This was only my second time at Opa. The first time was lame. very dull, quiet and tame. THIS TIME was awesome!!! It was like being at a Greek family party. Lots of laughing, dancing and tons of napkins being tossed in the air! Besides all the fun; the food is amazing! I had the roasted lamb O.... M..... G....... best Greek food ever! The hummus, the tzatziki.... wow... And I have been to Greek-town in Chicago... this was way better. If you come, bring your appetite. The portions are huge. I only wish they had one in Chicago...
(5)
Dan G.
Very Loud and be ready to have peeps standing on your table... A little disturbing, but part of the experience, I just hope they have Clorox in those cleaning bottles :-). On the real, for Greek foodies, the food is out of the world. The block of Feta is the deal, tho I am a Feta Fan! Opa is a great experience and good for groups going to I-Drive, especially if your a group of guys, the girls are kinda hawt all half naked and whatnot. Bottom line, Try It and your go back!
(4)
jordan j.
A lot of fun! Went with a mixed group of work folks and we had a great time! Excellent food, dancers keep the place exciting and fun. It was busy on a Monday night but we were able to be sat fairly quickly and served quickly as well. Check them out, have some fun!
(4)
Alex S.
I really love the food and the atmosphere. If you are on a budget, sovlaki's are your best option. Don't worry, they are delicious. I give 3 stars because every time I go there they try to FORCE everybody at the table to order their own entree. Not good for business!
(3)
Adriano M.
I have been to most of the Opa Taverna's in Florida and they are typically all the same ...lots of FUN!. This is definitely not a quite romantic restaurant. Unless you are ready to dance (and I mean on the table) and willing to get a little tanked up, you will likely not care for this place. The food is pretty good, authentic Greek food with fresh seafood and great presentation. I tried the flaming cheese appetizer, lamb chops and grilled lavraki ....awesome! The Greek belly dancers that come around is a nice touch. OPA!,,
(3)
Andrew K.
I love this place. But...know this before you go...it is pricey, it is loud, and you will watch everyone around you dance or dance yourself. I would say this is a great first date restaurant because the music is so loud in the dining room that it is difficult to have conversations with the people you are with. So if you are not too sure about the convo topics you are gonna have with your new man...think Opa :-) The martinis are delicious and the shots of Ouzo are flowing. They are expensive...but they are delicious. And you know the price is high...but you know this going in, so Opa :-) The food is delicious. The hummus is amazing. It comes out in a mortar and pestle. You have to grind it up yourself. It is amazzing amazing amazing. Opa :-) Just like Charlie Sheen, Taverna Opa is WINNING :-)
(5)
Tim L.
A fun place to go for dinner....... Went to dinner here last night and the food ranged from OK to good. Belly dancers were fun to watch. My daughter and her friend danced with the belly dancer and it was a good fun atmosphere. Flaming cheese was very salty...... Sangria was good. Lamb chops were good but my mom had the Lamb shank and it was very fatty. Loud place with loud music and it is all about atmosphere....... Dont plan on any kind of intimate dinner....... definitely got the Orlando tourist feel in here. Service was great......
(3)
Sarah L.
I've been to Taverna Opa twice, most recently in April 2012, and I would definitely come back any time I'm in Orlando! The belly dancers were fun, the service was excellent and the drinks were delicious. This is NOT a place to go if you're looking for a quiet dining experience, but is almost as like a mini-theme park itself. The music is booming and the belly dancer WILL pull you up on a table to dance with her, male or female. I did, and had a lot of fun up there!! It's still family friendly as the belly dancer is in the style of traditional belly dancing, not anything overly sexualized, and she dances with a fair amount of kids or teens. The food and drinks are a bit overpriced, and the meal was expensive for a group of four, but you're also paying for the experience. I have eaten the lamb chops every time and they were absolutely delicious. I would definitely recommend this place--as long as you're okay with cocktail napkins occasionally falling from the ceiling all around you!!! Opa!
(4)
Charles V.
Food wasn't as good as last year and the dancers seem to have dropped off as well. Overall my impression was a place that had seen better days. That said, the drinks weren't bad (not as good as my previous 2 visits) and the grilled octopus was still tasty. Other food wasn't very good. And some was outright bad (the lamb) Its an interesting place if you've never been there before, but not worth the visit otherwise.
(2)
Tom M.
I went here for a friend's birthday over the weekend. I had ate beforehand so just came out to celebrate and have a few drinks. The rude waitress told me I *had* to order a $15 entree or I would have to leave, so I reluctantly obliged. After eating the lamb ribs I did not even want, I and all of my friends who also had lamb, experienced horrible food poisoning, ruining the rest of the weekend. Literally the worst dining experience of my life. I strongly suggest going elsewhere as I-Drive has many other, better options.
(1)
Megan O.
This place is amazing. The food was off the chart insanely good. They don't over complicate their food like most greek restaurants. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The humus and greek salad are a must try.
(5)
Libby W.
You will have an experience here. Come prepared for dancing on tables, napkin throwing and a great belly dancing show. While I enjoyed my drinks, the fun entertainment, there were some awkward moments in food and service. Who should go here? Groups of people who want to be entertained and eat decent food. People who are more interested in having a good time, enjoying themselves and drinking. Great for families, tourist, and group outings. Who should not go here? Serious foodies, who'd rather have authentic Greek cuisine and exceptional service over throwing napkins jumping on tables and watching a belly dancing show. I'm into fun, I appreciate the details involved with the fun elements. I'd go here again with a group of friends. It's a party outing where no one is conversing much but just having a good time. Their Specialty Martinis are very good. I had the Hercules, a mix of jagermeister, Malibu coconut rum, pineapple and cranberry juice. I was shocked how well the jager went with the other ingredients in this martini. I also had the Ouzotini, Ouzo with vodka, blue curacao and a splash of lime and pineapple juice. This one sung to me. We sat at the bar waiting for our table for awhile and a friend had called. She was in the area wasn't all that hungry but she's a sucker for Greek food and thought you'd come have a few drinks and get a few things to munch on. Turns out Taverna Opa is not the place for drinks and a few things to munch on. She was told there was a minimum of 25 dollars and this didn't include the two drinks she had at the bar. I felt bad so we had her order a bunch of apps and we sort of shared everything. Her bill ended up coming to well over 35 dollars. I don't see any mention of a minimum order on their website. If I had known ahead of time I think I would have told her to meet us after. Service as a whole was uncomfortable. Hard to hear the servers and they were almost robotic in terms of execution and friendliness. Getting the check was awkward and even more awkward was getting our parking stub validated. To me all of this equals bad business practices. You're forcing customers to do things they don't want to do. If this minimum is because of the belly dancing show then that's okay but please list it on your site and make it clear to all that enter before they sit down. Also how about when you bring the check asking all patrons to stick their parking stub in the check book, that what they can stamp them all at once while the run the card. Instead of not even asking about validation and then skipping some of our group up to where we had to ask several times. Another note, had my friend not been forced to spend as much money on the food, she probably would have racked up more than 30 dollars in cocktails, and had a better time. She did not eat all of what she ordered. The thing that helped with all the awkwardness was the belly dancing show. She was amazing and quite beautiful, during that we all had a great time. So what about the food? Well it was just average in my opinion. Hummus comes in a pestle with a mortar and you get to mix the chick peas in. The flavor is decent the pestle and mortar seemed a bit gimmicky. Greek Salad is well, Greek Salad but I giggled that the menu listed Extra Virgin Olive Oil as EVOO. Who's writing the menu, Rachael Ray? Saganaki I don't remember this being flambeed table side. I've had better, the balance seemed a little off to me Tzatski and the Greek meatballs were both good however this was the point that I realized this place is more American than Greek. I noticed that even the gyros are not served Greek style, this was not a good thing in my book. Lamb Chops were good but I was still having a very hard time seeing a sense of Greek passion in the food. I didn't see anything focusing on food, they focused more on entertainment and the servers seems to think we were a nuisance, who obviously thought we knew nothing about Greek food. Forget the baklava some of these servers need a piece of humble pie.
(3)
Paula Jean K.
Eating and dancing? At the same time? OPA! We celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday here Friday night and we couldn't have asked for a better experience! But, you have to be in a serious party mode to come here or don't even bother. They have belly dancers who pull you unto your table to dance and girate while music is blasting all around you. I didn't stop laughing the entire night. Food was excellent - I mean really really excellent and we ordered everything. The fish platter was divine, meats were cooked properly, drinks were poured well and ethnic food was spot on. Our waiter was wonderful. Service was impeccable. No question about it, I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
S M.
Sometimes the novelty of an idea is way more exciting than the actual thing. a night club atmosphere for dining- not for kids This is not an enjoyable experience for children. My kids held their hands over there ears and started crying the music was so uncomfortably loud. It felt like a small form of torture. On to the food...the flaming cheese would have been more enjoyable if the waitress would have done it while myself and my children were at the table. We missed it...what is the point of serving flaming cheese to an empty table. My dolmades are way better than what they served, I was really disappointed. We ended up moving outside to get away from the noise and try to salvage the rest if our family dinner time. We still had to raise our voices and lean close to speak to each other . Both children disliked their $9.00 kids meals, which is unusual for them. There was nothing special about our beef tenderloin kabob- it taste more like sirloin to me. We didn't really get to enjoy the belly dancer for entertainment since the atmosphere was so unenjoyable (disappointing) We spent 80.00 for two kids meals. Two small appetizers, two alcoholic beverages, and a shared adult meal The alcoholic beverages were REALLY good. I would only recommend this establishment to adults without children and for novelty reasons only. If you can endure the noise you can enjoy great drinks and a belly dancer for entertainment .
(3)
Rachel W.
"Taverna Opa" is a must to try! We were on vacation in Orlando and dining there was one of the highlights of our trip! My daughter thought it sounded like a fun place to eat and then the concierge at the hotel also suggested we try it. Now I can't WAIT to go back! When we arrived at the restaurant the music was playing and white napkins were flying on the floor. It was 7 pm and the belly dancer had just opened her act for the evening and was starting to make her way around the restaurant. Everyone there seemed to be enjoying themselves. The music and the belly dancing only added to the ambience at "Taverna Opa". Our waiter was very attentive and our food was delicious. He first brought out some hummus and it was some of the best that I have ever tasted! I had the chicken kebob with fresh herbs and lemon potatoes. Proportions were amble and the food was tasty. We also tried the Baklava. Another winner on the menu! Not only is the food good but the whole experience was so much fun. It's an unforgettable place and a MUST go to when you're near by.
(5)
Edwin P.
I went to this location around New Year's eve since I was celebrating NYE at Universal Orlando. On the particular night I went, it was actually the fan fest for the Capital One Bowl, so the place was packed with Michigan State and Alabama fans just being rowdy and crazy Naturally, the wait was long, but it was so worth it. The drinks and food were outstanding and the dancers were awesome...it also helped that the atmosphere was kind of like a college party, which is never wrong. Do recommend this place but be mindful to make a reservation no matter when you are going since this place gets packed
(5)
Keith H.
I'm reviewing the food and atmosphere separately. Did not care for the food. The sea bass ($27) which was way too salty. The accompanying greens were too oily, making them unedible. The greek ribs were very good but a bit fatty. The hummus was so-so and not memorable. The atmosphere was good and the belly dancer excellent. The belly dancer had flaming red hair and hypnotic hips, the highlight of the evening. She almost got me to forget about the mediocre food. Almost, but not quite.
(2)
Robert H.
This place was so much fun for me and my family! When we walked in the atmosphere was almost party like. A semi techno Greek like music was playing and people were yelling OPAH as they threw hundreds and hundreds of napkins in the air...I was hooked! We ordered appetizers and entrees which took a considerable amount of time to come out but I could tell our server was flustered by the pace and how packed the place was. The entertainment with music, napkin throwing, belly dancers made the time go pretty fast. The food I would give four stars, service four stars and the entertainment five stars. This will be a place I would want to hit again when we go back down to Orlando...after all me and my daughters ended up on the table dancing the away the night!
(5)
Mary B.
I went here two times this past week while conventioning in Orlando. First night with my friend who lives in Greece. Second time with a friend from the middle east. We all enjoyed the food and the ambiance. If you don't like belly dancing or Greek music, this place is not for you. You can sit outside if this would "Greek you out". The hummus was very good and the Soupa agolemono was also tasty. I had the same entree both times because it was so good. I had the Santorini shrimp (island shrimp elsewhere). It was a different recipe than I make at home. It was less tomato and the cheese was different but it was very tasty indeed. We spoke with Vasilli and with Alex both and they are both fluent in Greek -a welcome addition to our experience. It is far too uncommon that non-natives work at ethnic restaurants and I personally expect at least a few servers or managers to be of that ethnic background in case there are questions or one wants to swap travel stories.
(5)
Katie M.
This place has, hands down the BEST HUMMUS I have EVER had -- it was chunky chickpeas, garlic, oil, and spices ground together in a mortar and pestle. Yummy, yummy, yummy. The waiter was attentive and the rest of the food was great too, but the standout to me was the hummus.
(5)
Loren P.
Always go here when in Orlando. Solid food and an atmosphere that you have to experience to believe.
(4)
Tommy ..
Always a really fun time at this restaurant! Belly dancers will jump up on your table and start dancing with you, napkins flying all over the place, very loud, high energy and food is very good, especially the hummus they hand mash at the tables for you. Would highly recommend!
(4)
Stephanie W.
A good friend wanted to go here for her birthday. We had a group of 7 which served to be a problem since we didn't have a reservation. They only had open spots outside. We said we'd wait to try and get inside. So we went to the bar and had some drinks. It looked like a fun place. As other reviews have said, very loud with club type music. At the bar, I was still able to have a conversation with people. The restaurant worked really hard to get us an inside table, but it just wasn't going to happen since it was a busy night. We ended up outside. So we felt very removed from all of the dancing inside. And it was so loud that I couldn't hear most of the conversations at our table. The food came out very quickly, which I was surprised about since it was busy. I had the beef kebabs. They were very good. I ate almost everything on my plate. Everyone else ordered appetizers and seemed to enjoy them. I would go again, but only with a reservation!
(3)
John A.
Ate here as part of a group of 5. Sat outside, which was nice, but not much for scenery...just the front door to Hooters. Service was a little strange, we had 3 different people waiting our table. I don't think our service really suffered, but it was confusing. Food was OK. Can't say I am a huge fan of lamb, but the dessert sampler was VERY good. If you dine here make sure to stay for dessert.
(3)
Mary F.
The Bad - Confused staff - ROFOS PLAKI--- avoid, avoid, avoid!! the worst fish dish that i have ever experienced!---- keep it safe with the salmon dish they have - I'll get back to you on the name-- but this dish you probably can't get up after eating this...full of carbs...its like a layer of mashed potatoes on top of pasta and cheese and beef....not worth the carbs...stick to the free hummus and pita - The "wild greens" were horrible and i love eating veggies....enough said The Good - Free Hummus and pita....i think thats the best food in this restaurant The Bottomline- Um...order something small to just get full off of the hummus and pita. You won't regret it!
(1)
Rob W.
We enjoyed the food here, but the big draw is the entertainment with pg rated table dancing, music, belly dancing etc. The Greek salad was nice and fresh, I've had much better, but I liked this one. The grilled octopus was tasty but the portion was tiny. Most of what we ate was good, but the big draw is the entertainment.
(3)
Jessica W.
This place was absolutely amazing! I don't think I have ever ate that much food! I'm a huge fan of Greek food and this place rocked it out. Our waiter was too cool for skool and man. the food. I can't get over the food. I wish this place was in Houston. I'd eat there every day! We sat outside, as we wanted a bit of a quiet atmosphere but quickly wished we would have been inside. They have belly dancers and it was just a big party. By far THEE BEST dining experience we had on our vacation. Thank you Taverna Opa!!!!
(5)
Steve S.
Imagine you are sitting in a restaurant with your friends and family. The noise level is a little high, but you can still talk to your dining partners. Then...the lights dim, AND THE PLACE TURNS INTO A THUMPING NIGHT CLUB!!! For the rest of you meal, it is like you are trying carry on a casual conversation while shouting at your dining partners. That is what it is like to eat at Taverna Opa! The place is festive and fun, but there are too many negatives to put it in the dining rotation -- primarily the unrelenting loud music. Do you really need four huge speakers blasting what sounds like Middle Eastern disco music the whole meal? Can't you get a better effect with a lower volume? The belly dancer was sweet visiting each and every table and encouraging outgoing visitors to dance. Don't be surprised if she drags you up on the table to dance! (Yes, they wipe it down after.) They also throw packs of napkins in the air to fall like large snow flakes everywhere. I had fun with this, but I can see where some might not like it. The food is actually really good starting with the hummus and pitas where the hummus comes partially smashed in a mortar. You get a pestle to smash it the rest of the way before you slather it on your pita. The Greek stuffed grape leaves, Dolmades, were not the best I've had, just OK. I got the Kleftiko, a lamb dish cooked with cut up vegetables steamed in parchment. Others in my party got lamb chops. Everyone was very satisfied with their food. I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I do like sangria. Skip this, it tastes like mostly watered down fruit juice and it is not cheap at $29 for a pitcher. The waiter and staff were attentive and helpful. One last thing, having to deal with a restroom attendant was really annoying. (Ladies, you will have one, too.) Hey, I know there is an attractive woman dancing in the establishment, but you don't have make it seem like a strip joint! (Don't ask me how I know that. :) UPDATE: Went back on a group decision a week and a half ago. Still too loud! I think my hearing is permanently damaged because my ears are still ringing. Lots of patrons getting in on the dancing action - some a little drunk (and dancing accordingly) so you might want to consider the age of the kids you take.
(3)
Stacy V.
I've been here twice - once with my significant other and once with a group of girls. Of course, I had more fun as a group. The restaurant plays incredibly loud music, people dance on tables, and napkins get thrown around like confetti. The atmosphere is fun (a few drinks help), but there are a lot of tourists here. I agree with a previous reviewer that this is not the place for dinner conversation - eating outside may be your best bet to do so. I've gone on weekend evenings and don't remember there being much of a wait at all for a table. The food is a little pricey, but so are the other restaurants that are in Pointe Orlando. The best thing on the menu is the hummus and warm pita bread. I am sure that many Mediterranean restaurants have a secret ingredient in their hummus because I have never had store bought or homemade hummus that tastes the same. Also don't forget to have your parking ticket validated before leaving for the night.
(4)
Allison C.
Great food! Quiet for lunch on a Monday. Excellent hummus made table-side! Moussaka was filling, good gyro w/ great fries, yummy doulmades! Yum, we'll be back!!
(5)
Elissa L.
We went for Happy Hour (3-6pm daily at the bar), they offered 2 for 1 drinks, 1/2 price cocktail pitchers, and discounted appetizers. I got a mojito, they made it using muddled mint and it was refreshing and delicious. We ordered the keftedes (Greek meatballs) which were so flavorful and nothing like Swedish. We ended up ordering a second plate because they were so good. $3 at happy hour for 5. We also ordered Spanakopita (spinich, feta cheese, and phyllo) which was similar to a quiche minus the egg. The phyllo was crispy, the inside was flavorful and cheesy. I DEVOURED these!! These were also $3 and came with two slices the size of half a PB&J sandwich. Lastly we ordered the crispy zucchini, which was just that. Thin and crispy like potato chips, we got a huge plate with some tzatziki for dipping. We sat at the bar, the bartender was very attentive and kind.
(5)
Chris P.
While the atmosphere is fun, the food is not very good. Had a steak which was only so-so and the side of beans tasted like canned green beans. I guess I'm a converted tree hugger also because of this place -I got annoyed with the amount of perfectly clean, unused napkins that were wasted all evening. Keep the belly dancing and dancing on the tables but stop with wasting good paper.
(1)
Brandon G.
Dancing on table tops with a gypsy and friends...... CHECK! They have it all here. Great atmosphere, flaming cheese, great food, sturdy tables and chairs to dance on, flying napkins, and delicious food. Seriously the food is delicious. I've had the lamb, the chicken, the salad, and some other meals there and I have never done anything but rave about the taste. You need to go for dinner, that's where the action is. You'll see the dancers start walking in as the sun begins to set and you must know that the opa party is about to start. It was somewhere in between getting our drinks and appetizers when the dancer had pulled one of my friends on the table to dance. It wasn't a minute before half of our party was up there. One of the servers grabbed a light and starting swinging it around while throwing napkins in the air. Needless to say my friends and I had a great night. Try it. Funny story, the first time I went here was because some friends had recommended it. So a girlfriend and I were walking by and stopped in for lunch. The food was great so when we were asked about it we said it was a good place to eat.. We had no clue they did any of the fun things until our next visit for dinner. What a shock we had a dinner a few weeks later.
(4)
LA P.
The mash-your-own hummus app was interesting. Ordered chilean sea bass and slow-roasted lamb, and both were very salty!!! The server of the flaming cheese with brandy (saganakia) was unenthusiastic when he "shouted" (more like whispered) "OPA"! It's like this restaurant was affected by the Greek economic crisis.
(2)
Marie F.
This is an awesome place. Great Food, Great Entertainment and moderately priced! We had a large group, none of us local. This place came as a recommendation. I have greek friends, whose families are first generation in USA, so I know Authentic Greek food, this hits the mark. I personally had the Chicken kabob, totally moist and full of flavor, but also tried other's dishes (Moussaka, Pasticio, Gyros and a few others) all were very good. All the appetizers that we had were very good, even the hummus that we had to grind ourselves at the table were good. What was a complete bonus to this evening experience was the entertainment.. There was a belly dancer, who completely engaged with the tables, and got participation from many tables. In addition, there was "congo line" where many participated and a lot of fun! There were a few birthdays, including one at our large table, and the dancers got on the tables with the birthday guest and made a big celebration. We had reservations since we had a large group (approx 20), and were there on a Sunday night. I would imagine this place is packed on a Friday/Sat, but would definitely come back even if there was a wait!
(5)
Matthew J.
You will be entertained. Not a place for children, but not bad. They jump around on tables and mess the place up as part of their show. Kind of fun once a year for your birthday, but other than that.
(2)
Bill H.
This is a second visit for us. If you want a little more of quite evening then Friday night is not the night to stop in. Good service and decent food. We really love the house-made hummus - lots of garlic.
(3)
D S.
Ambiance- Super loud & fun Food- Good Drinks- mild to medium strength Price- expensive & $25 minimum per person on Friday & Saturday nights This was my first time to Taverna Opa and ended up having a ton of fun. This is not a place to go for a date, or if you want to to be able to talk to your friends. This IS the place to go if you want to eat decent Greek food, then dance the night away on the table! A hybrid eatery-dance club. With my small order of 3 adult beverages and 3 appetizers, my bill was a whopping $50., so this eatery is not for the faint of wallet. The meal of appetizers was good: Saganaki (cheese doused in brandy and set aflame table side), Keftedes (meatballs) and roasted red and green peppers with olive oil and lemon. The waiters and bus boys are zealous about clearing the tables off, so make sure you guard your drink if it's the only thing left on the table! I'll be back to Tavern Opa sometime in the future!
(4)
Kent H.
What a great experience. The belly dancer came out, napkins were tossed and it was very engaging. I ordered the Melizanosalata (eggplant appetizer) which was very good complimenting the provided pita bread. In addition to the appetizer, they bring a serving of hummus. This hummus is unique in a sense that you crush it and prepare it yourself. It was actually a little spicy and unexpected. It was good, but I prefer the eggplant appetizer sauce. On to the entree, I ordered the slow roasted lamb, which was well prepared and very tastee. Whether or not I was supposed to squeeze that lemon wedge on the lamb, I did, and it was a positive addition. The lamb tasted great. The side of baked lemony potato was a treat as well. The yiayia's vegetable was unique and pretty good. Overall it was a great experience here.
(4)
Gina H.
Not a place to bring your future in-laws on a "get to know you" date. Super fantastic for day 2 of my reunion with my co-workers from NYC of 13 years ago!!! Facebook brought us together again and we wanted something a little more than a Disney themed restaurant on our weekend away in Orlando. LOUD! Very loud on a Saturday night and after something like 7p.m. its first come, first served. But that was fine because some of us got there earlier and put our names down so when the rest of the group arrived we only had a short wait until a table was ready. PACKED! Bar was packed and so was the restaurant. Service was quick enough considering how packed it was. Though they screwed up one order. My friend Kim had ordered three apps (as her entire meal), and they forgot two. Her two forgotten appetizers arrived after everyone had eaten their main course. Not good (for Kim..heheheheheh). I ordered the eggplant appetizer and had the moussaka for the main course. The eggplant was delish as was my friend's hummus. The moussaka left me very disappointed - too much bechamel sauce (about an inch on top) and a bland meat/eggplant mix. It wasn't just me...my dining companion Vinny had ordered the same and agreed with me. It was tasteless and disappointing. ATMOSPHERE! Fricking great if you come with a group of like minded friends. We danced in our seats because the music was great and me and my girls LOVE US THE MUSIC. The kids in our group danced on the table, hoochie mamas danced on another table, hipsters on an another. Highlight of our evening was the teen in our group getting himself his first belly dance right in front of his parents. It was interesting to see Anthony's face go from pale to puce. But he was all game and stuck himself his first dollar bill into her waistband under the guidance of dad and JR. Yep, a whoopin & hollerin kind of place. Music went from 80's to 90's to bumped up traditional Greek. Occasionally staff would hop on a table and kick their legs up Greek dancing style. At the end of our dinner, there was a line of people running around the restaurant holding onto each other with handkerchiefs. Nutzo! So yeah. Go there with a good attitude, expect to be jostled, don't expect a quiet romantic dinner, the food is touch and go, drinks are moderately priced and service is included in your check. Let your hair down, hop on a table and scream OPA!!
(4)
Linda M.
Returned to Taverna Opa with a friend during a conference in orlando. I have to say this trip was 100 times better than my last experience. We were inside (it was January, cold and raining). It was like being at a wild party. People were standing on tables taking Ouzo shots and dancing an napkins were thrown in the air every 10 minutes or so as everyone yelled "opa". Food was delicious and the belly dancer was really nice. She was teaching everyone some dance moves. Best night in Orlando that week.
(4)
Trung N.
Might be a bit too loud inside to have a conversation, but the atmosphere rocks. It's like a club. You dance and take shots on top of the tables. If anything you can sit outside for some more intimate time still since the food alone is worth coming here. I had the $30 a person group meal and when I thought the last dish had been served we still had the main course left...pace yourself through dinner. I also enjoyed throwing paper napkins everywhere. I think everyone else did too. Definitely check this place out if you have someone come from out of town and you want them to experience a different and upbeat experience.
(5)
Caitlin C.
What a lively place! The Greeks know how to party, and I think it's great. Belly dancers rotate throughout the restaurant, patrons dance on tables, and slips of white paper (traditionally, they would be dollar bills, but Taverna Opa can't go giving away money!) fall from the ceiling. I made sure to select a Greek wine. Our waiter assured me that any red I chose from that part of the menu would be very dry and full-bodied, so I chose the Agros Merlot, even though it was specificed as medium-bodied. I wish I'd listened to the menu - the wine was a bit too light for me. It was pretty good, but not what I was hoping for. I was also disappointed when it came served in a regular glass - maybe this is how wine is served in Greece? If so, I respect the authenticity of the restaurant, but I really prefer to drink wine out of a wine glass, even if that seems like something silly. My mom ordered half a carafe of a different red, and the carafes were certainly unique-looking too! We received the freshest hummus I've ever tasted, ground right at our table, and freshly baked pita. Even my dad, who NEVER eats hummus, loved it! My go-to order at any Greek restaurant, because I hate making decisions regarding all the amazing choices I'm always faced with, is an appetizer sampler platter (or two). I stuck to one that evening, the Cold Pikilia platter of tzatziki (yogurt dill dip), tarama (caviar dip), melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and olives. I was so proud of my dad - I convinced him to try a stuffed grape leaf, and after a hesitant first bite, he immediately gobbled up the rest. Finally, my parents were seeing the reason why I'm in love with Greek food! In an effort to get some veg into my day, I also ordered a side of tomato and cucumber slices for dipping. Perfect! They came out about 10-15 minutes after the Pikilia's dips came out, which was a bit bothersome because I favored using the veggies for dipping over the pita, but it wasn't a big deal. The padre continued trying different foods and ordered the Moussaka (I corrected his pronunciation before he ordered ) and loved it! He called it the "Greek Shepherd's Pie". I had a bite and man, oh man, it was tasty. And HUGE! It's impossible for me to leave a Greek place not-stuffed, and my parents experienced that same phenomenon. Half of the moussaka became his breakfast the next morning.
(4)
Bettina T.
I absolutely LOVE this place! It really is as good as it gets. The food is delicious and always cooked to perfection. It's best to go in a big group so that you can get the family style meals that run from $25-$50 per person depending on how much and what type of dishes you want. The atmosphere in here is incredible, from the live dj spinning awesome music to the wonderful belly dancers that jump on your table and shake their money makers. What I love most here is that, they encourage everyone to have fun, it really is a great experience. Any guest can jump on their table and dance around and the servers will run up to you and throw hundreds of napkins in the air and everyone cheers like there is no tomorrow. If you're in the area or are visiting orlando, this is a MUST go to place. It's great for the entire family!
(5)
Joseph Y.
Taste: 5 Value: 5 Service: 4 This place is the real deal if you're looking for authentic Greek food and culture. When you're first seated for dinner, they bring by warm pita and a cup of unprocessed hummus`. Chick peas, garlic, olive oil are all in a wooden chalice with a muddler. Mash up the hummus to your preferred consistency and spread on the pita. The Taramosalata ("lemony cod roe dip") reminded me of salmon whipped spread and paired well with the pita. For dinner I had the Lamb Chops medium rare. They cooked the meat to perfection and the seasoning was fantastic. It's a dish I'd like to try to prepare someday at my house. The sides were good, but a bit overcooked for my preference. It was a mash of green beans and other vegetables. The fact that I couldn't identified the other vegetables should give an indication of how it was prepared. For dessert we shared a Opa Ekmek, their signature dessert. "Shredded filo dough, walnuts, custard cream and whipped topping." I've never had this before and it was a delicious ending to a great meal. The place throws up handfuls of napkins regularly to get people up and dancing. There's also a belly dancer and other cultural touches. Whether you go there for the food or the atmosphere, you won't leave disappointed.
(5)
Wendy E.
We come here quite often as a family when we are in Orlando and I truly love it...last time we were here our kids claimed it as their "favorite restaurant in the world". Something about the energy takes all the cares away... There is dancing on the table, napkins flying everywhere, zorba dance lines through the restaurant, amazing dj's, fun wait staff and yummy food to boot. We always get the aphrodite family meal and it is an amazing selection of food...I recommend eating around 8 if you are a family and NEVER let them try to seat you outside!!! Even if you use Open Table on the weekends, they will still make you wait...be aware!!
(5)
Doris K.
BEWARE: They said my first credit card was denied, so I gave them another card to run. Now I have two charges on two different credit cards!!!!
(1)
Allen B.
Yaya marrys and Nikko nikko should be worried if Taverna Opa ever decide to move to Houston. The only reason I don't give it a five star is because I am very picky about the five stars that I give out. If it had table cloth type of service it would get an instant five star. Yelp steered us right here. The lamb was delicious, the service was excellent, and the ambiance was right on!
(4)
Frances F.
I didn't eat there. I showed up at 10pm on a Saturday. My friend had reservations but the restaruant lost them so they were waiting around for a table for hours. By the time I got there the music was going and it was packed with people. It was downright impossible to get a drink. Basically, if you come late you need to show up drunk unless you like being annoyed. I only paid $4 for parking.
After three or four visits to Taverna Opa in the evening for drinks and table-dancing, I finally visited for lunch...and an actual meal. The food was incredibly good. We were seated right away, because lunchtime at Pointe Orlando isn't very busy at all. We were served pita bread triangles with fresh mash-your-own hummus. All of the ingredients came slightly ground in a mortar with a pestle. You could then decide if you want it kept in chunks or mashed down to a pulp. The garlic flavor really stood out and tasted delicious on the pita triangles. For my entree, I opted for the gyro sandwich with spinach rice as a side. Our entrees came out superfast (with the hummus, in fact) and in a generous portion size. The gyro had a great flavor to it; the meat and tzatziki sauce are what really make the gyro special. Both were perfectly concocted and blended nicely. Now I can say that I've done all there is to do at Opa...and haven't enjoyed every option. I'm looking forward to many return visits for food, drinks, and table dancing!
(5)
Kristine C.
Tapas are very tasty and reasonably priced. Service is great when you have the right person, otherwise above average. Belly dancers friendly and accommodating, even with little kids. Noise level is a bit loud but atmosphere is fun! Touristy but whet do you expect from IDrive? Loved the garlic-y hummus (free!) and constant flow of pita bread. Melitzanosalata, saganaki and octopus was on par with less-touristy Greek restaurants I've frequented in Chicago and New York City. Main course was a smaller portion then expected (souvlaki) but definitely not lacking in the flavor department. Only disappointment was the dessert. Had baklava and a traditional Greek custard but both were below average.
(3)
Patricia R.
Went with some galpals and had a simply amazing time! The food was so tasty, we ordered several appetizers, then our meals and finally dessert. Everything was delicious and well priced. We danced around the table, some of us danced ON the seats and table (so much fun!) and it was simply the best fun I've had in a restaurant. I can't wait to return. :)
(4)
Mike R.
I had a bad experience here last year, but I gave it another try this year and it was much better. The food was great, and so was the service. The belly dancers are fun. There was a great energy in the restaurant, with everyone have fund. I would recommend reserving a spot around 7pm. That is when the belly dancing starts. It really is worth seeing. I would have given it five stars but he lamb dish I got was good but not great, and my wife got a steak kabob which was good but not amazing either. Based on the food, it is a solid four to four and a half stars. I just reserve five stars for places that provide mind blowing dishes.
(4)
Jen S.
What a fantastic dinner! The food was great and the atmosphere just added to it. I can never be bothered to write a review but this was totally worth it ... Super fun!
(5)
Julie C.
Came here to unwind after a long trade show day. Surround by loud music and loud people would have been so much fun if I had been in party mode. Luckily, they have a place for poopy pants people too! It was easy to switch to a table with a cozy heater outside. Sit inside if you want to party. Sit outside for a quieter atmosphere.
(4)
Candace B.
This place is a funny different place to take your family. The food was ok I have had better but the entertainment is well worth going. There are bellydancers, fire dancers and people dancing on tables....it is well worth going while you are in Orlando!!
(3)
Stacey P.
A fun night out if you're in Orlando on business travel. Note that the portions are _large_ - after our meal, we decided we could have just had the apps without any main dishes, and we would have been fine. Definitely get the hummus - it's fun to make it yourself with the mortar and pestle, and it tastes great, too. I was also a big, big fan of the chicken wings, although the fried cheese and my entree (the lamb baked in parchment) fell short. The restaurant itself is a loud, boisterous place with dancing on the tables and yelling - so overall it's definitely a memorable (in a good way) experience!
(4)
Ryan N.
So it seems Taverna Opa is becoming synonymous with ridiculous long waits no matter if you have a reservation or not. We had a 7pm reservation for 8 people and were not sat until after 8pm. When we asked the hostess what the issue was, we were informed that it was Sunday and everyone who arrived before us came in late, pushing our time way off. So why have a reservation system at all if you can just arrive whenever? The hostess didn't really seem to care that we were waiting a very long time and I had to entertain a group of hungry and impatient individuals. :/ Once sat, the service was great and the food tasty. We were celebrating a birthday and got the birthday champagne/cake surprise at the end. It was truly the best birthday surprise ever with dancing on the table and then around the whole restaurant. That said, my suggestion is not to arrive anytime later than six. Why this was supposedly a "fluke," I believe Taverna Opa is in the business of over booking the venue, which I think will certainly turn people off. It's best just to arrive early so you can get home at a semi-decent hour if needed.
