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    Kaia

    4.4 (83 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Kaia Photos

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    KAIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Kaia

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    Sea bream
    Sierra H.

    The perfect spot for a special occasion, Kaia is a beautifully decorated restaurant with a well curated menu to match. Favorite dishes included both of the whole fish (branzino and sea bream) which were cooked to perfection. The orange blossom honey and pickled seaweed preparation was an interesting twist. The treasures of the sea platter was also a decadent combination of fresh seafood. Servers were attentive and kindly helped to change servingware and plates often between courses as needed.

    Gabriela D.

    Yummy little Greek spot. Very trendy and minimalist design, cute ambience for a girls night. Food took awhile to come out and came at all different times but everything was very good.

    sakura and huckleberry cocktail
    Hallie L.

    The dips for the zucchini chips and the bread were insanely good. We even ordered another bread just to eat more of the dip with. Honestly, all the sauces and dips in this meal were made fantastically. My cocktail was really good. I am normally really sensitive to the taste of alcohol but it was so subtle in this drink so I really enjoyed it. The service was really good, everyone was so attentive. I made a reservation for 6pm and ended up being late because the train shut down in the middle of my route (typical Boston public transit lol) and they were super accommodating and understanding.

    Bread
    Kai M.

    This is my second time at Kaia. I'm a huge fan of Bar Vlaha, so I've been hopeful that Kaia would be a new staple. Unfortunately, after two attempts, I do think Kaia falls short. There are a lot of positives. The space is beautiful, chic, and luxurious. The service is very attentive: all the servers know the menu well and do a great job of explaining Kaia's theme as the Greek, seafood-focused restaurant in the chain. They bring out the food promptly and the presentation is gorgeous. However, both times I've been to Kaia, I've been somewhat disappointed by the food. It's quite expensive and I find myself disappointed by the flavors. My most recent time, we ordered the focaccia, the yellowtail crudo, the cabbage, and the beef short rib dish. We concluded that the focaccia was the best . The yellowtail and the cabbage were fine, but the seasoning was kind of bland and nothing stood out to us. The beef short rib was seasoned in a strange way--both of us were shocked when we took our first bite. It came with an eggplant spear that was stuffed with a bechamel of some sort. It kind of oozed and again, was kind of bland and boring. We finished the dish, but didn't necessarily love it. Granted, both times I've gone, I haven't gotten the seafood, which is the linchpin of the restaurant. But after two experiences paying a ton for food that feels like it's trying too hard to be upscale without delivering on flavor combinations that work.

    Lamb
    Joelle J.

    If you're looking for a new restaurant to try for a date night or a night out with friends then I would recommend visiting Kaia. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is very warm and intimate. The staff is also very friendly and very helpful with describing menu options and providing suggestions. The only disappointment was the octopus dish--I had seen photos online and was really excited to try it, but it didn't quite meet my expectations when it arrived.

    Pineapple, chamomile
    Monica A.

    Finally tried Kaia -- I've skimmed their menu before and could tell it was clever and thoughtful, but actually going in person and tasting everything went beyond my expectations. I got their pineapple, chamomile, rum drink with a drizzle of olive oil -- so refreshing, fruity, and lovely. When my octopus dish came out, someone in a chef's coat stopped by to walk me through the elements, which I thought was such a nice touch. You could really feel the thought and intention behind the dish. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavors, textures, and overall cook were perfect. I'd been so excited to try Kaia, and now I'm just as excited to go back. The staff were helpful and cool, and the space has this open, modern vibe -- great for a date, group dinner, family night, or even something more corporate. This first experience made such a great impression and Kaia could easily become my new favorite restaurant in the Bos area.

    Zucchini crisp
    Chirag M.

    Amazing meal and service was spot on! Let me break down what we loved: Zucchini crisps (5/5) - these were so unique. Perfectly crisp and tossed in hot honey The scallop crudo (5/5) was fresh and tasty The octopus (5/5) - crisp outside but tender inside. This was perfectly grilled and paired with a dip The lettuce (3.5/5) meh. Not bad if you absolutely want to add some greens to your meal. But nothing special here. Matcha bakhlava (4/5) - the matcha was a surprisingly complementary flavor, but the lemon gelato didn't pair well with the bakhlava. The other dessert we had amazing. Overall lovely experience, will definitely be back! Note - the patio chairs don't have any backrest and can feel uncomfortable after some time.

