Thelo Mediterranean, owned by Artan Mertiri (right), opened last week and features a menu of authentic Greek food prepared by chef Voula (left). Cassidy McNeeley photo
Copyright © 2026 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. This content may not be re-published or re-used without written permission.
Fresh Mediterranean flavors arrived in Dorchester last month when Thelo Mediterranean opened for diners at 860 Dot Ave, replacing Taqueria Casa Real’s tacos and burritos with gyros and souvlaki.
Thelo owner Artan Mertiri isn’t new to the neighborhood; he owns Avenue Grill, a popular pizza spot sitting next door to the new eatery.
“I have been in business in this neighborhood since 2018. I know the neighborhood,” said the 52-year-old Mertiri. “This place was a taco place. The guy left. We came up with this idea because we are Albanians, but we were raised in Greece, raised with this food, and we said, ‘Why don’t we bring something different to the neighborhood?”
Instead of serving more pizzas, subs, and salads, at Thelo, Mertiri, who moved to Boston in 2002, gets to share his culture with his community.
Customers can enjoy their meals in the restaurant’s dining room shown above or take their food to go. Cassidy McNeeley photo
Whether for takeout or a sit-down meal in the warm dining room, customers can enjoy authentic Greek Food like the lamb souvlaki platter, a pork gyro pita, or an east rice bowl with arugula, falafel, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and hummus.
Everything on the menu, including five signature sauces, is fresh and homemade, and what Mertiri considers a healthy, local option.
The restaurateur said his family has played a large role in the restaurant’s opening, and he hopes it becomes the spot where other families slow down and spend time together.
Since opening on August 17, he and his team have seen just that.
“We got a lot of support from the neighbors, a lot of support,” said Mertiri. “We want to see people come in and sit. We hope this small place can be one of the top ones.”
The restaurant is open daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. He and his team would like to add wine and beer to their menu as soon as possible.
Copyright © 2026 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. This content may not be re-published or re-used without written permission.