(3)
Jen N.
This place is just crazy! Loud, dim, messy.. it's almost like you're in a club! I came with a large group of about 18 on a Friday night for a birthday celebration. Even having reservations ahead of time, we still had to wait an incredible amount of time for a table. We arrived at 8:30 for dinner and did not get seated until about 10:00! Totally disappointed by this! With such a large group, I think it only made things worse. Some food orders never made it to the table and others were replaced by another dish without consulting with the guest first. The taste of my meal was good and so was the portion size. I ordered the chicken artichoke which came with pieces of chicken breast in a creamy lemon caper artichoke sauce served on top of a bed of Spanish rice. The flavor of the dish was good and it even lasted me a few more meals after. If anything, I would really only come back for the crazy atmosphere. The food was definitely not worth the wait but the experience will be like none other. Again, it's loud, there are people dancing on tables (yes, your very own dining table!), napkins flying all over the place, and a belly dancer entertaining the dining room! Trust me, it's a zoo! Give it a try and see it for yourself!
(3)
Michelle R.
Octopus appetizer and slow roasted lamb entree were fantastic. The chicken entree, I thought was a bit on the dry side, and the sangria had a strange taste to it. I would come here again if I didn't think the service would be so incredibly slow.
(3)
Jennifer L.
Seriously with the napkin toss? The environment weeps. The starters were amazing (though the hummus tastes like it's 40% raw garlic - NOT a good choice for date night!), the service was horrific. Super slow and completely unavailable more often than not. If you don't like big groups, don't take them. Mains were okay, artichoke chicken was the hands down winner. Chilean Sea Bass?! Is Orlando under a big rock and I just didn't notice? I know I sound like a hippie, but while the rest of the world is trying to be more sustainable, this place is giving Mother Earth the middle finger. Delicious apps are not enough to bring me back.
(2)
Kelli B.
I'm a local and I've been to Opa quite a few times. The food is great and the entertainment is great, but of course it ends up being pretty pricey. The saganaki (flaming cheese), lamb shank, and scallops are fantastic. The atmosphere is definitely noisy, so it's not somewhere to go if you're expecting to want to have a personal talk or alone time. There's belly dancers that go around the restaurant, customers dancing on the tables, napkins flying all over the room, and music blaring. Definitely a great place for a group looking to have a fun time.
(4)
Nikhil P.
You've got to know your crowd if you're coming to a place like this. It's crazy. Like, seriously, it's crazy. We are walking towards the entrance and these 5 geeky guys are (trying) to grind with this hot oversexed belly dancer who has pulled them on top of a "wait here while you get seated" table. Inside, there's paper napkins flying everywhere ... which seems to be like their confetti-equivalent ... and these surprisingly good (belly-dancing quality wise, just talking about the dancing) belly dancers that are pulling everyone up on their tables and busting ass. It was pretty awesome, and the waiters, dancers, DJ are totally getting into it. The girls are also gorgeous, and if you're going for a romantic night with your significant other, be aware that you may end up having a "love and infidelity" talk afterwards unless everyone's cool with what happens there. It's impossible not to get distracted from your meal... there's fire, there's spotlights, there's tassels, there's paper napkins flying in your food, and there's variations of "Opa!" being yelled at random times. Believe it or not, there actually was food served, too... It was okay. I'll base my ratings on the cuisine. Lots of great, soft meat, but a bit too salty, a bit too unmarinated, and not first-class. That said, you come here for the vibe and up until this point in my life, I've never eaten at a restaurant like this. Seriously fun, and totally made for groups.
(3)
lucky K.
This is the one of the best in Orlando. This is a must try. The music is very loud you wont be able to hear anyone. The dancers are Entertaining. Besides that That the food is great and fresh I had the lamp Chops and Chicken were superb. I enjoyed my time and was full. Be warned This Taverna Opa is $$$.
(4)
Chris S.
We went here as a team for a dinner... All of us had the most amazing time... We are still talking about it to this day... We wanted to go back the second night because we all had sooo much fun.... I honestly can't remember the food, that's how much fun i had. We were there a good 2hrs and the main dish was just coming out... We were all so full that we didn't even eat the main course... Faster service would have been well appreciated. Looking back, we had too much fun to eat! Opa!!!
(5)
Laurie K.
This place was recommended by our friends as well as by others and totally lived up to my expectations. The service was amazing! The cleanliness impressed me as they constantly cleaned off the table and changed the plates and silverware. The staff was so gracious and warm and was at our beck and call without us having to ask for them once! The homemade hummus was my favorite; grinding it in the mortar with the pestle and the warm pita bread just kept coming out!! This is a truly authentic Greek restaurant with a terrific menu. The belly dancer was a treat who invited everyone to get up on the tables or dance with her side by side! Throwing the napkins up in the air added to the festivities! I'd be back here in a heartbeat!!!! Opa!!!!!
(4)
Harish C.
This is a Restaurant/night club combo. During the night you get belly dancers dancing on your huge tables. You are welcome to dance with her as well. There will be a DJ playing music and he entertains some guest requests as well. The music will be loud as well. If you are looking for some calm then this place is not for you. The food is good. Their pork chops and lamb is good. It is little pricier as well for the quantity. It gets really busy during weekend nights.
(4)
Matt P.
I had lunch here on a Monday afternoon, which means it was dead as all the tourists had left already. The service was great and very attentive, as you may expect on a not very busy Monday afternoon. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and had good recommendations. I ordered the Grouper and a lemony soup. The soup tasted home made and was thick with real (not processed) chicken and vegetables. Delicious. The main meal, the Grouper, was served on a super hot skillet and garnished with caramelized onions. A bit on the salty side but the fish was tender and full of flavor. I would recommend this place any time.
(4)
Bob C.
The atmosphere is an absolute blast, the belly dancers awesome, and the servers were great and totally accommodating, but the food was really nothing special, and was quite expensive. We chose family style, The Spanakopita and Lamb Ribs were the highlights. Very expensive and the drinks were really priced high. Warning: We were warned to check our bill closely by a friend who was overcharged, and sure enough found an extra $50 charge on our bill. The manager cleared it and bought us a mini-shot, but I left very wary of their practices.
(3)
Carina R.
I went here when I was at training in Orlando. I went with about four others, but we made reservations, so we were seated right away. We first ordered some drinks - white Sangria. This was honestly a pretty weak drink and didn't taste like Sangria. We then got some apps - hummus, octopus, Greek Salad, and Saganaki. Then we ordered a beef kebab, mousaka, and a couple of other dishes. I thought all of it was delicious. Especially the hummus, octopus, and Saganaki. The atmosphere was also pretty cool - it felt like a European club with greek remixes of popular songs. The belly dancer was cool too. Obvi much better for the guys at the restaurant, but still fun. I would definitely recommend this place and would def come again if I am back in Orlando.
(4)
Jesi E.
Wow! This place is amazing! The drinks are strong and they have a awesome selection of martinis. The food is awesome and very authentic. I am not a fan of humus but the humus here is so good! Loved the entertainment although our table was in a corner up against a wall, so we did not get to see as much of it! We were celebrating my birthday and found out they offer a cake and champagne package for the birthday person! A belly dancer comes out with a huge piece of cake and a waiter comes out with a bottle of champagne with sparklers coming out the top. Then they pull you up on the table to sing happy birthday! It was awesome! The music was a little loud (we had to scream our order to the waitress) and it is really close quarters but worth the money and the experience! Also make sure you have the Saganaki!!!! AMAZING!!!
(5)
XI X.
Food sucks. The ambiance is something else. Go for the party and the drinks. Skip the food.
(3)
Gillian M.
As I write this we have been waiting for an hour and a half -- with a reservation! The hostess has told us 15 minutes every time we ask how long it will be. I get that it is a busy place, but come on. Just be honest with us so we can go get some food! We are a starving bachelorette party and this is really brining us down. Don't take reservations if you want accommodate them. Awful. Don't come here. Ok, so the food ended up being pretty good and the waiter was very nice. It was a very fun atmosphere, especially for a bachelorette party. They just need to get their reservation thing down and it would be a rad place.
(2)
Jasmine A.
You go to Taverna Opa for the atmosphere. It's awesome to watch the belly dancers and everyone else dance on the tables. The music is loud, like being in a club loud. My husband and I love Greek food and eat at a lot of Greek restaurants. I have to say this place was my least favorite. Think Olive Garden goes Greek. The food wasn't bad, but I wouldn't eat here it again. The dishes were lacking any real flavor. We had a few appetizers and the santorini shrimp as our main course and I wasn't impressed. Nothing was bad, but it wasn't great either. Go here with a bunch of friends and get really drunk. I think that's what this place is for :)
(3)
Jp J.
Terrible food and expensive ......not much of a restaurant more like a place to dance and meet people
(1)
VJ R.
We arrived at 6pm and perfect timing due to less traffic. We started with Greek meatballs and hummus and medium Greek coffee. All very good. We also ordered lemon chicken shrimp kabobs and gyros. We had a nice meal.
(4)
Philip S.
We got the dip platter and it was huge disappointment- I had been looking forward to taramasalata all day and it tasted like it came from a can. All our food was sub par with the exception of the lamb. The beer choices were awful. At least we got seated right away and the environment was festive.
(2)
Maha E.
We came here for lunch one day and it was an overall good experience, food and atmosphere both were pleasant. . Came back for dinner one night and were very surprised. (Clearly did not check reviews prior to our excursion). It was so loud inside the restaurant despite the fact that it was a Thursday night. We got seated outside because we weren't much into the idea of having someone dancing on top of our tables while we had dinner. Outside however the music was still ridiculously loud. Even though there were only a few people seated, and none of which looked they were enjoying the whole "I can't hear myself think" atmosphere. They brought us out some complimentary hummus which definitely left something to be desired. I twas basically just garlic and chick peas in a mortar that you grind up yourself. I think I ate an entire garlic clove with my pita (don't bring a date here unless you're into that type of thing). The pita was great though. Their food is very good have had the lamb, beef and sea bass on separate occasions and all did not disappoint. The service was fine, it took a while to get our waiter's attention but when we finally did he was very pleasant and even lowered the music at our request :) It's a fun place to go if you're looking for a club with good food. But as far as dinner and conversation, I'd opt out for something else.
(3)
Annette P.
Great service ...very knowledgeable. ....great Greek experience. ....Hot appetizers were great as well as the drinks
(4)
Mike C.
Excellent service and staff was very nice.
(5)
William H.
I was craving Greek food while visiting Orlando so I googled Greek food and ended up here. The food was decent but the place was empty for lunch and no one paid attention to us. I would have walked out but my son wanted to stay. After making a small scene we were waited on and the service was ok. I was given a glass of wine on the house and the food ended up being pretty good. Lamb chops were good my son had falafel sandwich and my nephew like his chicken kabob. The hummus was served in a wooden mull with just the chick peas and garlic and a wooden mallet and you crush it yourself. Not bad. The spinach pie was quite good. I don't think I would go back.
(3)
C. M.
A welcome break from the mouse-themed food! The food was tasty. I loved their hummus of crushed chickpeas and sea salt made at the table with a mortar and pestle. The gyro meat was fragrant and surrounded by tasty accompaniments. The portions were hefty too. The server kept trying to upsell us appetizers and larger platters when the entree was more than sufficiently satisfying. The atmosphere was cacophonous. This wouldn't be my go-to Mediterranean joint back home when looking for a relaxing meal, but on vacation it's fun to trek out here and take in the food, sights and sounds.
(4)
Kevin S.
Simply AMAZING!!! The Food the Wine the Atmosphere the Servers! OMGG Randy wipe you mouth your drooling! A Must Visit place when in Oralndo. Grilled Octopus, Hummus fresh mashedat your table WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Elizabeth G.
I've been coming to Orlando for work for the past 3 years and every single time we insist we MUST come here. The food is amazing, the wine is amazing, the atmosphere is very unique. It's a lot of fun. They give out complimentary fresh hummus which is so delicious, they mash it up right at your table. chickpeas, garlic, mmmmmmm.....now i'm hungry again! We had falafals for an appetizer. they were awesome. I usually order the same thing, i think it's called Kleftikos (spelling?). It's heaven in a parchment bag. Juicy tender lamb, delicious Greek cheese, potatoes, lots of herb flavors....portion is pretty huge, i can never finish it. I wish my hotel had a microwave in the room i would have loved to have that as a late night snack. this time though i ordered Mousaka (spelling again?). It was like Greek eggplant lasagna with ground beef and a layer of yummy - soft cheese bechamel that resembles mashed potatoes. It almost had a sweet taste to it. I'm hoping next time we go I can convince someone to order both we me and share so I can enjoy both. We tried both the white and red greek wines (first ones listed under each category on their wine list), and were not disappointed. One of the girls ordered the Sea Bass which I tasted. I wasn't too crazy about it, but i'm not really a fan of cooked fish (i love sushi though) so take that with a grain of salt. It's a really fun restaurant....the belly dancer had us stand up with her and she was teaching us how to dance. I was definitely too sober for that though. Yes it's slightly loud in there, so it might not be a great place for a first date, but it's great for groups and for watching everyone dance on tables. Definitely come here for a late dinner if you're in a party mood.
(5)
Jessica H.
I lived in Greece for a few months and this is the best Greek food I've tasted in the US! The ground up chick peas with pita given at every table is delicious. I had the falafel pita for lunch and the Greek ops fries are out of this world. Next time I'm in Orlando ill be back for dinner!
(5)
Megan H.
Ok, I have to admit that I had a fun time here... but I was also fairly tipsy before I even walked in, which would probably explain why! This is the place to go if you really, really want to drink, dance on tabletops, and fling napkins around. This is NOT the place to go if you want to have dinner conversation or leave with your eardrums intact. I only had drinks and dessert here and both were good. The dessert is huge, so i would recommend sharing with someone. Overall an ok, fun time but I don't think I'd go back unless I was already in the area and drunk. ;0)
(3)
Claudine V.
The food here is fresh and tastes great. The ambiance is fun and entertaining. The wait is so long so big groups are hard to sit. Will come back again.
(4)
Christine R.
Even if you are not Greek, Taverna Opa is a great dining choice if you are in the Orlando area. The ambiance was great; there is a lot of noise but the dining experience is interactive. The servers greek dance with the whole restaurant, there are belly dancers, dancing on the tables, and instead of throwing plates, they throw napkins. Taverna Opa has a large menu. The kabobs were cooked to perfection and the portions are very large. Before you dine, sign up for the Taverna Opa V.I.P. card and they will provide a free cold appetizer. The only slight downfall would be the service. The server forgot a couple items we ordered and forgot the modifications on the items. Overall, it was a great dining experience and would be recommended.
(4)
Ahmed A.
Had fun,,, the place is ful of life
(4)
David T.
Don't bother with this place. I came here at 9pm and they had already stopped serving.
(1)
Jacqueline C.
I came as a small group of girls for my friend's 21st birthday. I was very amused and excited when I first entered, the atmosphere was definitely lively, almost like a club. Overall, I think this place is more for the experience than the food. The Belly dancers, table-dancing, and napkin confetti (I hope they recycle!) definitely made it more like party scene than a dining spot. It's great for groups because you can order sangrias (really good!) and margaritas by the pitcher. The music kept me half-dancing in my seat, and when the waiter finally pulled the birthday girl to the tables, I quickly obliged to go up there as well. I have to say it's definitely something different, if not plain awkward to dance in the middle of the restaurant, on tables. (A few drinks would help!) The downer of the night was definitely the waiter - he was way to hard-sale. He didn't seem at all too friendly (and the attempts he did make felt like it was only for tips later) and he made pretty bad recommendations. We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share, the hummus was wayy to small a portion for it's price (although quite yummy), and the fried zucchini was spectacular. Calamari was so-so, but the lamb appetizer was pretty good too. After our first round of appetizers, we wanted a little more food. I asked about their portions of their chicken kebabs, and he hesitated before replying "they're decent". Yea, that doesn't really tell me much, buddy. After a few exchanges with the birthday girl, we decided to just order one first to see, but the waiter mentioned that 2 orders would probably be good for our group of 5... The kebabs came, and it was definitely enough for the all of us, since we've already eaten a lot of appetizers. When it came to the check, the waiter gave us a hard time about splitting the check so the Bday girl won't have to pay. After re-printing the checks, we added them up again just to check - he added about 10 dollars extra. We didn't say anything, but just gave enough for the balance for a 15%tip. Oh and another thing - they didn't even do complimentary birthday cakes - we'd have to buy the cake "and we can put the candle on top"... since when do restaurants not do that? Overall, not the most perfect experience...but would definitely be fun for another girl's night - probably not for dinner but more like a pre-game/ appetizer venue
(3)
Karen S.
Previously we have enjoyed the food at Taverna Opa. Something was off when my party of six adults and a baby visited on a Saturday at 1:30 p.m. There was a total of 8 adult people in the whole restaurant. We had a group with one person who cannot eat dairy. Perhaps 10 minutes after ordering our waiter told one member that what she had ordered contained dairy--re-order. All food arrived very slow. When we finally started to be served our meals, another person was told that there was no more falafel that day--it had "blown up" in the fryer. Really, in a Mediterranean restaurant? The greens accompanying my salmon were tasteless. Salmon seemed fresh. Another person enjoyd his lamb shank. Our lemon potatoes not very lemony. All together not sure I need to go across town for this meal. Parking validation is now for when you spend $30 or more.
(2)
A J.
BEWARE ORLANDO RESIDENTS! This place caterer to the tourist that visit once a year not to the locals. They're management are rude guys and their college front of the house ladies are just full of bad attitudes too. A lots to be desire! I used to live in Ft. Lauderdale and I was a weekly client to that Opa, and it was fantastic. Went I moved to this area and they open this one I was excited. But every time I try it it has been issues. Check your bill they always adding stuffs or drinks you have not order, that have happens 3 times to me and after talking to some other friends their bills always come with a lots of "add" ons. One time was $50! All of the waitress had been very nice and the food is 3.5 out of 5. And of course the chaos is what attract the tourist that never get to see that kind of stuffs in their home town. And if we have conventions in town the place is full of "middle" age guys, drooling over the young dancer to give their singles $ to them. Acting if like they never saw dancers before, we'll I guess this one place wives approved. Sometimes ridiculous! I bet OPA might be in the Disneys or Coventions list places to visit and for that only reason that is why their management don't care if you ever come back again, because they will be more 1st timers coming in! A lots of local friends refuse to go there or even bring out of town friends there. I'm Done with this place!
(1)
Russ T.
Touristy, americanized greek food, smallish portions but the food was good. Loud so talking is difficult. Depending where you get seated you may feel a bit hemmed in. Sitting outside is somewhat challenged by the blues bar next door that is blaring their music over the greek music. But if you want to party, this is as good a place as any,
(3)
Jenny L.
Delicious food for a very touristy place...also dancing on tables with lotsa napkins flying...what else dp you need for a fun time?
(5)
Steve B.
Absolutely amazing greek food in the middle of commercialism world, definitely worth a visit. Very well marinaded beef, great moussaka, just a really nice place. One of many reasons I love Yelp for finding good food in random places, this is top-5 best Greek places I've ever had. Good stuff
(5)
Ateet A.
I have been to this location multiple times as I frequent Orlando for conferences. They have always been a place of good food and entertainment. The first time, i went for dinner and enjoyed great lamb shank with entertainment where the servers dance around and a bellydancer performs and gets interactive with the crowd. This past time, we went during lunch and there was no entertainment but the food was still just as good and did not disappoint. Their fresh ground hummus is amazing and really not like anything else you have had. I always feel like I have eaten too much when I go here but the food is spectacular. Definitely a place I frequent. If you want good food and fun times, definitely come here.
(4)
Mit O.
I will go back! My wife and I went on a Valentine's Day date here; I'd figure it would be a popular night for couples to show up in a place like this, so I called for a reservation a week a head of time. I would recommend doing so if you don't want to wait in line once you get there. We got a table right away. Food was great, we had multiple servers coming out to our table ensuring we had everything, and it is a fun atmosphere. If you are blind, it sounds like a club. If you are deaf, it looks like a party in Greece with a great view of the young ladies belly dancing. My wife and I had a great time!
(5)
Henry H.
It's a Sunday night and this place is hopping! We started the meal off with hummus and pita bread. The presentation was different from what we typically experience but tasty with garlic served with mortar and pestle. Our second app was the octopus which is a must-have! Light vinegar and oil with herbs and perfectly grilled and finished with lemon. The slow roasted lamb with lemon potatoes was very tender and tasty. The server, Sam, was attentive and suggested the special which was a lamb with potatoes, peas an carrots baked in phyllo dough when my wife ordered the lamb in parchment paper. It was a little bland and reminiscent of lamb pot pie without the sauce. Just when we couldn't eat another morsel another server dropped a complimentary flaming cheese on us. A little salty and perfect for savory loving people. And then, the energy level changed as white paper was tossed into the air amidst shouts of, "Opa!" The music changed and two belly dancers gyrated their way through the room. Right when you thought you'd had enough entertainment, another server pulled us up and led us around the room (and outdoor patio, I might add) to the zorba line dance. Ladies, this is not recommended if you are in sandals or flip flops. Yes, we would return. Just make sure your server washes down your table after he or she has been dancing on it! Opa!
(5)
Donna B.
Great place to go for great food and entertainment. Waitstaff was very nice and helpful. Food was delicious, the dancing was a blast. If you dont have a good time while there it's your own fault.
(5)
Bobby P.
Awesome atmosphere, great food
(4)
Melissa P.
I can't think of a better place to celebrate something! Opa is a constant party with napkin throwing, table dancing and the occasional congo line around the entire restaurant. There are napkins covering the entire floor which makes this one of the only places where you won't be embarrassed by having toilet paper stuck to your shoe. The food is amazing! I love greek food so there's never really any complaints from me. If you don't know what to order I suggest the lemon chicken because not only is it good but it's one of the cheaper items on the menu. The potatoes that come with it are excellent also. If you're going with a large group they generally will only do one check. Our waitress split ours for us which was nice but she screwed everything up and we had to wait for quite a while for her to fix it. So just bring a rich friend and avoid that little inconvenience. Keep in mind: If you're going to Taverna Opa it is a sin not to get the saganaki. It defines the entire restaurant.
(4)
Jodi G.
I was here over a year ago, but had to come back and review it...AMAZING food! & so much fun! OPA!
(5)
Madeha K.
So much fun - we loved it! The food was great - except don't order the calamari app AND the Greek paella or the lobster version of Greek paella because you'll get overloaded on squid! The rustic chick peas were yummy and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. Lots of kids and adults dancing meekly on tables with the staff and belly dancer - fun, family friendly place!
(4)
Ramon R.
Well if you are looking for a quiet dinner where you can talk to your family this is not the place for you. There is a party atmosphere is the restaurant in the evening. A DJ, dancers, and music fill the room with all kinds of eye candy that is lots of fun but in some ways takes away from your dining experience. While it is fun to get people dancing on table tops and throw cocktail napkins in the air at any given moment, getting your food on time is not as easy as it seems. After seating, it took nearly ten minutes to get an order of drinks. Another ten-fifteen minutes to get our order of food in and the time between seeing our waiter kept adding up. The food was good however, was not plentiful. A steak kabob wasn't on a skewer and only came with one grouping of meat/vegetables. Bottom line, if you want to drink and have a good time at a bar type place the. Head here in the evening for appetizers and cocktails but if you are looking for a good dinner and conversation go someplace else.
(3)
Georgette T.
Great food a little pricy but with it
(4)
Lauren W.
Yes, this place is cheesy with the belly dancers and people dancing on tables. Yes, it is in a very touristy area. But after a LONG day of work, it was perfect. The bartenders let us change the channel on the tv, helped us pick out dinner options, and let us sit for as long as we want. Food was good. Wine was great. If you're in the area, it is a safe bet.
Taverna Opa offers one of the most fun venues at Pointe Orlando. Serving both lunch and dinner, the restaurant has very different atmospheres at day and night. Lunch is a quiet affair where you can eat outside, inside, and large parties can be accommodated in the spacious back room. At night it transforms into a lively party atmosphere, with much twirling of napkins and shouts of "Opa!" The menu offers all the Greek standards. The cold appetizer platter is a nice sampling of three dips, and the hot appetizer platter offers delicious wings, lamb ribs, and so-so calamari. Complementary hummus that you crush yourself is served with very fresh pitas. The best appetizer is probably the flaming cheese. The souvlaki is actually a gyro served with fries, and your choice of filling. Service is friendly and the wine list is extensive.
(4)
Jessica B.
My husband and I went for a co-workers birthday, she loves this place. While it is a good place for partying, it's not great if you want to have any type of conversation at all. I could only hear those sitting directly next to me, if you were across the table it was trying to lip read or just give up. The food was so much better than I expected. For some reason, being a party atmosphere, I wasn't expecting much, but we loved everything we tried. The entertainment is belly dancers and more belly dancers. Unfortunately not all table have a great view and we were forced to turn around in our chair all night, so we couldn't eat and watch the entertainment at the same time. Service was really slow. It took an extra hour for us to get seated even though reservations were made for our party of 20! That was an insane wait and had it been just my husband and I we would have booked it out of there.
(2)
Rick J.
Didn't like the place:( The waitress had no personality. we were a group of six and was given a dinner menu for lunch at 2pm. If you want good Greek Food, I suggest you go Astoria, NY where you get great food and great service.
(1)
Wayne S.
Good for a drink ... unsanitary for eating. My first thought was ... with all the bird crap out side of this restaurant ... and all these people dancing on the tables ... why would I set my arms or flatware in any residue from the flat of people's shoes? No, I did not eat here and couldn't imagine doing so. That's why I gave it a 1 Star. Went for a drink just for the experience. Wife had been here before and wanted to show me. This place is LOUD! It's like a dinner and a party. Customers and Staff dancing on tables ... not really where I would set my flatware. Even has a disclosure: dancing on the tables at your own risk. People blitzed, dancing on tables, someone is going to get seriously injured. Just a matter of time ... with a follow-up of a suing case which will close the place down. Experience this place now ... may never see it again.
(1)
Rob G.
I can't even begin yo tell you how much I loved the place. Taverna Opa in Orlando. I love greek food and this place is definitely in my list for the next time I come down to Orlando. The ambiance was out of this world, it was an ongoing party. Food was great and service was excellent. Oh yeah, we met this greek guy that was awesome, he had his own party going on. I recommend this spot 100%
(5)
Amanda B.
What an outstanding night!! I have been to a few Greek restaurants and always enjoy the atmosphere and Taveran Opa did not disappoint. Loved the constant energy with dancers pulling guests on to the tables and the handmade hummus and the flaming foods...truly a feast for the eyes and the mouth! Everything we sampled was delicious.
(5)
Kimberly G.
Probably the best Greek food I've had.everything we ordered was pronominal. I recommend the hummus, fried calamari, fire cheese dish( I forget the Greek name), chicken kabob, the opa salad, and the gyro. We pigged out at this meal. They do offer a family style option for $33 a person. I usually deduct points from reviews for an unpleasant atmosphere, but given the food quality and the excellent service I won't for this review. When we walked in belly dancers were dancing with men. It reminded me of a strip club, and napkins were thrown everywhere on the floor. It looked dirty. The host sat us far away from this and gave us a VERY high quality meal.
(5)
Anshita S.
Best Greek food ever!!! Best Gyro, moist flavorful falafel, best zatziki , delicious Spanakopita , fresh hummus, scrumptious Lamb Shank ,awesome staff...great ambiance. We ate here twice during our stay in Orlando. The first visit was for lunch. The service and food was so good. After hearing about the dance and music fiesta, we decided to go back for dinner..and boy oh boy , the second trip was so worth it. Right from the music to food to belly dances to servers throwing napkins in the air, this place is perfection for the best night out.
(5)
Adrie D.
This place exceeded my expectations so much that we came here 2 Fridays in a row! I would have given it 5 stars if it weren't for the second time we visit Taverna Opa. Before I continue with my review... let me advice you to make reservations, and if possible after 6.30pm! We heard about this place while looking for a Greek restaurant in town. My family is Arabic and I can't help to love Mediterranean food and culture. We got here right before everything started, we had no idea of the entertainment planned for the night and we took our time to explore the menu. We started with hummus -which, by the way, is not like a paste as you might have tried already-, we added some lamb ribs and falafel. The lamb was a little too greasy for my taste, but the hummus and the falafel were too good to be true. Right before we got our dinner (shrimp and beef kabobs) a belly dancers comes around and all the server grab 2 stacks of napkins each and toss it in the air... which I think was an AWESOME surprise; after that, the belly dancer interacted with the tables and danced around at least until we left. You also have a lady taking pictures and capturing moments, and a guy making balloons for kids and doing magic. The kabobs came with baked potatoes and a DELICIOUS spinach rice (and I don't like spinach). We also tried the baklava and the house dessert that drove us crazy! So many great flavors from beginning to end. The first server was so accommodating, I wish I remember her name to mention it. Now, the second time the server wasn't the same and the kitchen seemed to struggle with our food. First, the pita bread had too much salt on it, almost impossible to it. Also, I LOVE medium rare to rare meat, and they had cooked my beef kabob to perfection the first time, that even my mouth was watering for it again. The second server brought the meat medium well.... not even red in the middle, and when I mentioned it he directly called a manager who looked at me like I didn't know what I was ordering. He took it back and brought me almost the same thing but cold, and since not even the manager could fix it, I just ignored it and ate it like that.... bummer! That being said, I will come back again ... hoping they get it together and change the bad taste they left in my mouth.
(4)
Bunny N.
I dined over at Taverna Opa with family and it was definitely an experience. Definitely make sure you make reservations, this place gets PACKED!! I was so surprised at how many people were there. It feels as though every seat in the restaurant was full. The server was very attentive. She placed our orders and always got what we need promptly. There was pita bread and hummus as an appetizer. The cool thing was the humus was in a pistol and mortar with chickpeas and seasoning and we made the hummus our selves! It was the best hummus I ever ate- including the kind you buy else wear. Half an hour in, once we got our meals already, the show began. There is a belly dancer who dances around, standing on tables, and kids everywhere standing on tables dancing too. Then adults got up, got on the tables and danced to the music too. It was a fun time- I would have gotten on a table if I had drank enough haha. Servers are throwing stacks of napkins everywhere yelling OPAAAAA!! Napkins are getting all over the tables, floors, on ceiling decor, everywhere! The food was awesome too- the dishes were pricey but it was so good! I was so full afterwards. It was a fun time. I was feeling tired at the time so I could have enjoyed it more, but it looks like everyone else was having fun and enjoying the food. Awesome place. Maybe I will go here again for a special occasion.
(4)
Valencia R.
I attended a charity event (Give Kids the World) at Taverna Opa. The event was around Halloween and had a casino theme. The entire restaurant was converted into a spooky casino. There was all kinds of games to choose from such as: blackjack, roulette, & slot machines just to name a few. The entertainment was amazing too. There were fire eaters, jugglers, & sheet acrobatics. It looked like Vegas in Orlando. When we first arrived, I walk alone the red carpet and took a picture of with the Give Kids the World back drop. After donation of $7 buck to this great organization, everyone received the fake cash of about $50,000 to gamble with.Once we entered the restaurant we were giving a glass of flavored vodka inside of a skeleton hand champagne glass. The food was an array of endless appetizers that were pass out by waiters. There was cocktail shrimp, sausages, caprese salad on kabobs, lamb chops, and more. The desert table had a variety of sweet from candy apple to cup cakes. I had so much fun at this event gambling, mingling, and laughing. I am so glad I choose to attend this event. It was a night to remember, and I cannot wait until next year.
(5)
Jen H.
3.5/5 Overall SUPER DUPER loud environment. Not ideal for kids or conservative familes. We arrive around 7:30pm on a Monday, and my first reaction when I walked in was..."Why are there napkins all over the floor? Did the wind blow a pile of napkin to the floor?" As I walked to our table of 14 ppl, I realized there were napkins ALL over the floor. Wow..what a waste of napkin... Throughout the night, the music and the craziness got louder and louder...closer to 9:30pm, it was like a Vegas club...napkins were tossed in the air all over place in the restaurant, and patrons and belly dancers were dancing on the table...Some of the patrons were not very classy--in other words, RATCHET! Zeus--With a large group, we went with this menu. Food came out really slow. Our dinner was about 2+ hours long. First Course Cold Appetizers Platter--I wasn't a fan of the appetizers MELITZANOSALATA-2/5 eggplant / lemon / orange zest / garlic / onion / parsley TZATZIKI-3/5 greek strained yogurt / cucumber / garlic / dill / evoo TARAMA lemon cod roe dip-2/5 DOLMADES-2/5 grape leaves / rice / herb-infused Salad HORIATIKI "TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD"-3/5 decent cucumber / tomatoes / red onion / kalamata olives feta / peppers / extra virgin olive oil / oregano Second Course Hot Appetizers Platter SPANAKOPITA--2/5 the phyllo wasn't fresh--not crispy to my taste spinach / feta / phyllo KEFTEDES "GREEK MEATBALLS"--3.5/5 not bad beef / herbs CALAMARI--2/5 eh, I've had better fried / lemon LAMB RIBS--N/A I didn't try garlic/lemon OAK GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS--2/5 wings weren't crispy lemon / oregano Third Course Entree LAMB CHOPS--N/A I didn't try; Not a fan of lamb 36-hour marinated / garlic / herbs CHICKEN BROCHETTE: 3/5 great but nothing special, unfortunately; Def large portion marinated chicken breast / herbs BEEF TENDERLOIN BROCHETTE: 3.5/5 very tender! marinated filet medallions/herbs OAK GRILLED PORK LOIN: 3.5/5 good marinated pork loin / herbs Served with Yiayia's veggies & lemon potatoes: 3/5 your standard veggies Seafood Platter: 3.5/5 very generous with the seafood amount. 7OZ LOBSTER TAIL, SHRIMP, SCALLOPS, MUSSELS, CALAMARI, ALASKAN KING CRAB LEGS & FISH OF THE DAY tomatos / garlic / white wine
(3)
Jimmy J.
Oy vey. Apparently getting a great meal in Orlando is a struggle. This is the 4th restaurant we ve visited on our trip that had 4th yelp stars or more. Unfortunately, theyve all been weak to mediocre. We visited for lunch at 115pm. We were the only people there. You d think we would have gotten attentive service. Not the case. Our waitress was too busy chit chatting with the staff. Had to ask her if she were my server because no one greeted us 5 mins after seating in a empty restaurant. Throughout meal, i had to ask her for lemons, salt n pepper, more diet soda. Walked up to server station for napkins. She worked lunch on 8/11 with black hair...no business being in service. To the food. Complimentary hummos is a nice touch but lord god, toast the pita. Basically cold, raw untoasted pita. Thats laziness in kitchen. Cretan salad was ok and greens were fresh. Keferti cheese wasnt. Dry and room temp. Dull. Avgolemeno soup was salty and served NOT Hot. Kids had gyros on pita. Not real gyros cut from spit like what you get in Chi town, NYC, or any major city with a Greek community. Its was 3 frozen strips cooked on a flat grill...with fries=:$12 Wife's pork Loin was decent portion. But fatty not trimmed well. Not marinated. Hence, not tender or with flavor. My chicken kabobs were good. Decent. Our greek style potatoes were not hot or fresh. Im a restaurant operator from a great restaurant city (Chicago). Maybe my standards are too high. But i will leave you with this. Im certain that the Greek American founder of the successful Opa Tavern chain in Florida is a highly skilled operator who understands great food and good service. Im also certain that if he himself experienced the food and service i did today, he would be disappointed and ashamed. Not RECOMMENDED.
(2)
Alex R.
We came to Opa for a friends' birthday. We had the pita bread which was very good. I swear it is addictive, you just can't stop eating it. We also had the gyro. This was one delicious gyro. The lamb was perfectly cooked. The ingredients were as fresh as they came. The fries were perfectly made. The ambiance was fun with dancers, customers, and waiters dancing on tables and napkins flying through the air. By far this was one fun night with great food and music. Recommended.