    Expresso martini and a lemon cocktail
    Alex K.

    Recommend the zucchini chips and the expresso martinis. They are extra frothy! Michael our server was amazing and helped with recommendations for a little girls happy hour

    grilled octopus
    Amie S.

    I came here for a birthday dinner and it didn't disappoint! There was dim, ambient lighting and it was a beautiful setup. The catch of the day was so fresh and flavorful, and I don't even normally eat fish. The drinks were delicious as well as the dessert. Definitely try some tapas like the fried zucchini and the octopus. The waiters were very attentive and so sweet.

    Menu
    Connie L.

    Stunning spot serving beautifully reimagined Greek dishes. It's perfect for a girls night out. To start, the servers are so nice. They went through the menu one by one and were very proud of the dishes being put out. Pricing-wise Kaia is rather expensive as it's a higher end restaurant, so you're mainly paying for the beautiful ambiance and aesthetic dishes. We tried a couple of their Meze dishes such as their potato, gyro & octopus. While they were beautiful, there was just something small that could've been improved upon each one. For example, a crispy octopus could've been better than the soft one they served. Also while the gyro condiments were perfect, we found the lamb a bit dry. I thought their potato was perfection though. We also tried their desserts which were interesting. I really love how they always add touches of acidity with citrus. However I did find the Loukoumades texture a bit gummy-like. Maybe a bit too much syrup but the orange blossom honey flavor was lovely the first couple bites. Overall, would definitely come back though. All dishes were still great, just slightly missing a little oomph.

    Cauliflower
    Lila K.

    Sunday night at 6pm was a great time to visit Kaia. It was very calm and the space was full of rounded curves from the couches to the ceiling arches set beneath a comforting glowing candlelight. It was not crowded when we arrived which was perfect since I have seen it completely packed before. Our server, Faith, made it an exceptional experience. She was patient, knowledgeable about the menu, and had a very warm presence. She was very considerate and accommodating for my dairy allergy. The cucumber and mandarin cocktail was light and refreshing. All three dishes we ordered had unique and distinct mod Greek flavors. The cauliflower was slightly grilled and resembled a broccolini / cauliflower hybrid. I wish there were more macerated cherries, they added a great compliment to the nuttiness and crunch of the pine nuts and spice of the harissa chili oil. The octopus was incredible even omitting the butter from the sauce. It was grilled perfectly, both crispy and soft. A must order! Lastly, since it was a special occasion we decided to order the grilled whole sea bream. It was delicious, a thick lemony sauce was ceremoniously poured over the fish pooling around it. The thin skin was luxuriously crispy and flavorful. The fish was slightly nutty and buttery soft. The meal from start to finish was delicious, service was excellent, we left with abundant satisfaction.

    Zucchini chips and caviar
    Sasha M.

    Went here for a double date with my fiancés brother and his husband to celebrate our engagement! This was such a perfect place for a group of people. Tapas style food with a small menu which is great if you are indecisive. Everything was so yummy and had such a great presentation to it. Our server was helpful when it came to choosing wines and when we got our dishes they were great about explaining what everything was. It felt like I was in a Michelin star restaurant! Super great location in the south end and the space is super cozy. I really like how contemporary it looks and how filling the dishes are. Also since we were celebrating my fiancé and I engagement they gave us all a shot of their alcohol and a card to say congrats! Super special and felt really taken care of by everyone!

    Octopus
    Maggie B.

    Service was exceptional. Great curated vibe for a special night out of Mediterranean cuisine. Especially loved the lamb gyro main and zucchini appetizers. Octopus also excellent. Only critique being that the menu is too limited

    Aegean fish

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Kaia

    When you book a reservation there are so many seating options. Oudoor: Patio bar, patio high top, patio lounge…

    I would sit inside....the "patio" is a makeshift little spot on the sidewalk....

    Are reservations not available for Friday and Saturday nights?

    Did you try open table? Made reservation thru open table for a Fri night when we went.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Barcelona Wine Bar South End

    Barcelona Wine Bar South End

    4.4
    (1.7k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    My 5 friends and I made reservations for brunch after attending Oedipus El Rey at the Calderwood…read morePavillion Theater next door! We were starving after having a wonderful experience at the play. At the restaurant, our host person explained the menu and answered our questions We ordered tuna, octopus, chicken thighs,beets, asparagus, hummus and other tapas to share. Excellent food, drinks, atmosphere and our waitperson... We will go back!!

