Hillside Grill: Have You Been Yet?

about a month ago, and it's "been better than expected."

The Hillside Grill, which sits in a building complex at 73-79 Main Street, is owned by Voyiatzis, and presently shares the lot with Boost Fitness, which moved in last year.

Dropping in to the restaurant last week, Northborough Patch enjoyed a plate of fish and chips and a salad. The plate was filled with a generous portion of fresh battered haddock, crispy fries and a greek salad. With an open floor plan, including the kitchen, this bright, roomy establishment is like a cross between a cafe and an upscale pizza shop.

Guests at a neighboring table were also enjoying their first visit to Hillside.

"I know fish, and I'm very critical of it, and this was just excellent," said Eleanor MacVicar, who lives on Nantucket Island. MacVicar was visiting a Shrewsbury friend, Barbara Shush, who suggested the Hillside after a recommendation.

"I don't even like fish, and I liked it," said Schuh.

The Hillside Grill orders its fish daily from West Boylston seafood. All of the ingredients used on its menu, which features appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, seafood, sandwiches, gourmet pizza and grilled items, are "always fresh," said Jimmy.

"We don't use microwave ovens, either," he said.

Jimmy said that he and his son, who have been running the restaurant so far, are fine tuning the menu based on customer reaction. Presently, dishes include a chopped sirloin plate, kebabs, lasagna, seafood gumbo, and a variety of salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Soon, the Hillside will expand to offer catering.

"Every single one of our customers are a repeat customer," said Jimmy. "They come back."

While they have toyed with the option of adding beer and wine, Jimmy said it is not a priority.

"We're not in this business to make money from alcohol and we have lots of families with little kids coming in," he said.

With vacancies in the building, Jimmy said he hopes clients to be signing leases soon, and said he has had overwhelming interest, including "national chains." He also added that they have "rejected about four potential clients" so far.

The Hillside Grill serves lunch and dinner, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Call 508-351-6060.

Have you been? How about submitting a review? You can do so right here under the Hillside Grill's directory listing.