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Vlora Bar and Restaurant Reviews List
Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay (Boylston Street and Clarendon Street), Vlora Bar and Restaurant focuses on truly authentic Mediterranean cuisine that is characterized by only the use of olive oil, a minimalist approach to cooking with an emphasis on taste and the use of the freshest ingredients. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Aldo Velaj and Cindy Tsai, the restaurant is named after Aldo's home town - Vlora, Albania. Vlora's menu stems largely from Aldo's experiences traveling and eating through the Northern Mediterranean region of Southern Italy, Greece and Albania. Featuring an extensive yet reasonably priced wine and beer menu, the restaurant also offers a late night menu available until closing.
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73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(21)
4 stars
(30)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(29)
- neighborhood gem(27)
- good for groups(24)
- great for outdoor dining(15)
- special occasion(13)
- romantic(11)
Vlora Bar and Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service. Outdoor patio dinin
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Has a great lunch alfresco with a group of family and friends. Out waitress was a gem. Will definitely come back."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Vlora review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Vlora is a fantastic restaurant. The first thing you will notice is that all the wait staff are SMILING and they are so welcoming, warm and friendly. The menu selection is outstanding. I loved that we could have lunch or brunch-there was something for everyone in our group. The quality of the food is excellent, and the prices very reasonable. I would highly recommend Vlora!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Graduation Celebration
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for a Sunday lunch to celebrate my son's graduation with a Masters in Architecture (Yeah!) The menu had a wonderful assortment of foods so everyone chose a familiar dish. Our waiter was comical and we enjoyed our service. Would recommend this restaurant and when back in the Boston area will dine again."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Servers were warm, but did
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Servers were warm, but did not follow through with a special request. appetizer was tasty, but laden with straight olive oil as part of the dipping sauce. Peasant salad was fantastic."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2005
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Review 5 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Had reservation for 1 pm on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had reservation for 1 pm on the patio and didn't get seated until 2 pm. They forgot to confirm my Open Table reservation. The wine list needs to be improved."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2007
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Review 6 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was decent but we
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"The food was decent but we had three waiters within 5 minutes of sitting down, none of which knew if they were accountable for our table or not. The restaurant felt sparse and looked very cheap. It was incredibly noisy and the entire staff looked confused. Can't say I'll be returning when there are so many other great options in the Back Bay."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
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Review 7 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Don't go during construction
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Don't go while they are doing construction. You can smell sawdust and everytime they opened the doors it let in a lot of cold air, since you're sitting right by the door. This happened a lot. Other than the atmosphere, the food was great. I'll come back once they are done with their work."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
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Review 8 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A very nice spot and getting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A very nice spot and getting even nicer when the weahter improves.Food was very good and interesting."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is fantastic and the new outdoor terrace has amazing views of Copley square!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 10 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
it is under construction and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"it is under construction and smelled like paint."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
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Review 11 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food with a really good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food with a really good selection and wonderful service. I will absolutely return."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food here was outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food here was outstanding! Everything is made to order and fresh. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We will be back to try other items on the menu!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding service and best lamb chop ever in Boston!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 14 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was very good and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very good and they make great drinks."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We really enjoyed the appetizers
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We really enjoyed the appetizers as we shared a few (bruschetta, moussaka, and risotto ball). Greek salad was delicious and a large portion. The Sangria was nice too. The service was extremely attentive which felt a little awkward at times but seemed to be very well intentioned. The calamari came with too much relish on it and was a bit greasy but the manager noticed it was barely touched and took it off the bill. Coffees after dinner were great too. It was a nice environment quiet enough to have a conversation in which can be hard to find in Boston! We would definitely go back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
There liquor license only
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There liquor license only allows them to serve flavored alcohol. Food and service was so-so. Ambiance was pretty poor for a Saturday night."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
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Review 17 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
such a disapointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"food was not very good. reservation for six-placed at tables that were not same height. sticky tabletops-no tablecloths-really a disapointment
bread/rolls-stale and hardly edible. menu is mediocre. service was fair-"
bread/rolls-stale and hardly edible. menu is mediocre. service was fair-"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
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Review 18 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The staff was very nice. The
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The staff was very nice. The tatzik was delish! But the rest of the food was just eh. The decor was modern but it was so bright almost awkwardly so."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
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Review 19 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were very happy with our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were very happy with our experience here. If you like mediterranean food, this is a great spot to try. Service was very good and professional. Food was wonderful!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2009
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Review 20 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I have been at Vlora before
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been at Vlora before several times before and both the food and ambiance were great. This time however the food was mediocre the best. It was Valentine ’s Day and they served a fixed menu only even though their website stated otherwise. The ambiance was like a cheap cafeteria with uncomfortable wooden chairs and tables without a tablecloth or a at least a matt.It seems that the quality of this restaurant went down a lot."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
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Review 21 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
For an unpretentious but tasty,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"For an unpretentious but tasty, well-prepared lunch that enjoys a heavy Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavor, Vlora is an undiscovered place that is well- worth a visit. Haven't been there for dinner yet."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2001
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is always great - fresh
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is always great - fresh and tasty! Staff is willing to do anything to make you happy. Very pleased."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience, their focus
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience, their focus on healthy, quality food, particularly vegetables, delivered much better than expected. Although they're vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, meat is proudly offered - I had lamb chops, my wife salmon, chicken and beef is also on the menu - something for nearly everyone, and it was wonderful. We'll be back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 24 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mediterranean Delights
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were looking for a restaurant with food other than your ordinary fare, and we found it at Vlora. The food was so delicious! I had the Watermelon w/Feta, Roasted Beet Salad, Psaropita, and Kompekai for dessert. Each course was tasty and most seemed very healthy and nutritious. My mouth felt like there was a party going on each time I took a bite. My husband had the Beef Kabobs, which I thought sounded very ordinary...but they were most certainly not! He's quite the foodie, and he found them delectable! I highly recommend this restaurant ...for a chance of place and palate."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The server that we had was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The server that we had was decent - not great English - but friendly. The server that another table had was very willing to answer questions and check-in on us. I had the phyllo-wrapped fish with the couscous -very good! My friend had the fish and chips - it was not what he was expecting at all. You should make note that it's not "conventional" fish n chips. The only thing that wasn't overpriced was the wine, but everything else seemed high, especially appetizers. Overall good, but nothing to rave about."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 26 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, great service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I was pleasantly surprised at the food and ambianced... Service was excellent. I will go there again!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 27 for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This place is just plain odd.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is just plain odd. Service is well meaning but the food is a mishmash of supposed Mediterranean cuisine. Unlike anything I've ever eaten in the Med!"
Dined on 12/28/2012
2008
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vlora Bar and Restaurant
Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
4 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate