Visting Greece, specifically the Greek Isles, is on the top of my travel bucket list. I am attracted to this beautiful country for so many reasons; the history, the architecture, and of course, the delicious food!
Since our travel plans for 2017 are already set in stone; realistically, it may be awhile before I get to board a plane to Santorini. Lucky for me, over the last year or so, Boston has seen an influx of Greek restaurants. Each spot offers diners its own unique look, feel, and stand-outs dishes, and since I’ve been on a Greek food kick lately, I’ve definitely done my fair share of taste-testing to determine my favorite dishes at each restaurant.
If you’re also daydreaming of spectacular sunsets in Oia and the white-painted houses that are synonymous with the islands of the Cyclades, I have a temporary solution: eat lots of amazing Greek food!
I’m sharing what to order at my favorite Greek spots in Boston. Enjoy!
The A-Lyst for Greek Food in Boston
Zucchini Chips at KAVA Neo-Taverna
Kava is on my current list of favorite restaurants in Boston, and it just so happens to be Greek! After opening in the South End last summer, this bright, corner eatery, has been consistently buzzing with people. Every time we dine here, there is one dish that I always HAVE to order. The Kolokithakia (Zucchini Chips) is a simple dish featuring breaded and fried zucchini paired with a super fresh and creamy tzatziki. It is absolutely amazing! Other excellent dishes are the Bouyiourdi (Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes, Oregano and Olive Oil), Horiatiki Salad (Tomato, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Olives, Oregano and Olive Oil), and Souvlaki Chicken (Marinated Grilled Skewers). The only downfall? Kava does not take reservations! For a weekend dinner, put your name in early and then swing by another neighborhood spot to enjoy a cocktail while you wait. 315 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
This quick service Greek eatery has become one of our go-to spots for an easy and delicious weeknight meal. With two locations in the Boston area and rapidly expanding, Saloniki serves up fresh Greek sandwiches, plates, and salads in a fun, energetic environment. Essentially, you can customize your order to create a meal that features the meat or veggie, sauce, and toppings of your choice. I enjoy The George, which is pita comprised of spicy lamb meatballs, charred eggplant, garlic yogurt, and double fries, paired with the Village Salad, Saloniki’s take on a Greek salad that boasts cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives in a red wine vinaigrette. Still hungry? Try the Baklava Chips for dessert! 4 Kilmarnock Street, Boston, MA 02215
Grilled Octopus at Doretta Tavern & Raw Bar
Doretta Tavern is one of my favorite summertime spots because I absolutely adore spending a warm night eating and drinking on the restaurant’s expansive outdoor patio. Steps away from the Boston Public Garden, this Greek eatery owned and operated by acclaimed Chef Michael Schlow, features authentic cuisine complemented by bold, fresh flavors. I love starting a meal here with three spreads, served with fresh house-made pita bread (the whipped feta with spicy jalapeños and chickpea with rosemary, cumin, and green chickpeas are my favorites) and Grilled Octopus. The Grilled Octopus, which is prepared with onions, capers, parsley, Greek olive oil, and lemon, is one of my top dishes here. It’s perfectly cooked and fantastic! Typically, we order a number of small plates so we can try several dishes, but the main plates, especially the Whole Grilled Fish and 15 Hour Lamb Shoulder, are also mouth-watering choices. 79 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
If you work in downtown Boston, you’re probably familiar with Zo Greek, as it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat on your lunch break. I first enjoyed a Zo gyro from the eatery’s seasonal food truck at the SOWA Open Market and was delighted to learn that they have two brick and mortar locations in Boston. My favorite order is the Chicken Gyro, which features a chicken breast rotisserie wrapped in a warm flatbread with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. The flavors are amazing and the pita bread is so fresh! If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, I also recommend the Greek Salad with chicken, which is a perfect option for a weekday lunch. 92 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Located in the bustling Seaport District of Boston, Committee is one of my favorite after work spots to meet up with friends for dinner and drinks. While the drink names on their cocktail list will make you laugh (Flash Me Your Booze and Shrub and Tug, to name a few), this restaurant serves up some serious Greek cuisine. If you’re hungry, the Branzino is my top pick on the menu. Featuring a Mediterranean sea bass grilled with rigani, lemon, garlic, and parsley and served whole, this dish is meant to be shared, and is phenomenal. When I dine here with a group, I personally love picking three or four of the smaller plates and then ordering the Branzino for the table. Don’t miss the large format cocktails, which are also meant to be shared; the presentation is awesome! 50 Pier Four Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210
Gre.Co, located on Newbury Street, is an excellent choice for a meal on-the-go. Similar to Saloniki, this is a fast casual restaurant that allows you to customize your gyro, salad, or plate with the meat and toppings of your choice. While all the main options are delicious, the real treat here are the loukoumades! If you’re not familiar with this dessert, loukoumades are essentially Greek street food doughnuts, and they are amazingly good. Gre.Co serves up five different types as well as the option to make your own with toppings ranging from pistachios to coconut flakes. My favorite combo is called Yaya’s, which features hazelnut praline, oreo cookies, and powdered sugar. 225 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Outfit Details:
Top: Ann Taylor Perfect Shirt in White
Vest: Olive & Oak Grey Space Tie-Knit Vest (sold out; similar here)
Necklaces: Stella & Dot Gold Chain Necklace and Ann Taylor Pearl & Gold Necklace (old; similar here and here)
Brooch: CHANEL Pearl CC Brooch (purchased at Boston boutique; similar here)
Lipstick: CHANEL Rouge Allure Intense Long-Wear Lip Colour in Exaltee
Nail Polish: Essie A-List