Brendan Pelley
Culinary Director
Xenia Greek Hospitality
Brendan Pelley brings a wealth of experience (and genetic kinship) to Xenia Greek Hospitality. He has been at the helm of Greater Boston restaurants for over a decade, including: Zebra’s Bistro, Pelekasis at Wink and Nod, Doretta Taverna and Gibbet Hill Grill, where he has stacked up accolades for his innovative approach to both farm to table and Greek cuisine.
Brendan has had the honor of being a featured chef at the James Beard House and has appeared on FOX television’s “Hell’s Kitchen”, American Public Televisions “Weekends with Yankee” and Food Networks “Beat Bobby Flay”.
When not in the kitchen Brendan spends time exploring his other passions such as foraging for mushrooms, training jiu jitsu and other martial arts, and working in his home garden. He is also kept very busy with being a father to three boys; Miles, Cyprus and Lachlan…who are all currently undergoing rigorous training to become warriors in Pelley’s secret ninja clan.
Brendan has been named Boston Magazine’s coveted Best of Boston award for Best Chef, General Excellence (2023) and received a glowing 3.5 star review from Boston Magazine’s critic MC Slim JB for Bar Vlaha.
Some of his more recent accolades include:
- Kaia – Conde Nast Traveler, The Best Places To Eat In 2026
- Kaia earned a rare 5 Star Review from The Boston Globe’s Food Critic Devra First
- Kaia is on Conde Nast Traveler, 2025 Hot List, Best New Restaurants In The World
- Kaia earned Boston magazine – Best of Boston award for Best New Restaurant 2025
- Kaia was also named #1 in the Boston magazine, The Top 50 Restaurants In Boston issue, The Top 10 New Restaurants In Greater Boston (also on cover of issue)
- Brendan was named Boston Common magazine’s Best of the City award for Best Chef, General Excellence (2025)
- Krasi came in at #18 on Boston magazine, Top 50 Restaurants In Boston issue
- Krasi was one of three New England restaurants to land on OpenTable’s Top 100 in America