Vlora

01/21/2008 Posted by lle815

That's your 1st thought when you step into the restaurant with it's landscape pictures of the city Vlora. The atmosphere is indeed European but it also has a chill to it and lacks the intimate atmosphere that I was looking forward to. The food was different, grilled octopus is indeed what it claims to be (fork tender) and has a nice smoky hint to it. The ostrich steak is WAYYYY unexpected, very lean and chewy even when cooked medium rare (although I was warned by the waiter beforehand). The Chilean sea bass was all bone….wasn’t the moist and tender dish I was eager for. The wine list was impressive; they had all sorts of varieties, not just the Mediterranean. It was a nice experience but somehow left me feeling baffle. I left the place feeling satisfied because I tried something new but let down because I did not enjoy it as much as I had anticipated.

Pros: great service

Cons: below ground restaurant

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/10/2008 Posted by jillmast

I need a restaurant to take my boyfriend for his birthday and I decided on Vlora after reading all the great reviews. The atmosphere is very chic and cmfortable. The bar has small little lights in the ceiling, something I've never seen before. The food was fantastic, the watermelon feta was out of this world good. The ostrich steak was one the best steaks in the city, if you like good steak you need to try this. They also have a great wine list and the waitstaff made some perfect suggestions. If your looking for a great meal and great service this is the place.

Pros: Menu, wine list, atmosphere, service

Cons: kinda tucked away across from copley square, hard to find

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/01/2007 Posted by mitcoffee

We started off with an unusual grilled zucchini with garlic yogurt appetizer, which- even to our surprise, was delicious! The natural sweentess of the vegetable contrasted to the delicately lemony tang of the yogurt- subtley reminiscent of Greek cuisine. 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. Next, we feasted on the Cod filet and the steak filet (bone-in)- the fish was lightly salted and pan-cooked to perfection, however it was not the highlight of the dish. It came with 2 sides: the carpiccio and the Vlora-style cabbage which were both beautifully spiced to enhance the flavor and texture of the fish. 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. We had the New Zealand Sauvignon blanc at the table which was a perfect mate to both dishes. This new restaurant comes with high commendations from us!

Pros: Ambience, Friendly & quick service,

Cons: The window-side tables are a little chilly...

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

11/28/2007 Posted by webster77

This is easily the worst restaurant I've eaten at in Boston over the past 5 years. Not only was the food intolerable (the fish was more bones than meat, the wine was acidic, the saganaki came out cold), but the prices are so outrageous/insulting we just had to laugh after the whole experience. The ambiance is cold and loud. The only thing I recommend here is the service - but even that won't save this place. This restaurant will be gone within the next few months.

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful

11/23/2007 Posted by misterm74

I love the place. It has such a good energy. I have been there twice already . The food is simple but good. The wine list is reasonably priced. The only thing I did't like the first time I went there, was the fact that it is hard to find. They do not have a sign outside. I was ready to go somewhere else. It was worth the trouble though. Anyway,check it out

Pros: a lot of things

Cons: very hard to find (no sign outside)

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

11/15/2007 Posted by razzberry4

Came across this restaurant on Citysearch, and had to try it out. ALthough the restaurant was empty early in the night, it was bustling by 7pm. The waiter was attentive, and the food was outstanding. I would reccomend the Ostrich, and old favorites like escargot and tuna steaks do not dissapoint here. The restaurant itself is cozy and welcoming, but also modern and chic. A mix of techno-trance music (but at just the right volume) adds to the embiance for a complete experience. Great date spot!

Pros: service, atmosphere, overall experience

Cons: could walk right by if you didn't know it was there

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

10/11/2007 Posted by soxfan24

I was told by a friend of mine that this new restaurant opened up and I am all about great food. Everyone thinks I am very hard to please but let me tell you I loved the restaurant. The decor was beautiful, very elegant yet you fit without a very dressy outfit. The food was so good I finished all the plates. I had 2 plates of the grilled octapus. YUM YUM. The pie plate was so tasty I took one order to go. The kasata as a desert, my God, soooooooooo good. The owner was really nice and funny. The service was great. Finally Boston has a restaurant that has it all, Location, Ambiance, Service, Food. After I finished dinner I called all my friends and told them " You just have to try it"

Pros: Ambience, Parking, Services

Cons: loved everything

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

09/26/2007 Posted by lillyhuber

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. Appetizers are oh-so-good, entrees are delicious, and desserts are the best I have had so far in Boston. My favorite appetizers were the calamari, the octopus, and the traditional tava. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked but i must say that the flat iron stake was just as yummy. As for desserts, i would strongly urge you to try the Kasata and the kataifi. Also, if your waiter and/or host suggests a wine, don't hesitate to go for it; they know what they are talking about. If awsome food is not enough to get you to dine at Vlora, the ambience will. You will truly experience a European-like environment. And to finish, the music. 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. Bottom line, Vlora is the best mediterranean ever. Enjoy the wonderful experience!

Pros: Delicious food, great ambience, and great music

Cons: None

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

09/24/2007 Posted by bosox04

Vlora is a spectacular new restaurant. Its right on boylston street across form copley in the underground space that hasnt been anything for the longest time. They did a great job decorating the interior. The bar is great for after work drinks and appetizers, you have to try the watermelon and feta. The staff is very friendly and has no problem explaining things on the menu. They also have a real extensive wine list.

Pros: Food, Sevice, Atmosphere, Location

Cons: Nothing

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful