Kleos, Providence

from November 2021 - Shop In RI

Black Friday

By Will Demers

You can come to Providence for so many culinary styles, owing to the fact that we have an amazing cacophony of restaurants to explore. Pizza, Tacos, Japanese, and of course Mediterranean cuisines abound in the City of Hope. One that is relatively absent in most areas is Greek Food, perhaps buried under a mound of pasta, but if you’re clever, you can get a different kind of experience not so far away.

“Kleos,” that’s pronounced “Klay-Ohs,” is the second of two Downtown eateries owned by restaurateurs Tom Bovis and Lauren Lynch. Tom was born in Greece and has grand memories of his grandmother’s cooking, and while many aren’t fluent in this type of fare, it’s a sure bet to get a gastric tour through those beautiful islands, while just sitting at a table or bar seat and letting the experienced folks recommend some grand choices. On Westminster Street, a mere stone’s throw from the Performing Arts Center and Kennedy Plaza, sitting on a corner, with a most welcoming ambiance that surrounds the place.

The mostly windowed building has many tables to choose from and when you’ve settled in, try an appetizer in the form of the Dip Tasting; six house made dips with grilled pita will set your taste buds in ready form. It’s not just Tzatziki or Hummus, but more, and if you want something more decadent, how about the Tower? It’s deep fried zucchini and eggplant, with regular or spicy Tzatziki (we recommend the spicy one) and ready to enjoy with your table mates. Or, for the super adventurous? Octopus, marinated and grilled in a way that probably will make you enjoy it, whether it’s something you’ve tried or not!

As for entrees, there’s some classics that you might not have heard about, but Pastitcio is macaroni with spiced meat and a bechamel sauce that is absolutely satisfying as well as delicious. And while you’re at it, try a Gyro! (apparently we’ve been saying it all wrong “Yih-Row” is the way…) and you can get it classic OR Vegan with the most amazing french fries you’ve tasted, we’re completely serious about that. The Lamb Shank will make you forget about all the things folks say about Lamb, there’s no lack of intense flavor here and it’s over a Greek grain pasta for complete authenticity.

Finally Tom’s family has been making Greek olive oil for decades and you can buy it here by the bottle and, if you think you’ve tasted good olive oil before, you haven’t. This is the Real Deal. Kleos accepts reservations and walk-ins and there’s a bar if you’re on your own, check out a newer cuisine and bring your family, too.