Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    ilona

    4.2 (315 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Order ilona Takeout or Delivery

    ilona Photos

    ILONA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic
    Classy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - ilona

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    My-Linh D.

    Highly recommend the fried eggplants and $1 oysters! Freshest $1 oysters I've had! Make sure to get a reservation because it can get packed real quick. Service was quick and attentive!

    Octopus (half eaten)
    Srinithi R.

    I came here with friends and was not disappointed. We ordered a variety of tapas and they were all great. My favorite was the octopus and the halloumi. Other great dishes were the pita bread and dips (pikilia), fattoush salad, potatos, kofte and crispy eggplant. The staff were really friendly. I would say this place is not best for walk ins unless you want to sit at the bar which is full service. It's better to make reservations beforehand for a large party or to sit at a table.

    Mejadra
    Tal O.

    My friends and I came to ilona for a birthday dinner, and I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this place. The birthday girl has strict gluten-free and dairy-free dietary needs, and when I called ahead to ask if we could bring special cupcakes for her, the staff couldn't have been kinder or more understanding and immediately said of course. Once we arrived, our waiter went above and beyond. He took the time to go through the entire menu and mark what was gluten-free and dairy-free so the birthday girl could easily decide what she wanted. That alone would've made our night, but the whole experience just kept getting better. The food... oh my gosh. Incredible. It was my first time here, but it's definitely gonna become a go-to spot for bringing friends from out of town. The chicken kebab was amazing, the Brussels sprouts were perfect, and I fell in love with their mejadra- seriously so good!! Just like my mom makes it. We ordered a bunch of small plates to share, and every single one was a hit. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is just as thoughtful as the service: warm mood lighting, options for small booths or tables, and even a coat rack (which was perfect for this cold November night). Everything is intentional and cozy without feeling crowded.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] To top it all off, at the end of the night we ordered espresso and tea, and our waiter brought over the sweetest surprise: he took a dried orange slice, added a candle, and placed it on her espresso so she could blow out a birthday candle. It was such a simple but incredibly thoughtful gesture. Overall, ilona is kind, accommodating, delicious, and truly memorable. I recommend it to everyone!!

    Fatoush salad
    Iris X.

    I had to come here when I found out it was under the same management of one of my faves, Kava neo-taverna. I forgot to take pics, but loved the eggplant chips with yogurt dip. Very crunchy but light. Fatoush salad was a classic too! Didn't love the ribs because they felt artificially sweet, but didn't hate them either. I'd definitely come back for oysters on a Thursday or weekend in the future!

    Yummy drink and my knitting
    Carolyn W.

    Lovely restaurant with amazing food and very nice team members that take care of you. What a lovely experience

    Comfy chairs
    Jessica L.

    Came in for $1 oysters on Thursday night! 3 types to choose from. It's getting harder to find these spots! The Mediterranean food is also very yummy. Recc making a rezzy here, I was lucky to snag a table for 2 by the door. I ordered the crispy eggplant (tempura) and lamb skewers(2), very juicy and smoky. Pretty busy and a little bit slow to get the food out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Dark type of restaurant. Noise level is 7/10, hard to hear conversations.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant should invest in some boxes to let customers put in their bags/coats.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathrooms are very nice and clean![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Salmon Crudo
    Sophie L.

    Stopped by Ilona around 5pm on a weekday and was able to walk right in. This might be one of my favorite Mediterranean spots in Boston. The food is consistently fresh and high quality, with a lot of attention to flavor and detail. The service was attentive without feeling rushed, and the whole experience felt relaxed yet elevated. They accidentally brought us the wrong dish but let us keep it, which was a nice touch and much appreciated. The absolute must-order is the eggplant. It is perfectly crispy with a salty and sweet balance that is seriously addictive. I think about it long after I leave. I can't wait to come back and try more.

    Tuna Crudo
    Julia T.

    Food was so good. The service was absolutely 10/10. The waitress and waiters were attentive. Ensuring our water glasses were filled and our orders were placed for food and drinks. Consistently checking in on us during our meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was great. Very loungey.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I came for dinner on a weekday so it was not very busy so that could be why the staff were so attentive or appears so.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Brussels Sprouts
    Ellie C.

