Opa! The Top 5 Mediterranean Restaurants in Boston

While we’d never say no to a trip to the Greek isles, you don’t need a transatlantic trip to enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean here in Boston. Come explore the Top 5 Mediterranean restaurants in Boston—and check your passports at the door.

Vlora

While the bustle of Boylston Street may pulse strong on the street above, the underground dining of Vlora is a welcome recluse for even the most die-hard city slicker, where patrons can enjoy Turkish- and Hungarian-inspired selections such as grilled octupus and psaporita (phyllo-wrapped haddock). Don’t forget to try kompekai, an Albanian-influenced spin on classic bread pudding.

Vlora is located at 545 Boylston Street in the Back Bay

Avila

Who said that brunch has to be all omelets and French toast? At Avila, guests can participate in a Mediterranean-infused prix fixe spread of halloumi cheese and dates, churros, or robiola ravioli with basil cream—washed down, of course, with a Veuve Cliquot mimosa.

Avila is located at 1 Charles Street in the Back Bay

Sofra

Though Sofra is more of a cafê than a 5-star restaurant, it serves up so much more than espresso and lattes: the venue is inspired by the cuisines of Turkey, Greece and Lebanon, evident in their ever-expanding menu of treats and treasures. We like the house-made mezze with Moroccan goat cheese—and recommend you try them all.

Sofra is located at 1 Belmont Street in Cambridge

Oleana

Sister restaurant to all-star cafê Sofra, Oleana, led by epicurean extraordinaire Ana Sortun, is, quite simply, a cut above the rest. From its award-winning patio (where this writer had her first meal) to its Turkish carpet-covered interior—and, yeah, a menu infused with the freshest, most local ingredients a diner could only dream of—this restaurant has it going on.

Oleana is located at 134 Hampshire Street in Inman Square

Sabur

Inspired by the Mediterranean and beyond—think Greece, Italy, Africa and France—Sabur has been one of Boston’s dining necessities for almost a decade. The venue offers both a traditional menu (try the lamb) and a vegetarian menu (devour the garlic polenta), plus classic dessert and brunch accompaniments. Can you say, “Opa!”?

Sabur is located at 212 Holland Street in Davis Square