At this Boston Mediterranean Restuarant, located in the heart of the Back Bay, lives the soul of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Vlora, named after Chef/Owner Aldo Velaj’s hometown in Albania, opened to the public in Fall 2007. With a menu brimming with old family recipes and unique versions of traditional favorites, Vlora embraces the true Mediterranean lifestyle. The dishes reflect the age-old adage of “eat better and live better.” 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. With an emphasis on freshness and a minimalist cooking style, the naturally healthy menu covers tastes from the Northern Mediterranean region encompassing Southern Italy, Greece, and Albania. The menu and wine list are an extension of the flavors and dishes served in Aldo’s own home, including exclusive hand-picked wines and lovingly prepared signature dishes that are unmatched in the city. The entire restaurant was designed by Aldo to emulate the warm and inviting environment that one would feel in Vlora, Albania. Located below the bustling streets of Boylston, this subterranean space complete with private outdoor patio offers guests a unique atmosphere commonly found in parts of Europe. From the antique wooden door, to the custom-designed water wall that greets you upon entry, Vlora makes guests feel a welcoming sense of escape from the busy Back Bay. Fresh reviving colors and customized lighting set the tone while captivating artwork and sleek furniture evoke an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and hip. The menu features a diverse variety of options of both original and authentic mediterranean food, fitting for all palates and lifestyles including carnivorous, vegetarian and vegan options. The food is prepared using the freshest possible ingredients and authentic minimalist cooking techniques that primarily rely on olive oil, fresh herbs, and the natural tastes and flavors of the ingredient being prepared. Vlora’s signature dishes include watermelon-feta, lemon potatoes, arancini siciliani, barbounia and fork-tender grilled octopus. From authentic Albanian Tava and home-made potato gnocchi, to trio of phyllo pies and vegetarian Pasticcio, Vlora’s menu can satisfy a very diverse set of lifestyles. This family friendly Mediterranean dining restaurant offers a variety of “On the Side” items and smaller hot and cold dishes, all for diners to share. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, no diners will feel left out at Vlora. Thanksgiving Menu
Three Courses – Prix Fixe $28.95
(This offer cannot be combined with other promotional offers.) First Course
Apple Butternut Squash Soup or
Greek Peasant Salad
Second Course
Traditional Roast Turkey with Bacon and Sage Stuffing, Baked Sweet Potato topped with Mallow and Brown Sugar Crust, Sauteed Local Green Beans and Cranberry-Orange Relish or
North Atlantic Salmon with Lemon Potatoes, Green Beans and Lobster Reduction
*Vegetarian options available, upon request Third Course
Old Fashioned Homemade Pumpkin Pie with Freshly Whipped Cream or
Traditional Fresh Apple Crisp with Vanilla Crisp Night Cap
Hot Mulled Apple Cider
For Reservations, call 617.638.9699

Globe bar is one of those sometimes overlooked, but great staple bar when you want to kick back with your friends and spend the night remembering funny stories. The almost always Irish bartenders will serve you up draft beers with an Irish smile- just don't cross them. The bar is narrow, with a tiny opening for groups to gather in the back. There is an upstairs overlooking the bar, but normally it's reserved for parties. In the summer, Globe's outdoor seating is a hot commodity during lunch and dinner. All the Copley workers scammer to get a seat. The menu is casual, and includes sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

The Oak Bar has been recently restored and is reminiscent of a British Officer's Club in the Orient. The same dark wood paneling and mirrors that flank the Oak Room are offset in the Oak Bar by smooth marble. Heraldry symbols decorate the ornately gilded and painted coffered ceiling. The furniture and décor create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a relaxing drink or close a business deal. Boston Magazine has named the Oak Bar 'Best Hotel Bar.' The Oak Bar features one of Boston's largest martini menus with classic favorites and contemporary cocktails. The bar offers the complete Oak Room menu and an extensive raw bar. The Oak Bar features live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Business casual. After 6:00 p.m. no shorts, cut out or tank top T-shirts, hats and sport sandals. For more information, please call (617) 267-5300. Reservations: Reservations are not accepted in the bar.

This restaurant and bar is located inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Oak Room is a regal, comfortably elegant restaurant that offers a traditional steakhouse menu with a distinctive twist. The Oak Room is adorned with gold, maroon and green fabrics and draperies that complement the dark wood paneling and mirrored walls. Cameos and lacunaria accent the intricate white plasterwork that details the 30-foot-high ceiling and twin Waterford crystal chandeliers illuminate the room.

The Oak Bar has been recently restored and is reminiscent of a British Officer's Club in the Orient. The same dark wood paneling and mirrors that flank the Oak Room are offset in the Oak Bar by smooth marble. Heraldry symbols decorate the ornately gilded and painted coffered ceiling. The furniture and décor create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a relaxing drink or close a business deal. The dress code is business casual, but after 6pm, no shorts, cut out or tank top T-shirts, hats and sport sandals.

SkipJack's is the lastest addition to the "best seafood restaurant" race in Boston. Okay, so it's more that 16 years old (a "teenager"). It's named after a high-quality Pacific tuna that is rumored to be one strong fish. The atmosphere is a combination of wooden ship with traces of the sea by smooth metal lines and sea color tiles. Enough about the atmosphere, the seafood is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. They offer a wide variety of seafood, and some yummy sushi for the adventurous. If (when) you fall in love, ask about their customer loyalty and rewards program! Kid friendly / Kids menu. In a bit of an odd location, but away from the hoards of restaurants, wait periods are shorter or non-existent. They have other locations in the 'burbs, including Newton. SkipJack's is a go-to for seafood. Insider tip: 2 hour free parking with validation.

Cottonwood cafe & restaurant offers award winning margaritas, three-season patio, and a fresh approach to Southwest cuisine!

Bar Lola is one of the few restaurants on Commonwealth Ave. in the Back Bay. On the corner of Dartmouth and Commonwealth Ave., this restaurant/bar stands out from the rest. Opened in 2005, the Spain-based chef's serve up specialty small plates (tapas) for you and your friends to share. The bartenders are outgoing, and often will introduce the stray bar go-er to a group of BarLola-ers. Although close to Newbury Street, BarLola shouldn't be a stop on a bar crawl- but an all-nighter. Enjoy Spanish Live Music!
Visit the website for more information

Rattlesnake is one of the only roof-top bars in Backbay. Serving up drinks and food on three different levels (including a second level pool area), Rattlesnake has a little bit of "scene" for everyone. The first level is crowded- with after-work drinkers. In the summer, the floodgates are open and people pile in to get a spot on the covetted spot on the deck. The menu features grilled pizzetas, burgers, and sandwiches (all of the south of the border influence. Link to the Dinner Menu

A sophisticated, sexy, and romantic urban eatery that is the little sister of Mistral. The fare (Italian with a Mediterranean flare has been called imaginative and expensive, and the wine list is predominately Italian. As the interior is filled with murals and deep tones, Sorellina consistently called one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston.

Small (33 rooms) and fashionable hotel in near Copley Square, Charlesmark is a great tourist location on off the beaten path when it comes to the corporate hotelling industry. The lounge, a modern bar serving up martinis and specialty drinks, is a hot-spot for Bostonians and hotel guest alike.