A splashy New York import is bringing whitewashed island vibes and a serious seafood pedigree to Back Bay. Avra Estiatorio is set to open its first Boston location in mid-April, taking over a sizable second-floor space at the new Lyrik development.
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If you’ve dined at any of Avra’s outposts in New York City or beyond, you already know to expect pristine Mediterranean seafood in a setting that feels like an escape. The Boston debut marks the brand’s eighth location (its first in New England), bringing its signature blend of polished hospitality and ingredient-driven cooking to one of the city’s busiest corridors.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the same warm Greek hospitality and exceptional Mediterranean seafood that have defined Avra for decades to the Boston community,” co-owner Nick Tsoulos said in a statement. “Boston has long been a city we’ve admired, and we’re excited to finally share our tradition and energy in the heart of Back Bay.”
Photograph: Courtesy of Avra Estiatorio
At the center of the experience is Avra’s signature fish market display, where whole fish are laid out on ice and flown in daily. Guests can select their catch and have it grilled, baked in sea salt or dressed with lemon, herbs and the restaurant’s house olive oil. It’s a format rooted in the coastal traditions of Nafpaktos, the hometown of Tsoulos, who grew up fishing with his family along the Aegean.
The rest of the menu follows the same ethos of simplicity and seasonality, from crisped-up Avra chips (thin slices of zucchini and eggplant) to Chilean seabass souvlaki over roasted red pepper sauce and a lineup of grilled meats and vegetables designed for sharing. Even the olive oil has a story: It’s hand-pressed at a family farm in the Peloponnese, underscoring the restaurant’s focus on heritage ingredients.
Designed by Rockwell Group, the 250-seat restaurant channels the look and feel of the Greek islands, with bright, coastal interiors, sculptural olive trees and a striking salt wall installation made of crystallized panels. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, while an indoor-outdoor setup allows for alfresco-style dining when the weather cooperates.
When it opens, Avra will serve dinner nightly, with lunch and brunch expected to follow. For more information, click here.