(4)
Richie K.
While I was in town for a conference, a client generously offered to take me out to dinner. When she asked if I had any meal preferences, I said I'm not too picky so long as there's a vegetarian entree on the menu. As an out to towner herself, she asked the concierge at her hotel for recommendations, thus leading us to Taverna Opa. While the concierge's food suggestion was solid, we wish we had known about the dancing, loud music, and thousands of flying napkins. It's not that we're anti-fun--we were just looking for a quite place to talk shop over a nice meal. If you're looking to entertain and know about the raucous atmosphere in advance, Taverna Opa is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a quite destination for a business dinner, you'll want to head elsewhere.
(3)
Jackie D.
its like going to a Big Fat Greek Wedding! Been here a few times and is always the scene of a good time amidst friends. At least by the time the night is over, you will be. Drinks and food can add up quickly but.. their mixed drinks by the pitcher is something you dont see very often. The Chilean Sea Bass was succulent and flavorful. Cooked to perfection. Can never have enough fresh hummus and their grilled Octopus is to die-for!. OPA!
(5)
Arisa A.
Five stars are not enough for this place. I went to Florida with my husband the first week of June. Taverna Opa is in a shopping center just a short walk from our hotel so we decided to give it a try. I was already 3 months pregnant at the time and picky as ever. At first glance I didn't care for anything on the menu but my husband was insistent on trying their chicken kebob so we stayed. I told the waiter about my picky taste and she recommended the Santorini Shrimp. OH. MY. GOD!! So good. There is no way to describe how good my meal was. I hadn't been able to really enjoy much of anything but this was amazing - I didn't want it to end. My husband also loved his kebob - so much so he refused to give me a bite! We were so in love with this place that we came back for lunch again the next day and again before our flight. I'm back in New York and dreaming about the shrimp. Besides the food the staff was also very sweet. We had different waitresses every time that we came back but all of them were wonderful. Totally recommend!!!
(5)
Danyel S.
Fresh vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, Kalamata olives, Greek feta that is not too salty or dull, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and fresh oregano. The ingredients I just listed are what makes a perfect Greek salad. I usually get extra feta cheese because it's just delicious. Other dishes that I love here are the dolmades, souvlaki platter and musaka. I can't stop raving about this place, because simply put - this is the best Greek restaurant I've been to in this country.
(5)
Lisa W.
I've dined regularly as well as attended events and private dinners here since they opened. Located on the upper level of Pointe Orlando, they validate parking, so bring in your parking garage ticket. (Bonus!) The service has always been very friendly, including if you are just sitting at the bar grabbing a drink and a happy hour appetizer. There are food and drink happy hour specials, valid on the weekends. Attending with a smaller group is fun, as you can be seated at the larger rows of tables and end up feeling like you are a big party by the end of your meal even if it's just 2, 4 or 6 in your party. I've enjoyed a wine dinner here, they had very nice food and wine pairings featuring Greek wines. My last visit was with a large convention group. Taverna Opa arranged a special menu for our group with family style courses. Meat free options for vegetarians were also available as family style, which was a nice touch. Food was prepared well, the Family style platters were overflowing, drinks were tasty and the courses of the meal were paced out very nicely. Service was great and cashing out, even with our large group, was easy. There was a photographer that wrangled 1/2 of the group into a picture, had the price been lower, we probably would have gone for it. Pictures came out nice and fun for a visiting group or birthday. Out of 40ish people in our group, not one negative comment and nothing but raves and compliments on the food. Now, onto the craziness! At some point in your evening- the lights dim, the music cranks up and napkins are showered down, creating a very festive atmosphere. A Bellydancer comes twirling out, maybe you end up in a line of other diners dancing around the restaurant. Or on the tables. Yes, I did... and yes, I have on more than one visit! Really, it's up to you how much of a fun and festively crazy experience you want to have outside of your delicious Greek meal. OPA!
(5)
Meg H.
This place is something else, and you have to be, and I mean have to be, there with the right group of people. You need to be feeling pretty good about 3-4 drinks into the night, and you need to be with friends you like to dance with all night. You need a reservation, and if you miss it they will make you wait. Do not come here on a first date, or a second, maybe a third? You walk in and suddenly its a nightclub with odd various people on tables dancing- underage girls, old men, and young men, and kids even. You're seated and suddenly napkins are flying everywhere. You order your food, and it comes, and you think- oh the belly dancer won't come to our table until we are done eating. Nope- she'll come up ask if you want to dance and promptly push your dishes to the side and then peoples food are inches from peoples feet. Hummus and Greek meatball appetizer were frankly delish. You should split an entree if you're a lady, unless you want food for a week. Its weird unless you're already 3-4 drinks in with your best friends. A lot of creepy guys lurking to watch the ladies....you've been warned.
(2)
Ivette C.
Amazing!! Food is delicious, atmosphere is so lively, service is excellent (props to our waiter from Rumania, George). A great time is guaranteed!
(5)
Louis B.
I have been here twice and both times I was very happy with the service and the meal. One thing that I think people need to know about this place is the noise. It is extremely loud to the point of absurdity. I get that this is that kind of restaurant but it can get a little annoying when you can't communicate with your waiter or your date. They have women dancing on tables and throwing napkins all over the place. The women dancing on the tables I didn't mind (Obviously right?) but when they throw napkins everywhere it kind of makes the place look like a mess. Honestly, these are very trivial things to complain about since the food is the main attraction and it is excellent. The Hummus and Pita Bread to start off with alone is just delicious. The menu can be a tad confusing but the waiter helped us with our selection and we ended up having some beef and pork chops with spinach rice and potatoes. Very impressed and enjoy the meal a lot. One complaint about the meal was that it was expensive. I feel like the prices are that high to pay for all those napkins they waste and for the pseudo strippers. Do I think it is worth the price you pay? Yes. The food was that good. Do I plan on coming here often? No, but for a once in a while treat this place is hard to beat. Highly recommended. Try not to go too late. As the day turns into night, the place turns into a nightclub environment. If that's what you are looking for then go for it but if you are looking for a nice dinner in a quiet restaurant, look elsewhere. Nice to experience just once though.
(4)
Jeff G.
It's Opa! Loud, napkins flying, belly dancers on tables, incredible greek food, delicious tatziki, humus n pita. I mean what more do you want from a Greek restaurant! The drinks were strong, the service was impeccable and the family style option gives everyone a little bit of everything. I've now been to Opa in a few different cities and the experience is always the same... FANTASTIC! Enjoy... OPA!!!!
(5)
Shiv C.
First yelp review! The place is pretty good. I needed to catch a flight after a vacation to Disney world and this place is about a 15 minute drive from the Orlando airport. The hummus and pita is really garlicky and flavorful. You know the hummus is fresh when it comes out in a moral and pestel. I got the traditional Greek soup which was hearty with a great citrus flavor. My dad had the gyro with opa fries. Since it's hard to screw up a gyro I won't give them too much credit for that, but the Hot Meze platter stole the show. The calamari was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the lamb balls were juicy and minty, and the chicken wings were decent too. The spanakopita wasn't too good for me but everyone else seemed to like it. No complaints on the service either. All in all, a great preflight meal!
(4)
Nia W.
Five star everything!!! Great food, great service, and atmosphere!!! Raziel gave us the best experience ever!!! Best Greek dishes in Orlando!!! Margaritas , hummus, lamb chops, etc.
(5)
Beth N.
Great food, lively atmosphere, fun for all ages. Whether dining or dancing the experience was fantastic. Opa!
(5)
James S.
What a crazy place! If you like decent food, loud noise, people dancing on tables, and napkins thrown everywhere, then this is the place for you. I went with my company of 50+ here. They already had a set dinner for us. It was full of varieties of Greek food. Great selections. We had lamb and it was good. Was alittle salty. Beef tenderloin was good soft and delicious. The seafood platter was pretty decent but really salty. Overall, food was salty but ok. Rating Food 4 Ambience 4.5 Service 4 Price 4 Overall 4 Would come back in a large group.
(4)
Heather O.
Taverna Opa is THE place to go for a fun night out in Orlando! The ambiance, the people, the food, the entertainment are all top notch. Come to Taverna Opa for the wonderful food and drinks. Their homemade fresh hummus is the best I've ever tasted and you get to mix it together at your table with a mortar and pestle! Come to Taverna Opa for the belly dancers and the amazing DJ! The music they play makes you want to get up and dance! So you CAN, when the belly dancers come around to give a great show. Everyone is having fun, eating great food, listening to awesome music. A night I won't forget!
(5)
Leo T.
What can I say. Despite great reviews 4/5 stars, this place was a little too loud and too chaotic for me. Very loud music is playing everywhere, and you get an impression that you are visiting a Russian restaurant during your cousin's birthday. The music is accompanied by some belly dancers, with occasional customers joining them on top of the tables for a sexy dance. An interesting addition to this Greek restaurant is an enormous amount of napkins, which fly all over the place, leaving you feeling as if you have just disturbed an entire beehive of super angry and pissed off bees mad at the world! :) The food was great, but like any other Greek restaurant, but I had to devour it in sheer silence, since I could not hear anything further than my nose!
(3)
Lorraine H.
Great service from Catherine, fun group dancing, beautiful belly dancer, so-so vegetarian Opa salad, music too loud and clashing with neighboring restaurant, nice that they offer outdoor seating but smokers taint the fresh air, couldn't get the free wifi to work.
(3)
Lisa S.
A fun atmosphere and the servers were on top of the service (we had a group of 50) with that being said the food was overpriced and very mediocre. Most of us discussed the meal and all agreed the food was not anywhere worth the price. Drinks were served warm we had to add ice from water jug.
Incredible food, service is great! Great experience, had dinner and the transition from dinner to party in a heartbeat made an incredible impression on us. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jose G.
Great place to come in with a group for a fun time. I find their food actually very good and fresh. I love the grilled octopus, dolmas and the lamb kebabs. It can get noisy with loud music, belly dancers and on top of the tables... It's a lot of fun... Opa!
(5)
Kamila L.
My friends and I agree that this is the house of the best Lamb Chops and the best appetizzers in Orlando. Dancing Party Techno Music is awesome! This one of the best mixes in DJ Ambience, Show, Food Restaurants (Miami Beach Style), probably the only one in this category in Orlando! They even have drinks for up to $100.00 dlls each but also reasonable prices on food. Best place for a celebration!!!! They have belly dancers, Servers and Zorba crowd dance!
(5)
William D.
Opa ! our service experience started off wrong here, and was about to call the ball, however another waiter noticed the issue, called the manager, who took some of the best customer service mitigation have seen in a long time, he corrected the situation, replaced the waiter with his best waitress, and she was in fact excellent. he understood we had passed our limit on time with small kids after a late start and expedited the orders. food was spectacular !! great portions, everyone was really happy. service industry is tough, esp a place this busy, so things will happen how you fix problems is what counts, and the managment at Opa is clearly on point. I will say its a loud, and busy off the chain place, the niche here is after your meal, you get up on the table and dance on it and throw napkins in the air, along with belly dancers roaming the dining room floor, a DJ spinning hip hop and a mix of greek techno, but have more mellow outdoor seating. its a strange mix of nite club, greek tavern, family style food with a hint of greek wedding. so if you want quiet meal, go early, its rip roaring by 9pm on a weekend, but unique and fun place if you want a dining adventure.
(5)
Robert H.
Started with the keftedes. Had I stopped there it would've been a five star visit. Great! The atmosphere was good and seemed to be a solid happy hour spot on a Thursday afternoon. The grouper was good, not great, but it was seasoned well and the accompanying veggies we're very good. It could've been cooked a little less, but it was still very good. Wasn't impressed with the baklava, but still a solid dining experience overall. If I return when I'm back in Orlando, I will order something different... or 3 plates of the best keftedes I've ever had.
(3)
Anneila R.
A group of 13 of us came here last Saturday for dinner. It's fun...but at the cost of good service. This is first and foremost a restaurant - not a club or bar. I get it, belly dancers on the tables and dancing through the dining patrons to set the tone of a fun and rowdy stereotypical Greek restaurant. However, there's definitely an imbalance between the time spent on service vs. time spent on entertainment. It's hard to do and Opa has yet to master this. We ordered drinks at 9:17 and didn't receive them until 10 pm, many of which were non alcoholic since most of my group had flights to catch the next morning. Unacceptable. Now for the food, everything I tried was delicious. The Greek salad was nice and salty, the complimentary hummus (which came 10 minutes after the drinks) was great - but by this time we were famished and anything would have tasted amazing. I tried their lamb chops, lamb shank, chicken souvlaki, steak and grilled seafood, they were all wonderful. As for sides, the green beans were okay...had I known, I'd have doubled the lemon potatoes - they were that good. The meat tends to be overcooked so I'd order it slightly less done than usual to achieve the perfect cooking temperature (I requested medium-rare lamb chops and they came out well done). I would come back during the day when there's less of a party atmosphere just so I'd enjoy my food.
(3)
Katelyn M.
I've been to Taverna Opa before and had a good time, but this trip was not. good. This is a long one, so be warned. We went for a bachelorette party so we could grab dinner and some drinks before hitting up areas not too far away. There were about 15 of us, so we made reservations at 7:00. When we get there, we're told they won't seat us until at least half the party is there. No big deal, we all get there and let them know. They then tell us our table will be ready soon. Fast forward to 8:30 (an hour and a half past our RESERVATION time!), and we're finally being squeezed into a table to can hardly fit 15 of us. Our server comes up, greets us and we think we're gonna have a good time because he's friendly and having fun with our group. WRONG. There is such a thing as having a good time while you work, but you need to make sure you're still doing your job. He decides that instead of taking drink orders or anything, he's going to get Fireball shots for some of the table. So he makes a spectacle doing Fireball shots, gets down and disappears. No drink order. We see him dancing on other table. Still no drink order. FINALLY he comes and takes our drink order. It takes us, no exaggeration, 40 minutes for us to get our drinks - and no water to hold us over. And even then, two of the girls who ordered a cocktail didn't get theirs. We had to keep asking where it was at and were told "it's coming - don't worry" - after hearing that 4 or 5 times, you get sick of it. We eventually just started going to the bar to ask for stuff and paying individually there, because it was so much quicker. And when they asked why and we told them (our server prefers dancing on other tables than taking care of us) they just kinda shrugged and went on. We finally gave our food order. Our server told us he'd bring hummus for the table, and he does. And the entrees we order all come out fine - food was cooked fine, it tasted good, nothing wrong with it. Except the tzatziki appetizer me & my friend ordered didn't come out until we finished our entree. And then when the entire table was asking for more bread for the hummus and tzatziki, we were ignored. We had to multiple times to get any sort of answer out of him on whether we'd get more bread. He kept asking if there was anything we needed, and all of us needed water refills, yet never got them. Instead he kept going to dance on other tables and disappear for lengthy periods of time. We were getting very, very frustrated at this point. After 3 1/2 hours - yup, you read that right - we finally managed to get our checks, which of course were messed up for some people but we just dealt with it because we knew it would take a long time. It took a while to pick them up, a long time to run them, and then bring them back. And one of the things that bothered me was that he thought it was cute and funny to mess with some of the girls in the party and not give them their checks back but instead act like he didn't have them. Sorry, but you've kept us here far longer than we wanted and you're not being cute anymore. By the end, we were so frustrated we wanted to get out but he couldn't see that and just kept joking. So overall, the service was seriously lacking. He was far too involved having fun rather than taking care of his table at all. When it was all said and done, we had been there for over FOUR HOURS. Completely inexcusable.
(1)
Chris N.
Made up for a shaky start. The manager is on point.
(5)
Linda P.
So much fun!!! Belly dancer and awesome dj. This place is a party. The food was great, entertainment and staff were wonderful. We'll be back.
(5)
Janet A.
If you're looking to have a quiet evening, DO NOT COME HERE! If you're looking to have a great time with a group and do not care if the food is great, then this is the spot for you. You're paying for the entertainment and a different kind of dining experience. Our waitress seemed confused for the entire evening, she was nice but she was taking plates before we were finished. Here's the kicker of the story: My daughter asked the waitress what kind of drinks there were besides soda and she proceeded to tell her about the beer and wine list. HUH? She's 16 but looks 12! Would I go here again if I am in Orlando? Probably not.
(3)
Miryam H.
What a fun place to eat! An absolutely unique place -at least to us that is. We read the reviews and as visitors to Orlando, we were excited to see what this restaraunt was all about. We were not disappointed! When we arrived at 10:30 for a late dinner, most of the restaraunt was dancing on tables to great music. The DJ played a variety of music - from hip hop to traditional Greek songs, but all remixed to allow people the ability to dance. We ordered more appetizers than usual because they were so reasonably priced. A must try is the homemade hummus and the Greek salad. Yum! I would have liked my scallop appetizer to be a bit larger: 3 pieces instead of 2, for its price. But overall all of the food was good. For that matter the drinks were delicious and you could taste the alcohol. Definitely not watered down! I can understand why the service may become slow during moments of high enthusiasm in the restaraunt, however, we had many servers and wait staff ask us how we were doing and both serve us and clear the table. No complaints about that. Overall we had a fun time eating, drinking, and dancing here. There were tons of large groups celebrating birthdays as well. With this type of environment I can see why this would be a top choice.
(4)
Michelle R.
This is a place where people mostly like to go to get tipsy and act crazy. The food is not the best and it's extremely overpriced. The only thing I liked there was the hummus that they make in front of you.
(1)
Tammy R.
Had a great family dinner. Best Greek food that we had ever eaten, and the dancing was fun. VERY LOUD music, so not a place for small talk...just enjoy the show!
(5)
Christi-Anne W.
Great for big groups! Don't know if I'd want to come here on like a date though. Went with a bunch of my friends for a birthday and it was awesome! Belly dancer was very interactive and danced with a lot of guests, including me! The waiters got a bunch of people up for a dance around the whole restaurant! And they threw napkins up like confetti like four times, it was awesome! The only reason I won't give it five stars is because of the food. The meat was awesome (I got a chicken kebab) but the side (I think it was some kind of rice) was so-so. But then again I'm a pretty picky eater.
(4)
Kay Y.
OPA!! ::::::napkins get thrown in my face::::::::: Okay that's not what really happen but that's a very possible scenario at Taverna Opa! We trekked all the way from East Orlando to Pointe and braved the convention goers to go to this place for our friends birthday dinner. I didn't know what to expect except all the photos I've saw from Yelp. We got there and our friends were late. To HIS OWN BIRTHDAY - damn Asian Time! Annnyways I digress. We were hanging outside near by the fountain and I was like, "aww, I don't see any belly dancers :::sad face::::". By the time we sat, nearly 15 of us including kids, the restaurant was still average noise level, no music, just people talking. Then BOOM, the restaurant started blasting with what I assume is Greek music? Very intense, lots of beats per minute with some one singing in the back ground. It reminds me of indian or spanish music. For the whole party - I think we might have been assigned to only 1 server. For all 15 of us!! Crazy, right? Fortunately, the server was able to handle the crowd - albeit not the best service. It might have been a cultural difference? Its just the attitude wasn't friend but really to do the point. We had ordered the Beef Kabobs and the Chilean Sea Bass dish. I was really close to ordering the hummus after hearing lots of good things but obviously I didn't read all the reviews because ITS FREE. The Hummus is FREE. Honestly, that was the best thing I ate that night. The Pita is comes with is fresh, warm, garlicky and soft. The Hummus had lots of garlic (I heart Garlic) with the chick peas that we mashed ourselves in a mortar and pestal! FUN! Once again, Hummus is FREE - don't order it as an appetizer! The tenderloin kabobs ($19) were under seasoned. It lacked serious seasoning and flavor. It didn't taste like anything except for beef. We then had to ask for salt, but since our server was nowhere to be found - we asked another person walking by, he said, "no, i'm not your server". UM hello!? It was just salt - not like I need you to do a open heart surgery. We just walked to the expedite area and got our own. Seabass ($27) was good, not awesome for 27. It tasted frozen but the overall flavor was tasty. It was pan fried, so the exterior was crispy on both side and it wasn't over cooked. I tasted garlic, oregano and lemon. I've tasted a calamari from a friend's appetizer and it wasn't anything special. Save the money or pick something else more 'Greek'. It gets pretty crazy here when it gets loud and the crowd gets rowdy. I dont recommend kids, here with some of the behavior some adults were acting. As the night went on, they started play remixes of club music.
(3)
Miran C.
The service was fantastic and the free hummus that came with the pita was amazing. It's inspired me to try to try to make it at home- I think I will experiment with drained chick peas, chopped garlic, and seasoning in a mortar and pestle. Before I paid the check, the belly dancer came out. The waiters threw up a bunch of napkins in the air, which is something you never see in eco-conscious SF. That should all go into compost LOL. Then the belly dancer did her thing in a unique costume complete with arm flaps that reminded me of pterodactyl wings. It was nice getting a free show with dinner. It's the kinda show where everyone stops eating to think, "wow, I wish I could dance like that." Oh, as for the dinner itself- I had the chicken with artichokes. It was just OK. The portion was large enough for me to share with my husband at lunch the next day. There is only 1 free parking voucher per check fyi.
(4)
Arti G.
Good food but only go if you're WHITE! The service is horrible if you're ethnic. We came early because we had other plans after. The waitress was annoyed that we walked in at 5:15pm on a Saturday, and rudely told is we had to sit outside. They were still setting up for dinner. We were fine with that but the attitude was not pleasant. The hummus we received was chickpeas not at all mashed. I specifically asked for Greek salad with lettuce and dressing on side, as the waitress informed me that it didn't come with lettuce. My salad came out without lettuce and swimming in dressing. There was no Tzatziki Sauce with my husbands souvlaki and after complaining about poor service to manager (our server wAs nowhere to be found) they had the audacity to charge for tzatziki!!! Food was good but Medford g up our order and no server to help fix it ruined our meal. We only saw white people there all relieving excellent service. Racism?? Maybe?
(1)
G J.
We had a large group of 24 for 5:30 p.m. dinner reservation. The restaurant was not full when we arrived, but the place was packed by the time we left. To our surprise, the staff had diners dancing on the tables, dancing a conga line, and taking shots of Greek Spirits. Any excuse to celebrate prompted a napkin confetti toss. It was loud, chaotic and so much fun! At 7:00 p.m., the Belly Dancer arrived and danced around the dining room. She approached our table and hand picked some of the men to climb on top of the tables to belly dance with her. HYSTERICAL! The food is good. We were served a fixed menu but had plenty of food. Price range for fixed menu was about $25. Be sure to bring a camera!
(5)
Chris H.
Our hotel sent us to this restaurant when we said that we wanted good food but didn't want a chain restaurant. It was a rainy day and a little after lunch, so it pretty empty. Let's start with that it has a fun atmosphere that is a little more modern than most Greek restaurants that I have been to. If you order an entree they bring you humus and pita bread which was very good. I had the pork and it was just ok (a little dry)...I wish that I had tried the ribeye instead. My wife had the lamb shanks and they were wonderful!
(4)
Karla M.
Ok so as soon as we go in the restaurant they give us napkins and then i see people throw napkins in the air so I just did what other people do and it was fun. And then the belly dancers come and it was my cousins graduation dinner and he had a good time and then the music started and the waiters grabbed a random lady then the random lady grabbed a man the a lot of people were leaping around the restaurant and it was an unimaginable night and we had a good time so if your looking to have a family time dinner or a celebration then go to opa the only problem is that there wasting too much napkins and that means a lot of trees dieng
(5)
Angelina W.
I went on a Friday night and there was a fun atmosphere with bellydancers, Greek line dancing, napkins being thrown, etc. I can't even imagine their risk management process as people were dancing on tables, there were open flames (food and alcohol on fire), and people were becoming intoxicated. It's not a quiet place, so good luck having a conversation. They do have outdoor seating, which would have been a quieter place to sit and eat. They serve hummus and pita bread as a free appetizer. The food was delicious. I was disappointed that there wasn't a vegetarian platter on the menu (something that included a combination of items such as Greek salad, dolmades, falafel, spanakopita, etc.). When I decided to eat here I didn't know that I'd have to pay to park in a parking garage (they only validate if you spend a certain amount of money, and I didn't spend enough to meet that requirement). There was lots of traffic to enter and within the parking garage, spots were tight, and the parking was almost completely full. If you eat here, plan to get there early to park and then walk to the restaurant (it's in an outdoor mall area).
(5)
Alden K.
Great food with a nice drink selection. Fun atmosphere for tourists and locals alike. Try the lamb!
(4)
Nima P.
I celebrated my birthday here once with close friends and family-- And the night was a full of memories. This place is more for the party then it is for the food. The food was rather dry but you don't come here too eat... You can't throw a thousand napkins and dance to arabic music on the table on a full stomach! However if you are really hungry, as many times as I have been here, you cannot go wrong with the traditional hummus and pita appetizer and chicken entree. The overall customer experience is fantastic, I've never encountered rude waiters or staff for that matter. It's appropriate for all ages before a certain hour.
(5)
Dave K.
Been here a couple times, people are very friendly, food is decent.
(4)
Patti P.
Awesome, such much fun and great food. Make reservations though because they are very busy. Get ready to dance on table if you wish!
(5)
Kathy D.
I absolutely love their complimentary hummus and pita. You smash the chickpeas right at the table! Their hummus has definitely spoiled me for the future consumed hummus'. Their calamari appetizer wasn't anything special I felt. Maybe would have been better if they offered sauces along with it, it only comes with a wedge of lemon. It just felt greasy after awhile since there is so much of it. I also had the Greek Paella. I love how the cheese in the dish melts right into the flavors and I'm not usually a fan of goat cheese! The seafood was cooked just right, but I wish there wasn't so much calamari and more of the other seafood like scallops and shrimps! The entertainment is fun, with a belly dancer and loud music along with servers throwing napkins in the air, making it rain napkins. If you're not shy, you can expect yourself learning how to belly dance on top of your table. It is a fun spot if you're looking to do a lot of drinking for celebrations, but it might hurt your wallet. lol Service could of been better, seemed less attentive and difficult to find at times.
(3)
Torrie W.
We had an awesome time! We danced and partied we ate like fat rats. The service was so awesome and the belly dancers were so entertaining. This place has all the components to have a great time. From dancing on the tables to the awesome well flavored food you will not be disappointed. The food is so well prepared and seasoned to perfection so much so that there isn't even salt & pepper shakers on the tables. The DJ HAS A GREAT COMPILATION of traditional Greek, lil Salsa sound and hip hop beats as the night goes on. The DJ KEEPS UP A GREAT mix and match and flow of the atmosphere. They know their craft. As you watch the room you can tell they have such a system, while you are eating the party is on the other side of the room. Throughout the courses of your meals different experiences come your way. Nothing invasive but well spirited and planned. This is a great place to explore your wild side in public. No worries everyone is letting loose so their wont be no shame to your game! I promise.
(5)
D W.
We had a large group for dinner and had THE BEST TIME! The food was delicious, the music & crowd were energizing, and the dancing was pure fun. Have the dinner for 4 or more to have a taste of many dishes. It's the best choice if you have never eaten Greek cuisine. If there were 10 stars I'd give all 10!
(5)
Todd Y.
Not wanting to eat at Disney we decided to give this place a shot... It was very good Get there early they do have a 2-1 happy hour, which makes up for the prices of the drinks.. I can see this place getting very busy as it is maybe 1/2 mile from the convention center. Got the moussaka and it was very tasty... Wife got the Greek meatballs and baba ganouj and it was very good.. The meatballs might have given them a 1/2 star ding as they are very small for the price.. Nice touch is the hummus comes and you get to grind it fresh... They start it and you get to finish it... Give it a shot
(5)
Dan P.
Had to wait an additional hour twenty for our group of eight 8:30 reservation. Walk-in groups that arrived after us got seated. Why make a reservation if the location isn't going to honor it ? We received our apps but had to get up and get our own silverware and had to repeatedly ask for plates. We ordered mojitos and what we received was not even close. It was straight alcohol , ice and sprite. Where is the mint and lime ? This first experience will be my last !
(1)
Rob T.
Came for lunch, service was great (but we were the only people in the whole place), The food was fantastic, would definitely come here again
(5)
Nathan S.
This place was AMAZING. We traveled from Texas for my birthday and wanted something you can't find there... This place definitely hit the spot! We did one of the group meals which was a 5 course meal and I can't even begin to describe how wonderful everything was! All of the food had SO MUCH flavor! Also, after the staff learned it was my birthday, they brought out dessert with a candle and had me stand on a table with a waiter while the whole restaurant sang to me. At the end, they all yelled "OPA!!" And threw a huge amount of napkins like confetti. Definitely not anything we would find back home!!
(5)
Rhea P.
How anyone eats here is beyond me. Don't get me wrong, I really tried, but was not successful. And that's a shame too becasue I really liked the salad. It's just too much distraction with dancing and watching other people dance. . .I love dancing, so I would much rather dance than eat. I think next time maybe I should just come and dance, and sit outside and eat, or just get it to go. Great fun, party environment.
(5)
Mark C.
Hands down the best Moussaka I've ever had! Staff is friendly, ambiance is perfect, and the deserts are delicious! The lamb kabob is simply amazing, as well, tender, marinated lamb with no gaminess whatsoever. If you've never had great Greek, this is the place to go!
(5)
Kay P.
Food wasn't bad. But not fond of putting my silverware on a table where people are putting dirty shoes from dancing on table. And you guys are killing the environment wasting all this paper! UGH! It made me so mad seeing all this paper unnecessarily wasted. What's wrong with America? So damn wasteful.
(2)
Becky F.
Went last night with group of ten. Food was ok and given in a quick manner. Belly dancer was really friendly. Parking validated. I have been to Greece and the food there of course is more authentic might bring other groups thete.
(2)
Cody P.
Very interesting place. If you've never been give it a try its a experience to say the least!
(4)
Nicole F.
I encouraged some friends to meet us at Taverna Opa because the idea of belly dancers and napkin throwing seemed fun. We arrived for our Thursday 9:30pm reservation on time and we were greeted promptly. There were napkins all over the floor, loud music playing, and the restaurant was less than half full of customers. There were people dancing in a line through the restaurant and a belly dancer on one of the tables. Our server was pleasant but not very prompt or attentive. We waited about 20 minutes for her to take our drink order and another 20 for the food order. There were employees standing around talking and watching the dancing. We were never asked if we had been there before or offered to participate in the festivities. Food was ok, a few of us had souvlaki platters, the vegetarian platter had the best flavor. Overall we didn't have the greatest experience but there were others that seemed to have a lot of fun as the employees encouraged them to participate. Almost forgot, the scallop appetizer consisted of only two scallops and it was $12.
(3)
Lala C.
International Drive is certainly a place to find every chain restaurant in the US in one area. We were looking for someplace not in that category. Don't go for the service, don't go for the ambiance unless you like loudness and watching people dancing on tables for any excuse. Hummus was tiny portion, no seasoning but garlic but a neat concept that you can mash garbanzo beans yourself..... Colleagues enjoyed their lamb entrees. The scallops and greek salad were good not memorable though. Since it is part of an outdoor mall, plenty of parking but you have to walk quite a ways to get up to them on the 2nd floor.
(3)
Kyle A.
Arrived for our 5pm reservation and quickly noticed we were the only people there. Which was surprising for a Sunday night for tourist overpopulated Orlando. My wife and I sat unnoticed for at least 10 minutes before water was even given to us. Another 5 minutes went by and we saw 2 waitresses talking and looking at us, as if they were deciding who was going to serve us. Finally, a waitress came over and took our drink order. What came back was a disgusting flat diet coke that had way too much syrup and not enough carbonated water. My wife had a few questions about their fish selection, to which the waitress had no answers for. Seriously, why doesn't the wait staff know if fish is wild or farmed? Anyway, long story short, I threw $2 on the table for the soda and we left and went next door to BB Kings BBQ. Who, might I add, had amazing food and stellar service. Step it up Taverna.
(1)
Scott L.
A great fun place with some good food. It feels a little touristy and is certainly in a touristy area, but what do you want it's in Orlando. They have a nice outdoor patio and I'm sure it's great when it's not very hot outside. Outside is nice, but all the entertainment is on the inside. There's music and a belly dancer plus the rest of the staff gets into it from time to time, singing and dancing. Be prepared for napkin showers. Sooner or later the dancer will ask someone from your table to get up and dance. Half the fun is watching everyone. It's a fun and festive atmosphere. If you're looking for a quiet date night, this is not for you. The food is pretty good and the service is friendly. I did the gyro, but wasn't expecting it as a wrap. Looked again and didn't see it in the description. Was expecting it as a platter, but no biggie. It was good, but not the best I've had. The mezze platters were pretty good too, but also not the best Greek food I've ever had. If I was just scoring on food alone I probably would have given it three stars. I'd gladly go back. There plenty of other restaurants in the area to try too. One place in the complex worth checking out is the Pub.
(4)
Alyssa K.
I love greek food, and I love greek culture, this place is a bit of a tourist trap, what with the belly dancers and the loud music and the napkins everywhere. I've been to Greece a number of times and that isn't very true to the culture, more like a stereotype. I think my favorite part of this place is the hummus you make yourself and the saganaki appetizer. The gyros are good, but they are nothing like the real thing, and I have had better ones in Orlando. The Saganaki isn't very authentic either, more of a show, in greece, it isnt lit on fire right before your eyes or drenched in alcohol, its just more of a melted cheese, however, I DO really like it with the alcohol and the fire. It is different and adds a nice crisp to the cheese I DO love this place, even though it is americanized, American-Greek food doesnt bother me nearly as much as American-Italian. My only complaint is that it is really loud.
(4)
Ara A.
Awesome food and great service. Recommend the kabobs and hummus!!
(4)
Joseph E.
Extremely disappointing. Lettuce in our gyros was wilted and rusty. Hair in food. Manager apologized but didn't offer to comp our ruined entrees. Server couldn't pronounce gyro. I would avoid, at least for lunch on a weekday.
(1)
Liz H.
This restaurant was highly recommended by a friend. We arrived during happy hour and sat in the tables next to the bar. The waitress took our drink and appetizer order quickly, but we didn't see to much of her after that. We tried waving her down to take our dinner order, but she never came back. Another waitress notice us waiting came and took our order she also checked in with us a couple of times. We were waiting for awhile because our dinner order was taken so late. The appetizers (humus and dolmades) were very good. For dinner we ordered beef kabobs and gyro with fries. The beef kabobs were not so great. The meat was a little tough. However the gyro was excellent, but not that wasn't enough to bring back.
(3)
Apu N.
The best advice I can give is go with the right attitude. I definitely knew what to expect, but this place is still very obnoxious. I think what threw me off was the club music, If they played traditional Greek music and were just as loud and rowdy I would have had a great time. We were with a big group and had one server for 30 people. I know they want to make money but it shouldn't be at the suffering of the customers. Since I knew it would take forever to get a drink, I went and got a bottle of wine at the bar to bring to the table, got a nasty look from our server. Food was decent, some items were priced unreasonably expensive but I knew that so I didn't order those. The traditional Greek dishes were tasty. If I go again I'll just sit in the bar. I haven't been to Point Orlando in several years, the place has really become a dump, unless they work on this I can see it becoming a hangout for thugs, then I definitely wont be returning.
(2)
Alexandra G.
Horrible service!!!! Went here for friends birthday dinner and it took almost 2 hours just to bring out the appetizers! Asked to speak with the manager and he could not have cares less. We got up and left at that point, all 9 of us.. Never will be coming back here again.
(1)
Led D.
