Elia Taverna Marblehead — Restaurant in Marblehead

My wife and I wanted to try a new restaurant and decided to try Elia Taverna based on the number of positive reviews. Unfortunately, it was a negative experience for us.

We visited on 3/10/2024 around 2:30 in the afternoon, which may have been a bad choice. The restaurant was mostly empty and it was staffed by one person behind the bar.

We ordered the fried calamari appetizer to share and as a main, we ordered pork Kalamakia and Gyro Carving. To drink we both had tap water.

The calamari were passable, but not great. The temperature was on the cooler side and the portion size was good. They were served with two dipping sauces and tzatziki.

The Kalamkia was tasty and prepared with adequate seasoning. It was served on a warmed pita with a spoonful of tomatoes and onions on the side, along with a dish of potatoes.

The Gyro Carvings were also served on a warm pita, but it was burnt on one side and rather tough. The meat was very dry and tough with some pieces resembling bacon because it was so crispy. Gyro meat is never served this way! The tzatziki sauce was the only way to be able to eat the meat. The Greek fries were alright.

Both main dishes were served on a piece of paper on a serving tray, not on a plate. This may be acceptable in a fast food establishment, but should never be used in a restaurant. Cutting into our food, we both caused tears in the paper and it became necessary to make sure we did not ingest paper along with our food.

I feel for the waiter who was alone in the restaurant and had three other parties to serve. Perhaps this is why he did not have a positive attitude and we felt he did not enjoy being there. I have had better service and for the prices charged for the meal, this was not acceptable.

I am reminded of the acronym often used for SABENA, the Belgian airline that went our of business over 20 years ago: Such a Bad Experience, Never Again. We had high hopes for our meal at Elia Taverna, but we do not plan to come back.

EDIT: I thank the owner for the quick response to my feedback and the offer of restitution. That was not my intent of my review and I respectfully decline the compensation offer.

I have been to Greece and I respectfully disagree that gyro meat is served tough and dry and on a burnt pita. It would be nice if future guests could experience a truly savory and juicy gyro as it really is a wonderful dish everyone...

Edited to add date night 03/8/2025 Another superb meal at Elia! We enjoyed the complimentary tapenade spread, calamari with delicious dips, expertly grilled lamb chops that practically melted in our mouths, and big juicy shrimp. Service was warm and inviting, as always. I cannot say enough.

Hubs and I came here on Valentine's day. The place is small and a lil tight with the tables close. It was nicely decorated with the typical white and blue. The ceiling had some fabulous red lights on; I wonder if they made it red for V-day:) Management was very visible and checked in on most tables. We had reservations; I recommend them because they are on the smaller side.

We started the night with some cocktails, one of the best martinis I have had in a long time! For appetizers, we tried the grilled octopus salad and Spanakopita. If you have yet to try octopus, this is the place to try it! It was tender and flavorful, with a nice char from the grill to round it out. The spanakopita was stuffed with feta and spinach - sometimes I find these are overly salty, but this one was great! Everything on the menu for entrees looked great, but we thought the Mediterranean grill would give us an excellent sample of all their offerings, and oh my my my my! Each meat was so tender and seasoned well, the tzatziki was a bit thicker than I am familiar with, but it was one of the best I have ever had. For dessert, we tried their baklava; while this was good, it was a bit too sweet for me, so I only had a small piece. Everything is generously portioned and well worth the price.

We cannot wait to...

Rating: ★★★★★

Elia Taverna is a delightful addition to Marblehead’s dining scene, offering an authentic Greek culinary experience that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. The moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and attentive service set the stage for a memorable meal.

The menu is a testament to traditional Greek flavors, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Standout dishes include the Grilled Octopus, tender and perfectly seasoned, and the Lamb Chops, which are succulent and flavorful. Vegetarian options like the Spanakopita and Dolmades are equally impressive, showcasing the kitchen’s versatility. 

Complementing the food is a well-curated selection of Greek wines and inventive cocktails, such as the Aegean Breeze, which pairs beautifully with the cuisine. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to guide you through the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience. 

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Greek cuisine or new to its delights, Elia Taverna offers a genuine and satisfying experience that stands out in Marblehead. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious food in a...