Frommers.com Frommers.com
Most Recent Destination Forum Posts
Most Recommended Articles
Most Commented Articles
  Print This Article Print Get Frommer's RSS Feed RSS

Boston Map: OleanaOleana Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Cuisine Mediterranean
Hours Sun-Thurs 5:30-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm
Address
134 Hampshire St
Location Inman Sq, Outside Harvard Square
Transportation T: Red Line to Central, then a 10-min. walk
Reservations Reservations recommended; not accepted for patio
Phone 617/661-0505
Web site www.oleanarestaurant.com
Prices Main courses $22-$30; vegetarian tasting menu $42
Credit Cards AE, MC, V
Other Free parking

Frommer's Review

Both casual neighborhood place and culinary travelogue, Oleana occupies a cozy space outside Inman Square and another one close to my heart. The wonderful food and welcoming atmosphere make it one of the best restaurants in the Boston area. The seasonal menu, which features cuisine typical of and inspired by the Mediterranean -- not just the usual suspects, either; Turkey and Armenia figure prominently -- relies on fresh ingredients and chef and co-owner Ana (short for Oleana) Sortun's signature unusual flavors. Tempting aromas signal the arrival of Moroccan-spiced grouper, which might land next to a plate of succulent lemon chicken; poultry is often the dull option on even the most adventuresome menu, but here it's a match for the most exotic dishes. Even better is spicy tuna, in a peppery sauce that trades intense heat for intense flavor, a perfect match for the meaty fish. Portions are generous, vegetarians are happy, and the dessert menu is heavy on house-made ice cream. My only caveat is that at busy times, the servers tend to fall behind. In warm weather, there's seating on the peaceful patio -- and it can't be reserved, so try to eat early.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


Back to Top


  Print This Article Print Get Frommer's RSS Feed RSS


Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide Frommer's Boston 2010 Destination Guide Frommer's Boston 2010

Author: Marie Morris
Pub Date: September 08, 2009
Price: $17.99

Add to Cart
Destination Guide Destination Guide Destination Guide Related Titles:
Boston For Dummies, 4th Edition
Destination Guide
Frommer's 23 Great Drives in New England, 1st Edition
Destination Guide
Frommer's Boston Day by Day, 1st Edition
Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide
Destination Guide Destination Guide Destination Guide
Destination Guide
Destinations
Destinations

Frommer's Star Ratings

Frommer's Recommended 0 stars Frommer's Recommended
Frommer's Highly Recommended 1 stars Frommer's Highly Recommended
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended 2 stars Frommer's Very Highly Recommended
Frommer's Exceptional 3 stars Frommer's Exceptional

About Our System

Frommer's ranks every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment it reviews for quality, value, service, amenities, and special features using a star-rating scale, an expression of the strong compare-and-contrast opinions that are a brand hallmark.

Other ratings provide stars based primarily on price and amenities; the Frommer's star rating is meant to quantify the kind of intangible, experiential elements that help travelers make informed decisions.

The "baseline" recommendation is zero stars--every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment that Frommer's chooses to review is recommended; otherwise, we simply wouldn't include it.

Close Window