It is quite lively. Like the others are saying, it is loud, people dancing on tables, napkins flying all over the place and my favorite, they have the cutest belly dancer. Awesome ambiance. They have trees and branches inside with x-mass lights (no color bulbs). They also have regular and European dance music blurting on the speakers with a live DJ. It is really more for the younger crowd. But if you don't mind, enjoy the beautiful people having fun. The service was decent. I had to use the flashlight of my I-phone to read the menu. It is quite extensive you know. If you come here for a gyro, you are not doing your palate a favor. As matter of fact you are hindering yourself in learning what other type of dish the Greeks have besides a Gyro. Be alive, try something new or different. The grill seafood and meat are an adventure. The octopus are cooked to a perfection. Very tender and good tasting, not rubbery at all. If you like a quiet dinner please do not come here because you will be miserable. But if you want to live and see good looking people, this is the place. Opa!!!!!
(4)
Melinda B.
I wasn't impressed. The service was horrible. Don't go here thinking you can actually hear the person you are with. It's really loud. The dancers encouraged dancing on tables and I was just thinking.... " I hope they clean that table off" napkins on the floor everywhere and I thought "do they recycle those?, what a waste!" which was part of the Greek party scene I suppose, but I was just hoping I wouldn't fall.....So don't wear stilettos! After the server got my order wrong then came to blame me for it, we finally got our correct orders about 40.... Yes 40 minutes later, for a darn chicken gyro! It was good though! Lol. The humus was amazing! It kept me from starving to death while we waited. The server never came back to check on us. I almost didn't leave a tip. But I'm kind hearted so he got lucky. When I told my husband about the service his response was "Greeks are not known for customer service, they are like warriors... Spartans".....?!? What!? Lol Spartans? Really. I won't be going back, service is so important to me.
(2)
Miguel S.
I don't really eat here a lot because there's so many better options in Orlando as Greek food is concerned; Also the atmosphere is too noisy at the point of not being able to enjoy a nice conversation but I do enjoy coming here for happy hour. I get to sample most of the martini selections and get some delicious hummus and dolmades to munch on. The atmosphere on the afternoon is very relaxed; actually....too relaxed... To the point that there's not really anything going on and it's the time when I see all the food purveyors rolling all the food crates to the back kitchen. I work in the food service industry and this is a cringing moment for me because I don't think the clientele should see your "backstage" operation. Also around this same time; we get to see the owner doing job interviews and yelling at servers. If you like a dinner and show this should be fun for you. Still; you can't beat the 2x1 martinis and that's why I keep coming back
(3)
Emily B.
OPA!! This place was great fun! Belly dancer twirling around the restaurant, napkins flying through the air, staff (and diners) dancing on tables ... the list of fun goes on! I would eat there anytime I'm in Orlando. We had a party of 10 and made a reservation just an hour ahead - they were very accommodating. We also had three kids under 5 with us, and it was a bit intense for them, but they ended up enjoying the craziness and danced along! Food was very good, too. Sometimes that suffers when there's a big show going on. Not this time!
(4)
Sam M.
Some of the best food we've had in Orlando. Really good food and drinks. Happy hour specials are a great deal too.
(5)
Alec L.
Fun, party atmosphere on a Wednesday night no less. Taramosalata appetizer and lamb shank were well executed.
(5)
Ines P.
This place is FAB! Great Greek food... It gets loud on Friday night... So leave your first dates at home, but bring the friends out! It is VERY loud. The spinach rice - divine! chicken kabobs- Delish! Service - wonderful! Get ready to belly dance :)
(5)
Norman R.
Loud! Belly dancer! Dancing on the tables! Napkin flinging! Did I mention loud? Eh? What? Pardon? If you want deep and profound conversation with your dinner companions go somewhere else, but if you want decent food in a high energy fun setting this is the place for you. Service good enough. Calimari very slightly overcooked (I am a terrible nit-picker wrt calimari) but not at all oily. Slow roasted lamb and lamb shank both delicious. Lemon potato a very interesting touch. The semi-DIY hummus is excellent and will be shamelessly copied at home. Greek wine hahaha... but the garlic will overpower whatever you select so don't worry... choose a cheap one. And btw, you're at the conference center in Orlando. OF COURSE IT'S A TOURIST TRAP. You are, by definition, a tourist if you are even contemplating eating here.
(4)
David K.
So I came for lunch because I really love Greek food. My server was really knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Started with hummus which was delicious. Made table side as well. I didn't want a huge meal so it did apps. The Dolmades were really good. Got the Meze Hot App as well and it was No Bueno. Spanikopeta, meatballs, and Calamari were good but the wings and greasy ribs were bland and tasteless. No sauce, no greekness. Baked wings and ribs. For $21 for the Meze plate I expected much more. My advice is order individual apps. House signature dessert was really good. I have 2 words for the owners LUNCH MENU.
(3)
Betty S.
Had wonderful lunch ...grilled lavraki (a white flaky fish), fresh hummus made table side by our excellent waiter Gerald F. !! And an outstanding salad !!Food was amazing our waiter even more amazing. BTW their wooden mortar and pestles are available for purchase we bought some for souvenirs!!
(5)
John S.
Bunches of fun (especially the Greek dancing on the table!), and the food is authentic.
(5)
Keyona H.
Very very good. A lot of people and very fun. Loud inside so if you have soft speaking people in your party you're better off sitting outside. However, the couple tables were very intimate and still had a romantic feel. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five was because the waiters seemed overloaded.
(4)
Leigh K.
We have been going to Opa since we moved from Boston to Central Florida. There food is wonderful and authentic and the service is quick and friendly. They have a happy hour everyday from 3m=6pm with half price drinks and a huge variety of martinis. The hummus is to die for, it is made fresh daily on premises and they get there vegetables fresh daily from Plant City Florida. While it is in central Florida, #1 tourist destination in the world, they staff and owners make everyone feel special and treat everyone as if they are their friends. At night they have belly dancers and music which adds to the festive atmosphere. Line dancing and napkins falling, you can't help but get caught up in the excitement. Once you go to OPA you will make return visits for the sheer deliciousness of the food and the wonderful staff. If you go at night, don't expect intimate conversation with who ever you are going with, it gets pretty loud!
(5)
Randy G.
Taverna Opa is one of the few restaurants on the strip that you won't recognize because its not a national chain. Finally you can look at a menu and see some unique items and flavors. They do have some other locations throughout Florida, if your interested. I think you'll like how the dinner starts, tableside handmade hummus. They bring out the mortar and pistol, begin crushing chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. Within a minute or two, you have delicious handmade hummus. It is not as smooth as some of the processed blends, but I will be happy to take a little chunky version and have it taste freshly made. For our appetizer, we tried the Spanikopita. It's fresh and HUGE. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be an appetizer or an entree. It has a nice phyllo dough layer, nice and crispy. The spinach is fresh and served warm. Also a pretty good appetizer, they are doing well so far, two for two. I think they don't understand what it means to have a proper sized entree. I had the Panstitio, minced meat, layered similar to lasagna with an enormous layer of cheese. It is pretty good, nice favors, but the texture is one note, all pretty soft. It would have been nice to have some texture change on the top or throughout. It's HUGE, really HUGE. I think I only ate 1/3 of it and had to take it to-go. The atmospher is nice, but can be loud inside. We opted to sit outside on a nice evening, where it was a much more tolerable noise level.
(4)
Robyn C.
THIS PLACE WAS AWESOME! I love love love Greek food and they NAILED it. Most delicious hummus I've ever had, comes to your table and you grind it yourself with a mortar and pestle. Also, so excited to see Saganaki on any Greek menu, this is EXCELLENT. The Spanikopita was fabulous as well. It is definitely loud, but what a show, belly dancers, flaming drinks, people dancing on tables, napkins flying, and tasty Sangria. Had a blast watching my friends get pulled up on tables to dance with the waiters. Loved it all!!!
(5)
Adeile A.
This place is so fun!! If you are looking for a nice romantic dinner for 2... don't go here. Its a wild and crazy night at dinner if you ask me. We took our vball team here and they had so much fun!! You can dance on the table with the little belly dancer they have and just let loose. They throw napkins every where so thats why there are napkins all over the place. But the food was great!! I had a lamb dish and it was amazing. My nephew had a few bites and ate the whole lamb chop!!! The hummus is super cool.. .although you have to work for your hummus and make it yourself, it was delicious. the pita bread was soft and warm which made it even better!! It's expensive for lamb but there are items a little less expensive. The staff was attentive and filled our water pitchers on a regular and always stopped to make sure we were all ok. I'd go here again on a fun night out with the girls if I was in Orlando.
(5)
Chris C.
I loved this place. We came here on a whim and had a magic family moment. The staff was a blast and the atmosphere was a scream. You have to experience the care free atmosphere with staff and guests dancing on the tables to believe it. Food and drink were great and it was a great value. I'm recommending it to all my friends who visit Disney.
(5)
Alayna D.
First, make reservations! Especially on busy holiday weekends and any weekend night. There's always a wait and reservations help avoid this. A very, VERY loud, lively Greek inspired restaurant serving great Greek cuisine with authentic flair and live entertainment/dancing. From belly dancers to dancing on tables with guests to the waiters and patrons circling the restaurant in sync with Greek music, Taverna Opa is sure to be a fun night out! I had the Shrimp Kabobs (huge shrimp over a bed of seasoned rice; delightfully tasty!) and our table shared the zucchini chips with yogurt based dip (enough for the whole table) and spinach pie (yum!). All were good and plentiful in portions. Instead of bread, waiters bring homemade hummus (you mash it up) and warm seasoned pita bread to the table. Nice drink selection of Greek named martinis including a full bar, too. Drink prices can get steep, but seem average for the area. The juices used in the martinis tasted very fresh, hand squeezed. Service was slow this time for just our table of 3, other times I've been it was great - so, consider it hit or miss.
(4)
Thysis R.
I have always loved coming here but tonight was AWFUL!!!! Horrible service. Couldn't find our waiter for about 30 minutes. Just an FYI there is a minimum purchase on Friday and Saturday nights of $25. They don't tell you this until after you sit down. Also you can't just order appetizers or salads on these nights either. Food was good but the lack of service really put a damper on things. :-(
(2)
Yirel M.
Try the Lamb Chops and a specialty Martini... TO DIE FOR.
(5)
Danielle F.
Our reservation at señor frogs was a bust because they wouldn't let anyone under 21 come in after ten on Saturday (who knew?). Opa Taverna saved the day on my friend's 21st birthday! We called and they immediately reserved us a table for seven people on a Saturday night! SEVEN! Great atmosphere, loved dancing on the table, loved the belly dancers! Made us feel like a million bucks. Drinks are a bit pricy but they are darn good! Food is excellent too! Will definitely be back!
(5)
Chris C.
My coworkers and I dined at Taverna Opa during a business trip in Orlando. If you're looking to experience Greek food in a quiet dining environment, you may want to consider other restaurants. The volume goes all the way to 11 here! Taverna Opa offers non-stop food, music, dancing, wine and spirits. From the moment you walk into Taverna Opa, you're greeted by the sights and sounds of belly dancers, employees and guests dancing on tables to Greek music (both new and traditional). It's like a wedding reception without the wedding. A great place to bring the family. Excellent food, friendly service!
(4)
Carlos S.
Excellent food and rowdy atmosphere. Prob among the best on Int. Drive.
(4)
Stefano C.
OMG ... how much fun is this place!!! I've only been here once, so the food critique is limited. I had the chicken kebab and they were really good. And I see from the other reviews, that apparently the food is nothing to complain about. Although, I would have to say that the hummus being brought to your table so you can mash it up, hrmph ... not really my thing, but maybe it works for others. The atmosphere is awesome. Go a little later in the evening after 7pm when the belly dancer is out and about, and all the waiters get into the fun and festivities. The belly dancer of course is gorgeous. She will dance around and try to get customers to dance with her. Even going up on a table. But even the waiters make the atmosphere fun, yelling opa and throwing napkins all over the place (what is their napkin budget like .... hehe), and getting on the tables to serve up shots. Overall, a really nice atmosphere, and definitely worth going with a group of friends. Oh, and if given the opportunity, don't pass up on the Zorba shot ... really good!
(5)
Zee E.
Went for drinks did not try the food. Shots were measured and seemed watered down. Overpriced. Maybe dinner is better judging by the reviews.
(2)
Alexandra B.
First of all the ambiance is gorgeous. I brought my parents here for lunch so there wasn't a huge crowd which is perfect for them. The food is AMAZING!!!! Loved the fresh garlic hummus at the start of the meal with pita bread. Followed by the delicious and fresh lemon chicken soup. Ordered the kebab for my main entree with lemon potatoes. Everything was delicious from start to finish and I'll def return whenever I go back to Orlando. Stupendous experience from start to finish.
(5)
Emily G.
I came to Taverna Opa twice in a four day trip to Orlando, which would seem weird until you try the hummus. The word "hummus" doesn't even do it justice. They should call it the "addicting and utterly perfect dip of only slightly crushed chickpeas with lemon, salt, and garlic", but that is probably too long to print on the menu. Served at the beginning of every meal in a wooden mortar and pestle with warm pita bread, this garbanzo mash is the best freebie starter imaginable. Other food highlights at Taverna Opa include the tender and meaty lamb ribs, the crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside falafel, the crisp meatballs (albeit a bit greasy), and the fresh salads, especially the Greek with a large block of high quality feta. The calamari was disappointingly under-seasoned, and the gyro meat didn't taste any different from your standard pre-fab cone meat, but those were the only two real misses. Lunch time is quiet and relaxing, but the dinner rush features belly dancers (and patrons dancing on tables) complete with booming club music - a bit gimmicky for a place that should be standing on the merits of their food. It might be fun to throw cocktail napkins while shouting "Opa!" (cheaper than smashing dishes each night), but within minutes the floor is covered in dirty, wet paper, not to mention the utter waste. Come before 7pm to avoid the spectacle and enjoy your hummus in peace.
(4)
Joshua J.
The perfect place to go, if you have no desire to talk to the people you are with. The food is good, but it isnt worth the price or the sacrifice of experience. I get it, they want to put on a show. Get people up on tables dancing and throwing napkins all over the place, but the experience is beyond intrusive and there is no escaping it. The speakers are beyond loud and the sound quality isnt exactly top notch. I mean, who doesn't enjoy crap constantly falling on them and in their food and drink while enjoying dinner?
(3)
Meghan F.
Delicious food! The table-side hummus with warm pita was insanely good! Take your time, order appetizers first, and enjoy the live entertainment. Inside seating can be quite noisy, but watching people dance on the tables was worth it.
(5)
M R.
Taverna Opa is a belly dancing, napkin tossing, table dancing experience. The restaurant is great for birthdays or large parties or just people watching the long congo lines. So why only three stars? Simple, the food is average and a bit over priced. The wait for a table is always long and the bar is extremely popular. Avoid the Mythos beer. This Greek beer does not ship well. If you want an entertaining night for a birthday or blackmail photos for the office, the place works. If you want good conversation and drinks go somewhere else. I'd give it a four for a large party, but the food needs a little work.
(3)
Al K.
Great food and ambiance! We went there with a few co-workers after an event and the service and food were great. You should try the sangria and greek wine. The only gripe would be that the Saganaki was way too salty for our taste. We also tried Crispy Calamari, Opa fries, Santorini Shrimp and hummus and they all were delicious as well.Santorini Shrimp was an instant hit at the table.
(4)
Trung P.
Taverna opa isn't the perfect place to have a serious conversation but a place to tell your friends stuff they do not want to hear lol jk but it is very loud especially the music but it makes the atmosphere very upbeat. The food was okay, I had the slow roasted lamb and It was good but not what i expected. The service was good and the belly dancers were entertaining. I love the atmosphere there especially seeing people on tables dancing and there was an old man geting down with the music haha I wouls definitely come again for a birthday dinner or just to have fun with friends.
(4)
Amy Y.
Good for big groups and family. Drinks are pricey. Great entertainment and fun family place esp if you like to dance or just want to watch. I've seen lil kids dance up on tables with the belly dancers. The music gets really loud. It ends up being a big party! Great for a blind or boring date lol.
(4)
Ms. Review S.
I danced on the table at this place. Food was excellent and the drinks are strong. I absolutely loved this place, I think it's a great place for a group of friends to meet for dinner and drinks. Sooooooo much fun!
My Birthday Dinner was here! Been here before to drink, but first time to eat, and I recommend to everyone. If you want belly dancing, delicious food, friendly staff, and a lil dancing on the table you gots to come here :) The staff comes around and throws napkins up in air around groups about every 20 min. Too much fun - I just took stacks of napkins and threw on other people for the fun! They have a great "Family Style" dinner set up, with amazing food such as hummus, grape leaves, greek salad, spanakopita, lamb, chicken and so much more. You will not go hungry that is for sure! Did I say dancing earlier? Oh yeah, get on the table and dance or if you prefer dancing with the belly dancers? Whatever you fancy you will like :)
(4)
Anastasia D.
This place is so much fun! A group of us went here for dinner on a Tuesday night and it was still lively! While being seated I noticed that there were napkins all over the floors and tables which was very odd but I went with it. After being seated and having our drink orders taken, one of the workers asked me if I wanted to dance. I was really confused, but he said it was part of his job, so I said sure. He grabbed my arm and told me to grab whoever else I could get a hold of and we started doing Greek dances all around the restaurant! We had a good group going of about 15 people just dancing around the tables. When it come down to food, this place seriously knows what they are doing. The appetizers where delicious! We ordered hummus, tzatziki dip, grilled veggies, saganaki, and the octopus. All delicious. I think I enjoyed my appetizers more than the meal. The hummus is the best I have ever had! It is served in a mortar and pistil with whole garbanzo beans, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt. Once it arrives at the table, the server will mash some of the beans up for you, but you have the option to continue mashing if needed. If I can have their hummus and seasoned pita bread, I would be a happy camper. Other great treats were the saganaki, they put it on fire at the table and everyone else opa! and the octopus, super tender and flavorful. For dinner I got the slow roasted lamb. Definitely a good meal, the meat just crumbles, and it is packed with the favor of lamb. I thought it was a bit powerful but paired with the lemon potatoes, it balanced out well. We also got a pitcher of red wine sangria which was really tastey! As we were winding down on our dinner, a belly dancer took a few of my friends and climbed on top of an empty table started dancing. We all ended up on the table and the belly dancer taught us some of her moves. So much fun! Definitely recommend coming here with a group of people :)
(4)
LL A.
Visited this place on May 2, 2012 while on a business trip. Ordered the chicken kabob and was very happy with my meal. Generous and tender chicken, grilled vegetables and spinach rice. Delicious and properly prepared. Nice touch that they give you freshly prepared pita bread and taziki sauce prepared at your table. Excellent service and very cute waitress :-O Definitely worth a visit especially given that you are in tourist hell (Orlando) this place seem much more genuine and family operated than most plcaes you will find on International Drive.
(4)
MP S.
Taverna OPA never disappoints! Great food and great entertainment always! Probably not the best for young kids, but ages 8 and up should enjoy...
(5)
Diana N.
This is probably my favorite place in Orlando! Great atmosphere, great servers, great food. The atmosphere in here is incredible,live DJ, belly dancers, servers throwing paper napkins and screaming Opa. Its a party! the best part is that you get to join; any guest can jump on their table and dance. The servers are very attentive and fast, they don't rush you to get you out of the restaurant. They make sure you have fun and enjoy the experience. The food is delicious and the portions are generous. The fresh hummus is delicious and so is the saganaki (flaming Greek cheese). If you're in the area or are visiting orlando, this is a MUST go to place. It's great for big groups or families!
(5)
Melanie D.
I'm in Orlando and thought I'd be punch-drunk by now with theme park characters. Instead, I had a near "big O" experience (pun intended) with the most wonderful lamb chops I've had in a long time. So of course, I had to share so that I may save other tourists from thinking there's nothing beyond Downtown D, TGIF and Denny's. AMBIANCE: Like a Greek market courtyard but with an attentive wait staff. Also looks like there's a dangerous bar during the evenings...in a good way. LOCATION: In an outdoor shopping mall very close to the convention center and within a very short drive from the hotels on International Drive. Also reachable by trolley. GOOD TO KNOW: * Without warning, they'll slap you with warmed pita freshly pixie dusted with rosemary and other herbs served with a small wooden mortal and pestle filled with deconstructed hummus (the garbanzo beans are still whole, as is the roasted garlic...mash...eat....spread - you get the picture). Hubby did not enjoy the work involved and found the resulting paste dry and lacking in flavor. I enjoyed the novelty of it. * Gyro plates are around $15 and dinner plates in the $20-$30 range. Family dinners like seafood or meat plates are served with appetizers and a sampling of dishes; at around $33 pp they seem like a steal. * A selection of Greek wines are available by the glass or bottle. COME FOR: * The friggin lamb chops. Order it medium or commit a food crime. Perfectly seasoned with a dominant garlic flavor, then perfectly seared, then served floating over it's wonderful pan juices. Almost made me ignore the delicious lemon potato wedges and OMG-these-can't-be-real green beans. * Their family platters - it's like a tour-de-Taverna-Opa on a plate. NOT WOWED WITH: * The Gyro pita plate - the meat itself was sliced so thinly it could almost pass for bacon. Not bad, just not how I like it. * The pita itself - I've had better but again, not bad. CAN'T WAIT TO TRY: * Their desserts - I was risking rolling myself all the way back to my hotel if I had another bite, but I saw the table next to me having some and they looked authentic, well-portioned (LARGE) and delish!
(4)
Shikha M.
This place came highly recommended but I was disappointed. I read a lot of the yelp reviews which recommended the hummus that we were supposed to mash with a mortar and pistle but when we tried to, we found that it tasted bland and like mush. It was not good. We also tried the flaming cheese and lemon potatoes, which were ok, but not a reason I would come back.
(1)
Cheryl S.
We had such a great experience here for lunch. Our servers were kind and attentive, and even brought out complimentary hummus with fresh pitas. I was torn on what to order but eneded up with the artichoke chicken and it was amazingggg. My hubby had the lamb platter which he devoured. It's maybe a little pricey for lunch ($12-$14) but they give huge portions so it's worth it.
(5)
Xeekster d.
Totally fun. Lots and lots of food.
(4)
Donna W.
Opa!!!!!!! This place is amazing for food AND entertainment! Went here with 4 other people and it was a great time. One of the people in our party had eaten there the night before and said it was good food and times and that every now and then people would yell "Opa!" and throw napkins in the air. It was quite evident that the napkins thing was true when we walked in the door as the floor was covered in them. It wasn't too long after we were seated that we saw more restaurant shenanigans. There were several tables of folks who stood on their tables and took shots of some blue concoction. We ordered drinks and our food, opting for the family style selection of Zeus that was $40 per person. OMG it was totally worth it and there was SO much food left over. You got hummus that they made AT YOUR TABLE with a mortar and pestle. There was Greek salad, a bevy of cold appetizers, a bevy of hot appetizers, flaming cheese (I could cry reminiscing on how wonderful that cheese was-truly ambrosia!), a meat plate and a seafood platter that included a lobster tail. Since there were 5 of us, there were 2 seafood platters. 2 lobster tails people, 2 lobster tails! The food was plentiful and the flavor drool inducing and tongue tantalizing. But that's not all, people. They have great entertainment. After we started our apps and salad, a belly dancer came out, began dancing on an empty table swinging around flaming orbs on the end of a rope-like objects. If that wasn't enough, she then later danced with a flaming sword perched on top of her head. About 20 minutes later, the staff got about everyone up to do a circle dance around the tables. A little later on waiters and waitresses were going to individual tables to get patrons to get jiggy on their own tables and throw napkins in the air. The cutest was seeing a little toddler get up on the table and stomp around. Learning by observation was working well for him! All in all, this place is a MUST if you are in Orlando. You will regret missing it if you do, I guarantee.
(5)
John K.
I went here with a group. I wasn't my choice, but I was pleasantly surprised with the food. After the hummis others have mentioned, I ordered the tuna. They were out. So I ordered the surf and turf, although the traditional Greek dishes sounded wonderful too. I wasn't expecting too much, but the filet they served me was very tender and cooked to medium rare, just the way I ordered it. It was doused with some spiced butter just prior to service and was delicious. The lobster tail was just a tad overdone, and I didn't care much for the tomato sauce they spooned over it. I would have much rather had a naked lobster with a small dish of clarified butter, but I guess I didn't order it that way. Service was great, with Nick attending to all our needs. My meal was $29, a bit on the pricey side, but I thought it was worth it. If I was breaking this down, the steak would get five stars, the lobster 3 stars and the ambiance, well, that could use some work. The belly-dancing music was incredibly loud. It probably didn't help that we were seated right under a big speaker, but I could not hear myself think, much less converse with those around me. The belly dancer was a big plus, and it was fun watching her shake her hips and watching others get up and dance with her on the tables, but at my age, I would like my meals a little lower key. I would give it a 2 on ambiance. A good place to go if you don't want to converse much with your dining partners.
(3)
Larissa F.
Opa was amazing. We went with 2 other couples for a family outing sans kids -- and had a great time. The only thing that sucks was the long wait (no reservations, had 8:30 time and didn't get seated until close to 10 pm), but it's understandable since tables turn over so slow. We started at the bar for drinks and a few apps while we waited. Good bar scene although kind of small considering how many folks were waiting. We finally sat around 10 pm and ordered a bunch of small plates for the table. In between being entertained by other groups dancing on the tables, we ate the most amazing tzatizki I have ever had, with the best pita bread ever. The spanakopita was serious, definitely didn't taste like the usual frozen dreg. The brandy flaming cheese was fun and delicious. The seafood paella is huge and enough to share, and the beef tenderloin kebabs were perfectly cooked. In addition to the awesome food, the atmosphere was like a club. There was a DJ and dancing on the tables was encouraged. They also threw napkins every so often so the floor was covered (hello environmentally friendly, not). It was like going out and partying at a club, only having a wonderful meal too. Oh, and did I mention the belly dancers? All I can say is, I wish Opa would come to the DC area! I would love to open one!
(5)
Tom B.
Who knew that some of the best Greek this side of Tarpon Springs would be in a crazed spot on I-Drive? There used to be a place on N. Orange Avenue, I think I was called Athenos; but it's long gone, in fact the building is razed. In those days, it was our go-to place for Greek cuisine, so once it closed we had to search elsewhere. The nearby Greek Corner on Lake Ivanhoe didn't measure up. It's more Italian and American than Greek. On our first visit to Opa, the weather outside was delightful (that could make a nice song), so we sat outside, oblivious to the boisterous party going on inside. We were given a starter of hummus and pita, the hummus prepared in a mortar and pestle at the table. Then we both ordered a very tasty lamb dish. Our second visit was in the hot humid summer, so we dined inside. Instead of flying plates, they have flying napkins by the thousands (with apologies to my beloved Al Gore). People dance on tables, they do the Zorba-like dance around the place, and so on. If you sit inside, you really have to quell your inhibitions -- this isn't a romantic place, it's an amusement park. But the food is A+.
(4)
Marla G.
I give this place one star but if I can give them a zero I would. I made reservations and when I got there they had my reservation, but no table. We were a party of 2 adults and 2 kids. They said our wait would be 1 hour and 30min.The hostess was very rude. And when i asked to speak to the manager he didn't even apologize. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Wilnelia S.
Definitely fun with the belly dancers on top of table, napkins thrown all over! Not a fan of the food.
(4)
lori l.
If you're looking for a quiet, romantic dining experience this may not be your spot. But if you are looking for fun, very good food and a fun wine list this is your place! The menu is extensive and we opted for the family style (for 4 or more), meat. This included two appetizers and two meat courses with dessert. All while an unbelievably huge amount of food is being presented you are caught up in Greek music, a belly dancer, paper napkins being thrown into the air and shots of ouzo flowing! It was impossible not to have fun! One minute you're waiting on your food, the next minute you're dancing on a table! (they did hold off on this after the food arrived! :) ) The first appetizer arrived and we made our own hummus by pulverizing the ingredients provided. YUM! My friend ordered the seafood medley and it came with huge amounts of seafood and lobster drenched in the most delicious sauce you could imagine. Our meat platters contained beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Although the pork was a bit dry the others were delicious! While music is playing, hundreds of napkins are being tossed into the air and the festive mood prevails! A mix of families to older folks seemed to all enjoy the restaurant. Bring your camera and plan to dance on the table! If not you're missing out on the total experience! OPA!!!
(5)
Marci M.
Not just a restaurant... an experience!! I love eating at Opa, and every one I have ever brought there has loved it too!! The food is great, really great... and huge portions! There are tasty Greek wines (that I truly believe hit you harder than their Napa Valley counterparts) and tons of selections! The atmosphere is awesome. Crazy napkin throwing, yelling of opa, drinking, dancing on the tables... just a super fun place to be. They accept reservations, so make one. This place is packed with a wait, even on a Tuesday!! Super fun place for a group!
(5)
Amanda J.
Taverna Opa at Pointe Orlando is a fun place to celebrate a special occasion or to go if you are into for a convention and want someplace close. I wouldn't want to go there all the time because yes, it's loud, they throw napkins everywhere, dance on tables (you can too) and dance around the whole restaruant. But how fun for a special night! The hummus they bring to your table is fantastic (watch out for the garlic breath). We've tried the gyro, paella, and the mufsaka as well as the appetizer platter for 2. Everything was very good. My favorite was the mufsaka. I'm hungry just writing about it. Wine list is pretty good. I was surprised that I enjoyed a few of the Greek wines. If you go and you are a girl, make sure to not wear a skirt, doesn't work that well for table dancing...' Have fun!
(4)
Rus O.
Took my wife and 4 friends for my wife's birthday. Ordered the Zeus group meal, it was all very good. Loved dancing on the tables and the ouzo flowed, fun time had by all.
(5)
Hector M.
I went here for lunch while in Orlando for a conference. The restaurant is located in Orlando Pointe (a two-story outdoor mall area) - its hard to find, but its on the 2nd floor. The server suggested Mythos (an easy to drink 5% lager), we shared (or devoured like Hungry Hungry Hippos) hot and cold pikilies, and I went with the Pastitsio (a delicious macaroni, ground beef, and bechamel). From what I heard, the restaurant transforms at night with belly dancers and a loud festive atmosphere.
(4)
Drew M.
OPA! I had my 1st Opa experience recently, and this place rocks! Any place that encourages you to dance on the tables and throw napkins all over is a winner in my book! It's definitely best to go with a large group...The more the merrier as they say. The food is great. I had the lamb kabobs which were delicious! I was already full from the hummus and pita bread, but somehow still managed to finish my meal! We also ordered some saganaki and an order of spinach pie. Yum! The menu is full of both small plates (great for sharing) or larger entree sized plates. The have a great selection of drinks to help ease any inhibitions... Throughout the meal, the staff did a great job of keeping things fun. Our server also had a table next to us with 6 guys in town for a convention. They all did a shot, but got up on the chairs first. Later on she got them up on the table to dance with her! This happened all around at various tables throughout the night. A belly dancer was also there showing off her...uh...assets. She made her way around the dining room several times...ensuring every seat was a good one! We were lucky enough to get seated before the dinner rush came in. By the time we left, there was a large crowd waiting for tables. They do take reservations. I can only imagine that this place gets crazier as the night goes on. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Joe P.
Very good food, but it was quite loud.
(4)
Matt R.
This place was crazy! Got there at 6PM and the place went from empty to "fire code" full in minutes. Our server, Olga, was very attentive, helpful and knowledgeable. Me and my family ordered the $30 family style meal. We were quickly supplied with "make your own" hummus in a mortar and pestle and fresh pita...which was creamy and garlicky and crunchy. Our appetizers or traditional Greek salad (hold the lettuce was a nice touch), saganaki, calamari, lamb, meatballs were served as soon as they were ready. Our meal had Lamb, chicken, beef and pork. This is one of the few places I've been where a pork chop wasn't overdone. It was succulent and flavorful. Now on to what made it crazy. As I was finishing my meal, the belly-dancer was preparing right next to me for her show. All of a sudden, the lights dropped, loud Greek dance music started and our belly-dancer is a spinnin away. The staff is yelling OPA! all the time and launching packs of bev-naps in the air every few seconds. The dancer was up on tables dancing with other diners. If you're celebrating a birthday, as we were, you better be prepared to get up on that table too. The music continued and I was pulled in to a huge conga line by my waitress that snaked through the whole restaurant...even outside and back in. Go with a fun group of folks to this place, it increases the chances of crazy stuff happening.
(4)
Cameron C.
Serviceable Greek food, but definitely a place you come to more for the atmosphere than the food. Lots of dancing on tables and cheering and "napkin showers", certainly a lot of fun for big groups. But as a solo (and sober) diner, it was just okay. Appetizer = saganaki, sub par for one of my favorite dishes anywhere. Salad = Opa salad, generous portion, but a lot of flavors in there that didn't necessarily mesh well. Main = stuffed peppers, "meh". Once again, great atmosphere, but enjoy it with your raucous group of friends, not alone.
(3)
Todd D.
What a great restaurant. Opa is hidden on the second floor of restaurant filled square, but take the time to find them, because they are worth the time to find. The meal started with fresh baked pita bread and garlic hummus that is ground by hand in a mortar and pestle right at your table. It was the best hummus I've EVER had - period. We also got a plate of olives and feta that was delicious. I ordered the slow-cooked lamb, which I swear tasted like the meat my grandmother used to cook (that's a good thing) and my wife and daughter shared the salmon. The portions are large, and easily shared between two. The food is so delicious and well made it is hard to put into words. And the desserts are decadent. The service was top notch, and our waitress was attentive and added a personal, friendly touch to the service. The atmosphere was noisy (music) but not raucous, and we felt comfortable with our 8 year old there. Dress ranged from shorts and t-shirts to dresses and heels. Go how you are. Go, go, go to Opa for great food and service.
(5)
Gary P.
Good Greek food in the touristy heart of Orlando. Not worth driving across town for, but not bad. Reasonable prices and good service.
(3)
A S.
We were looking for something off the beaten path of Orlando and found it at Taverna Opa. The food was fresh and delicious. The atmosphere was fun and festive. The wait staff were great.
(4)
Caleb B.
FUN PLACE THAT MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVED!!!!!! You can enjoy a belly dancer, and dancing on the tables while throwing napkins all at the same time. The food was incredible. I remember I got the steak and my wife a Greek chicken platter and both were the best I have ever had. The flaming cheese was great too. You also get all you can eat hummus and bread. I know I will be probably shunned by parts of my family for saying this but I like this restaurant better than ANY Disney Restaurant. Even though Disney FOOD IS AMAZING!!!
(5)
Mi C.
This place was wonderful, great music, energy, food and service! We ordered the wild salmon and grouper dishes, both amazing!
(5)
Wilbert F.
As authentic as it gets. They even have cod roe. The entertainment is as outstanding as the food. Truly a family restaurant.
(5)
David H.
Meh. We liked it our first visit... but the second time our opinion changed to overrated and overpriced. Some of the food is good (the pita bread garbanzo spread, roast lamb, ribeye steak, lemon potatoes) and some just OK (gyros). Service was especially bad on our last visit--wait staff and bussers standing around talking while water and drink glasses are empty...waiting 20 minutes after we were done eating, and the waiter blamed the customers at another table...Others have complained about their "cheap" parking validation policies--they won't validate until you've paid, and will only validate one ticket per $25 spent...
(2)
Artis H.
Wonderful lamb ribs, wonderful hummus. The experience WONDERFUL!!!
(4)
Heather D.
