Avila

07/12/09

Perfect Pre-Theater Experience

by Kdickinson at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: menu variety, food, environment, valet, close to theaters

06/30/09

superb!

by bpetruccelli at Citysearch

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!!!

• Pros: try the Escargots !!! simply delicious !
• Cons: uncomfortable chairs.

09/17/08

Disappointing meal and waitstaff

by adry0105 at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Bartender was friendly
• Cons: Food unimpressive, waitstaff uncaring

Upscale Mediterranean restaurant serves a lengthy, far-reaching menu in stylish environs.

by Eric Grossman at Citysearch

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.

06/14/08

Wait until the kitchen changes

by thomhal at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Wait staff & decor
• Cons: simply the food

03/23/08

a kinda disapointing experience

by Benmoussa at Citysearch

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!!

• Cons: Poor food

02/21/08

Top Notch

by mrmullin at Citysearch

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.

01/11/08

go here now!

by boylstonbum08 at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: food and staff
• Cons: zero

06/12/07

Wonderful Service & Great Menu

by jomou at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Great Service, Diverse menu
• Cons: A little pricey but it's worth it!

06/04/07

Make 'em all happy

by theduke37 at Citysearch

One of the better choices in the city for that craving Mediterranean feeling. Avila supplies a variety of choices that include, but are not just restricted to Italian.

We tried four tapas styled appetizers and three out of the four were well done. The shrimp salad was a disappointment. The ingredients individually were each fresh, but the flavors didn't mix that well together. A simple baked bronzini with herbs was nicely done. The breadbasket was a highlight. There's an extensive winelist that has been well-chosen. The ambience is simple, open, and stylish. A good place to take a client or group. It has the right options to satisfy the simplest eaters and enough complexities to satisfy the gourmands.

• Pros: Ambience, menu variety, wine list, breadbasket, service
• Cons: A touch expensive