The newest concept from Xenia Greek Hospitality (Greco, Krasi, Bar Vlaha, Hecate), Kaia is the group’s first venture in the South End, set to open at luxury condo building The Quinn in September.
Focusing on the relaxed vibes and fresh cuisine of the Aegean coastline—an arm of the Mediterranean Sea that's located between the Greek peninsula and Anatolia—owner Demetri Tsolakis tells Time Out Boston that the menu will be meze-style for maximum flexibility. People should be able to pop in for a drink and a snack, or stay for a full meal, depending on their moods, Tsolakis says. He wants Kaia to have that carefree island attitude. “When you're done with your swim, you go sit at a table and they will make you what is fresh. That’s the Aegean way,” he says.
That means the 100-seat space in the Ink Block area will have room for walk-ins, both at the 24-seat bar and in the dining room. There’s also room for private and semi-private events, and a 42-seat patio. In addition to small plates, Kaia will focus on whole fish, “whatever’s fresh,” says Tsolakis, as well as island specialties like astakomakaronada, a Greek lobster pasta. Kaia’s drink program will include “meticulously curated wines and refined cocktails,” according to the website. Tsolakis says “wizard of Greek wine” Evan Turner has a menu that also includes “some New World wines,” and some “really nice funky orange and amber wines.”
Knowing this group’s track record for excellent Greek cuisine and drinks, get ready to shout “opa!” again soon.