment we entered, the staff was polite, helpful, courteous. Sparkling water and cool cucumber martinis revived us. We shared several appetizers and desserts. The vegetarian moussaka is sublime, the caprese fresh and loaded with basil. Wish I lived in Boston so I could visit this spot all the time.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/27/11

Best restaurant in Back Bay!

by Jen11 at Citysearch

I love this place a lot!!!

We've been there with my husband plenty times. I loved Arancini Siciliani ( rice balls with mushroom and feta), Watermelon and Feta (very refreshing), Grilled octopus is very tender!

Their food is always fresh and healthy!

The atmosphere is friendly and service is excellent!

On fridays they have big parties and it's always fun!

Will be back there very soon!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/09/09

Menu and wine is phenomenal

by JanusFoodie at Citysearch

The trendiness of Vlora is amazing I will go back again in August. Wonderful Decor in and out as well exceptional appetizers I am glad we put our trust in our waitress to pick our appetizers. Wish they would stay open till 3am lol

  • Pros: Wine was amazing and sent me to the sky
  • Cons: they close to early
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/10/09

Delicious Food! Impeccable Service!

by IrishTemper at Citysearch

I was pleasantly surprised by the unbelievable delicious food and the extremely attentive service. We tried the octopus and trip of pies for appetizers and both were to die for. I had a yellow fin tuna that was cooked to perfection over spinach and couscous. Others in my group had the sole and the shrimjp over couscous. I would caution the Shrim over Couscous dish was a mild spice (i love spicy food! - one person can barely handle mild salsa) so the waitstaff might want to make caution about that.

the decor was modern, trendy and inviting. The restuarnt is difficult to find. They are below street level and difficult to find unless you are looking for them. I would suggest a sign that is more visible from the street.

  • Cons: When the door opens there is a draft if youre near the door

The Details on Vlora Restaurant

Place Categories:

  • great spicy food
  • worst restaurant
  • outstanding yummy experience
  • really nice owner
  • like good steak
  • love place
  • cold ambiance
  • fantastic customer service
  • beautiful inside
  • very nice staff
  • yum
  • absolutely appalling behaviors
  • good glass
  • perfect palatecleanser
  • comfy high ceilings
  • especially wonderful couscous
  • best mediterranean
  • great meal
  • especially wonderful baked goat cheese polenta
  • best desserts
  • reasonable price
  • great bar
  • excellent attention
  • great better service
  • flavorful sauteed mushrooms

Message from Vlora Restaurant

  • Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Greek, Albanian, Southern Italian Fare
  • Good for Groups, Special Events

Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Aldo and Cindy Velaj, Vlora features flavors inspired by the Northern Mediterranean region including Southern Italy, Greece and Albania.

Dine in the relaxed, sophisticated ambiance of this authentic Mediterranean restaurant. Vlora's menu and wine list are an extension of the flavors and dishes served in Aldo's own home, including exclusive handpicked wines and lovingly prepared signature dishes that are unmatched within Boston.

Planning a special event or desire private dining? This Copley Square Mediterranean restaurant's main dining room seats up to 175 guests and accommodates 200 people for cocktails. The private dining room accommodates up to 50 seated guests and 80 people for cocktails.

Visit Vlora's website to view their complete menu and picture gallery.

Vlora Restaurant

15% Discount for Diners

Enjoy a 15% discount off your Dining experience.

Vlora Restaurant - 545 Boylston StreetBoston, MA02116 - (617) 600-7685

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