I have never had so much fun in a restaurant. I stumbled across this place with a couple co-workers during a multi-day conference. We were exhausted from 12-hour workdays and wanted somewhere close to our hotel. We were sure in for a surprise! The hostess told us it would be "between a 10 and 45 minute wait." Luckily it was closer to the former, and the six of us got seated promptly. Upon entering, we were a little surprised to find the concrete floor completely covered in white napkins. The music was blaring, and there were big menus on the walls. Don't plan on coming here to have a productive conversation. We hardly said anything to each other except to marvel at the other guests as they jumped on their tables to dance with each other or with the belly dancers who made their way through the room. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday or a special occasion; one table was pouring the champagne while atop the table and obviously having a fantastic time. Our waitress suggested an excellent Greek merlot , and we happily downed a couple bottles. The appeal of this restaurant is pretty widespread, and adds to the fun ambiance. We saw everyone dancing from twenty-somethings to young moms with their toddlers to grandmas. The music varies from traditional greek dance music to latin to today's pop. You can't stop dancing throughout the whole meal. It was a fun change to feel you were burning calories while eating! It seems every thirty minutes or so the staff starts a huge conga line that snakes through the whole restaurant. I gladly dropped my fork and joined in the fun with about 30 other people. The food is decent, but definitely not the star here. We ordered the family-style platter, which came with appetizers, seafood, meat, mezze, etc. Come hungry because the food keeps coming! They bring hummus in a mortar and pestle that you mix yourself. Some of the items were a bit over-salted, but overall it was very good. If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend you give Taverna Opa a try. I still smile thinking about the fun I had!
(4)
Teddy E.
Short and to the point - This was the best Greek food I've ever eaten, even better than in Greece! We went for lunch and both of us loved the food. The "make your own hummus" was a nice touch and the Greek salad was delicious. I had chicken and it was cooked to perfection. My spouse had one of the Greek specialties and also commented on how delicious it was. There were no belly dancers at lunch, but the atmosphere was nice (we sat outside). We both had iced tea to drink and even that was delicious.
(5)
Molly G.
We had to wait half an hour to get in on a Friday night. The atmosphere was fun and relatively family friendly. The chicken gyro was good and I substituted my Greek fries for lemon potatoes which were very tasty. Great for tourists. The belly dancers were awesome at their job. Opa!
(4)
Brett H.
Agree with all the previous reviewers: extremely high-energy, fun, perfect to get energized for a night out. Belly dancing on table tops, the waitresses haul patrons up to dance with them. I recommend the hummus appetizer: fresh beans and garlic you grind yourself into the freshest mix you've ever had. Hope you're a fan of garlic. Best dining experience I had in the conference district of Orlando. Admittedly (aside from Charley's) that isn't saying much, but it is something.
(5)
Florence Y.
"Let's get it started, let's get it started in here!!" *black eyed peas* The party IS ready once you walk into the restaurant!!! :) Belly dancers and napkins on the floor and kids dancing on tables and people hollering...perfect for dinner parties/groups where small talk is futile and having your senses over stimulated with food, music and dancing!! :) Girl friend and I walked into the joint about 9pm on a Saturday and was told by the hostess we had to wait 20 mins for a table for two. There was about 3 or 4 bigger groups ahead of us...and then, out of the corner of my eye I see an empty table for 2 outside (outside the restaurant, not indoor where the party's at)..went to ask the hostess if we could take it, She said " i have other groups ahead of us, please understand" STUPID answer...but the very nice waiter in charge of that seating area gave us the green light. We sat and ordered...HOT PIKILIA ( SPANAKOPITA, KEFTEDES, CALAMARI, LAMB RIBS & OPA WINGS), it's like the hot appetizer sampler and the KEFALOTIRI SAGANAKI (FLAMING CHEESE WITH BRANDY). The cheese was like a show, another table ordered it right after they witnessed our show! :P The pikilia arrived within seconds of us ordering, which I was rather impressed with...but the food was semi-cold. Made me wonder if it was a mis-order from some other table. Oh well. The cheese was good..but not for those who watch their salt. Got too salty the more you ate. OH, and it comes with fresh hummus you can grind yourself. Music was good, I caught glimpses of belly dancers and customers dancing from where i was sitting! It was like eating at a club...but everyone was in high spirits! Definitely the place to go for a good time! And I must add, I had a really good waiter...Zoran was his name? Very attentive and friendly! Tip-bits: Get validated for free parking, I think the bill must be $25 and over. Salty food, so not the best for those who watch their sodium...or fear h20 retention Sit outside to have decent conversation, sit inside for entertainment and amusement
(4)
Adam P.
I'm Greek, so my vote of approval counts extra. ;) This place was highly famous in Miami and it has transferred very well to Orlando where tourists and business men constantly come to unwind. Come for the food, the alcohol, the belly dancers, the dancing, and the awesome DJ. It's on the pricey side but it's well worth spending an entire night there.
(5)
Jordan A.
I am usually not a fan of baked fish, but their Greek-style dish was outstanding. I also loved the hummus that you mash yourself into desired consistency. Friendly competent service. It'd be five stars, but I was a just a little shocked by the prices. I am not used to $30+ dishes at Greek-type restaurants.
(4)
Pete M.
I love this place. I went to the one in Miami Beach two nights in a row and had high expectations for Orlando. Orlando was more touristy but super fun. The food is good but not best but who cares, it's so much fun. The music is night club loud and you have to dance on the table with a belly dancer or join a chain of dancers around the place to get the full experience. The service can be so so but not bad. I can't wait to take my kids and blow their minds!! If you don't like loud music and can't pry yourself from your shell then you won't like it. Go to Applebees or something boring ;o)
(5)
Don W.
It's loud and people are really having a good time. The cynic in me is always a little suspicious of any party restaurant in an Orlando mall. I'm thinking of a bunch of old guys sitting in a conference room thinking about new ways to separate tourists from their money. One guy says "Let's make a Greek restaurant where people throw tons of napkins in the air!" The next guys says "Okay, but the music has to be too loud." And a third guy insists that servers make patrons stand on the tables if it's their birthday. And the cynic in me thinks that at the end of the meeting, Taverna Opa is born. But wait, there's more. All those things really do describe Taverna Opa. They inexplicably throw tons of napkins in the air. The music is too loud for a regular conversation. And if it's your birthday, an army of servers will help you up on to your table and sing to you. But my description in the last paragraph was totally WRONG because I left out an important detail. People were having a really good time. Some kid who looked like Jack Osbourne at his dorkiest was on a table with an impossibly cute server. His family was taking pictures. He was in heaven. A new facebook profile photo was born. A table full of mid-20's girls was celebrating a birthday before they were going out. A group of about 12 Muslim people (I'm just guessing because of the hijabs) were laughing at their surroundings. If was really fun, and I had a great time watching the insanity. The closest thing to a downside was the food. It was okay but really nothing more than average. Saganaki was too salty, spanakopita seemed like the stuff in your grocer's freezer, pastitsio and moussaka had too much bechamel or whatever it was on top. If you go to Taverna Opa, you'll leave full and happy. But it's the atmosphere that will bring you back. Five stars for the atmosphere, three for the food.
(4)
Megan R.
Loud. Fun. Delicious Greek. I was here with a group of people on a work trip and we had a blast! (not to mention, ODed on greek food) Appetizers were great, we had a platter of tzatziki, dolma, create your own hummus, taramosalata (this was a first, but it was pretty tasty) and a large greek mixed salad with cucumber, onion, tomato, olives and feta. After the appetizers our whole table had a shot of ouzo....this will knock you on your ass! The shots were served just in time as they got us wound up for the live belly-dancing entertainment. Don't be shy. Dance on the table! Throw your napkins!!! Seriously entertaining. The hot appetizers were served shortly after the first round of entertainment and included spanikopita (my favorite) chicken wings, calamari, lamb and beek kebabs (I seriously thought this was the meal it was so hearty). Then, the entrees were served. Yowza. Large cuts of beef, pork chops, lamb, and chicken. All cooked beautifully, with that greek dill/lemon/oregano combination and served up with potatoes and green beans/tomatoes ( I think it's called fasolakia freska). Overall a great experience in food and entertainment for a large group. I wouldn't recommend it if you have never tried greek food before because the atmosphere is very loud and you don't really have time to pick the waitstaff's brain with tons of questions about what you are eating. They get bonus points for knowing how to make a great dirty greek martini as well. :)
(4)
Jackie D.
Meh. I am not from Florida, but I hope people in Orlando have a better place than this to get some Greek food. This place is a bar with a theme, no authenticity here. Loud music that is not Greek but plays all the same tunes as any other place, ladies dancing on tables, belly dancers in training trying to show off and their cheesy "thing" they do is fling hundreds of bar napkins all over the floor and patio (that I hope they clean up becuase the litter out onto the plaza was everywhere). The drinks were "okay" and modestly priced. Crowd was a mix of married women, old desperate men, too young girls, and weird couples. The food was well, you can only compare it to bar food. Ordered cold and hot appetizers which was a lot of mush, and well yucky in general. The pita bread with their special version of hummus was like crack though. They bring a garlic masher filled with garbanzo beans, tahine, lemon, garlic and they mash it up in front of you. This is NOT hummus exactly but very tasty. This was the only thing I liked here but also gave me massive heartburn( not the fault of the restaurant lol). The manager came over to the table to make sure everything was ok, which was nice. Overall the bill was $70 dollars for 2 drinks, 1 cold appetizer plate and one hot. Go to drink, not to eat. Eat only if you are already drunk and dont care.
(2)
Katey S.
I'm not even going to try and pretend like I know what real Greek food should taste like, but what I got there was amazing. I had the beef kabobs, and the meat was amazing, cooked perfectly to order, the rice was delicious and the potatoes were good too. Even tasted good when I heated it up in the microwave two days later, that's a big deal for me, since I hardly ever eat my leftovers. The service was... eh. Not bad, not great. Our server asked if we had been before or were familiar with Greek food and when we said no he offered to briefly go over the menu with us... and then flipped through the pages and read off each heading (cold apps, hot apps. etc.)... Well thanks for that, but my reading skills are actually quite good. He didn't seem to interested in serving us, but nothing was bad. Our entree did come out first, but as soon as he realized it he went right over and got our appetizer, without even mentioning it, though a quick sorry about that may have been appreciated. The atmosphere was fun. I liked the belly dancer and the loud music made it very lively. We got there a few minutes before 7 and the party didn't start until shortly after, so if you're looking for good food without the loud music and paper napkin confetti then I would try and get in and out before 7. Next time I might try and get there earlier, I might get better service if my waiter isn't trying to deal with all that going on around him. But for me the food alone made it 4 stars, the great atmosphere helped, but the so-so service kept it from 5 stars.
(4)
Ted E.
Right in the heart of International Drive restaurant row. This is on the second level of the "mall." We had a lot of fun. Sort of touristy but the food was wonderful, the service attentive, and the prices weren't outrageous considering what we ordered. We stuck to the fixed price assortment - the $30 per person one. Everyone had enough food. We also ordered Sangria which was OK. The lamb chops were A+. There is a belly dancer to entertain.
(3)
Kathleen H.
The most fun I have had in a long time.I went here during my Orlando visit with two locals. It was insane .. not the place for a romantic and quiet evening together.The wait can be upwards of 60 minutes on a Saturday night .. and they do not take reservations. We got lucky and snagged a table by the bar and began the evening with their signature Martini's .. delicious and a bit strong. We started with the hummus .. a bit too much garlic but tasty none the less. I had the lamb shank; very tender and tasty .. fell right off the bone. For dessert we had the baclava .. and it was a delicious piece of sticky sweetness. After dinner we stayed and danced on the tables while the DJ mixed in Hip-Hop with some great middle eatern beats. I highly recommend sitting in the bar area as it is VERY odd to have someone dancing on a table next to your food. Overall great food, drinks and entertainment.
(4)
Fred D.
Outstanding Greek restaurant in terms of food and atmosphere ... we really enjoyed it. Eating outside on a warm, sunny day reminded my wife and me of eating in a taverna on Rhodes many years ago. The portions are huge: beware!
(5)
Erin B.
I was so excited to go here. Sad to say this was not a great experince. The service was bad, refills didn't happen, and we sat around for almost an hour waiting for our food. The food came and it was sub-par. I was horrified what we were paying outrageous prices for. Small, icky portions, and they wouldn't modify my plate at all. Dude, when I'm shelling $20 for a plate, you better substitute french fries for rice or salad! I'm not opposed to spending good money for a fun, yummy meal but there is no such thing at Taverna Opa. awkward fatty's dancing at our table yes, oversized 'belly dancers' yes, but good food and service...NO! I would not go back and would NOT recomend to anyone! Save your money!
(2)
Mina K.
This restaurant was absolutely wonderful!! Don't go there if you have a headache! The atmosphere is PARTY! And the food was very good. I had the red snapper. Although I was thinking that it would be a grilled fish, it had some sauce on it but it was very good!. My friend had the lamb chops that she really liked also. THE MUSIC WAS AMAZING!!!! We didn't want to leave! I wish they would open a restaurant here in NYC!! Highly recommend it!
(5)
Gi D.
Excelent Greek food!! my husband and i have a really good time there, good music and love the belly dancers...
(4)
M M.
Food was ok and enjoyed watching belly dancers and diners dancing on the tables. Sure hope they clean the tables. Prefer to sit in the second dining room cuz it was too loud where the dancers were.
(3)
Susan F.
First let me say that I live in Chicago. Not a suburb of Chicago, but actually in the city. So after spending what seemed like an eternity eating bad food in cheesy themed chain resteraunts, the urban snob in me yelped Greek food. Not knowing the city, and not able to get a recommendation of where to go that wasn't part of the Magic Kingdom, we found this place. The food was great, but also, the atmosphere and service were very welcoming. It was somewhat loud, but lets face it, my table was making quite a bit of the noise. It was my inalws 50th anniversary and the staff couldn't have been more pleasant. And so if you're a local you might already know about this place, but for someone on vacation or business, I can't say enough about giving this place a try.
(4)
Bill L.
Food was delicious. Belly dancer was very entertaining. Place is noisy but very kid friendly. This was our third visit and will go back again the next time we are in Orlando. Also, want to mention that service was excellent.
(4)
Paola N.
Always amazing here love it food is great.
(5)
Jennifer K.
NOT "good for kids." We trusted this listing so had a reservation for Friday night for a group that included a 7-year-old. When we arrived, the belly dancer was dancing on the table, accepting dollar bills in her waistband. Belly dancing as part of a cultural experience? Fine. Belly dancing as barely more than a stripper show? Not fine. Fortunately we got a table quickly at another nearby restaurant. I had eaten at another Opa location and loved the food, but will not be eating there again.
(1)
Nathan S.
The Greek Jersey Shore: Tourist Edition. The food was pretty solid but the atmosphere is total douche. Awful music playing at full blast, douches with way too much product in their hair dancing on tables with hoochies. Just gross.
(2)
Crissy L.
Arrived in Orlando mid-afternoon and wanted to find a place to combine lunch and dinner. Settled on Taverna Opa and were thrilled with the experience. Didn't experience the nightlife aspect since it was so early, but we had a lovely meal on the terrace. Food and service were both excellent. We were particularly happy with the lamp chops and the yiayia vegetables, which were some kind of magical green beans with onions and a tomato background. Not sure if that is the standard or if the veggies change, but either way, yum. They do happy hour between 3 and 6 each day - 2 for 1 drinks at the bar, not a bad deal. Go, enjoy.
(5)
Tina S.
Taverna Opa was amazing. The food and atmosphere was far better than the reviews. Worth the time and money to enjoy.
(5)
Jessica S.
The food was great! Healthy, fresh, and very tasty from appetizers all the way through dessert. The service was excellent, too. Even the kids enjoyed their meals - it was nice to have so many good choices on the menu and varying portion sizes, so we did not order the typical chicken fingers or burger. We will definitely return.
(5)
Edward H.
Most reviews were positive so we decided to try it out on our last night in Florida. We ordered my daughter the $9.00 plate of Mac and Cheese. We didn't bother to ask about preparation of it because for $9.00 it would seem that it would have to be made fresh. The first item to come out was the bread and hummus which were very good. Then came the child's plate. It was a bowl of Kraft Mac and Cheese, no presentation, no sides, just $8.65 of profit. This item really tainted my opinion of the rest of the meal. If this restaurant was willing to sell boxed convenience food for $9.00 what could be said about the quality of the rest of the meal? The adult entrees were fine but the rip off that was the child's menu left me sorely disappointed. We also read that the belly dancer was supposed to start at 7 PM, yet when we left at 7:30 she was still sitting at the bar flirting with a few of the staff of the restaurant. We did bring up our displeasure about the kid's plate to the manager that went table to table asking about the experience of the restaurant. He seemed apathetic at best about our concerns. I would not recommend for a family experience, maybe later in the night as a couple but I was very disappointed.
(2)
Darcy G.
This was quite the experience. Belly dancers. Napkins being thrown everywhere. People dancing on tables. We had a lot of fun.... and the food was pretty good too. They make hummus tableside and have a flaming cheese appetizer. For dinner, I tried the chicken kabob which was excellent. This is a perfect restaurant for a celebration or birthday!
(4)
A V.
Had a great time, good food with huge quantities. We went in a large group, but had preferred seating (which I recommend calling ahead for). The wait staff provided excellent service. Be prepared for a very loud atmosphere.
(4)
Charlie G.
Won't go here again. Ever. Pi$$ poor gyro platter for $15.00. Greasy meat, stiff-as-a-board pita. The tzaziki was kinda like mayo. Bad dance music playing way too too loud. I thought the pre-teens dancing on their families' tables was bad. Then the dads got up on the tables to dance with their budding little 10 & 12 year-olds. A little creepy. Oh, and the floor was covered in paper napkins. What's with that? Does that make it 'fun'? Maybe I just needed to do some serious boozing before hand. Not my kind of place, and neither is Disney.
(1)
Ann C.
Had a fantastic time here recently. If you go, I suggest you arrange a sizeable party of fun friends (we had a table of ten) and be aware they will put a 20% gratuity on the bill, which is standard. We all ordered the Aphrodite family-style menu, so we had platters and platters of hot and cold appis, meats and vegetables, coming to our table. The entertainment is fun also, though you will be a bit shocked at the waste of paper napkins being festivaly strewn around like confetti, if you are in any way green-tended. Speaking of greens, wish there were more green beans among the meats, but that's a personal preference. Take your camera. You'll want photos of your boyfriend dancing on the table with the belly dancer. Trust me. :)
(4)
Heide E.
Belly dancers, napkins and Greek food. That pretty much sums it up. They have a large food and drink menu. They also have vegetarian choices if you aren't up for the delicious choices of meat they have. They play techno and authentic Greek music while you eat, watch the dances dance and the servers throw napkins. They also encourage you to participate in the fun and get a little crazy. If your looking for a quite little family owned Greek restaurant this isn't the place. BUT the food is Greek and good! The restaurant is located in a great area surrounded by a movie theater and shopping. You can park in the parking garage, which is attached to the shopping and restaurants. Get your parking ticket validated so you don't have to pay to park.
(3)
Nicole L.
Great place, good food, and the dancer...the music...really fun night! We will definitely come back again.
(4)
Annabelle N.
If I lived in Orlando, I'd make this one of my regulars, perfect for a night out on the town. My family and I stumbled upon it while on vacation, you can see the sign from International Drive, but the restaurant itself is up some stairs and kind of tucked around the corner. We came in on a Friday night and were quite happy to find that there was no wait at all (we had already tried a few other places that had LONG waits) but there were still a good amount of very lively people. The first thing I noticed when we entered was, of course, the belly dancer, and napkins strewn all over the floor. I found out later it wasn't just a messy place, the wait staff actually took to throwing the napkins up in the air for the belly dancer. The DJ was fantastic, with a great mix of Greek music along with other things (like a Shakira song!) over a dance beat to encourage the belly dancer and dinner-goers to actually get up on their tables and perform. There was even one Greek line dance that the whole restaurant got up and participated in! Now I must say, the music was a little loud if you wanted to carry on deep conversation, but you could talk without yelling, and we mostly had fun just observing the goings-on. As far as the food goes, I was a little disappointed by the drink (alcoholic) selection, but i did find something that I was at least content with, the Eros Martini. The also brought out to the table right away some fantastic homemade hummus-like dip and pita bread. The chickpeas were actually still whole, and the dip came in a little mortar/pestle dish where you mashed it yourself...very garlicky, but super delicious. As a appetizer we ordered the saganaki (flaming cheese), which never fails to disappoint. We had six people in our party, and we managed to eat really well ordering only 3 entrees, a salad, and a kids meal for my nephew. So even though the entrees themselves were a little pricier, it was plenty for us to share. No room for dessert, which was a shame. Overall, this restaurant was a blast, with delicious food and a fun, friendly atmosphere and I would highly recommend it!
(5)
David H.
I probably wouldn't go back here although the food wasn't too bad. This place is mostly known for their belly dancers...they walk around and entertain/annoy you during dinner. It's right in the middle of the tourist district of Orlando. I try to avoid this area as much as I can. Parking is kind of annoying since it's deck parking unless you want to risk parking in another restaurant's lot like I did. Actually it's not that risky...just do it.
(3)
austin d.
I am a huge huge fan of Greek food and when I found this place was in walking distance from where I was staying, I tried it out. The owner was nice and sat me by the bar. Ended up knowing the table next to me and put our tables together. All three of us were thoroughly impressed. Our waiter was unbelievably cool and took shots of ouzo with us. A card magician came up and showed us the COOLEST tricks I've ever seen (including levitating my card). As everyone else on here said, they have belly dancing, throwing napkins, etc. There was a 67 year old woman having her birthday party next to us, and she got on the table and danced her ass off. Hip music, great great environment. And the food. Ok I mentioned I went at night. But I also went back the next day for early dinner! Its that good. The lamb tenderloin kababs are out of this world. So tender its like they ran over them a few times with a truck. Unbelievable. Had the lamp chops too, delish! Some of the best dolmathes I've ever had and their desserts are excellent, although a little bit rich and too sweet. I recommend those lamp tenderloin, ouzo, Mythos beer and dancing your ass off. 5 stars.
(5)
Joseph M.
Goddamn horrible. Normally I find something to love in everything. This of not the case. Two very expensive bottles of wine and the most wretched service ever culminate in an entirely inedible $38 porterhouse. My friends, spend your stupid tourist dollars elsewhere!
(1)
Michael C.
This place is insane. Walk inside and you'll come into giant dining parties, belly dancing, greek music and more dancing. Taverna Opa is a smallish Greek restaurant located down on Pointe Orlando, nearby the local Hooter's and B.B. King's. The food is pretty decent with a mix of Greek specialities and American type food. While anything on the menu is alright, I'd go with the Greek because let's face it, I am a fan of Greek food. If my first paragraph didn't make it clear enough, Taverna Opa is not a relaxing, laid-back dining experience. It's best to go with large groups to oogle the belly dancing and it's even better if you go on Tuesday's.
(4)
Bill F.
Only went here for lunch and everyone was friendly. Food was okay for a tourist trap. However, I usually go to Tarpon Springs for great greek food and this food is so so. I hear they throw napkins and dance on the tables at night. If you're looking to be entertained and eat okay food. Try it. You might like it.
(3)
Angela B.
I been there at night when the music, belly dancers and fun begin. It was a blast. Everyone was having a great time. Great atmosphere and great drinks. I went there for Happy Hour next time and the appetizers were awesome and very reasonable. I highly recommend this place for any occassion. Great for a birthday get together. Not to forget the service is great too, friendly employees. I just found my weekly hangout.
(5)
Justin W.
Very fresh Greek food in a beautiful new spot on I Drive!
(5)
Darlene G.
We brought a party of ten and had the Zeus special. It is a sampling of various Greek foods including meat & seafood! The entertainment is belly dancers that visit the table and enlisted people to join!! Lots of fun however very loud if trying to have any type of conversation.
(4)
Kelly R.
Do not go here unless you've already had A LOT to drink. I had a group of seven and knew it would be hard to find a restaurant on a Saturday night but the concierge at my hotel called over and Taverna Opa said they could seat us at 8:30. We arrived right at 8:30 and were told our table would be ready in 10 mins. Ten mins later I asked if they were ready for us and was told we didn't actually have a reservation just priority on the wait list but that they were clearing a bunch of tables and to sit tight. FORTY-FIVE minutes later they finally sat us--at a table for six for a party of seven. We stood around the table and several minutes later they finally came back with a seventh chair and squeezed it in. The music at that point was so loud that the server could not hear us to take our cocktail order! That out us over the edge. The noise, the laminated menu, the dirty table (dancing on the tables is a thing at this place), and the belly dancer hovering around the table looking for tips equal low class. We got up and left despite the 45 minute wait after our reservation time. We went downstairs to Tommy Bahamas and had a great meal! Skip the hassles we went through and just go to Tommy Bahama from the get-go.
(1)
Mike S.
We went here when my parents were in town. It is good to go and share appetizers and meals so that you get to try a little of everything. We heard that this place gets loud at night but were there before the "entertainment". The lamb wrapped in parchment paper was soooo good and tender. That and the hummus were excellent. If you like a quiter meal, just go earlier in the evening.
(5)
Cameron S.
Really loud and noisy. Waitress brought the wrong dish out to me and I had to wait another 20 min to get my food. So I had to eat my food by myself. You would think they would have comped something but no it was full price on everything. Food quality was mediocre. Definitely overpriced tourist food.
(1)
Brian C.
Lots of fun. Family atmosphere. The lamb shoulder was very good. Not a quiet place...belly dancers, customer participation, dancing on tables. Opa!
(4)
Philip Y.
Great food, good services, and wonderful live entertainment while dining.
(5)
Theresa K.
Love the traditional greek food here. The entertainment is really the best thing about this place, the belly dancer, the napkin-throwing, the music, and the patrons dancing on the tables. This is not just dinner it is a party! It is a little bit loud. I have been to this restaurant every time I come to Orlando. I have recommended it to friends and they all come back and tell me how much they enjoyed it.
(5)
Rick S.
Very lively. The portions are very generous and quality is very good. Great place to have fun. Food cooked very well and tender. If you have 4 or more in your party, I would recommend getting the platter that has a little of everythiing. After the appetizers which you may think are the main dinner, you will be full, so don't think it is the main meal. The main meal is even bigger. You can take the leftovers home which is still quite a lot. Waitresses are fun. Most of the action is inside-very noisy with all the music and action. Nice Greek dancing, very upbeat, and usually 2 belly dancers. If you want something more quiet, request outside. You can still hear what's going on. A must for local and out of towners.
(5)
Ryan M.
Opa was a great place to go!! Food was great, service was great, and the entertainment was perfect. Once we ordered food it came out rather quickly which was great for us since we had a 5 and 3 year old with us. They enjoyed the chicken and shrimp kabobs a lot. We got about 4 of the hot appetizers and 2 kabobs and it was a little too much food. Belly Dancer starts at 7, and it was probably the best one I have seen. You can dance on the tables, which my kids loved. Only complaint is I put my reservation in online, and they never got it. It was 6:30 so it wasnt an issue, but just be aware. They say it happens often, so I would call.
(5)
Bullwinkle R.
Great food and a fun place to party loud. They had a belly-dancer and encouraged dancing on the tables. Not recommended if you want to talk or dislike massive bench/group seating.
(3)
valentin p.
The food was delicious. The atmosphere and service were great. I was with a group of five people and ordered their group special which included appetizers, a seafood platter, and a meat platter. It was a lot of delicious food. Had a great time dancing on the table while great music was playing
(5)
Clo C.
ok ok I am a lover of there Lemon potatoes,I beleive its the best I've had so far. this place is great, I had there pastitsio its ground beef, cinnamon with macaroni pasta w/ bechamel sauce and its baked ,was nice and tasty. there hummus they bring out first, you yourself smash it to your liking there's a little pounder that come's with the chickpeas which is coated in olive oil was so good I ate everything in front of me, I'm definitely going back when I have another Orlando layover, I wanna watch the bellydance show next time,
(4)
Kara L.
This was probably my favorite place by far for food and entertainment! Way to loud for a place to go if you are meeting someone to chat but well worth the noise! There is a live DJ and the dancers are amazing movers/dancers, the napkins they throw everywhere is awesome, and the way they all encourage you to get up on your table or on the floor to dance and yell OPA. You do shots from standing on your chair and the servers are very attentive, fast with everything. Great food as well if you like authentic Greek food.
(5)
Meredith F.
I was asked to plan a dinner for 15 of my engineers who were all in town for a wastewater conference. Yep - that's right - a wastewater conference. I was looking for a place that would have some atmosphere to hopefully pull a few of the more introverted out of their shell and Taverna Opa was recommended. I've never had so much fun at a work function. Not only was the food delicious (and they catered to several dietary restrictions) but the atmosphere was great! I was slightly mortified when the belly dancer came out - figured my reputation for planning dinners was on the line - but by the time she had picked three of the most introverted people in our group and got them to stand on the table and dance I was relaxing.... mostly because my boss was laughing. I didn't even care when they pulled me up on the table with them. Granted there are some pictures from that night being held as blackmail, but i'd return to Taverna Opa in a second. Any place that can get introverts to shake their booty on the table is worth it!
(5)
Christine H.
Fantastic meal, fantastic service, fantastic atmosphere. I went here with my mom, gram, and great aunt. We all loved it. Fresh hummus that you mash yourself to start things off. Then spanikopita and lamb kebobs. Top it off with Taverna Opa's signature dessert. Did I mention the belly dancer onthe tables and the waiter pulling my mom and I up to dance around the room? We went back a second time and certainly weren't disappointed!!
(5)
Sherryl S.
The food is amazing and i love this place, it is very hyped up but just have some fun and enjoy it, the food is so good i could go go back every week.
(4)
Nathan G.
Most of the selection is pretty good. the lamb was especially delicious. Belly dancers were scary...
(3)
Betsy M.
Came for the food. Yikes! Not Greek to me. Tasted just okay, til I found a foreign object in my meal. Never again.
(1)
Tina L.
I would love to be able to write this review and have it be a good one but being as I didn't even get to eat the wonderful food I heard about I cannot. For my birthday my friend said I should go to Taverna Opa. She went for her birthday and she had an amazing time. The restaurant doesn't do reservations on the weekend but does priority seating. So we had it set for 10 people to arrive at 7:00 pm. We waited and waited and waited. We were told another half hour, another half hour, another half hour. Finally after 2 hours of waiting and watching countless other people who arrived after we did go in, I went to talk to them and they just didn't care that my party had been waiting for 2 hours. So we left and went to the Hooters next door and had an awesome time and saved alot of money from the MUCH cheaper dinner.
(1)
Mariya Y.
This is the best alternative to touristy grease food, offered on the rest of Orlando's International Drive. Opa's friendly service, fun atmosphere, and melt-in-your-mouth lamb was a savior! Four out of five members of our party ordered lamb dishes, and all were amazing. The lamb fell right off the bone (and your fork), as it was so tender and moist. The lemon potatoes (which come with some of the lamb dishes) were incredible-very flavorful. The fifth person got salmon with veggies and potatoes-which again was a successful choice. We also had Greek white wine, based on the server's suggestion (don't recall the name)-light, crisp and refreshing. Once we were finished licking our plates clean, the waiter pulled us inside for traditional Greek dancing. So much fun!
(5)
Tiffany T.
I am forced to central Florida each year because I love my grandparents. I think of it as an endless strip mall. This place blew my expectations out of the water. The staff seem to just be on cloud nine because they work there. Our waiter was bragging that his wife was one of the belly dancers and how wonderful it was that they get to be together and have so much fun. The food was fantastic. I had ordered rare lamb chops and I think they are the best I have had. The meat was marinated in lemon and herbs for 36 hours and it was actually rare like I ordered and the portions were huge and the price was reasonable. LOVED it! The hummus served with a mortar and pestal was fantastic. The baklava was excellent. We liked it so much we went back for New Years and it was the perfect alternative to a club. Everyone, including staff, dance on tables and around the restaurant. The have really good belly dancers who dance with fire and give lessons to anyone who seems interested. The staff make it fun because they are having fun themselves. I am fickle to the n-th degree and this place was just fantastic on every level.
(5)
This restaurant is on International Drive, at the Pointe Orlando entertainment and shopping centre. It is a Greek restaurant, with an emphasis on fun and a party atmosphere! There are belly dancers, and even fire eating! In the evening there was a DJ with music, although quite loud! Many of the visitors joined in with the partying, and everyone had a really great time! They throw napkins up in the air all the time - it is really fun! The food is really good - featuring known and less well known Greek Dishes - the entrees were quite reasonably priced too. I think at lunch there is a more relaxed atmosphere. They accept reservations.
(4)
Kas T.
where else can you dance on the table top and get dinner at the same time? come here for a fun time! they validate parking too.
(4)
Joy G.
The food was good, but the volume inside this restaurant makes it IMPOSSIBLE to have any sort of dinner conversation. Probably won't return as a result.
(3)
Kindred P.
This Greek restaurant gives Greeks a bad name.This is not a true Greek restaurant and there is nothing authentic about it. While eating my soup I found some type of yellow paper with in my soup. Told the waiter about this object within my food. Only to have him whisk it away and come back later asking me if I would a another bowl or just have it taken off the check. I asked him what was that in my soup he simply said it was paper and his manager is looking into the issue. I thought to myself great the manager will be out soon to give me apology for this mess up...Needless to say the manager never showed his face. So I ordered the Lemon Chicken dish paired with Lemon Potatoes & House String Beans, and my boyfriend ordered the slow roasted Lamb Shanks. Both were horrible the chicken was dryer than a piece of toast there was no lemon taste to the chicken at all. The Lamb was extra dry reminded him of a over cooked piece of steak. The string beans weren't fresh at all I'm pretty sure they got them out of a can and added some type of tomato sauce to it for color. The lemon potatoes where hard as a rock. And to top everything off the temperature of food wasn't even hot !!!! I don't think I have ever paid that much for food and still be disappointed with the Food & Service. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY WITH THIS PLACE!!
(1)
Lori G.
First off, you better be full of energy to dare enter Taverna Opa, for a nice relaxing dining experience you will not find here. I went without really knowing what I was in for. The restaurant itself has some tasty Greek food, my favorite of which being the cheese set on fire for a unique appetizer. Each table is outfitted with bread and hummus and its hard not to come away with a happy stomach with the meaty main courses. This is just one aspect of the restaurant however, the focal point more so lies with the dancing. Belly dancers float around the restaurant, loud music entertains, and patrons are invited to join the end of the train of people that winds through the tables as everyone gets some of the action. But just wait until you are done eating and your table cleared, that's when the real fun starts. You're then encouraged to climb on top of your heavy wood table for some table dancing... yup with a full stomach in front of an audience of diners. This was not my cup of tea. call me a prude but it just didn't seem fun, too exhibitionist like. I was the only one who felt this way though as my fellow table mates hopped on and got into it. This is a great place for families and friends alike, so if you are in the area check out the Greek culture in a unique way.
(3)
Melinda C.
Close to the convention center (OCCC), this Greek place is something special. Ok, I was a little put off by the belly dancer with candles on a tray perched precariously on her head, while she danced over the thousands of flammable napkins, but nothing happened. This place was a total surprise, I wasn't expecting the food to be awesome. I thought they had a host in the corner, but no, he's the DJ spinner, and they have random acts that walk around including a card master (I can't remember what he called himself), but he was an awesome playing card manipulator trickster. Ok onto the food: great grilled octopus with a moist texture and lemon flavor; amazing quality feta with mouth watering olive oil appetizer; hummus made at your table - I still can't figure out what makes it so incredible, maybe it's roasted garlic, I'd eat it with a spoon if the rest of the table would let me; and best spanikopita that I've had ever, hands down. The tzatziki was way too heavy on the garlic, and I've heard amazing things about their lamb chops, but I'm not really into those. Not bad on wait times, either. Never had to wait more than a few minutes. Great wine selection - can't remember/pronounce the name of the bottle we got, but it was $44 and delicious. Hope my company covers that one ;)
(5)
Laura C.
My family visited this restaurant while vacationing in Orlando. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed our meals. We were however, feeling a bit jipped with the waitress told us the belly dancers would also be coming outside (where we were seated) to dance. But they never did. So we watched jealously as everyone else inside threw napkins in the air and danced along with the professionals.
(4)
David S.
