There are some restaurants in my life that will never get old and that I will always get excited to dine at. Vlora, a Mediterranean restaurant in Boston, is a calming retreat and peaceful escape that sits under the hustle and bustle of Boylston street. A couple weeks ago Erica, of Itzy’s Kitchen, who ironically enough graduated from the same high school as us, was visiting family in Boston. To give her a proper homecoming we naturally planned a blogger meet-up. I’m sure you’re not surprised. After shooting around some ideas for dinner, I decided that Vlora, with their unique and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, extensive wine list, pleasant and welcoming staff, and comfy white leather chairs, would be the best option.
I called the week before the meet-up and spoke with the owner, Cindy, who set aside a special VIP table for us under the greenhouse area of the restaurant, which was gorgeous. A perfect outdoor breeze swept by us the entire evening. And that great view of the Hancock Tower… and, later, the sunset didn’t hurt either.
Cindy and her husband, Aldo, arranged for a complimentary sampling of appetizers to be sent to our table. This was the perfect way to get the evening started and allowed the first-time Vlora diners to get a taste of what was to come.
Some favorites:
Pan Roasted Zucchini with Garlic Yogurt
Greek Peasant Salad: romaine, tomato, cucumber, kalamata, onion, red and yellow pepper, peperoncino, feta cheese
Grilled Octopus: tomato, cucumber (this was one of my favorites!)
Arancini Sicillani (Italian rice balls, mushroom and feta filling, fresh tomato and mint sauce)
Watermelon and Feta Tidbit: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, parsley This is always a hit. Deliciously sweet, salty, smooth, and refreshing.
After we completed the round of appetizers we all placed orders for our entrees. I ended up getting the arancini because it is just that good.
What makes outstanding food, wine, and a Summer breeze even better? Good company, of course!
Erica of Itzy’s Kitchen and Naomi of OneFitFoodie.
The darling Alicia of The Clean Plate Club and Bridget from Yogurt and Berries.
Meg (the sister of Collen of The Daily Craic), Megan of Travel, Eat, Love, and Sues.
Us We are not Martha ladies with Elizabeth of On Tap for Today.
The whole gang!
The prices at Vlora are very reasonable, especially considering the quality and freshness of food you’re receiving, outstanding service, and that downtown Boston location. Another plus, the dishes are simple to share for group dining, so when I go, we typically order a variety of dishes which gives us the opportunity to taste a wider range of the menu.
Thank you so much to Cindy and Aldo for welcoming us into your restaurant and taking such good care of us! We will, of course, be back very soon for more!
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The most fitting words and description from the Vlora website:
In the heart of Back Bay, lives the soul of Mediterranean cuisine. Vlora, named after Chef/Owner Aldo Velaj’s hometown in Albania, represents more than authentic Mediterranean cuisine-it embraces the true Mediterranean lifestyle.
The dishes reflect the age old adage of “eat better and live better.” With an emphasis on freshness and a minimalist cooking style, the naturally healthy menu covers tastes from the Northern Mediterranean region encompassing Albania, Greece, and Southern Italy. The 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 the city. Believing that food should taste like food, the natural tastes and flavors of the freshest ingredients are enhanced primarily with olive oil and fresh herbs.
No need to travel abroad – experience the Mediterranean, here, in Boston’s Copley Square.
Vlora Restaurant
545 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
www.vloraboston.com
[Chels]
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looks like a great meal!
So sad I had to miss this event but I am glad you ladies had a great time!
I can’t believe I’ve never eaten at Vlora. Looks like it was a great meal!
looks fab! what used to be in that space? i recall the greenhouse roof, but not what was underneath it 4years ago!
This was such a fun evening. Thanks for organizing, girls!
I’m still dreaming about this food -everything was incredible!! And the restaurant itself is gorgeous. Thank you again for setting this up!!
I love Vlora! Everything you say is true. Great food, decent prices, and a wonderful atmosphere! One of the few “nicer” restaurants in Boston that I’ll go to time and time again.
@emily – I remember a LONG time ago it was a sushi restaurant!
What a great dinner you ladies had! The food certainley does look as fresh and delicious as you describe.
i tries the watermelon with feta…..and omg!!!!! what a wonderful and refreshing surprise, even my kids were impressed!!!!
THOSE SWEET POTATOE FRIES LOOK AWESOME!!!