    Barcelona Wine Bar brings the atmosphere of a lively Spanish tapas bar to Boston with a menu built…read morearound shareable small plates, paellas, charcuterie, and an extensive wine selection. We walked into a warm, energetic space with dim lighting, an open dining room, and a constant buzz that makes it a great choice for a night out with friends or a date. The restaurant has a vibrant, social energy that encourages sharing and exploration, and the open layout adds to the sense of activity without feeling chaotic. Rather than ordering individual entrées, the experience is centered around sharing a variety of dishes, making each visit feel a little different depending on what you choose. The tapas are the highlight of the menu, with plenty of options that encourage trying a little bit of everything. The bacon-wrapped dates are one of the signature dishes, balancing sweet and savory flavors, while the patatas bravas, croquettes, and charcuterie boards are reliable choices to start the meal. If you are looking for something more substantial, the seafood paella and squid ink pasta stand out as excellent main dishes, offering rich flavors and generous portions that are easy to split between two or more people. The olive oil cake is also worth saving room for if you want to end the meal with dessert, and the overall progression of the meal works well with the tapas format. The drink menu is just as impressive as the food. Wine is the main focus, with an extensive list featuring Spanish and international selections, but the sangria and cocktails are equally popular. It is the kind of place where you can easily spend a couple of hours sharing plates while working your way through a few different drinks, and the beverage program is thoughtfully curated to match the style of the food. Service is one of the restaurant's strongest points. The staff are knowledgeable about both the menu and wine list, and dishes arrive steadily throughout the meal instead of all at once, creating a relaxed dining pace. The pacing allowed us to enjoy each dish without feeling rushed, and the team checked in at the right moments without hovering. The restaurant is consistently busy, especially on weekends, so reservations are highly recommended. Even with a reservation, there can occasionally be a short wait, and the lively atmosphere means the dining room can get quite loud during peak hours. The energy of the room is part of what makes the experience work, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are looking for a quieter dinner. Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the best places in Boston for Spanish-inspired tapas and wine. The combination of flavorful shareable dishes, a well-curated drink menu, attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere makes it an easy choice for group dinners, celebrations, or date nights. It offers a meal that feels both communal and polished, with a setting that encourages slowing down and enjoying the evening. Just be prepared for the energetic environment and plan ahead if you are visiting during the busiest times.

    Photos
    Barcelona Wine Bar South End
    Chorizo with Sweet and Sour Figs
    Chorizo with Sweet and Sour Figs
    Pulpo a la Parrilla

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    Amar

    Amar

    4.2
    (52 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Amar's afternoon tea, located inside the stunning Raffles Boston, offers an elegant and elevated…read moreexperience that feels both refined and indulgent. From the moment you enter, the setting makes an impression -- the dining room is decadent and beautifully designed, with rich finishes, dramatic details, and sweeping city views that create a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. It feels special without being overly formal, making it perfect for celebrations or a sophisticated afternoon treat. The tea selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring high-quality blends that range from classic black and green teas to more delicate herbal options. Each tea is aromatic, well-balanced, and served with care, allowing guests to truly savor the experience. The sweet pastries are a standout. Beautifully presented and expertly crafted, they deliver flavor and texture without being overly sweet -- a balance that elevates the entire tea service. Each bite feels refined rather than heavy, allowing you to enjoy the full assortment without feeling overwhelmed. The savory selections complement the sweets nicely, rounding out the experience. Overall, afternoon tea at Amar combines breathtaking views, a decadent and stylish setting, exceptional tea choices, and perfectly balanced pastries. It's a polished and memorable experience that stands out among Boston's luxury dining offerings. $90/person unless you add alcohol. Made reservations

