

30

"A polished Back Bay gem and the crown jewel of the Xenia Greek Hospitality group, this spot showcases top Mediterranean flavors alongside a renowned Greek wine list. Dinner leans moody and candlelit, but weekend brunch is the main event: a bustling, tightly packed scene where you’ll scooch between tables and trip over stray bags—worth it for the menu. The gyro Benedict hits every note, layering grilled pita with crispy fried chicken, spicy pickles, poached eggs, and avgolemono hollandaise inspired by Greek lemon chicken soup. Snackers should order the Solomo, a deconstructed spread of smoked salmon, lemon-dill manouri cream cheese, a boiled egg, caper berries, pickled shallots, and carob bread to assemble into smoked-salmon toasts or enjoy piece by piece. Lalagites—traditional Greek pancakes fried in olive oil—come slathered with creamy kalathaki cheese and are topped with thyme honey, cinnamon, walnuts, and mint. Because brunch runs only on Saturdays and Sundays, book at least two weeks ahead (reservations open a month out); walk-ins can try the bar, though it’s subject to reservations as well. Insider tip: the tzatziki is made fresh tableside and pairs with just about everything, perfect as an appetizer with pita or spooned over eggs." - Celina Colby