Ilona South End is by no means new to Boston’s restaurant scene, opening in 2019 at the intersection of Mass Ave. and Tremont Street. The spot, inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine found along the coastline of the Black Sea, sisters Boston Greek food favorite, KAVA Neo-Taverna. If you have yet to delight in the out-of-this-world eggplant or lamb dumplings at Ilona, count this as your informal invitation.
No wonder so many Bostonians say they could eat at Ilona for the rest of their lives! The chic restaurant delivers in quality of menu options, variety, ambiance, and service.
Indoors find a stylish interior with blue velvet booths, cozy window seating, and ample natural light. The gold accents add a European flair and toile plates create a homey environment. In the warmer months, you can enjoy Ilona’s outdoor patio seating overlooking the quaint South End brownstones.
Ilona’s famous Crispy Eggplant
Ilona is one of those rare spots, where there isn’t a bad dish on the menu, so feel free to order whatever speaks to you. But an absolute requirement is the “Crispy Eggplant” dish. Among Ilona’s most ordered mezze, a bed of pomegranate molasses-infused yogurt comes topped with thin, crispy breaded, fried eggplant, crumbled feta, rich honey, and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect melding of flavors, and textures!
Other favorites from Ilona’s menu include the “Shish Barak,” dumplings stuffed with onions and lamb, served in a rich warm yogurt sauce and topped with toasted pine nuts. We also recommend “Imeruli Khachapuri” for the table, a Georgian stuffed cheese bread with a crunchy, flakey dough, and soft, chewy center. Ilona’s Grilled Octopus is another perfectly mastered plate, made the Mediterranean way-with simple cooking and the best ingredients. The flavorful olive oil, splash of fresh lemon juice, and tender octopus harmonize on the palate.
Buck a Shuck weekends
Seafood fans rejoice, as the menu offers a plethora of options. Thursdays, all night and Fridays and Saturdays from 4-7 PM, you can enjoy seafood specials off Ilona’s “Buck a Shuck” menu. Oysters on the half-shell are just $1 each during this window. Try local oysters from all over New England served with a house made cocktail sauce and mignonette.
And for dessert…
The light and flavorful Mediterranean fare is satiating, without feeling heavy. AKA: it offers room for a sweet treat at the end of your meal, and you absolutely cannot skip the lava cake!
Lava cake ( Ilona’s Version) is filled with a gooey chocolate center doubled with oozing caramel when split down the center. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a perfectly executed dessert. They also serve a Greek yogurt dessert and orange cake.
Find Ilona at 783 Tremont Street, Boston
Monday-Wednesday: 5- 11 PM
Thursday: 5 PM- 12 AM (Buck a Shuck all day)
Friday: 4 PM- 12 AM (Buck a Shuck 4-7 PM)
Saturday: 11 AM- 12 AM (Buck a Shuck4-7 PM)
Sunday: 11 AM- 11 PM