ilona

"Ilona is the type of trendy place that makes you feel like you should get a haircut before eating there. But it’s more than just a restaurant that looks good, it’s a legitimately excellent place for rich, warming Eastern Mediterranean small plates, and a great option for celebrating something with friends (though not too many because it’s not particularly big). The menu shares some similarities with Ilona’s nearby sister restaurant, Kava Neo-Taverna, but Kava is on our Greatest Hits for good reason, so that’s not a bad thing - especially when some of those similarities include perfectly cooked octopus and fried vegetable chips." - dan secatore

"In the South End, Mediterranean restaurant Ilona is shucking oysters for $1 apiece all day on Thursday and from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday." - Erika Adams

"In the South End, Mediterranean restaurant Ilona is shucking oysters for $1 apiece all day on Thursday and from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday." - Celina Colby, Erika Adams, Rachel Leah Blumenthal

"Dressing up for your birthday can be fun, but velvet sport coats and vintage fuchsia dresses can feel out of place at your neighborhood Legal Seafood. That’s why you should head to Ilona, a beautiful high-end Mediterranean spot in the South End. You’ll fit right in with the pink suede seats, and you and your well-dressed friends can also enjoy some great mezze plates, like tempura-style eggplant and saffron seafood risotto." - joel ang, dan secatore, tanya edwards

"Skip the reheated turkey and head to Ilona in the South End for its monthly non-ticketed Greek Night on November 25 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m for your fill of Hellenic cuisine and entertainment. Dig into Ilona’s bites and cocktails while DJ Souhleris of Greek AF Radio spins the high-energy beats." - Nathan Tavares