    People recently wondered why Boston got nearly entirely shut out by the Michelin people (only 1…read moreone-star was given); among the places that were said to be in the running was Amar, located in a lovely space in the Raffles Hotel. We have been there twice, and I now will put my brief review. The take-home: if Boston, Raffles, and Amar think they deserve a star, they really need to up their game. I will get one thing out of the way very quickly: the food is spectacular and the wine service was excellent; these are not the reason for my comment. The simple truth folks is that a dining experience is not JUST about the food. It's about ambiance--which includes service and atmosphere, and that is where Amar just falls apart. It would be wrong to not recognize that the individual servers were quite nice and attentive. We had an 830 pm seating--hardly late in most cities, though one might suggest that in Boston that is on the later side (it really isn't folks). Regardless, by 1030-11 pm, the dining room was nearly empty on a Saturday night. At that moment, a server came over to us to alert us the kitchen was closing--which was obviously them saying "get out"--but soon thereafter the smell of cleaning fluid filled the air, and we realized there was a person cleaning the tables--with a cleaning cart, complete with mops, brooms, and cleaning fluid in the middle of the dining room. While people were seated and eating. This is a restaurant with a pricey menu and wine list, and I cannot remember a time when dining in a fine restaurant when something like this EVER happened. We found it funny at first, but while trying to eat our dessert and drink our final cocktails the smell of ammonia really ruined the final experience. In the end, once served with the bill, it was not funny. The bill was around $1000 for 4 people including a nice bottle of wine. So: expensive, nice individual service, good food. But the lack of awareness about how diners paying for an expensive meal feel being rushed, and then the utterly ludicrous presence of a cleaning cart in the middle of the dining room while people were still eating (I posted a photo) makes Amar a laughable memory but nowhere I'd go back to.

    Photos
    Amar
    Amar
    Monkfish

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    Haley Henry Wine Bar

    Haley Henry Wine Bar

    4.3
    (248 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Haley Henry Wine Bar is a solid spot for a relaxed but elevated wine night. I went on a Wednesday…read moreevening without a reservation and had no problem getting seated right away for a table of two, which was a great start. The wine selection is excellent and thoughtfully curated -- whites, reds, bubbles, orange wines, and more, so there's truly something for every palate. My friend and I both ordered a red, and it was absolutely perfect. Our server was super friendly and attentive, and she even offered a few samples so we could try before committing to a full glass, which we really appreciated. For food, we shared the hot dog with fried oysters to pair with the wine, and it was surprisingly delicious and a fun, elevated bar bite. Overall, the experience was fantastic -- great wine, great service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Pricing is definitely on the higher end, with wine glasses around $20 and the hot dog at $14, but the quality and experience justify it. I'd absolutely come back for another wine night.

    I've been a loyal fan of haley.henry for years and have recommended this spot to countless friends,…read moreso I was really excited to finally bring a new coworker here. Unfortunately, this most recent visit didn't live up to the high standards I've come to expect. While a few dishes hit the mark, the majority of our order was a letdown: Tinned Octopus: Surprisingly chewy and lacked seasoning. Mushroom Toast: The texture was rubbery, and the flavor was completely drowned out by an aggressive amount of balsamic. Beets: Had a very overwhelming cumin flavor that threw the dish out of balance. Roast Beef Slider: Served cold and felt a bit uninspired. It's such a cute, intimate space, and I've had so many wonderful nights here in the past, but the execution was just off this time around. I'm hoping it was just an off night, but it was definitely disappointing given how much I usually love this place!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Cheese & charcuterie - the pistachio butter is unreal
    Cheese & charcuterie - the pistachio butter is unreal
    Cheese & Charcuterie - such a perfect small bite!

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    Grill 23 & Bar

    Grill 23 & Bar

    4.0
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$$

    We have been frequenting Grill 23 for 10 years. We often come to commemorate special occasions,…read morelike birthdays or anniversaries. Given this, in previous years, these moments were celebrated by the restaurant. Unfortunately, this was not the case tonight. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary and there was no acknowledgement of said celebration in any way. It felt really disappointing, as we have patroned this restaurant for years, and were really looking forward to this evening as new parents who do not get to have these moments out as much. It truly left a sour taste in our mouths.

    Finally tried out this Boston steakhouse staple. Steak and service were very good. The 100 day dry…read moreaged prime ribeye had great flavor and the dry aged prime new york had a nice texture. Both were served with a bit of greens and french onions to balance the rich beef. The foie gras was a good starter, kind of like a French onion soup with seared foie on top. They definitely seem to apply their French onion flavors in a couple places. Sides left a bit to be desired, the peas and mushrooms were a miss (overcooked) and while the sweet potato looked impressive the pork belly was dry. Cocktails were on the sweeter side, so wine is probably the better play. Ambiance is traditional Boston vibes and quite lively given the Back Bay location. Overall, solid steak and service, but I'm not sure I understand the hype for the price.

    Photos
    Stairs
    Stairs
    Bread pudding
    Bread pudding
    Martini espresso's are amazing!!

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    Martini espresso's are amazing!!

    Kaia - wine_bars - Updated July 2026

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