Vlora Restaurant

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545 Boylston Street (at Clarendon Street)
Boston, MA 02116

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(617) 638-9699
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Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
Vlora Restaurant - Boston, MA
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( 34 )
( 2 )
( 3 )
( 2 )
( 4 )

Best

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 rev...

Worst

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 lack...

Best mezes in Boston 12/16/2008

For someone who grew up overseas and travels for work, I find mezes at Vlora to be as authentic as it gets. The octopus is exactly as that you would find in Greece. The owner told me that it's cut up because it's more suitable for the local palate. 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. Which brings me to the subject of the last two reviewers. Unfortunately, I was at Vlora the same night as the two ladies who wrote the scathing remarks on the 16th and witnessed the whole scenario. All I can say is, there is nothing more shameful than individuals who use public forums to lash out at establishments when their own behaviors are absolutely appalling. I also highly doubt the comments that these ladies eat out a lot. If so, they would know that wines can be taken out of restaurants if they are contained in certain types of bags. I hope Vlora stays around because it's the only place I know that doesn't have butter in its food! Pros: Healthy and tasty cuisine. Open 7 days a week. Food available until late. Cons: Difficult to find if the first time. more
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Great group experience. 8/21/2008

I was part of a group of seventeen that had an outstanding experience at Vlora on a summer Monday night. 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. The presentation of food was outstanding, the food was tastey and not overdone, whether meat or fish. Salads were a fabulous start as well, and desserts finished off the meal. I would recommend the orange salad and the lamp chops I ordered. The Baklava for dessert was among the best I've ever eaten. I heard good comments from people who had the sea bass. A good selection of wines, although they seemed a bit overpriced. Because the restaurant is underground, it is not particularly easy to find for the Boston novice. Pros: Ambiance, service, presentation, taste. Cons: Difficult to find for the Boston novice because it is underground. more
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Great group experience. 8/20/2008

I was part of a group of seventeen that had an outstanding experience at Vlora on a summer Monday night. 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. The presentation of food was outstanding, the food was tastey and not overdone, whether meat or fish. Salads were a fabulous start as well, and desserts finished off the meal. I would recommend the orange salad and the lamp chops I ordered. The Baklava for dessert was among the best I've ever eaten. I heard good comments from people who had the sea bass. A good selection of wines, although they seemed a bit overpriced. Because the restaurant is underground, it is not particularly easy to find for the Boston novice. Pros: Ambiance, service, presentation, taste. Cons: Difficult to find for the Boston novice because it is underground. more
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Great food at a reasonable price! 7/26/2008

I've been to Vlora twice now - once for brunch and once for dinner, and I highly recommend it! The place is gorgeous inside - comfy white leather chairs, high ceilings, a waterfall, and overall a great seating layout. The food is reasonably priced (especially for back bay) and well worth it. I went for a variety of side dishes, each one more delicious than the next (the couscous and baked goat cheese polenta were especially wonderful). My friend got salmon with a lobster bisque sauce that was exquisite. For brunch, the eggs benedict was great, and my friends enjoyed the gyro plate. Also, the staff there are very nice - friendly but not overbearing. The food came out quickly, but not so quickly that I felt like it was sitting around. And, they have delicious sour dough bread while you wait. Overall, I highly recommend this place! Pros: Food, ambience, friendly staff Cons: Does not look as nice from the outside more
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Great food at a reasonable price! 7/25/2008

I've been to Vlora twice now - once for brunch and once for dinner, and I highly recommend it! The place is gorgeous inside - comfy white leather chairs, high ceilings, a waterfall, and overall a great seating layout. The food is reasonably priced (especially for back bay) and well worth it. I went for a variety of side dishes, each one more delicious than the next (the couscous and baked goat cheese polenta were especially wonderful). My friend got salmon with a lobster bisque sauce that was exquisite. For brunch, the eggs benedict was great, and my friends enjoyed the gyro plate. Also, the staff there are very nice - friendly but not overbearing. The food came out quickly, but not so quickly that I felt like it was sitting around. And, they have delicious sour dough bread while you wait. Overall, I highly recommend this place! Pros: Food, ambience, friendly staff Cons: Does not look as nice from the outside more
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Unfortunately, unimpressive 5/21/2008

On its face, it looks like Vlora is trying very hard to keep up. The location is difficult -- while it's on... more
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Unfortunately, unimpressive 5/21/2008

reflexandresolve Provided by Partner
On its face, it looks like Vlora is trying very hard to keep up. The location is difficult -- while it's on Copley Square, it's underneath the stre... more
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Cold european dining 1/21/2008

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 more
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Cold european dining 1/20/2008

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 more
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WOW! Vlora is one of the finest restaurants around. 1/10/2008

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 more
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WOW! Vlora is one of the finest restaurants around. 1/9/2008

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 more
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Unusual Yumminess 11/30/2007

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... more
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Unusual Yumminess 11/30/2007

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... more
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Awful 11/28/2007

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. more
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Awful 11/27/2007

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. more
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A new cool Restaurant 11/23/2007

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) more
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A new cool Restaurant 11/22/2007

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) more
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Amazing discovery 11/15/2007

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 more
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Amazing discovery 11/14/2007

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 more
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YOU HAVE TO TRY IT! 10/11/2007

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. Pros: Ambience, Parking, Services Cons: loved everything more
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Menu for Vlora Restaurant


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Eat Better, Live Better (617) 600-7685

Owner Message

  • 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. (617) 600-7685

Editorial

  • 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...

  • 12/17/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: 7 days a week: 10 am until closing
  • Payments: Master Card, American Express, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Back Bay, Back Bay East
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