Limani Grille is an upscale Greek restaurant in Boston’s Seaport, and after eating there, I’m surprised it isn’t busier. We arrived around 7 PM on a Friday night to a mostly empty dining room. It was Halloween weekend, which might explain some of it, but this particular stretch of Seaport also seems removed from the neighborhood’s usual energy.
The restaurant itself is sharp. Polished without being stuffy, with a dining room that feels designed for a proper night out. We landed a booth overlooking the restaurant, which gave us some privacy without isolating us from the room. A welcome change from the cramped two-person tables that seem to be everywhere in Boston.
We started with a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Martini and a Dirty Martini. Both delivered, particularly the pumpkin spice. A good seasonal cocktail should feel like an occasion, not a gimmick, and this one got it right.
For food, we ordered the Octopus, Limani Chips, Spanakopita, and Chicken Keftedes. No misses.
The Octopus was the clear winner. Tender, flavorful, and served in a portion generous enough to actually enjoy. I order octopus almost everywhere that serves it, and Limani’s is one I’d come back for. The Limani Chips weren’t far behind. Paper-thin zucchini and eggplant, fried crisp and piled high with a presentation that makes you want to reach across the table immediately. Not a soggy piece in sight. My only complaint was the shortage of tzatziki, although my relationship with dipping sauces probably isn’t reasonable.
The Spanakopita was my first, a straightforward spinach and feta pastry that did exactly what it needed to do. The Chicken Keftedes were flavorful and well-prepared, but ultimately chicken meatballs. Good food, just not the reason I’d return.
Service was professional and attentive, perhaps a little eager when we first arrived. I prefer a restaurant that gives you time to settle in, and once dinner got underway, the staff found that rhythm. Waters stayed filled, plates arrived without issue, and nobody interrupted a good conversation unnecessarily.
The room improved as the night went on. More tables filled, conversations picked up, and the restaurant started feeling like the place it was built to be. Good dining rooms need people as much as they need good food.
Limani gets the important things right. Generous portions, well-executed Greek staples, good cocktails, and a comfortable place to spend an evening. Octopus and zucchini chips are two dishes I judge Greek restaurants by, and both were excellent here.
I’d go back without hesitation. Hopefully, the rest of Boston catches on, just not enough to make that booth impossible to get.