Was invited by friends and could not talk to them all evening due to the jncredible noise level and frequent interruptions by admittedly attractive belly dancers jumping on the table and dancing while we were all showered with what seemed to be toilet paper. The food was relatively tasteless and the sangria tasted like watered down Kool- Aid.if any of this appeals to you, then you should go.
(1)
Rahul J.
The food was aweful. Mussels app - coated with this salty tomato sauce..worst mussels I've had Shrimp entree on rice - THE SAME salty tomato sauce. Stuffed Peppers - You guessed it...the SAME SAUCE! WTF? and this place is not cheap. Mojito was weak. The best part of the meal was the free pita and fresh hummus served in a motar pistle. This place is known for dance music played loudly by a DJ, table dancing and the belly dancer. If you had to come for a drink and the fresh hummus app.
(2)
Leah N.
We went for my mom's birthday so it was a big group of people. It was really loud so we couldn't really talk. Food was just okay. The only thing I really remember is the hummus, which you mash yourself with mortar and pestle. The dancing is a fun aspect to the experience.
(2)
Scarlet S.
Completely forgot to write a review until my friend invited me to go recently. Now the bad taste in my mouth is coming back... (no pun intended) I went with a group, we made reservation. Checked-in on time. Waited for TWO hours beyond our reservation time until we were seated. After we were seated, hostess told us there's a $50 minimum we have to spend, per person. Why did they not mention this over the phone when we made the reservation or while we were waiting for two hours? Wrote a complaint to the restaurant, never heard back. Also, the food came with a side of dirty belly dancers feet, and flying paper napkins. Personally, I prefer a side salad, but it's your choice. And I went temporarily deaf.
(1)
Kevin Charles M.
This place is so much fun! This was my second time at this wonderful dining experience. It is one of my favorite places to go when I want good Greek Food, and an awesome party night! The only way that I can think of to describe this place would be restaurant, turned into a belly dancing, dancing on tables, with napkins flying every where! Food is good. Service is good, but VERY slow.... That is the only reason why it didn't get five stars, otherwise it would have! Keep in mind that on Fridays and Saturdays they do have a $25 minimum tab for EACH guest. This place is pretty popular, so I'm sure that they need to have this limit in place. They will validate your parking. Definitely a place to go if you are on vacation, or are a local. You will have a great time!
(4)
Randy N.
Surpising and Fun! This is a great place to visit with a group. Lots going on and the atmosphere is electric. Our waiter was excellent, went out of his way to ensure we were satisfied. The belly dancer was cute, engaging and made everyone (especially the ladies) smile and dance . The hummus was amazing as was the "flaming cheese". OPA! Watch for flying napkins! Plenty to choose from on the menu and the food was good. If you are in the area, check it out.
(4)
Pradeep G.
Nice food..excellent atmosphere...great service...Got to dance a bit...and got the belly dancer to dance as well...high energy levels.... Lamb was amazing...so was d sea bass...clean flavors..cooked to perfection...the meat jus was melting in my mouth... Obviously....d best self made hummus and the flaming cheese... Overall great experience...Will go again if I am in Orlando...
(5)
Stephanie R.
This place is INCREDIBLE. Their housemade hummus is SO delicious! I had falafel, lemon potatoes, and spanakopita and it was to die for. The food was so delicious and the environment was SO fun. It's definitely a place to go to with a group. There's belly dancers on tables and loud pop/Greek music remixes. It is awesome!
(5)
Cody A.
First time eating at a Greek restaurant. Very upbeat and lively atmosphere. We had a group of 4 and had the family style dinner. We left some of every course (5 total) behind and we were all stuffed. Everything had a very good taste and if you like meat I highly recommend. If you don't mind napkins everywhere, belly dancers, or people having fun in general this is your place.
Such a great experience!! Felt like I was studying abroad back in Europe again. Amazing food (the hummus is INCREDIBLE) and super fun environment with loud music, dancing on tables, and belly dancers. Definitely check this out!!!
(5)
Nhu N.
Came here for a birthday dinner. We had a large table so the service was a little slow. Only 1 server for a table of 20, but it wasn't to bad. The have fresh hummus which was delicious. You have to grind the beans yourself in a mortar so it's very fresh. For dinner we ordered Calamari for an appetizer. The amount of calamari you got was a log and it was pretty good. Only think that was lacking was a sauce. There was none. I ordered the lamb chops which came with potatoes and green beans. Lamb chops were well seasoned and moist. The thing that makes this restaurant different than other Greek restaurants is it's atmosphere. They have a belly dancer that walks around and dances around the tables. Also on top of the tables. She will get your guests and yourself to dance with her. It's a lot of fun. If you're looking for a fun filled event with great food than this place will be great. If you want a nice romantic, quiet dinner then skip Opa.
(4)
Edward W.
Opa is a party that serves food. Mediocre food, but a great party. Expect LOUD music. Disco dance floor loud. You can barely communicate with your dining companions. Meh food. The dishes are 3 stars at best. Sangria is expensive and watered down. Service is good enough. Don't bring someone here on a first date. If you want to have a good time with your friends, including Pontic-style dancing with a belly dancer and Americanized-whatever-dancing on top of the tables with people you may not even know, then this is your place. Shots are poured for the revellers as they gyrate and "Opa", leading into an alcohol induced good time, if that's what you're looking for. Fend off the photographer trying to make you buy her 5x7s and key chains with you cheerfully opa-ing on it: thirty something dollars. And you can't put the charge on your restaurant bill. She's an independent (Greek) contractor. So go forewarned. If a party's what you want, you're sure to get it. If you want a great meal, search elsewhere here on Yelp! There's tons of 4+ star food places within walking distance.
(3)
Ric B.
This place was awesome. The best steak I have ever had. This is a must go ...great atmosphere and excellent food.
(5)
Kathy U.
The food was very good. Flaming cheese is a must. Shots come with a flaming bottle. Dancing on tables is welcomed. A party atmosphere. Perfect for a birthday party. Not good if you want to talk. Music is really , really loud
(4)
Charles S.
Greek food in a loud festive atmosphere. Try to get seated in the main room to see all the action. This place is a better time when it's busy. The service started questionably having to wait a noticeable time before a waiter introduced himself, but was superior from that point on. They validate for Pointe Orlando if you ask. Beware of the photographer who takes family pics only to gauge you on the price.
(4)
John L.
Who cannot enjoy themselves at Opa's??? Food is good, not great BUT ambiance and attitude is all *****. Go to eat but go more simply to have FUN. It's hard not to.
(4)
Krystle S.
Fun, loud, and filling - Opa is definitely a decent find along International Drive. We ordered the hot mezze platter and the grouper plaki from our outdoor seats and found the portions to be fair, but heavier and greasier than I expected from the descriptions. The music, especially during the live entertainment portion, blasts through the shopping center and makes it hard to talk at times but it made for a fun atmosphere, especially for those inside. At one point the indoor patrons all started a festive line of dancing around the restaurant, giving those eating outside a glimpse at the crazy fun going on inside. With entrees costing at least $20 each I found the quality to fall a bit short, with the mezze platter especially, but the service and grind your own "hummus" we're nice touches in chain-ridden Orlando. I think 2 dishes with a few beers could probably leave 3 people feeling satisfied but not stuffed. As they tell you upon being seated sharing is definitely encouraged if you're up for it. I'd argue that it's crucial but I also just love variety. The grouper was pretty good - a firm, white fish accompanied by tasty tomatoes, garlic and onions. The rice and spinach that came on the side was appreciated but too greasy for my taste. Maybe it's my CA bias preferring my sides to be prepared with minimal oil. The mezze platter offered a nice sampling but I didn't find anything to be overwhelmingly tasty. The ribs were aggressively grilled and oily but had that lamb taste I like. The meatballs were alright, as we're the wings, the spanikopita was really greasy but at least looked homemade, and the calimari was sadly fried instead of grilled like I had hoped (I should have asked before ordering). In this case I think it was our mistake to order the hot mezze platter - maybe a kebab plate would have left a better taste in my mouth and garnered 4 stars but this visit earned 3.
(3)
Michael K.
First time here and loved it. Although a bit pricy, great food and ambiance. Left with a to go bag.
(5)
Alan H.
This food if the real deal. Hummus was so fresh and the best I've ever had. Greek salad was on point with fresh whole feta. We got the slow cooked lamb. I make this dish at home and my family said mine is better but I'm not so sure. It was very tender with garlic and rosemary. A good side was the homemade tzaziki sauce. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
John W.
Food is pretty good, lots of vegetarian options. Not really a place for kids - the kids menu doesn't really exist and it's super loud. People dance on the tables and did I mention that it's loud? It's really loud!
(3)
Elizabeth N.
First of all do not go to this restaurant for a quiet romantic date, a business meeting, or somewhere to have a conversation. This place is LOUD! It was so loud that we had to repeat our order to the server several times. At times this becomes a little annoying. I am not sure why there is a photographer coming around to take your picture. It felt a little awkward. After we had our picture taken our server brought out the hummus. This is made at the table and is delicious! We ordered an appetizer something with potatoes. It was very good. For dinner I had a gyro. It was pretty good. My only complaint and it really didn't annoy me too much was the noise. At times it did get to be a bit much. They had a belly dancer who was rotating around and dancing on tables. This slowed down the service a bit. I will be back though.
(4)
Melissa W.
Very disappointed, the service is pushy, no free refills. When asked for a second complimentary hummus for a table of 7, we were charged for it and in the end the quality of food is nothing to write home about.
(2)
John S.
They did not honor our reservation. They did not wash the tables after having people dance on them. I'm surprised the health department hasn't shut them down. Once we were finally seated (30 minutes after our reservation time) We waited for over an hour and a half and they never brought our food out. Finally we gave up. We wound up paying for our drinks and leaving. I would have been able to deal with the loud trashy music if not for all of the other shinanigans. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this garbage establishment.
(1)
The Yelp-inator W.
Wow!!! What an experience. I highly recommend this place...some of the best Greek food I have ever tried. This is a family run establishment right in the heart of the tourist area. This is real deal Greek food done right,,,A nice menu with lots of options (seafood, lamb, chicken, beef, vegetarian) Go around 7pm so you can see the belly dancer. I liked the homemade humas you mash at your table wit the fresh pita bread... Get the saganaki...flaming cheese....freaking awesome!!! other dished we tried include: Falafel was excellent Chicken artichoke excellent Kleftiko...lamb dish - good Pastitsio....fairly good. baklava - very good they have a signature dessert (did not get the name but it is excellent)
(5)
Stacee D.
It's definitely more than a meal, it's an experience. Music pumping, napkins being thrown everywhere, belly dancers galore. Come here to have a good time, get delicious food and great service! Our waiter was top of the line, on the ball with everything! Our son had a great time, he's two. It is a little loud, but it's a party! We had crispy zucchini, scallops, and Chilean sea bass- all were delish. They give you complimentary hummus, and it is soooo good! My only complaint- the lemon potatoes. It's one potatoe sliced into thirds and grilled- it's okay, but $5? Try their signature dessert- it is so unique, light and airy custard on the top and rich honey and phyllo on the bottom. A unique dining experience for sure!
(5)
Makena K.
Extremely rude managers and ditzy wait staff. As for the food, my party got up and left before we could order due to the disrespect experienced from the manager. I WILL NOT come to this place.
(1)
Travis L.
One of the best atmosphere's I have ever seen at a restaurant. We went on Saturday night and it was packed. They made it seem the only way you could eat was outside, at the bar or have made a reservation so we ate at a side table by the bar and that worked out perfect. The place is decently priced for the quality of the food. The DJ cranks loud music so if you are looking for a place were you can have a conversation this isn't it. I had the gyro and it was awesome and a lot bigger serving than I expected. For $15 I'd certainly order it again. Between the dancers, the napkins flying and the music this is a can't miss place. I highly recommend going even if you just get a couple drinks to take it all in.
(4)
Ally B.
Very good reasonably priced would be a great place for apps and drinks. Nice outside dining area
(3)
Lillian P.
I was really disappointed here overall. We got seated fast but the waiter took forever to come nearby. We ordered drinks....15 minutes later another waiter stopped by and took our drnk order again. Finally after 5 more minutes the first waiter arrived. We felt ignored majority of the time. We ordered hummus and the flaming cheese. When the cheese came the flames went out immediately after it was lit and tasted heavily of brandy. After awhile we noticed someone else got one and theirs was on fire for awhile. So I am unsure why they just didn't relight our then. I had salmon which was good, the veggies were cold. My fiancee asked about the Pastitsio and was told it was homemade so he decided to order. It was obviously microwaved because the middle was red hot and random ice cold spots were all throughout. Overall I just felt service and food was lacking.
(1)
Emily B.
This place is very fun to go with a group of friends. The food is great but a bit on the pricey side and the music is super loud for a restaurant but if you're looking to celebrate a birthday or an event, this would be a great place!
(5)
Raina S.
Taverna Opa is more of an experience than it is a restaurant. The music is way too loud, but the food is good enough to put up with the noise. We came here for a pretty early dinner, but the place was already booming. People were dancing on tables and servers were throwing napkins everywhere. Later, a belly dancer came out, and people were jumping out of their seats to join in. Our server started us out with some freshly-made hummus and pita triangles. The hummus was good but the pitas were dry. I was very impressed to see horta (a somewhat bitter green that's steamed and served with olive oil and lemon) on the menu. Horta is very rare on West Coast Greek menus, but this place had it, so I ordered some. It was a little overcooked, but still good. We also ordered tzatziki, saganaki (flaming fried cheese) and grilled octopus. The octopus was perhaps the most expertly prepared I've ever had: soft and not a bit tough. Delicious! After a couple of glasses of retsina, I would have considered joined the table dancers, but I couldn't stop eating all the yummy food!
(4)
Debra P.
Great food, service and fun!!!! Come for a fun night and excellent Greek food!!! The gyro and tsaziki were so good!!! You don't want to miss this place when you are visiting Orlando and it's fun for all ages! Our 5 year old daughter loved the napkin throwing, music and belly dancer...she keeps asking when we are going back so she can dance again!!
(5)
Cindi J.
Taverna Opa was Crazy! High party atmosphere but G-rated. The belly dancers are a fun--Think Disney princess not Hooters. If your kids are screamers no one will notice. If they are shy, this may not be the place for them. There is a lot of excitement and very, very loud. You won't be able to talk at all. We ordered the family style meal. Plenty of food, very tasty and very good presentation. Who can't love Mediterranean food? One of our guests had a seafood allergy and they made a good attempt to keep the food separated.
(4)
Zac H.
Dance on solid wooden tables while napkins rain from the sky! Taverna OPA is like no other. Great food, music, drinks, belly dancers and one incredible atmosphere!
(5)
Annie F.
I love I-drive, it's full of food, music and fun times. Taverna Opa has all three. Some of the locals may be dissuaded to coming here due to the fact it's on I-drive but I embrace it. How many places can you go on a weekday and feel like it's the weekend? One of the great things about living in Orlando is that, I have the ability to play "tourist" and then go back to my normal routine. Taverna Opa gives me that experience and I'm certain for anyone else who goes, they'll have a great time. Taverna Opa is a Greek restaurant highlighting food and entertainment. It's located on the second floor of Pointe Orlando, next to B.B. Kings Restaurant. Ample seating is available inside, it's great for groups and celebrating any occasion. I remember the last time I was here, I was celebrating my birthday. And yes, I did get on top of the table. It's been awhile since I had been back but I'm glad I went again. Upon entering, there's a massive tree in the middle with lights. Full bar on the left, the kitchen is straight ahead. It's definitely spacious inside. People are dancing, paper napkins are being thrown in the air, just fantastic atmosphere. (For those wondering about the paper napkins being thrown, it's been four times recycled.) They even have a belly dancers here. If all this entertainment isn't your thing, there is outdoor seating too. At Taverna Opa, they give you a wooden mortar and pestle where you mash your own hummus. The hummus here is more of a typical flavor. I prefer a heavier garlic flavor but it certainly was enjoyable with the warm pita bread. If chickpeas isn't your style, the Tzatziki appetizer is very good. It's a cool strained cucumber-dill yogurt served with pita bread. Ah, spanakopita, a definite favorite of mines. Classic spinach and feta pie in phyllo dough. The combination of spinach and feta cheese can't be beat. I also ate some of lamb chops. Absolutely delicious! It's succulent, flavorful, cooked perfectly and not to mention it's marinated for 36 hours. I highly recommend getting the lamb chops. The chicken kabobs is another good option. It's a tender chicken breast on stick with delicate subtle flavors. Great for those who want to enjoy the natural flavor of chicken. The chicken kabobs is served with the spinach rice. I do feel the name "spinach rice" is a bit misleading because as I ate the rice, I wasn't thinking "Boy, I really taste that spinach". Nonetheless, I thought the rice tasted great. During my meal, I had the Eros Martini. Very tasty, if I do say so myself. It's got Absolut raspberry vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime. The Pomegranate Martini had Pama liqueur, Absolut citron, a splash of cranberry juice and a splash of sour. Not bad but the Eros Martini was definitely tastier. There's a full bar here with lots of drink choices whether it's beer, wine, liquor, or specialty drinks. Last but not least, I had some baklava. I will admit, I'm not the biggest fan of baklava because often times, I find that it's too sweet for me. I really enjoyed the baklava here. It was sweet but not to the point where I could only have a few bites. The baklava had great balance between the spices and honey. Yum! Come for the lamb chops, you won't be disappointed. If you're wanting to go somewhere with some good eats and fun times, this is the place! OPA!
(4)
Kat in the House s.
No no no no no... I can thank a business associate who made this reservation for our group for the experience here. I don't even know where to start- My first tipoff that we were in for an interesting evening when a visual assessment of the gender makeup of the other patrons was about 90/10 male. At 7pm, the house lights went down and stayed down... Why? Because... The mood needed to be set for the belly dancers- wait who doesn't like belly dancers? But wait, during the belly dancing, the employees heave stacks and stacks and stacks of white cocktail napkins...napkins, napkins, and more napkins. The waste was/is absolutely unfathomable... And, when you factor in that napkins on the floor and the table top, are slippery... The risk manage to involved with witnessing this just pained me. The food was a step above a chain place... I had high hopes when we were handed a mortal and pestle to make our own hummus... After that, it went down hill. We couldn't converse with each other... The staff seemed overwhelmed with our party size and orders and bills were very confused. My thought is if you are looking for a place to host a bachelor party without the threat of having to paying for bottle service, do dine here!
(1)
Alyssa W.
came here for a light lunch during the off hour. the place was empty, but that was expected, since our concierge was on a roll, we decided the empty restaurant didnt matter. Our waiter seemed, tired? not very happy we walked in? not really sure, thats the reason for 4 stars. he did the basics, took our order brought our food, not personable at all, but who cares when the food is good, right? we ordered a combo place, two falaffels, chicken kabob and pastitsio (macaroni, cheese, and beef) every table gets pita bread and a mortor and pestle filled with garlice, olive oil and chick peas...mash your own hummus!! super fun and delicious. Love knowing that you are eating something fresh and there's no added bad stuff. when our food came it was great. literally the best falafell i've had in a while, the falafell was super fresh tasty and just damn good. even my dad who doesnt like falafell, said it was really good. I wanted to come back here to get one to go, but we didnt have time. From the pictures, it looks like this is a fun place to go at night!
(4)
Daisy D.
My husband was craving Greek food so when we were in the Orlando area with friends we tried to find a place that would satisfy his jones. Taverna Opa was not far from our hotel and I was rather familiar with the shopping area where it was located. I ordered the Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) from the traditional options. It was excellent. The pasta was cooked perfectly and while it was a lasagna, there was still a lightness to it. The portion was huge, so I was a little full after our appetizer and the warm pita they served. The place is one of many restaurants in the strip. It's definitely catering to the vacation crowd. The music is loud and the energy high. We sat outside and still had a hard time hearing conversations with one another. The only big problem with the area is the parking. Sometimes a little difficult to find and I'm not always in the mood to valet.
(3)
MJ J.
Amazing place. Our group eleven including kids were thrilled - exciting loud music, festive atmosphere, outstanding food and just a great fun environment. I read other reviews complaining about the intrusiveness of the vibe but they need to relax and chill out. Belly dancing, a party ambience. For sure we will be back when in town.
(5)
Shaye G.
What an experience! My friend recommended that we have dinner here one night in Orlando, and it was a fun evening! We started with their Hummus and Saganaki (cheese flamed table side). For my entree, I ordered their Chicken Artichoke which was delicious! Belly dancers entertained and encouraged patrons to get up and shake their groove thang. :)
(4)
Brad K.
Atmosphere was very nice. Food was average to above average. Prices were high compensating for the free live entertainment and the tons of paper napkins they throw overhead. But I would recommend and go back given the other dining on I-Drive
(3)
Kevin H.
It is a bit unfair for us to rate this "club". I've lived in Greece, eaten and had great fun at many many lively Greek restaurants. We were four, two of which are guys in their early twenties. We could not stay and eat. The noise level was unbelievable. Truly unbelievable. That said, the staff was quite polite and understanding.
(3)
Richard W.
The most fun and great food. They entertain you from the time you walk in until the time you leave. I'll be back!!
(5)
Tyler P.
Went there Sat night for a friend's birthday. Atmosphere was crazy. Loud music and people standing on the tables. Our party loved throwing napkins every where. The food was outstanding. I had the lamb shank which was cooked perfect. Things that brought it down to 4 were not being able to talk, napkins in my food, and it took 25 mins to get our bill.
(4)
Francis N.
As a first timer, I had a fun time at Taverna Opa. My relatives tell me that this place can make dance on your table, dance around, and even dance with the belly dancer! I was skeptical about this place being "authentic greek" as I've had amazing greek food in San Francisco (Kokkari Estiatorio if you're ever in the area, check it out!), but the food turned out great-especially the LAMB! My compliments to that chef that made that! The staff was really fun to be with-dancing, socializing, and throwing napkins everywhere like it was no ones business. Anyways, it was definitely a dinner experience I'll never forget!
(5)
Shannon B.
The food was really good, I had the marinated lamb chops. They were tasty but very small. The greens were interesting too. For an appetizer my group did the calamari which was done very well. If you are planning to have a conversation over dinner, this is not the place to go. I love the fun atmosphere but they need to dial it down a few notches. To talk you had to yell to be heard thus bringing the noise level up even higher. I had a headache when I left and my ears were ringing. It was difficult to enjoy the meal. Not cool.
(3)
K W.
So far best meal and time for dinner in Orlando! We got seafood platter, porterhouse, moussaka, saganaki, meat appetizer for 4 adults, 2 kids, 1 infant. Toocmuch food but was delicious so we finished. Was also entertained by belly dancer, group dancing, and flying paper! Fantastic time - a little pricey but comparable to all other restaurants in the area.
(5)
Sara W.
Delicious Greek food, belly dancers, and watching older gents getting their groove on on top of a table? Check, check, and triple check. Taverna Opa is such a fun experience and was definitely a highlight of a recent trip to Orlando. This restaurant is a chain, however just located in various cities throughout Florida. My family and I arrived around 7 o'clock, and at the perfect time, as the belly dancer was just about to start her grand opening act. The lights dimmed, the loud music started, and the napkins started flying! She seemed to make her way around the entire restaurant and stopped by our table about 10 minutes in. My mother and I could not compete with her perfected booty shakes and shimmies! If you're here with family, or a large group, be prepared to dance your heart out! Side note: This place would be ideal for a girls night out or Bachelorette party, ideally for those that list watching others make fools of themselves dancing as a favorite acitivity. I WISH there was a Taverna Opa located closer to me, but I guess this means I will have to make another trip, I cannot wait to go back, bust a move, and eat more of their delicious seafood & hummus!
(5)
Jeff B.
Nice casual atmosphere with good food. Quick and easy place to eat at. Friendly staff with good service. Recommended!
(4)
Carri B.
Although it can get pricey, Taverna Opa is worth it. I have been here several times and have yet to have anything that wasn't delicious. Among my recommendations would be the saganaki (flaming cheese you say, yes please!) the chicken kebabs and the spanakopita. Their hummus is also delicious and prepared at your table. What makes this place amazing though is the overall sense of fun it embodies. There are belly dancers prancing around, napkins are flung in the air and people routinely dance on tables. If you're looking for a place to eat yummy food and have a great time, just think OPA!
(4)
Isabelle G.
I love this place, I do. It's so much fun on Saturday nights. The staff is always very nice and encourages you to have a great time and let loose. I prefer ordering the smaller dishes, tapas style and just sharing everything among our table since I find personally that their main course dishes are too pricey and not as tasty as their smaller dishes. My favorite dishes to order is the hummus and the AMAZING saganaki. SOOO tasty, you wont regret ordering it! I encourage you to make reservations, it's the only way you'll get a table on a Saturday night! All the drinks are amazing, they have a great selection of martinis.
(5)
Luke S.
What a find! I went here for lunch with my wife and we were very impressed. The food was excellent Greek food. The portions were huge and our servers never neglected us. The free hummus was also a nice touch, with their fresh out of the oven wheat pitas! If Orlando wasn't 1,000 miles away this would be one of my regular spots!
(5)
Randall O.
Great service, great food, and great memories by Flash!!! Amazing time.... Plus belly dancer on the table!!!! Wow
(5)
John H.
Just ok. Food was ok. Service was meh. Water took a long time to be refilled. Most annoying part of the night was the "tourist attraction" "photographer" wanting to take our picture and then wanting 20 bucks for a 5x7 and 10 each for keychains. Beat it, we're trying to eat dinner jackwad. Again food was just ok. Most of the apps were poorly done. Salad was good. Meat on platter was good, oven potatoes were flavorless and underdone. Green beans we're tasty but way over cooked. At least we sat outside so we got to avoid the old-country dancing around in a circle. I guess it's a destination restaurant so if you want to dance around in a circle, have a belly-dancer on your table and have mediocre food...good luck. There are much better places in Orlando area. Try Tu Casa.
(2)
Niki M.
As a local, I can understand the pull of this place but don't think I will be returning. It is a fun place to eat and the food is decent, but it just wasn't that spectacular that I would choose to eat dinner here again. It seems very much like a tourist-y restaurant. We started with the hummus and pita (VERY GOOD!!!!), the calamari (also VERY GOOD), a Greek salad (good), and a spinach-quiche type appetizer (it was okay). We were impressed at this point, but unfortunately all four of the people at my table felt that their entrees (the red snapper, lamb shank, lamb chops, and chicken artichoke respectively) were just "okay". The appetizers we got were delicious and we all agreed the appetizers were much better than the entrees we chose. I could have eaten the hummus and pita all night and been happy! Entertainment wise, I think this would be a fun place to take children. As soon as we sat down we were showered with napkins as the waiter shouted "OPA!" There was a belly dancer entertaining the tables and at one point a giant 'conga line' of sorts started going around the room. A rather pushy lady came by our table and insisted we have a group photo taken, which we did not purchase at the end of the night. The belly dancer also would not take 'no' for an answer when she told me to get on the table and dance with her.. I at least made sure I got a picture with her and my mother on the table for my embarrassment. All in all, its a fun place to eat with okay food and is one of those "you gotta go once" type of restaurants.
(3)
Angelina A.
Food was a 2 but ambiance gets a 4. Wait staff is entertaining and it's nice and loud. Service was slow and not very attentive. Expect bar food.
(3)
Marlon T.
One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. I rarely give 5 stars to a place that isn't a upper class restaurant with waiters and such wearing suits and being extremely knowledgeable about the product. Our waiter was very accommodating and professional. He didn't need to write down our order (this is always impressive even though it was just 2 of us). He knew some good things to recommend and we felt comfortable. We ordered the Saganaki (flaming cheese dish), a bell pepper dish, and a lasagna-like dish (some traditional Greek cuisine). All were excellent and it was awesome watching the Saganaki get lit up by one of the servers. Then said opa pretty loud while it was burning. The drinks were good and the ambience of the joint was calming. It was spacious and suitable for large parties. They had some nice props inside like the fake grapes vines. I'm sure they get big families all the time and don't care if it gets loud. Too bad I wasn't there during the Belly Dancing. This place for sure deserves 5 stars.
(5)
Josh H.
I honestly wouldnt even give this restaurant 1 star but to write this review I need to give at least 1 star. Service and management at this restaurant are horrible. Came in with a huge party on Saturday night for a birthday party. We had a large group of 16 people. Reservations were made for 8. We all arrived early and checked in for our table. Granted it was a Saturday night and they were quite busy, however we ended up waiting over an hour for a reserved birthday party of 16 people. Once the table finally came available we all sat down and got ready to order. The waited came around to take everyone's order and I tried to order an appetizer because our reservations were for 8 and I normally eat hours before that so I decided to eat something earlier in the evening. Thank god I did. Apparently the rules at this restaurant on the weekends are you must order an entree for your meal. WTF kind of shit is this . I'm a grown man and I live in America. If I'm a paying customer at a restaurant. A good paying customer I might add because by this time Ive already ordered a bunch of drinks so its not about the $, its the point. How can you go into a restaurant, wait an hour for a reserved table, spend good $ on drinks then be told what you have to order. Thats complete bullshit. I addressed my concerns to the manager who was a complete ass after my wife told him we wouldn't be coming back. His exact words were "I was going to give you what you wanted but now that she said that a screw it". Great atmosphere but staff and management have no class. I could think of about a dozen other Greek restaurants in the Orlando area that are leaps and bounds over this place. Save your $ and go somewhere else.
(1)
Marcy C.
Be careful with reservations here. We specified a front room table for a special occasion. When we arrived we were told to wait 20 minutes past our reservation time and then stuck in the back room . I enjoyed this place in the past, but poorly run now.
(1)
Victor R.
Very good food. Awesome service Kleftiko Platter was fantastic. Calamari was delicious.
(5)
Paul T.
A nice spot that does have the look of a Greek taverna. Had dinner with 4 coworkers after a long day of meetings. All tables get a mortar and pestle to make your own hummus. Plenty of pita delivered to keep you eating. Sort of a Mediterranean chips-and-salsa! Shared a saganaki order which was good, but a little small for 5 real fans of flaming cheese (like me). Ordered pastitsio and found it good but maybe lacking a bit in the spice department. I expected a stronger tomato flavor with a bigger hint of cinnamon. No real complaint, but not a "wow!" reaction. Service was very good and typically Greek. Would have appreciated some traditional Greek music and dancing. There was live belly dancing, but not really a Greek performance. The place is loud as many have mentioned.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Validated Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Anne S.
This was only my second time at Opa. The first time was lame. very dull, quiet and tame. THIS TIME was awesome!!! It was like being at a Greek family party. Lots of laughing, dancing and tons of napkins being tossed in the air! Besides all the fun; the food is amazing! I had the roasted lamb O.... M..... G....... best Greek food ever! The hummus, the tzatziki.... wow... And I have been to Greek-town in Chicago... this was way better. If you come, bring your appetite. The portions are huge. I only wish they had one in Chicago...
(5)Dan G.
Very Loud and be ready to have peeps standing on your table... A little disturbing, but part of the experience, I just hope they have Clorox in those cleaning bottles :-). On the real, for Greek foodies, the food is out of the world. The block of Feta is the deal, tho I am a Feta Fan! Opa is a great experience and good for groups going to I-Drive, especially if your a group of guys, the girls are kinda hawt all half naked and whatnot. Bottom line, Try It and your go back!
(4)jordan j.
A lot of fun! Went with a mixed group of work folks and we had a great time! Excellent food, dancers keep the place exciting and fun. It was busy on a Monday night but we were able to be sat fairly quickly and served quickly as well. Check them out, have some fun!
(4)Alex S.
I really love the food and the atmosphere. If you are on a budget, sovlaki's are your best option. Don't worry, they are delicious. I give 3 stars because every time I go there they try to FORCE everybody at the table to order their own entree. Not good for business!
(3)Adriano M.
I have been to most of the Opa Taverna's in Florida and they are typically all the same ...lots of FUN!. This is definitely not a quite romantic restaurant. Unless you are ready to dance (and I mean on the table) and willing to get a little tanked up, you will likely not care for this place. The food is pretty good, authentic Greek food with fresh seafood and great presentation. I tried the flaming cheese appetizer, lamb chops and grilled lavraki ....awesome! The Greek belly dancers that come around is a nice touch. OPA!,,
(3)Andrew K.
I love this place. But...know this before you go...it is pricey, it is loud, and you will watch everyone around you dance or dance yourself. I would say this is a great first date restaurant because the music is so loud in the dining room that it is difficult to have conversations with the people you are with. So if you are not too sure about the convo topics you are gonna have with your new man...think Opa :-) The martinis are delicious and the shots of Ouzo are flowing. They are expensive...but they are delicious. And you know the price is high...but you know this going in, so Opa :-) The food is delicious. The hummus is amazing. It comes out in a mortar and pestle. You have to grind it up yourself. It is amazzing amazing amazing. Opa :-) Just like Charlie Sheen, Taverna Opa is WINNING :-)
(5)Tim L.
A fun place to go for dinner....... Went to dinner here last night and the food ranged from OK to good. Belly dancers were fun to watch. My daughter and her friend danced with the belly dancer and it was a good fun atmosphere. Flaming cheese was very salty...... Sangria was good. Lamb chops were good but my mom had the Lamb shank and it was very fatty. Loud place with loud music and it is all about atmosphere....... Dont plan on any kind of intimate dinner....... definitely got the Orlando tourist feel in here. Service was great......
(3)Sarah L.
I've been to Taverna Opa twice, most recently in April 2012, and I would definitely come back any time I'm in Orlando! The belly dancers were fun, the service was excellent and the drinks were delicious. This is NOT a place to go if you're looking for a quiet dining experience, but is almost as like a mini-theme park itself. The music is booming and the belly dancer WILL pull you up on a table to dance with her, male or female. I did, and had a lot of fun up there!! It's still family friendly as the belly dancer is in the style of traditional belly dancing, not anything overly sexualized, and she dances with a fair amount of kids or teens. The food and drinks are a bit overpriced, and the meal was expensive for a group of four, but you're also paying for the experience. I have eaten the lamb chops every time and they were absolutely delicious. I would definitely recommend this place--as long as you're okay with cocktail napkins occasionally falling from the ceiling all around you!!! Opa!
(4)Charles V.
Food wasn't as good as last year and the dancers seem to have dropped off as well. Overall my impression was a place that had seen better days. That said, the drinks weren't bad (not as good as my previous 2 visits) and the grilled octopus was still tasty. Other food wasn't very good. And some was outright bad (the lamb) Its an interesting place if you've never been there before, but not worth the visit otherwise.
(2)Tom M.
I went here for a friend's birthday over the weekend. I had ate beforehand so just came out to celebrate and have a few drinks. The rude waitress told me I *had* to order a $15 entree or I would have to leave, so I reluctantly obliged. After eating the lamb ribs I did not even want, I and all of my friends who also had lamb, experienced horrible food poisoning, ruining the rest of the weekend. Literally the worst dining experience of my life. I strongly suggest going elsewhere as I-Drive has many other, better options.
(1)Megan O.
This place is amazing. The food was off the chart insanely good. They don't over complicate their food like most greek restaurants. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The humus and greek salad are a must try.
(5)Libby W.
You will have an experience here. Come prepared for dancing on tables, napkin throwing and a great belly dancing show. While I enjoyed my drinks, the fun entertainment, there were some awkward moments in food and service. Who should go here? Groups of people who want to be entertained and eat decent food. People who are more interested in having a good time, enjoying themselves and drinking. Great for families, tourist, and group outings. Who should not go here? Serious foodies, who'd rather have authentic Greek cuisine and exceptional service over throwing napkins jumping on tables and watching a belly dancing show. I'm into fun, I appreciate the details involved with the fun elements. I'd go here again with a group of friends. It's a party outing where no one is conversing much but just having a good time. Their Specialty Martinis are very good. I had the Hercules, a mix of jagermeister, Malibu coconut rum, pineapple and cranberry juice. I was shocked how well the jager went with the other ingredients in this martini. I also had the Ouzotini, Ouzo with vodka, blue curacao and a splash of lime and pineapple juice. This one sung to me. We sat at the bar waiting for our table for awhile and a friend had called. She was in the area wasn't all that hungry but she's a sucker for Greek food and thought you'd come have a few drinks and get a few things to munch on. Turns out Taverna Opa is not the place for drinks and a few things to munch on. She was told there was a minimum of 25 dollars and this didn't include the two drinks she had at the bar. I felt bad so we had her order a bunch of apps and we sort of shared everything. Her bill ended up coming to well over 35 dollars. I don't see any mention of a minimum order on their website. If I had known ahead of time I think I would have told her to meet us after. Service as a whole was uncomfortable. Hard to hear the servers and they were almost robotic in terms of execution and friendliness. Getting the check was awkward and even more awkward was getting our parking stub validated. To me all of this equals bad business practices. You're forcing customers to do things they don't want to do. If this minimum is because of the belly dancing show then that's okay but please list it on your site and make it clear to all that enter before they sit down. Also how about when you bring the check asking all patrons to stick their parking stub in the check book, that what they can stamp them all at once while the run the card. Instead of not even asking about validation and then skipping some of our group up to where we had to ask several times. Another note, had my friend not been forced to spend as much money on the food, she probably would have racked up more than 30 dollars in cocktails, and had a better time. She did not eat all of what she ordered. The thing that helped with all the awkwardness was the belly dancing show. She was amazing and quite beautiful, during that we all had a great time. So what about the food? Well it was just average in my opinion. Hummus comes in a pestle with a mortar and you get to mix the chick peas in. The flavor is decent the pestle and mortar seemed a bit gimmicky. Greek Salad is well, Greek Salad but I giggled that the menu listed Extra Virgin Olive Oil as EVOO. Who's writing the menu, Rachael Ray? Saganaki I don't remember this being flambeed table side. I've had better, the balance seemed a little off to me Tzatski and the Greek meatballs were both good however this was the point that I realized this place is more American than Greek. I noticed that even the gyros are not served Greek style, this was not a good thing in my book. Lamb Chops were good but I was still having a very hard time seeing a sense of Greek passion in the food. I didn't see anything focusing on food, they focused more on entertainment and the servers seems to think we were a nuisance, who obviously thought we knew nothing about Greek food. Forget the baklava some of these servers need a piece of humble pie.
(3)Paula Jean K.
Eating and dancing? At the same time? OPA! We celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday here Friday night and we couldn't have asked for a better experience! But, you have to be in a serious party mode to come here or don't even bother. They have belly dancers who pull you unto your table to dance and girate while music is blasting all around you. I didn't stop laughing the entire night. Food was excellent - I mean really really excellent and we ordered everything. The fish platter was divine, meats were cooked properly, drinks were poured well and ethnic food was spot on. Our waiter was wonderful. Service was impeccable. No question about it, I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)S M.
Sometimes the novelty of an idea is way more exciting than the actual thing. a night club atmosphere for dining- not for kids This is not an enjoyable experience for children. My kids held their hands over there ears and started crying the music was so uncomfortably loud. It felt like a small form of torture. On to the food...the flaming cheese would have been more enjoyable if the waitress would have done it while myself and my children were at the table. We missed it...what is the point of serving flaming cheese to an empty table. My dolmades are way better than what they served, I was really disappointed. We ended up moving outside to get away from the noise and try to salvage the rest if our family dinner time. We still had to raise our voices and lean close to speak to each other . Both children disliked their $9.00 kids meals, which is unusual for them. There was nothing special about our beef tenderloin kabob- it taste more like sirloin to me. We didn't really get to enjoy the belly dancer for entertainment since the atmosphere was so unenjoyable (disappointing) We spent 80.00 for two kids meals. Two small appetizers, two alcoholic beverages, and a shared adult meal The alcoholic beverages were REALLY good. I would only recommend this establishment to adults without children and for novelty reasons only. If you can endure the noise you can enjoy great drinks and a belly dancer for entertainment .
(3)Rachel W.
"Taverna Opa" is a must to try! We were on vacation in Orlando and dining there was one of the highlights of our trip! My daughter thought it sounded like a fun place to eat and then the concierge at the hotel also suggested we try it. Now I can't WAIT to go back! When we arrived at the restaurant the music was playing and white napkins were flying on the floor. It was 7 pm and the belly dancer had just opened her act for the evening and was starting to make her way around the restaurant. Everyone there seemed to be enjoying themselves. The music and the belly dancing only added to the ambience at "Taverna Opa". Our waiter was very attentive and our food was delicious. He first brought out some hummus and it was some of the best that I have ever tasted! I had the chicken kebob with fresh herbs and lemon potatoes. Proportions were amble and the food was tasty. We also tried the Baklava. Another winner on the menu! Not only is the food good but the whole experience was so much fun. It's an unforgettable place and a MUST go to when you're near by.
(5)Edwin P.
I went to this location around New Year's eve since I was celebrating NYE at Universal Orlando. On the particular night I went, it was actually the fan fest for the Capital One Bowl, so the place was packed with Michigan State and Alabama fans just being rowdy and crazy Naturally, the wait was long, but it was so worth it. The drinks and food were outstanding and the dancers were awesome...it also helped that the atmosphere was kind of like a college party, which is never wrong. Do recommend this place but be mindful to make a reservation no matter when you are going since this place gets packed
(5)Keith H.
I'm reviewing the food and atmosphere separately. Did not care for the food. The sea bass ($27) which was way too salty. The accompanying greens were too oily, making them unedible. The greek ribs were very good but a bit fatty. The hummus was so-so and not memorable. The atmosphere was good and the belly dancer excellent. The belly dancer had flaming red hair and hypnotic hips, the highlight of the evening. She almost got me to forget about the mediocre food. Almost, but not quite.
(2)Robert H.
This place was so much fun for me and my family! When we walked in the atmosphere was almost party like. A semi techno Greek like music was playing and people were yelling OPAH as they threw hundreds and hundreds of napkins in the air...I was hooked! We ordered appetizers and entrees which took a considerable amount of time to come out but I could tell our server was flustered by the pace and how packed the place was. The entertainment with music, napkin throwing, belly dancers made the time go pretty fast. The food I would give four stars, service four stars and the entertainment five stars. This will be a place I would want to hit again when we go back down to Orlando...after all me and my daughters ended up on the table dancing the away the night!
(5)Mary B.
I went here two times this past week while conventioning in Orlando. First night with my friend who lives in Greece. Second time with a friend from the middle east. We all enjoyed the food and the ambiance. If you don't like belly dancing or Greek music, this place is not for you. You can sit outside if this would "Greek you out". The hummus was very good and the Soupa agolemono was also tasty. I had the same entree both times because it was so good. I had the Santorini shrimp (island shrimp elsewhere). It was a different recipe than I make at home. It was less tomato and the cheese was different but it was very tasty indeed. We spoke with Vasilli and with Alex both and they are both fluent in Greek -a welcome addition to our experience. It is far too uncommon that non-natives work at ethnic restaurants and I personally expect at least a few servers or managers to be of that ethnic background in case there are questions or one wants to swap travel stories.
(5)Katie M.
This place has, hands down the BEST HUMMUS I have EVER had -- it was chunky chickpeas, garlic, oil, and spices ground together in a mortar and pestle. Yummy, yummy, yummy. The waiter was attentive and the rest of the food was great too, but the standout to me was the hummus.
(5)Loren P.
Always go here when in Orlando. Solid food and an atmosphere that you have to experience to believe.
(4)Tommy ..
Always a really fun time at this restaurant! Belly dancers will jump up on your table and start dancing with you, napkins flying all over the place, very loud, high energy and food is very good, especially the hummus they hand mash at the tables for you. Would highly recommend!
(4)Stephanie W.
A good friend wanted to go here for her birthday. We had a group of 7 which served to be a problem since we didn't have a reservation. They only had open spots outside. We said we'd wait to try and get inside. So we went to the bar and had some drinks. It looked like a fun place. As other reviews have said, very loud with club type music. At the bar, I was still able to have a conversation with people. The restaurant worked really hard to get us an inside table, but it just wasn't going to happen since it was a busy night. We ended up outside. So we felt very removed from all of the dancing inside. And it was so loud that I couldn't hear most of the conversations at our table. The food came out very quickly, which I was surprised about since it was busy. I had the beef kebabs. They were very good. I ate almost everything on my plate. Everyone else ordered appetizers and seemed to enjoy them. I would go again, but only with a reservation!
(3)John A.
Ate here as part of a group of 5. Sat outside, which was nice, but not much for scenery...just the front door to Hooters. Service was a little strange, we had 3 different people waiting our table. I don't think our service really suffered, but it was confusing. Food was OK. Can't say I am a huge fan of lamb, but the dessert sampler was VERY good. If you dine here make sure to stay for dessert.
(3)Mary F.
The Bad - Confused staff - ROFOS PLAKI--- avoid, avoid, avoid!! the worst fish dish that i have ever experienced!---- keep it safe with the salmon dish they have - I'll get back to you on the name-- but this dish you probably can't get up after eating this...full of carbs...its like a layer of mashed potatoes on top of pasta and cheese and beef....not worth the carbs...stick to the free hummus and pita - The "wild greens" were horrible and i love eating veggies....enough said The Good - Free Hummus and pita....i think thats the best food in this restaurant The Bottomline- Um...order something small to just get full off of the hummus and pita. You won't regret it!
(1)Rob W.
We enjoyed the food here, but the big draw is the entertainment with pg rated table dancing, music, belly dancing etc. The Greek salad was nice and fresh, I've had much better, but I liked this one. The grilled octopus was tasty but the portion was tiny. Most of what we ate was good, but the big draw is the entertainment.
(3)Jessica W.
This place was absolutely amazing! I don't think I have ever ate that much food! I'm a huge fan of Greek food and this place rocked it out. Our waiter was too cool for skool and man. the food. I can't get over the food. I wish this place was in Houston. I'd eat there every day! We sat outside, as we wanted a bit of a quiet atmosphere but quickly wished we would have been inside. They have belly dancers and it was just a big party. By far THEE BEST dining experience we had on our vacation. Thank you Taverna Opa!!!!
(5)Steve S.
Imagine you are sitting in a restaurant with your friends and family. The noise level is a little high, but you can still talk to your dining partners. Then...the lights dim, AND THE PLACE TURNS INTO A THUMPING NIGHT CLUB!!! For the rest of you meal, it is like you are trying carry on a casual conversation while shouting at your dining partners. That is what it is like to eat at Taverna Opa! The place is festive and fun, but there are too many negatives to put it in the dining rotation -- primarily the unrelenting loud music. Do you really need four huge speakers blasting what sounds like Middle Eastern disco music the whole meal? Can't you get a better effect with a lower volume? The belly dancer was sweet visiting each and every table and encouraging outgoing visitors to dance. Don't be surprised if she drags you up on the table to dance! (Yes, they wipe it down after.) They also throw packs of napkins in the air to fall like large snow flakes everywhere. I had fun with this, but I can see where some might not like it. The food is actually really good starting with the hummus and pitas where the hummus comes partially smashed in a mortar. You get a pestle to smash it the rest of the way before you slather it on your pita. The Greek stuffed grape leaves, Dolmades, were not the best I've had, just OK. I got the Kleftiko, a lamb dish cooked with cut up vegetables steamed in parchment. Others in my party got lamb chops. Everyone was very satisfied with their food. I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I do like sangria. Skip this, it tastes like mostly watered down fruit juice and it is not cheap at $29 for a pitcher. The waiter and staff were attentive and helpful. One last thing, having to deal with a restroom attendant was really annoying. (Ladies, you will have one, too.) Hey, I know there is an attractive woman dancing in the establishment, but you don't have make it seem like a strip joint! (Don't ask me how I know that. :) UPDATE: Went back on a group decision a week and a half ago. Still too loud! I think my hearing is permanently damaged because my ears are still ringing. Lots of patrons getting in on the dancing action - some a little drunk (and dancing accordingly) so you might want to consider the age of the kids you take.
(3)Stacy V.
I've been here twice - once with my significant other and once with a group of girls. Of course, I had more fun as a group. The restaurant plays incredibly loud music, people dance on tables, and napkins get thrown around like confetti. The atmosphere is fun (a few drinks help), but there are a lot of tourists here. I agree with a previous reviewer that this is not the place for dinner conversation - eating outside may be your best bet to do so. I've gone on weekend evenings and don't remember there being much of a wait at all for a table. The food is a little pricey, but so are the other restaurants that are in Pointe Orlando. The best thing on the menu is the hummus and warm pita bread. I am sure that many Mediterranean restaurants have a secret ingredient in their hummus because I have never had store bought or homemade hummus that tastes the same. Also don't forget to have your parking ticket validated before leaving for the night.
(4)Allison C.
Great food! Quiet for lunch on a Monday. Excellent hummus made table-side! Moussaka was filling, good gyro w/ great fries, yummy doulmades! Yum, we'll be back!!
(5)Elissa L.
We went for Happy Hour (3-6pm daily at the bar), they offered 2 for 1 drinks, 1/2 price cocktail pitchers, and discounted appetizers. I got a mojito, they made it using muddled mint and it was refreshing and delicious. We ordered the keftedes (Greek meatballs) which were so flavorful and nothing like Swedish. We ended up ordering a second plate because they were so good. $3 at happy hour for 5. We also ordered Spanakopita (spinich, feta cheese, and phyllo) which was similar to a quiche minus the egg. The phyllo was crispy, the inside was flavorful and cheesy. I DEVOURED these!! These were also $3 and came with two slices the size of half a PB&J sandwich. Lastly we ordered the crispy zucchini, which was just that. Thin and crispy like potato chips, we got a huge plate with some tzatziki for dipping. We sat at the bar, the bartender was very attentive and kind.
(5)Chris P.
While the atmosphere is fun, the food is not very good. Had a steak which was only so-so and the side of beans tasted like canned green beans. I guess I'm a converted tree hugger also because of this place -I got annoyed with the amount of perfectly clean, unused napkins that were wasted all evening. Keep the belly dancing and dancing on the tables but stop with wasting good paper.
(1)Brandon G.
Dancing on table tops with a gypsy and friends...... CHECK! They have it all here. Great atmosphere, flaming cheese, great food, sturdy tables and chairs to dance on, flying napkins, and delicious food. Seriously the food is delicious. I've had the lamb, the chicken, the salad, and some other meals there and I have never done anything but rave about the taste. You need to go for dinner, that's where the action is. You'll see the dancers start walking in as the sun begins to set and you must know that the opa party is about to start. It was somewhere in between getting our drinks and appetizers when the dancer had pulled one of my friends on the table to dance. It wasn't a minute before half of our party was up there. One of the servers grabbed a light and starting swinging it around while throwing napkins in the air. Needless to say my friends and I had a great night. Try it. Funny story, the first time I went here was because some friends had recommended it. So a girlfriend and I were walking by and stopped in for lunch. The food was great so when we were asked about it we said it was a good place to eat.. We had no clue they did any of the fun things until our next visit for dinner. What a shock we had a dinner a few weeks later.
(4)LA P.
The mash-your-own hummus app was interesting. Ordered chilean sea bass and slow-roasted lamb, and both were very salty!!! The server of the flaming cheese with brandy (saganakia) was unenthusiastic when he "shouted" (more like whispered) "OPA"! It's like this restaurant was affected by the Greek economic crisis.
(2)Marie F.
This is an awesome place. Great Food, Great Entertainment and moderately priced! We had a large group, none of us local. This place came as a recommendation. I have greek friends, whose families are first generation in USA, so I know Authentic Greek food, this hits the mark. I personally had the Chicken kabob, totally moist and full of flavor, but also tried other's dishes (Moussaka, Pasticio, Gyros and a few others) all were very good. All the appetizers that we had were very good, even the hummus that we had to grind ourselves at the table were good. What was a complete bonus to this evening experience was the entertainment.. There was a belly dancer, who completely engaged with the tables, and got participation from many tables. In addition, there was "congo line" where many participated and a lot of fun! There were a few birthdays, including one at our large table, and the dancers got on the tables with the birthday guest and made a big celebration. We had reservations since we had a large group (approx 20), and were there on a Sunday night. I would imagine this place is packed on a Friday/Sat, but would definitely come back even if there was a wait!
(5)Matthew J.
You will be entertained. Not a place for children, but not bad. They jump around on tables and mess the place up as part of their show. Kind of fun once a year for your birthday, but other than that.
(2)Bill H.
This is a second visit for us. If you want a little more of quite evening then Friday night is not the night to stop in. Good service and decent food. We really love the house-made hummus - lots of garlic.
(3)D S.
Ambiance- Super loud & fun Food- Good Drinks- mild to medium strength Price- expensive & $25 minimum per person on Friday & Saturday nights This was my first time to Taverna Opa and ended up having a ton of fun. This is not a place to go for a date, or if you want to to be able to talk to your friends. This IS the place to go if you want to eat decent Greek food, then dance the night away on the table! A hybrid eatery-dance club. With my small order of 3 adult beverages and 3 appetizers, my bill was a whopping $50., so this eatery is not for the faint of wallet. The meal of appetizers was good: Saganaki (cheese doused in brandy and set aflame table side), Keftedes (meatballs) and roasted red and green peppers with olive oil and lemon. The waiters and bus boys are zealous about clearing the tables off, so make sure you guard your drink if it's the only thing left on the table! I'll be back to Tavern Opa sometime in the future!
(4)Kent H.
What a great experience. The belly dancer came out, napkins were tossed and it was very engaging. I ordered the Melizanosalata (eggplant appetizer) which was very good complimenting the provided pita bread. In addition to the appetizer, they bring a serving of hummus. This hummus is unique in a sense that you crush it and prepare it yourself. It was actually a little spicy and unexpected. It was good, but I prefer the eggplant appetizer sauce. On to the entree, I ordered the slow roasted lamb, which was well prepared and very tastee. Whether or not I was supposed to squeeze that lemon wedge on the lamb, I did, and it was a positive addition. The lamb tasted great. The side of baked lemony potato was a treat as well. The yiayia's vegetable was unique and pretty good. Overall it was a great experience here.
(4)Gina H.
Not a place to bring your future in-laws on a "get to know you" date. Super fantastic for day 2 of my reunion with my co-workers from NYC of 13 years ago!!! Facebook brought us together again and we wanted something a little more than a Disney themed restaurant on our weekend away in Orlando. LOUD! Very loud on a Saturday night and after something like 7p.m. its first come, first served. But that was fine because some of us got there earlier and put our names down so when the rest of the group arrived we only had a short wait until a table was ready. PACKED! Bar was packed and so was the restaurant. Service was quick enough considering how packed it was. Though they screwed up one order. My friend Kim had ordered three apps (as her entire meal), and they forgot two. Her two forgotten appetizers arrived after everyone had eaten their main course. Not good (for Kim..heheheheheh). I ordered the eggplant appetizer and had the moussaka for the main course. The eggplant was delish as was my friend's hummus. The moussaka left me very disappointed - too much bechamel sauce (about an inch on top) and a bland meat/eggplant mix. It wasn't just me...my dining companion Vinny had ordered the same and agreed with me. It was tasteless and disappointing. ATMOSPHERE! Fricking great if you come with a group of like minded friends. We danced in our seats because the music was great and me and my girls LOVE US THE MUSIC. The kids in our group danced on the table, hoochie mamas danced on another table, hipsters on an another. Highlight of our evening was the teen in our group getting himself his first belly dance right in front of his parents. It was interesting to see Anthony's face go from pale to puce. But he was all game and stuck himself his first dollar bill into her waistband under the guidance of dad and JR. Yep, a whoopin & hollerin kind of place. Music went from 80's to 90's to bumped up traditional Greek. Occasionally staff would hop on a table and kick their legs up Greek dancing style. At the end of our dinner, there was a line of people running around the restaurant holding onto each other with handkerchiefs. Nutzo! So yeah. Go there with a good attitude, expect to be jostled, don't expect a quiet romantic dinner, the food is touch and go, drinks are moderately priced and service is included in your check. Let your hair down, hop on a table and scream OPA!!
(4)Linda M.
Returned to Taverna Opa with a friend during a conference in orlando. I have to say this trip was 100 times better than my last experience. We were inside (it was January, cold and raining). It was like being at a wild party. People were standing on tables taking Ouzo shots and dancing an napkins were thrown in the air every 10 minutes or so as everyone yelled "opa". Food was delicious and the belly dancer was really nice. She was teaching everyone some dance moves. Best night in Orlando that week.
(4)Trung N.
Might be a bit too loud inside to have a conversation, but the atmosphere rocks. It's like a club. You dance and take shots on top of the tables. If anything you can sit outside for some more intimate time still since the food alone is worth coming here. I had the $30 a person group meal and when I thought the last dish had been served we still had the main course left...pace yourself through dinner. I also enjoyed throwing paper napkins everywhere. I think everyone else did too. Definitely check this place out if you have someone come from out of town and you want them to experience a different and upbeat experience.
(5)Caitlin C.
What a lively place! The Greeks know how to party, and I think it's great. Belly dancers rotate throughout the restaurant, patrons dance on tables, and slips of white paper (traditionally, they would be dollar bills, but Taverna Opa can't go giving away money!) fall from the ceiling. I made sure to select a Greek wine. Our waiter assured me that any red I chose from that part of the menu would be very dry and full-bodied, so I chose the Agros Merlot, even though it was specificed as medium-bodied. I wish I'd listened to the menu - the wine was a bit too light for me. It was pretty good, but not what I was hoping for. I was also disappointed when it came served in a regular glass - maybe this is how wine is served in Greece? If so, I respect the authenticity of the restaurant, but I really prefer to drink wine out of a wine glass, even if that seems like something silly. My mom ordered half a carafe of a different red, and the carafes were certainly unique-looking too! We received the freshest hummus I've ever tasted, ground right at our table, and freshly baked pita. Even my dad, who NEVER eats hummus, loved it! My go-to order at any Greek restaurant, because I hate making decisions regarding all the amazing choices I'm always faced with, is an appetizer sampler platter (or two). I stuck to one that evening, the Cold Pikilia platter of tzatziki (yogurt dill dip), tarama (caviar dip), melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and olives. I was so proud of my dad - I convinced him to try a stuffed grape leaf, and after a hesitant first bite, he immediately gobbled up the rest. Finally, my parents were seeing the reason why I'm in love with Greek food! In an effort to get some veg into my day, I also ordered a side of tomato and cucumber slices for dipping. Perfect! They came out about 10-15 minutes after the Pikilia's dips came out, which was a bit bothersome because I favored using the veggies for dipping over the pita, but it wasn't a big deal. The padre continued trying different foods and ordered the Moussaka (I corrected his pronunciation before he ordered ) and loved it! He called it the "Greek Shepherd's Pie". I had a bite and man, oh man, it was tasty. And HUGE! It's impossible for me to leave a Greek place not-stuffed, and my parents experienced that same phenomenon. Half of the moussaka became his breakfast the next morning.
(4)Bettina T.
I absolutely LOVE this place! It really is as good as it gets. The food is delicious and always cooked to perfection. It's best to go in a big group so that you can get the family style meals that run from $25-$50 per person depending on how much and what type of dishes you want. The atmosphere in here is incredible, from the live dj spinning awesome music to the wonderful belly dancers that jump on your table and shake their money makers. What I love most here is that, they encourage everyone to have fun, it really is a great experience. Any guest can jump on their table and dance around and the servers will run up to you and throw hundreds of napkins in the air and everyone cheers like there is no tomorrow. If you're in the area or are visiting orlando, this is a MUST go to place. It's great for the entire family!
(5)Joseph Y.
Taste: 5 Value: 5 Service: 4 This place is the real deal if you're looking for authentic Greek food and culture. When you're first seated for dinner, they bring by warm pita and a cup of unprocessed hummus`. Chick peas, garlic, olive oil are all in a wooden chalice with a muddler. Mash up the hummus to your preferred consistency and spread on the pita. The Taramosalata ("lemony cod roe dip") reminded me of salmon whipped spread and paired well with the pita. For dinner I had the Lamb Chops medium rare. They cooked the meat to perfection and the seasoning was fantastic. It's a dish I'd like to try to prepare someday at my house. The sides were good, but a bit overcooked for my preference. It was a mash of green beans and other vegetables. The fact that I couldn't identified the other vegetables should give an indication of how it was prepared. For dessert we shared a Opa Ekmek, their signature dessert. "Shredded filo dough, walnuts, custard cream and whipped topping." I've never had this before and it was a delicious ending to a great meal. The place throws up handfuls of napkins regularly to get people up and dancing. There's also a belly dancer and other cultural touches. Whether you go there for the food or the atmosphere, you won't leave disappointed.
(5)Wendy E.
We come here quite often as a family when we are in Orlando and I truly love it...last time we were here our kids claimed it as their "favorite restaurant in the world". Something about the energy takes all the cares away... There is dancing on the table, napkins flying everywhere, zorba dance lines through the restaurant, amazing dj's, fun wait staff and yummy food to boot. We always get the aphrodite family meal and it is an amazing selection of food...I recommend eating around 8 if you are a family and NEVER let them try to seat you outside!!! Even if you use Open Table on the weekends, they will still make you wait...be aware!!
(5)Doris K.
BEWARE: They said my first credit card was denied, so I gave them another card to run. Now I have two charges on two different credit cards!!!!
(1)Allen B.
Yaya marrys and Nikko nikko should be worried if Taverna Opa ever decide to move to Houston. The only reason I don't give it a five star is because I am very picky about the five stars that I give out. If it had table cloth type of service it would get an instant five star. Yelp steered us right here. The lamb was delicious, the service was excellent, and the ambiance was right on!
(4)Frances F.
I didn't eat there. I showed up at 10pm on a Saturday. My friend had reservations but the restaruant lost them so they were waiting around for a table for hours. By the time I got there the music was going and it was packed with people. It was downright impossible to get a drink. Basically, if you come late you need to show up drunk unless you like being annoyed. I only paid $4 for parking.
(2)Janene H.
Opa reminds me of a Greek WillowTree Café. Good food and lots of fun. Our group got to Opa early, an hour or so before the entertainment began. We started with a pitcher of Sangria and some apps. Our server plunked down our glasses and heaping pitcher of Sangria and took off. Here is a table full of girls, all dressed up, and we all eyed that pitcher filled to the brim with ice, RED Sangria and fruit. Nobody wanted to pour and risk a spill and when I looked to our server he was chatting it up at the bar. Eventually one brave girl stepped up and did a good job pouring, I joked I was going to tip her! The apps were both good, we got the calamari and fried zucchini. The calamari was only body pieces and they were large but could have used a little more salt. Not the best I've had by a mile but I've had a lot worse too. The zucchini was good; they came sliced thin and fried and were crunchy like potato chips. They had a sprinkling of cheese overtop and came with a side of thick, creamy Tzatziki sauce. I ordered the lamb kabob ($21) for my entrée which came with lemon potatoes and rice. I substituted the rice for green beans marinated in a tomato sauce, a good decision. When my lamb came it was overcooked, I ordered mine med-rare and this was easily well done. My server apologized and rushed through a replacement. I thought it strange too that our server never brought waters for the table. Action finally started by the end of our meal. It started with a few older ladies who pushed aside their plates and climbed onto the table for some dancing. It is strange the first time you see it! A little later the official dancer came out with a gorgeous jeweled bikini. She played the part great and got around to all the tables encouraging diners to get up and shake it. Our entire table ended up on the table, as did pretty much everyone around us. Watch out for the frequent showers of napkins. The simple act of throwing napkins in the air seems to drive people crazy (in a good way). By the time we left the floor couldn't be seen through the napkin blizzard. Overall the food was good, the service pretty much sucked but the entertainment is one of a kind. I'm looking forward to a return trip. We'll come later in the evening so we can catch more of the fun. FYI... Parking is validated if you spend $25.
(4)Eric K.
After three or four visits to Taverna Opa in the evening for drinks and table-dancing, I finally visited for lunch...and an actual meal. The food was incredibly good. We were seated right away, because lunchtime at Pointe Orlando isn't very busy at all. We were served pita bread triangles with fresh mash-your-own hummus. All of the ingredients came slightly ground in a mortar with a pestle. You could then decide if you want it kept in chunks or mashed down to a pulp. The garlic flavor really stood out and tasted delicious on the pita triangles. For my entree, I opted for the gyro sandwich with spinach rice as a side. Our entrees came out superfast (with the hummus, in fact) and in a generous portion size. The gyro had a great flavor to it; the meat and tzatziki sauce are what really make the gyro special. Both were perfectly concocted and blended nicely. Now I can say that I've done all there is to do at Opa...and haven't enjoyed every option. I'm looking forward to many return visits for food, drinks, and table dancing!
(5)Kristine C.
Tapas are very tasty and reasonably priced. Service is great when you have the right person, otherwise above average. Belly dancers friendly and accommodating, even with little kids. Noise level is a bit loud but atmosphere is fun! Touristy but whet do you expect from IDrive? Loved the garlic-y hummus (free!) and constant flow of pita bread. Melitzanosalata, saganaki and octopus was on par with less-touristy Greek restaurants I've frequented in Chicago and New York City. Main course was a smaller portion then expected (souvlaki) but definitely not lacking in the flavor department. Only disappointment was the dessert. Had baklava and a traditional Greek custard but both were below average.
(3)Patricia R.
Went with some galpals and had a simply amazing time! The food was so tasty, we ordered several appetizers, then our meals and finally dessert. Everything was delicious and well priced. We danced around the table, some of us danced ON the seats and table (so much fun!) and it was simply the best fun I've had in a restaurant. I can't wait to return. :)
(4)Mike R.
I had a bad experience here last year, but I gave it another try this year and it was much better. The food was great, and so was the service. The belly dancers are fun. There was a great energy in the restaurant, with everyone have fund. I would recommend reserving a spot around 7pm. That is when the belly dancing starts. It really is worth seeing. I would have given it five stars but he lamb dish I got was good but not great, and my wife got a steak kabob which was good but not amazing either. Based on the food, it is a solid four to four and a half stars. I just reserve five stars for places that provide mind blowing dishes.
(4)Jen S.
What a fantastic dinner! The food was great and the atmosphere just added to it. I can never be bothered to write a review but this was totally worth it ... Super fun!
(5)Julie C.
Came here to unwind after a long trade show day. Surround by loud music and loud people would have been so much fun if I had been in party mode. Luckily, they have a place for poopy pants people too! It was easy to switch to a table with a cozy heater outside. Sit inside if you want to party. Sit outside for a quieter atmosphere.
(4)Candace B.
This place is a funny different place to take your family. The food was ok I have had better but the entertainment is well worth going. There are bellydancers, fire dancers and people dancing on tables....it is well worth going while you are in Orlando!!
(3)Stacey P.
A fun night out if you're in Orlando on business travel. Note that the portions are _large_ - after our meal, we decided we could have just had the apps without any main dishes, and we would have been fine. Definitely get the hummus - it's fun to make it yourself with the mortar and pestle, and it tastes great, too. I was also a big, big fan of the chicken wings, although the fried cheese and my entree (the lamb baked in parchment) fell short. The restaurant itself is a loud, boisterous place with dancing on the tables and yelling - so overall it's definitely a memorable (in a good way) experience!
(4)Ryan N.
So it seems Taverna Opa is becoming synonymous with ridiculous long waits no matter if you have a reservation or not. We had a 7pm reservation for 8 people and were not sat until after 8pm. When we asked the hostess what the issue was, we were informed that it was Sunday and everyone who arrived before us came in late, pushing our time way off. So why have a reservation system at all if you can just arrive whenever? The hostess didn't really seem to care that we were waiting a very long time and I had to entertain a group of hungry and impatient individuals. :/ Once sat, the service was great and the food tasty. We were celebrating a birthday and got the birthday champagne/cake surprise at the end. It was truly the best birthday surprise ever with dancing on the table and then around the whole restaurant. That said, my suggestion is not to arrive anytime later than six. Why this was supposedly a "fluke," I believe Taverna Opa is in the business of over booking the venue, which I think will certainly turn people off. It's best just to arrive early so you can get home at a semi-decent hour if needed.
(3)Jen N.
This place is just crazy! Loud, dim, messy.. it's almost like you're in a club! I came with a large group of about 18 on a Friday night for a birthday celebration. Even having reservations ahead of time, we still had to wait an incredible amount of time for a table. We arrived at 8:30 for dinner and did not get seated until about 10:00! Totally disappointed by this! With such a large group, I think it only made things worse. Some food orders never made it to the table and others were replaced by another dish without consulting with the guest first. The taste of my meal was good and so was the portion size. I ordered the chicken artichoke which came with pieces of chicken breast in a creamy lemon caper artichoke sauce served on top of a bed of Spanish rice. The flavor of the dish was good and it even lasted me a few more meals after. If anything, I would really only come back for the crazy atmosphere. The food was definitely not worth the wait but the experience will be like none other. Again, it's loud, there are people dancing on tables (yes, your very own dining table!), napkins flying all over the place, and a belly dancer entertaining the dining room! Trust me, it's a zoo! Give it a try and see it for yourself!
(3)Michelle R.
Octopus appetizer and slow roasted lamb entree were fantastic. The chicken entree, I thought was a bit on the dry side, and the sangria had a strange taste to it. I would come here again if I didn't think the service would be so incredibly slow.
(3)Jennifer L.
Seriously with the napkin toss? The environment weeps. The starters were amazing (though the hummus tastes like it's 40% raw garlic - NOT a good choice for date night!), the service was horrific. Super slow and completely unavailable more often than not. If you don't like big groups, don't take them. Mains were okay, artichoke chicken was the hands down winner. Chilean Sea Bass?! Is Orlando under a big rock and I just didn't notice? I know I sound like a hippie, but while the rest of the world is trying to be more sustainable, this place is giving Mother Earth the middle finger. Delicious apps are not enough to bring me back.
(2)Kelli B.
I'm a local and I've been to Opa quite a few times. The food is great and the entertainment is great, but of course it ends up being pretty pricey. The saganaki (flaming cheese), lamb shank, and scallops are fantastic. The atmosphere is definitely noisy, so it's not somewhere to go if you're expecting to want to have a personal talk or alone time. There's belly dancers that go around the restaurant, customers dancing on the tables, napkins flying all over the room, and music blaring. Definitely a great place for a group looking to have a fun time.
(4)Nikhil P.
You've got to know your crowd if you're coming to a place like this. It's crazy. Like, seriously, it's crazy. We are walking towards the entrance and these 5 geeky guys are (trying) to grind with this hot oversexed belly dancer who has pulled them on top of a "wait here while you get seated" table. Inside, there's paper napkins flying everywhere ... which seems to be like their confetti-equivalent ... and these surprisingly good (belly-dancing quality wise, just talking about the dancing) belly dancers that are pulling everyone up on their tables and busting ass. It was pretty awesome, and the waiters, dancers, DJ are totally getting into it. The girls are also gorgeous, and if you're going for a romantic night with your significant other, be aware that you may end up having a "love and infidelity" talk afterwards unless everyone's cool with what happens there. It's impossible not to get distracted from your meal... there's fire, there's spotlights, there's tassels, there's paper napkins flying in your food, and there's variations of "Opa!" being yelled at random times. Believe it or not, there actually was food served, too... It was okay. I'll base my ratings on the cuisine. Lots of great, soft meat, but a bit too salty, a bit too unmarinated, and not first-class. That said, you come here for the vibe and up until this point in my life, I've never eaten at a restaurant like this. Seriously fun, and totally made for groups.
(3)lucky K.
This is the one of the best in Orlando. This is a must try. The music is very loud you wont be able to hear anyone. The dancers are Entertaining. Besides that That the food is great and fresh I had the lamp Chops and Chicken were superb. I enjoyed my time and was full. Be warned This Taverna Opa is $$$.
(4)Chris S.