    We came here on a Saturday evening during their 4-7pm $1 oyster special and it did not disappoint. They were available to be ordered in increments of half dozens up to 2 dozens at a time and had 3 varieties to choose from. They were fresh, delicious, and came out quickly and well-presented. We also ordered some tapas and our favorites were the ribs and the brussels sprouts. I love simultaneously sweet and savory flavors and both of these dishes were well prepared and a perfect balance of both. The patatas bravas had a curry sauce instead of aioli like we were expecting, but they were well-prepared. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, this is a cute spot with good ambiance and a great $1 oyster deal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I just wish our servers didn't keep trying to take away our plates before we were finished eating and that they supported Apple Pay like it says on their Maps listing.

    Ellie O.

    Amazing drinks. Could go just for cocktails! But the food is also amazing! We tried the chicken kebab, brussels sprouts, pikalia, and harissa potatoes. Love them all would get them all again! Brussels sprouts were definitely on the sweeter side. The pikilia came with a crazy feta dip, a beet yogurt dip, and a nut spread. I wish they served more bread - only came with 2 pita rounds so may need more if with more people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great service but pretty loud in the evenings.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely coming back but if you're on a budget you can find cheaper tapas places!

    Molisana Ribs, Arugula Salad
    Eva A.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]I'm glad I checked this spot out but it wasn't super memorable as a date night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I think it would be a better experience with a group so you can order more dishes, and in the summer as it seems they open the windows.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That said, I have no major complaints about anything we ordered. The molisana ribs were very flavorful, but difficult to eat without being messy. The swordfish kebab was tender, but I'm not sure it was worth almost $20. Arugula salad was very basic. Not much to say about the drinks. Service was very attentive, almost too much, but [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant was very clean, bright and airy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Excited to check out the other spots managed but this restaurant group!

    Emily Y.

    We came for the $1 oyster special on Thursday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is super cute with flowery plates and a wall mural.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great place for date nights[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the oysters came out super fast We tried all three types of oysters. The West Island were fresh and briny. The Plumb beach were very plump. The Wellfleet was too fishy.

    Melanie W.

    The reservation was only available the day before. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is beautiful[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and on Thursday, I came for their buck-a-shuck oysters, which were available all night. 3 types of oysters I can't complain since they are only $1 each. My favorite is Island Creek. Crispy Eggplant It was crispy and not too oily IF you cool down a little before eating. Even if it is served with pomegranate yogurt, you can't taste the pomegranate, and they added honey. It tastes like crispy potato since the eggplant is cut thinly and served with yogurt and honey on the side. Molisana Ribs The pork ribs melt in your mouth, but I can't taste any spicy--only three pork ribs. Sauteed Mushrooms Nothing special. It is overseasoned with salt and fried quail eggs on top.

    See all

    Review Insights

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pree R.
    111
    663
    2895

    26 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Gna K.
    0
    65
    0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carolyn W.
    122
    71
    35

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - ilona

    Can you please make Caldo Gallego for the winter? It's soooooo comforting.

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes

    View All 6 Questions

    You might also consider

    Rock&Rye

    Rock&Rye

    3.8
    (84 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    This place was awesome!!!…read more If you are a Gen X'er, and love great cocktails, you will love this place! So we are from out of town; Texas, to be exact, and we were in Boston on vacation. We were looking for a place we could get some drinks and appetizers, and maybe watch some sports. A person in our group found this place online, so we gave it a try. We loved it! The 80s & 90s decor, as well as the 80s & 90s music they were playing made it an instant hit for our Gen X group. Every single song that was played was on my personal playlist, so we sang along and danced at our table to the tunes that took us back in time. There were some early 2000s songs played, too, but all songs played were songs we know and love. So needless to say, we loved the music!! Also, the drinks...oh my, the drinks. They were so, so good! Some in our group had the Adult Caprisun, including myself. It was so tasty, and served in an actual pouch, which brought me back to my 80s childhood. Another in our group ordered the Pink Flamingo which came with a little inflatable pink flamingo that you could take home with you. We noticed that the drinks were just perfect, too; not too strong with alcohol, and not watered down, either. The food was okay. It's bar food, so it's not going to knock your socks off or anything, but it hits the spot if you are drinking and hanging with friends. Our server was good. She was attentive to our needs and took good care of us. It was interesting to me that we, a group of age 50 somethings, were the oldest among the clientele, as everyone else was probably in their 20s or early 30s, but we didn't care. We had a great time! The only reason I did not give this place 5 stars is because someone in our group wanted to watch the Red Sox game, and apparently it was on Apple TV that night and the bar didn't have Apple TV.

