Boston Uncovered: Forget the plane tickets: this Greek restaurant on Beacon Street has a sneaky-good brunch menu that’ll transport you to Mount Olympus
From the flame-fired food and Hellenic preparation to the Greek hospitality and authentic Vlach-embroidered décor, Bar Vlaha offers a literal taste of Northern Greece right in the city.
Senior Staff Writer
Experience the trifecta of Greek hospitality at Bar Vlaha. The restaurant may sit on Beacon Street in Brookline, Massachusetts, but once you’re seated, you’ll feel whisked away to the foothills of Northern Greece, where the restaurant draws inspiration for its heritage cuisine.
Much of Boston’s Greek food scene, while delicious, highlights the flavors of Southern Greece and the Mediterranean, including saltwater fish and cooking techniques distinct from those of Northern Greece.
Bar Vlaha stands out as a destination for Northern Greek cuisine in Greater Boston. And while dinner is sublime, don’t sleep on brunch—although, with brunch served Saturdays and Sundays until 3 PM, you can at least sleep in.
Escape to Northern Greece in Brookline
Bar Vlaha takes its name from the Vlachs, a nomadic group of shepherds from Central and Northern Greece. The restaurant draws on the Vlachs’ Hellenic culinary traditions, shaped by their movement through the mountains, lakes, and villages of the region.
Living in mountainous areas, the Vlachs built their cuisine around regional, seasonal ingredients, including game meats, produce, and freshwater fare, along with charcoal- and open-fire cooking. You’ll find those ingredients and techniques on display at the Brookline restaurant’s open kitchen.
Greek pie, lamb chops, and gyro for brunch
This isn’t your basic brunch. Hearty options at Bar Vlaha include Souvla & Eggs, featuring lamb souvla, two fried eggs, and a seasonal salad. Or, make your own gyros with chicken kontosouvli or lamb souvla, served with homemade pita bread, onions, tomatoes, tzatziki, and oregano-dressed potatoes.
Classic brunch favorites also get the Vlach treatment. Try Strapatsada, scrambled eggs with wild mushrooms, tomato, feta, black truffle, and grilled sourdough, or Tsoureki, Greek sweet bread served with seasonal berries, whipped cream, and maple yogurt.
Brunch menu highlights include Pita tis Imeras, the rotating pie special of the day; a trio of Greek dips served with housemade grilled sourdough; Saganaki, fried Vlahotyri cheese; build-your-own gyros; and Paidakia, marinated, charcoal-grilled lamb chops served with tzatziki and lemon potatoes.
Complement the bold Greek flavors with the No Boozi Karpouzi, a refreshing watermelon-and-feta-brine drink. Trust: it’s delicious. Finish any meal at Bar Vlaha with the dessert platter that lets you sample all of their homemade desserts.
About Bar Vlaha
Bar Vlaha is part of Xenia Greek Hospitality, the restaurant group behind globally acclaimed South End destination Kaia, Back Bay’s Krasi and Hecate, and Greco.
Bar Vlaha opened in 2023 and serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM until 3 PM, along with dinner daily beginning at 5 PM. The restaurant also seasonal outdoor dining. Find a taste of Northern Greek cuisine at 1653 Beacon Street in Brookline. Reserve your escape to Northern Greece at Bar Vlaha!