    Great spot on a Friday night to grab an adult beverage and something to snack on they have…read moregames (IE, Uno, connect 4 and they have a great beverage flight that is worthy the staff is friendly and the music is a mix for every vibe and the drinks come with animal friends

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Chillie lime wings
    Chillie lime wings
    Pornstar martini

    See all

    Pornstar martini
    The Street Bar

    The Street Bar

    3.6
    (74 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    I came here for breakfast during my stay at The Newbury. Service was quite slow as initially there…read morewas only one dedicated, friendly employee handling the seating, taking orders and busing the tables. My order of yogurt with fruit and granola was fresh, filling and a yummy beginning to my day. My coffee was equally enjoyed, and note that it's $13 for each small coffee pot. Refills are not complimentary. I loved my window table on this rainy morning, and the lovely, cozy ambiance of The Street Bar. It's easy to see why this is such a sought after bar each evening.

    We visited on January 11th, a few weeks prior to my wedding. This was a day I had planned for…read moremonths with my daughter and future stepdaughter, an important and meaningful occasion, and the experience fell significantly below expectations. In advance, I stopped into the hotel to confirm that a gluten-free guest could be accommodated and was assured this would be handled. In reality, the accommodation was inadequate and, at times, unacceptable. While the rest of us were served scones, my stepdaughter was given cut fruit in their place, and told that was all they had to accommodate.The dessert course consisted of what appeared to be basic gluten-free cookies, misrepresented as something more gourmet - egg nog cookies??? This lack of preparation was both disappointing, upsetting and avoidable. The broader experience was equally concerning. We were subjected to an unsolicited and uncomfortable "lesson" on tea service, which detracted from what should have been a relaxed and celebratory occasion. While trying to enjoy the time with the girls, being a lifelong tea drinker and someone who has been to many times at your establishment and its various incarnations, this is something I have never experienced. The food quality was poor (scones were clearly reheated and stuck to the cloth napkin they were wrapped in), and there were notable service lapses, including being served water in a visibly shattered glass. Additionally, when hot water was added to refresh the tea, my stepdaughter's pot curdled and had to be replaced. It was especially disappointing, as I mentioned that I had stopped in and spoken with the concierge, and was assured, as they had called the kitchen while I stood there that they readily accommodated gluten-free. There are numerous places in the city that could have done this, and if you had just told me that you could not do so, I would have booked us elsewhere. I chose not to raise the multiple issues in the moment so as not to disrupt what was meant to be a special day for the girls and me. However, the total cost exceeded $500, and the experience did not come close to justifying that price point! Do not recommend.

    Photos
    Bartender | The Street Bar
    Bartender | The Street Bar
    The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston
    The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston
    The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston

    See all

    The Street Bar | The Newbury Boston
    Ghost Light Tavern

    Ghost Light Tavern

    3.4
    (24 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    My friend hosted her birthday party here and it turned out to be a fun night. We had a reserved…read moretable for dinner, which I figured would be more intimate. But our table was in the main bar off to the side, so it was chaotic but fun. I do wish it was more private but it was still fun, just loud. Our waitress was really nice and did well with our large party. Their menu is mostly apps and smaller plates, so if you're looking more for a large meal this is not your spot. I got the nashville hot mozzarella sticks which were actually pretty good, I liked the tomato relish they put on top and the ranch was really good. Dive Bar Diva was my cocktail which was pretty good. My friends seemed to like their drinks and bar bites. After dinner we went upstairs to the club and got to skip the line (thankfully). The line for the club wraps around the building down the street most nights, so we got lucky. Dance floor is upstairs and it's pretty small, just one room. There were two DJs that night, and the music was really good. Bar was fun, they handed out free chicken tenders at one point and were squirting shots into peoples mouths out of gatorade bottles. It was awesome. Bathroom line upstairs for women was crazy, only one bathroom and it took a long line. I suggest going downstairs... but at least you'll see the famous cheetah print walls! I will say trying to get in contact with the reservation staff was difficult but finally they answered after days of my friends and I trying.

    Stopped in for a quick bite before a show across the street at The Wang Theatre. Super fun place…read morewith high energy and good vibes. The staff was all upbeat and friendly. All of our good was excellent. The Birria Tacos were great and super full of meat. The Chopped Cheese Empanadas were very good and something different. The Smashburger was delicious. If you're looking for a fun spot in Boston make sure you stop in.

    Photos
    Double Smashburger
    Double Smashburger
    Ghost Light Tavern
    Exterior

    See all

    Exterior

    ilona - bars - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...