We went here as a team for a dinner... All of us had the most amazing time... We are still talking about it to this day... We wanted to go back the second night because we all had sooo much fun.... I honestly can't remember the food, that's how much fun i had. We were there a good 2hrs and the main dish was just coming out... We were all so full that we didn't even eat the main course... Faster service would have been well appreciated. Looking back, we had too much fun to eat! Opa!!!
(5)Laurie K.
This place was recommended by our friends as well as by others and totally lived up to my expectations. The service was amazing! The cleanliness impressed me as they constantly cleaned off the table and changed the plates and silverware. The staff was so gracious and warm and was at our beck and call without us having to ask for them once! The homemade hummus was my favorite; grinding it in the mortar with the pestle and the warm pita bread just kept coming out!! This is a truly authentic Greek restaurant with a terrific menu. The belly dancer was a treat who invited everyone to get up on the tables or dance with her side by side! Throwing the napkins up in the air added to the festivities! I'd be back here in a heartbeat!!!! Opa!!!!!
(4)Harish C.
This is a Restaurant/night club combo. During the night you get belly dancers dancing on your huge tables. You are welcome to dance with her as well. There will be a DJ playing music and he entertains some guest requests as well. The music will be loud as well. If you are looking for some calm then this place is not for you. The food is good. Their pork chops and lamb is good. It is little pricier as well for the quantity. It gets really busy during weekend nights.
(4)Matt P.
I had lunch here on a Monday afternoon, which means it was dead as all the tourists had left already. The service was great and very attentive, as you may expect on a not very busy Monday afternoon. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and had good recommendations. I ordered the Grouper and a lemony soup. The soup tasted home made and was thick with real (not processed) chicken and vegetables. Delicious. The main meal, the Grouper, was served on a super hot skillet and garnished with caramelized onions. A bit on the salty side but the fish was tender and full of flavor. I would recommend this place any time.
(4)Bob C.
The atmosphere is an absolute blast, the belly dancers awesome, and the servers were great and totally accommodating, but the food was really nothing special, and was quite expensive. We chose family style, The Spanakopita and Lamb Ribs were the highlights. Very expensive and the drinks were really priced high. Warning: We were warned to check our bill closely by a friend who was overcharged, and sure enough found an extra $50 charge on our bill. The manager cleared it and bought us a mini-shot, but I left very wary of their practices.
(3)Carina R.
I went here when I was at training in Orlando. I went with about four others, but we made reservations, so we were seated right away. We first ordered some drinks - white Sangria. This was honestly a pretty weak drink and didn't taste like Sangria. We then got some apps - hummus, octopus, Greek Salad, and Saganaki. Then we ordered a beef kebab, mousaka, and a couple of other dishes. I thought all of it was delicious. Especially the hummus, octopus, and Saganaki. The atmosphere was also pretty cool - it felt like a European club with greek remixes of popular songs. The belly dancer was cool too. Obvi much better for the guys at the restaurant, but still fun. I would definitely recommend this place and would def come again if I am back in Orlando.
(4)Jesi E.
Wow! This place is amazing! The drinks are strong and they have a awesome selection of martinis. The food is awesome and very authentic. I am not a fan of humus but the humus here is so good! Loved the entertainment although our table was in a corner up against a wall, so we did not get to see as much of it! We were celebrating my birthday and found out they offer a cake and champagne package for the birthday person! A belly dancer comes out with a huge piece of cake and a waiter comes out with a bottle of champagne with sparklers coming out the top. Then they pull you up on the table to sing happy birthday! It was awesome! The music was a little loud (we had to scream our order to the waitress) and it is really close quarters but worth the money and the experience! Also make sure you have the Saganaki!!!! AMAZING!!!
(5)XI X.
Food sucks. The ambiance is something else. Go for the party and the drinks. Skip the food.
(3)Gillian M.
As I write this we have been waiting for an hour and a half -- with a reservation! The hostess has told us 15 minutes every time we ask how long it will be. I get that it is a busy place, but come on. Just be honest with us so we can go get some food! We are a starving bachelorette party and this is really brining us down. Don't take reservations if you want accommodate them. Awful. Don't come here. Ok, so the food ended up being pretty good and the waiter was very nice. It was a very fun atmosphere, especially for a bachelorette party. They just need to get their reservation thing down and it would be a rad place.
(2)Jasmine A.
You go to Taverna Opa for the atmosphere. It's awesome to watch the belly dancers and everyone else dance on the tables. The music is loud, like being in a club loud. My husband and I love Greek food and eat at a lot of Greek restaurants. I have to say this place was my least favorite. Think Olive Garden goes Greek. The food wasn't bad, but I wouldn't eat here it again. The dishes were lacking any real flavor. We had a few appetizers and the santorini shrimp as our main course and I wasn't impressed. Nothing was bad, but it wasn't great either. Go here with a bunch of friends and get really drunk. I think that's what this place is for :)
(3)Jp J.
Terrible food and expensive ......not much of a restaurant more like a place to dance and meet people
(1)VJ R.
We arrived at 6pm and perfect timing due to less traffic. We started with Greek meatballs and hummus and medium Greek coffee. All very good. We also ordered lemon chicken shrimp kabobs and gyros. We had a nice meal.
(4)Philip S.
We got the dip platter and it was huge disappointment- I had been looking forward to taramasalata all day and it tasted like it came from a can. All our food was sub par with the exception of the lamb. The beer choices were awful. At least we got seated right away and the environment was festive.
(2)Maha E.
We came here for lunch one day and it was an overall good experience, food and atmosphere both were pleasant. . Came back for dinner one night and were very surprised. (Clearly did not check reviews prior to our excursion). It was so loud inside the restaurant despite the fact that it was a Thursday night. We got seated outside because we weren't much into the idea of having someone dancing on top of our tables while we had dinner. Outside however the music was still ridiculously loud. Even though there were only a few people seated, and none of which looked they were enjoying the whole "I can't hear myself think" atmosphere. They brought us out some complimentary hummus which definitely left something to be desired. I twas basically just garlic and chick peas in a mortar that you grind up yourself. I think I ate an entire garlic clove with my pita (don't bring a date here unless you're into that type of thing). The pita was great though. Their food is very good have had the lamb, beef and sea bass on separate occasions and all did not disappoint. The service was fine, it took a while to get our waiter's attention but when we finally did he was very pleasant and even lowered the music at our request :) It's a fun place to go if you're looking for a club with good food. But as far as dinner and conversation, I'd opt out for something else.
(3)Annette P.
Great service ...very knowledgeable. ....great Greek experience. ....Hot appetizers were great as well as the drinks
(4)Mike C.
Excellent service and staff was very nice.
(5)William H.
I was craving Greek food while visiting Orlando so I googled Greek food and ended up here. The food was decent but the place was empty for lunch and no one paid attention to us. I would have walked out but my son wanted to stay. After making a small scene we were waited on and the service was ok. I was given a glass of wine on the house and the food ended up being pretty good. Lamb chops were good my son had falafel sandwich and my nephew like his chicken kabob. The hummus was served in a wooden mull with just the chick peas and garlic and a wooden mallet and you crush it yourself. Not bad. The spinach pie was quite good. I don't think I would go back.
(3)C. M.
A welcome break from the mouse-themed food! The food was tasty. I loved their hummus of crushed chickpeas and sea salt made at the table with a mortar and pestle. The gyro meat was fragrant and surrounded by tasty accompaniments. The portions were hefty too. The server kept trying to upsell us appetizers and larger platters when the entree was more than sufficiently satisfying. The atmosphere was cacophonous. This wouldn't be my go-to Mediterranean joint back home when looking for a relaxing meal, but on vacation it's fun to trek out here and take in the food, sights and sounds.
(4)Kevin S.
Simply AMAZING!!! The Food the Wine the Atmosphere the Servers! OMGG Randy wipe you mouth your drooling! A Must Visit place when in Oralndo. Grilled Octopus, Hummus fresh mashedat your table WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Elizabeth G.
I've been coming to Orlando for work for the past 3 years and every single time we insist we MUST come here. The food is amazing, the wine is amazing, the atmosphere is very unique. It's a lot of fun. They give out complimentary fresh hummus which is so delicious, they mash it up right at your table. chickpeas, garlic, mmmmmmm.....now i'm hungry again! We had falafals for an appetizer. they were awesome. I usually order the same thing, i think it's called Kleftikos (spelling?). It's heaven in a parchment bag. Juicy tender lamb, delicious Greek cheese, potatoes, lots of herb flavors....portion is pretty huge, i can never finish it. I wish my hotel had a microwave in the room i would have loved to have that as a late night snack. this time though i ordered Mousaka (spelling again?). It was like Greek eggplant lasagna with ground beef and a layer of yummy - soft cheese bechamel that resembles mashed potatoes. It almost had a sweet taste to it. I'm hoping next time we go I can convince someone to order both we me and share so I can enjoy both. We tried both the white and red greek wines (first ones listed under each category on their wine list), and were not disappointed. One of the girls ordered the Sea Bass which I tasted. I wasn't too crazy about it, but i'm not really a fan of cooked fish (i love sushi though) so take that with a grain of salt. It's a really fun restaurant....the belly dancer had us stand up with her and she was teaching us how to dance. I was definitely too sober for that though. Yes it's slightly loud in there, so it might not be a great place for a first date, but it's great for groups and for watching everyone dance on tables. Definitely come here for a late dinner if you're in a party mood.
(5)Jessica H.
I lived in Greece for a few months and this is the best Greek food I've tasted in the US! The ground up chick peas with pita given at every table is delicious. I had the falafel pita for lunch and the Greek ops fries are out of this world. Next time I'm in Orlando ill be back for dinner!
(5)Megan H.
Ok, I have to admit that I had a fun time here... but I was also fairly tipsy before I even walked in, which would probably explain why! This is the place to go if you really, really want to drink, dance on tabletops, and fling napkins around. This is NOT the place to go if you want to have dinner conversation or leave with your eardrums intact. I only had drinks and dessert here and both were good. The dessert is huge, so i would recommend sharing with someone. Overall an ok, fun time but I don't think I'd go back unless I was already in the area and drunk. ;0)
(3)Claudine V.
The food here is fresh and tastes great. The ambiance is fun and entertaining. The wait is so long so big groups are hard to sit. Will come back again.
(4)Christine R.
Even if you are not Greek, Taverna Opa is a great dining choice if you are in the Orlando area. The ambiance was great; there is a lot of noise but the dining experience is interactive. The servers greek dance with the whole restaurant, there are belly dancers, dancing on the tables, and instead of throwing plates, they throw napkins. Taverna Opa has a large menu. The kabobs were cooked to perfection and the portions are very large. Before you dine, sign up for the Taverna Opa V.I.P. card and they will provide a free cold appetizer. The only slight downfall would be the service. The server forgot a couple items we ordered and forgot the modifications on the items. Overall, it was a great dining experience and would be recommended.
(4)Ahmed A.
Had fun,,, the place is ful of life
(4)David T.
Don't bother with this place. I came here at 9pm and they had already stopped serving.
(1)Jacqueline C.
I came as a small group of girls for my friend's 21st birthday. I was very amused and excited when I first entered, the atmosphere was definitely lively, almost like a club. Overall, I think this place is more for the experience than the food. The Belly dancers, table-dancing, and napkin confetti (I hope they recycle!) definitely made it more like party scene than a dining spot. It's great for groups because you can order sangrias (really good!) and margaritas by the pitcher. The music kept me half-dancing in my seat, and when the waiter finally pulled the birthday girl to the tables, I quickly obliged to go up there as well. I have to say it's definitely something different, if not plain awkward to dance in the middle of the restaurant, on tables. (A few drinks would help!) The downer of the night was definitely the waiter - he was way to hard-sale. He didn't seem at all too friendly (and the attempts he did make felt like it was only for tips later) and he made pretty bad recommendations. We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share, the hummus was wayy to small a portion for it's price (although quite yummy), and the fried zucchini was spectacular. Calamari was so-so, but the lamb appetizer was pretty good too. After our first round of appetizers, we wanted a little more food. I asked about their portions of their chicken kebabs, and he hesitated before replying "they're decent". Yea, that doesn't really tell me much, buddy. After a few exchanges with the birthday girl, we decided to just order one first to see, but the waiter mentioned that 2 orders would probably be good for our group of 5... The kebabs came, and it was definitely enough for the all of us, since we've already eaten a lot of appetizers. When it came to the check, the waiter gave us a hard time about splitting the check so the Bday girl won't have to pay. After re-printing the checks, we added them up again just to check - he added about 10 dollars extra. We didn't say anything, but just gave enough for the balance for a 15%tip. Oh and another thing - they didn't even do complimentary birthday cakes - we'd have to buy the cake "and we can put the candle on top"... since when do restaurants not do that? Overall, not the most perfect experience...but would definitely be fun for another girl's night - probably not for dinner but more like a pre-game/ appetizer venue
(3)Karen S.
Previously we have enjoyed the food at Taverna Opa. Something was off when my party of six adults and a baby visited on a Saturday at 1:30 p.m. There was a total of 8 adult people in the whole restaurant. We had a group with one person who cannot eat dairy. Perhaps 10 minutes after ordering our waiter told one member that what she had ordered contained dairy--re-order. All food arrived very slow. When we finally started to be served our meals, another person was told that there was no more falafel that day--it had "blown up" in the fryer. Really, in a Mediterranean restaurant? The greens accompanying my salmon were tasteless. Salmon seemed fresh. Another person enjoyd his lamb shank. Our lemon potatoes not very lemony. All together not sure I need to go across town for this meal. Parking validation is now for when you spend $30 or more.
(2)A J.
BEWARE ORLANDO RESIDENTS! This place caterer to the tourist that visit once a year not to the locals. They're management are rude guys and their college front of the house ladies are just full of bad attitudes too. A lots to be desire! I used to live in Ft. Lauderdale and I was a weekly client to that Opa, and it was fantastic. Went I moved to this area and they open this one I was excited. But every time I try it it has been issues. Check your bill they always adding stuffs or drinks you have not order, that have happens 3 times to me and after talking to some other friends their bills always come with a lots of "add" ons. One time was $50! All of the waitress had been very nice and the food is 3.5 out of 5. And of course the chaos is what attract the tourist that never get to see that kind of stuffs in their home town. And if we have conventions in town the place is full of "middle" age guys, drooling over the young dancer to give their singles $ to them. Acting if like they never saw dancers before, we'll I guess this one place wives approved. Sometimes ridiculous! I bet OPA might be in the Disneys or Coventions list places to visit and for that only reason that is why their management don't care if you ever come back again, because they will be more 1st timers coming in! A lots of local friends refuse to go there or even bring out of town friends there. I'm Done with this place!
(1)Russ T.
Touristy, americanized greek food, smallish portions but the food was good. Loud so talking is difficult. Depending where you get seated you may feel a bit hemmed in. Sitting outside is somewhat challenged by the blues bar next door that is blaring their music over the greek music. But if you want to party, this is as good a place as any,
(3)Jenny L.
Delicious food for a very touristy place...also dancing on tables with lotsa napkins flying...what else dp you need for a fun time?
(5)Steve B.
Absolutely amazing greek food in the middle of commercialism world, definitely worth a visit. Very well marinaded beef, great moussaka, just a really nice place. One of many reasons I love Yelp for finding good food in random places, this is top-5 best Greek places I've ever had. Good stuff
(5)Ateet A.
I have been to this location multiple times as I frequent Orlando for conferences. They have always been a place of good food and entertainment. The first time, i went for dinner and enjoyed great lamb shank with entertainment where the servers dance around and a bellydancer performs and gets interactive with the crowd. This past time, we went during lunch and there was no entertainment but the food was still just as good and did not disappoint. Their fresh ground hummus is amazing and really not like anything else you have had. I always feel like I have eaten too much when I go here but the food is spectacular. Definitely a place I frequent. If you want good food and fun times, definitely come here.
(4)Mit O.
I will go back! My wife and I went on a Valentine's Day date here; I'd figure it would be a popular night for couples to show up in a place like this, so I called for a reservation a week a head of time. I would recommend doing so if you don't want to wait in line once you get there. We got a table right away. Food was great, we had multiple servers coming out to our table ensuring we had everything, and it is a fun atmosphere. If you are blind, it sounds like a club. If you are deaf, it looks like a party in Greece with a great view of the young ladies belly dancing. My wife and I had a great time!
(5)Henry H.
It's a Sunday night and this place is hopping! We started the meal off with hummus and pita bread. The presentation was different from what we typically experience but tasty with garlic served with mortar and pestle. Our second app was the octopus which is a must-have! Light vinegar and oil with herbs and perfectly grilled and finished with lemon. The slow roasted lamb with lemon potatoes was very tender and tasty. The server, Sam, was attentive and suggested the special which was a lamb with potatoes, peas an carrots baked in phyllo dough when my wife ordered the lamb in parchment paper. It was a little bland and reminiscent of lamb pot pie without the sauce. Just when we couldn't eat another morsel another server dropped a complimentary flaming cheese on us. A little salty and perfect for savory loving people. And then, the energy level changed as white paper was tossed into the air amidst shouts of, "Opa!" The music changed and two belly dancers gyrated their way through the room. Right when you thought you'd had enough entertainment, another server pulled us up and led us around the room (and outdoor patio, I might add) to the zorba line dance. Ladies, this is not recommended if you are in sandals or flip flops. Yes, we would return. Just make sure your server washes down your table after he or she has been dancing on it! Opa!
(5)Donna B.
Great place to go for great food and entertainment. Waitstaff was very nice and helpful. Food was delicious, the dancing was a blast. If you dont have a good time while there it's your own fault.
(5)Bobby P.
Awesome atmosphere, great food
(4)Melissa P.
I can't think of a better place to celebrate something! Opa is a constant party with napkin throwing, table dancing and the occasional congo line around the entire restaurant. There are napkins covering the entire floor which makes this one of the only places where you won't be embarrassed by having toilet paper stuck to your shoe. The food is amazing! I love greek food so there's never really any complaints from me. If you don't know what to order I suggest the lemon chicken because not only is it good but it's one of the cheaper items on the menu. The potatoes that come with it are excellent also. If you're going with a large group they generally will only do one check. Our waitress split ours for us which was nice but she screwed everything up and we had to wait for quite a while for her to fix it. So just bring a rich friend and avoid that little inconvenience. Keep in mind: If you're going to Taverna Opa it is a sin not to get the saganaki. It defines the entire restaurant.
(4)Jodi G.
I was here over a year ago, but had to come back and review it...AMAZING food! & so much fun! OPA!
(5)Madeha K.
So much fun - we loved it! The food was great - except don't order the calamari app AND the Greek paella or the lobster version of Greek paella because you'll get overloaded on squid! The rustic chick peas were yummy and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. Lots of kids and adults dancing meekly on tables with the staff and belly dancer - fun, family friendly place!
(4)Ramon R.
Well if you are looking for a quiet dinner where you can talk to your family this is not the place for you. There is a party atmosphere is the restaurant in the evening. A DJ, dancers, and music fill the room with all kinds of eye candy that is lots of fun but in some ways takes away from your dining experience. While it is fun to get people dancing on table tops and throw cocktail napkins in the air at any given moment, getting your food on time is not as easy as it seems. After seating, it took nearly ten minutes to get an order of drinks. Another ten-fifteen minutes to get our order of food in and the time between seeing our waiter kept adding up. The food was good however, was not plentiful. A steak kabob wasn't on a skewer and only came with one grouping of meat/vegetables. Bottom line, if you want to drink and have a good time at a bar type place the. Head here in the evening for appetizers and cocktails but if you are looking for a good dinner and conversation go someplace else.
(3)Georgette T.
Great food a little pricy but with it
(4)Lauren W.
Yes, this place is cheesy with the belly dancers and people dancing on tables. Yes, it is in a very touristy area. But after a LONG day of work, it was perfect. The bartenders let us change the channel on the tv, helped us pick out dinner options, and let us sit for as long as we want. Food was good. Wine was great. If you're in the area, it is a safe bet.
(3)Reed B.
I have to admit... I was a bit disappointed. To set the scene for you - we came here at 5pm on a weekday. I realize that this is a VERY different experience than someone would have that came at 9pm on a Saturday. I did expect *some* of the festive atmosphere that comes with this chain - there was NONE. No music, no napkin throwing no OPA.. no nothing. But we did pay dinner prices! The food was OK - there is much better greek food in the Orlando area that costs a few bucks less. People mentioned the béchamel on the dishes - they are right. Too thick and flavorless. The stand outs are the pita bread/hummus and the perfectly thick and gooey baklava. Other things that knock them down a peg - they will only validate one parking stub per $25 that is spent. Our bill came to $48... guess how many they would validate - ONE. No other restaurant in Pointe Orlando is that cheap. Even the theater will do one per ticket purchased. Also keep in mind if you come here on Friday or Saturday night there is a $25 per person minimum.
(3)Steve A.
Taverna Opa offers one of the most fun venues at Pointe Orlando. Serving both lunch and dinner, the restaurant has very different atmospheres at day and night. Lunch is a quiet affair where you can eat outside, inside, and large parties can be accommodated in the spacious back room. At night it transforms into a lively party atmosphere, with much twirling of napkins and shouts of "Opa!" The menu offers all the Greek standards. The cold appetizer platter is a nice sampling of three dips, and the hot appetizer platter offers delicious wings, lamb ribs, and so-so calamari. Complementary hummus that you crush yourself is served with very fresh pitas. The best appetizer is probably the flaming cheese. The souvlaki is actually a gyro served with fries, and your choice of filling. Service is friendly and the wine list is extensive.
(4)Jessica B.
My husband and I went for a co-workers birthday, she loves this place. While it is a good place for partying, it's not great if you want to have any type of conversation at all. I could only hear those sitting directly next to me, if you were across the table it was trying to lip read or just give up. The food was so much better than I expected. For some reason, being a party atmosphere, I wasn't expecting much, but we loved everything we tried. The entertainment is belly dancers and more belly dancers. Unfortunately not all table have a great view and we were forced to turn around in our chair all night, so we couldn't eat and watch the entertainment at the same time. Service was really slow. It took an extra hour for us to get seated even though reservations were made for our party of 20! That was an insane wait and had it been just my husband and I we would have booked it out of there.
(2)Rick J.
Didn't like the place:( The waitress had no personality. we were a group of six and was given a dinner menu for lunch at 2pm. If you want good Greek Food, I suggest you go Astoria, NY where you get great food and great service.
(1)Wayne S.
Good for a drink ... unsanitary for eating. My first thought was ... with all the bird crap out side of this restaurant ... and all these people dancing on the tables ... why would I set my arms or flatware in any residue from the flat of people's shoes? No, I did not eat here and couldn't imagine doing so. That's why I gave it a 1 Star. Went for a drink just for the experience. Wife had been here before and wanted to show me. This place is LOUD! It's like a dinner and a party. Customers and Staff dancing on tables ... not really where I would set my flatware. Even has a disclosure: dancing on the tables at your own risk. People blitzed, dancing on tables, someone is going to get seriously injured. Just a matter of time ... with a follow-up of a suing case which will close the place down. Experience this place now ... may never see it again.
(1)Rob G.
I can't even begin yo tell you how much I loved the place. Taverna Opa in Orlando. I love greek food and this place is definitely in my list for the next time I come down to Orlando. The ambiance was out of this world, it was an ongoing party. Food was great and service was excellent. Oh yeah, we met this greek guy that was awesome, he had his own party going on. I recommend this spot 100%
(5)Amanda B.
What an outstanding night!! I have been to a few Greek restaurants and always enjoy the atmosphere and Taveran Opa did not disappoint. Loved the constant energy with dancers pulling guests on to the tables and the handmade hummus and the flaming foods...truly a feast for the eyes and the mouth! Everything we sampled was delicious.
(5)Kimberly G.
Probably the best Greek food I've had.everything we ordered was pronominal. I recommend the hummus, fried calamari, fire cheese dish( I forget the Greek name), chicken kabob, the opa salad, and the gyro. We pigged out at this meal. They do offer a family style option for $33 a person. I usually deduct points from reviews for an unpleasant atmosphere, but given the food quality and the excellent service I won't for this review. When we walked in belly dancers were dancing with men. It reminded me of a strip club, and napkins were thrown everywhere on the floor. It looked dirty. The host sat us far away from this and gave us a VERY high quality meal.
(5)Anshita S.
Best Greek food ever!!! Best Gyro, moist flavorful falafel, best zatziki , delicious Spanakopita , fresh hummus, scrumptious Lamb Shank ,awesome staff...great ambiance. We ate here twice during our stay in Orlando. The first visit was for lunch. The service and food was so good. After hearing about the dance and music fiesta, we decided to go back for dinner..and boy oh boy , the second trip was so worth it. Right from the music to food to belly dances to servers throwing napkins in the air, this place is perfection for the best night out.
(5)Adrie D.
This place exceeded my expectations so much that we came here 2 Fridays in a row! I would have given it 5 stars if it weren't for the second time we visit Taverna Opa. Before I continue with my review... let me advice you to make reservations, and if possible after 6.30pm! We heard about this place while looking for a Greek restaurant in town. My family is Arabic and I can't help to love Mediterranean food and culture. We got here right before everything started, we had no idea of the entertainment planned for the night and we took our time to explore the menu. We started with hummus -which, by the way, is not like a paste as you might have tried already-, we added some lamb ribs and falafel. The lamb was a little too greasy for my taste, but the hummus and the falafel were too good to be true. Right before we got our dinner (shrimp and beef kabobs) a belly dancers comes around and all the server grab 2 stacks of napkins each and toss it in the air... which I think was an AWESOME surprise; after that, the belly dancer interacted with the tables and danced around at least until we left. You also have a lady taking pictures and capturing moments, and a guy making balloons for kids and doing magic. The kabobs came with baked potatoes and a DELICIOUS spinach rice (and I don't like spinach). We also tried the baklava and the house dessert that drove us crazy! So many great flavors from beginning to end. The first server was so accommodating, I wish I remember her name to mention it. Now, the second time the server wasn't the same and the kitchen seemed to struggle with our food. First, the pita bread had too much salt on it, almost impossible to it. Also, I LOVE medium rare to rare meat, and they had cooked my beef kabob to perfection the first time, that even my mouth was watering for it again. The second server brought the meat medium well.... not even red in the middle, and when I mentioned it he directly called a manager who looked at me like I didn't know what I was ordering. He took it back and brought me almost the same thing but cold, and since not even the manager could fix it, I just ignored it and ate it like that.... bummer! That being said, I will come back again ... hoping they get it together and change the bad taste they left in my mouth.
(4)Bunny N.
I dined over at Taverna Opa with family and it was definitely an experience. Definitely make sure you make reservations, this place gets PACKED!! I was so surprised at how many people were there. It feels as though every seat in the restaurant was full. The server was very attentive. She placed our orders and always got what we need promptly. There was pita bread and hummus as an appetizer. The cool thing was the humus was in a pistol and mortar with chickpeas and seasoning and we made the hummus our selves! It was the best hummus I ever ate- including the kind you buy else wear. Half an hour in, once we got our meals already, the show began. There is a belly dancer who dances around, standing on tables, and kids everywhere standing on tables dancing too. Then adults got up, got on the tables and danced to the music too. It was a fun time- I would have gotten on a table if I had drank enough haha. Servers are throwing stacks of napkins everywhere yelling OPAAAAA!! Napkins are getting all over the tables, floors, on ceiling decor, everywhere! The food was awesome too- the dishes were pricey but it was so good! I was so full afterwards. It was a fun time. I was feeling tired at the time so I could have enjoyed it more, but it looks like everyone else was having fun and enjoying the food. Awesome place. Maybe I will go here again for a special occasion.
(4)Valencia R.
I attended a charity event (Give Kids the World) at Taverna Opa. The event was around Halloween and had a casino theme. The entire restaurant was converted into a spooky casino. There was all kinds of games to choose from such as: blackjack, roulette, & slot machines just to name a few. The entertainment was amazing too. There were fire eaters, jugglers, & sheet acrobatics. It looked like Vegas in Orlando. When we first arrived, I walk alone the red carpet and took a picture of with the Give Kids the World back drop. After donation of $7 buck to this great organization, everyone received the fake cash of about $50,000 to gamble with.Once we entered the restaurant we were giving a glass of flavored vodka inside of a skeleton hand champagne glass. The food was an array of endless appetizers that were pass out by waiters. There was cocktail shrimp, sausages, caprese salad on kabobs, lamb chops, and more. The desert table had a variety of sweet from candy apple to cup cakes. I had so much fun at this event gambling, mingling, and laughing. I am so glad I choose to attend this event. It was a night to remember, and I cannot wait until next year.
(5)Jen H.
3.5/5 Overall SUPER DUPER loud environment. Not ideal for kids or conservative familes. We arrive around 7:30pm on a Monday, and my first reaction when I walked in was..."Why are there napkins all over the floor? Did the wind blow a pile of napkin to the floor?" As I walked to our table of 14 ppl, I realized there were napkins ALL over the floor. Wow..what a waste of napkin... Throughout the night, the music and the craziness got louder and louder...closer to 9:30pm, it was like a Vegas club...napkins were tossed in the air all over place in the restaurant, and patrons and belly dancers were dancing on the table...Some of the patrons were not very classy--in other words, RATCHET! Zeus--With a large group, we went with this menu. Food came out really slow. Our dinner was about 2+ hours long. First Course Cold Appetizers Platter--I wasn't a fan of the appetizers MELITZANOSALATA-2/5 eggplant / lemon / orange zest / garlic / onion / parsley TZATZIKI-3/5 greek strained yogurt / cucumber / garlic / dill / evoo TARAMA lemon cod roe dip-2/5 DOLMADES-2/5 grape leaves / rice / herb-infused Salad HORIATIKI "TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD"-3/5 decent cucumber / tomatoes / red onion / kalamata olives feta / peppers / extra virgin olive oil / oregano Second Course Hot Appetizers Platter SPANAKOPITA--2/5 the phyllo wasn't fresh--not crispy to my taste spinach / feta / phyllo KEFTEDES "GREEK MEATBALLS"--3.5/5 not bad beef / herbs CALAMARI--2/5 eh, I've had better fried / lemon LAMB RIBS--N/A I didn't try garlic/lemon OAK GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS--2/5 wings weren't crispy lemon / oregano Third Course Entree LAMB CHOPS--N/A I didn't try; Not a fan of lamb 36-hour marinated / garlic / herbs CHICKEN BROCHETTE: 3/5 great but nothing special, unfortunately; Def large portion marinated chicken breast / herbs BEEF TENDERLOIN BROCHETTE: 3.5/5 very tender! marinated filet medallions/herbs OAK GRILLED PORK LOIN: 3.5/5 good marinated pork loin / herbs Served with Yiayia's veggies & lemon potatoes: 3/5 your standard veggies Seafood Platter: 3.5/5 very generous with the seafood amount. 7OZ LOBSTER TAIL, SHRIMP, SCALLOPS, MUSSELS, CALAMARI, ALASKAN KING CRAB LEGS & FISH OF THE DAY tomatos / garlic / white wine
(3)Jimmy J.
Oy vey. Apparently getting a great meal in Orlando is a struggle. This is the 4th restaurant we ve visited on our trip that had 4th yelp stars or more. Unfortunately, theyve all been weak to mediocre. We visited for lunch at 115pm. We were the only people there. You d think we would have gotten attentive service. Not the case. Our waitress was too busy chit chatting with the staff. Had to ask her if she were my server because no one greeted us 5 mins after seating in a empty restaurant. Throughout meal, i had to ask her for lemons, salt n pepper, more diet soda. Walked up to server station for napkins. She worked lunch on 8/11 with black hair...no business being in service. To the food. Complimentary hummos is a nice touch but lord god, toast the pita. Basically cold, raw untoasted pita. Thats laziness in kitchen. Cretan salad was ok and greens were fresh. Keferti cheese wasnt. Dry and room temp. Dull. Avgolemeno soup was salty and served NOT Hot. Kids had gyros on pita. Not real gyros cut from spit like what you get in Chi town, NYC, or any major city with a Greek community. Its was 3 frozen strips cooked on a flat grill...with fries=:$12 Wife's pork Loin was decent portion. But fatty not trimmed well. Not marinated. Hence, not tender or with flavor. My chicken kabobs were good. Decent. Our greek style potatoes were not hot or fresh. Im a restaurant operator from a great restaurant city (Chicago). Maybe my standards are too high. But i will leave you with this. Im certain that the Greek American founder of the successful Opa Tavern chain in Florida is a highly skilled operator who understands great food and good service. Im also certain that if he himself experienced the food and service i did today, he would be disappointed and ashamed. Not RECOMMENDED.
(2)Alex R.
We came to Opa for a friends' birthday. We had the pita bread which was very good. I swear it is addictive, you just can't stop eating it. We also had the gyro. This was one delicious gyro. The lamb was perfectly cooked. The ingredients were as fresh as they came. The fries were perfectly made. The ambiance was fun with dancers, customers, and waiters dancing on tables and napkins flying through the air. By far this was one fun night with great food and music. Recommended.
(4)Richie K.
While I was in town for a conference, a client generously offered to take me out to dinner. When she asked if I had any meal preferences, I said I'm not too picky so long as there's a vegetarian entree on the menu. As an out to towner herself, she asked the concierge at her hotel for recommendations, thus leading us to Taverna Opa. While the concierge's food suggestion was solid, we wish we had known about the dancing, loud music, and thousands of flying napkins. It's not that we're anti-fun--we were just looking for a quite place to talk shop over a nice meal. If you're looking to entertain and know about the raucous atmosphere in advance, Taverna Opa is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a quite destination for a business dinner, you'll want to head elsewhere.
(3)Jackie D.
its like going to a Big Fat Greek Wedding! Been here a few times and is always the scene of a good time amidst friends. At least by the time the night is over, you will be. Drinks and food can add up quickly but.. their mixed drinks by the pitcher is something you dont see very often. The Chilean Sea Bass was succulent and flavorful. Cooked to perfection. Can never have enough fresh hummus and their grilled Octopus is to die-for!. OPA!
(5)Arisa A.
Five stars are not enough for this place. I went to Florida with my husband the first week of June. Taverna Opa is in a shopping center just a short walk from our hotel so we decided to give it a try. I was already 3 months pregnant at the time and picky as ever. At first glance I didn't care for anything on the menu but my husband was insistent on trying their chicken kebob so we stayed. I told the waiter about my picky taste and she recommended the Santorini Shrimp. OH. MY. GOD!! So good. There is no way to describe how good my meal was. I hadn't been able to really enjoy much of anything but this was amazing - I didn't want it to end. My husband also loved his kebob - so much so he refused to give me a bite! We were so in love with this place that we came back for lunch again the next day and again before our flight. I'm back in New York and dreaming about the shrimp. Besides the food the staff was also very sweet. We had different waitresses every time that we came back but all of them were wonderful. Totally recommend!!!
(5)Danyel S.
Fresh vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, Kalamata olives, Greek feta that is not too salty or dull, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and fresh oregano. The ingredients I just listed are what makes a perfect Greek salad. I usually get extra feta cheese because it's just delicious. Other dishes that I love here are the dolmades, souvlaki platter and musaka. I can't stop raving about this place, because simply put - this is the best Greek restaurant I've been to in this country.
(5)Lisa W.
I've dined regularly as well as attended events and private dinners here since they opened. Located on the upper level of Pointe Orlando, they validate parking, so bring in your parking garage ticket. (Bonus!) The service has always been very friendly, including if you are just sitting at the bar grabbing a drink and a happy hour appetizer. There are food and drink happy hour specials, valid on the weekends. Attending with a smaller group is fun, as you can be seated at the larger rows of tables and end up feeling like you are a big party by the end of your meal even if it's just 2, 4 or 6 in your party. I've enjoyed a wine dinner here, they had very nice food and wine pairings featuring Greek wines. My last visit was with a large convention group. Taverna Opa arranged a special menu for our group with family style courses. Meat free options for vegetarians were also available as family style, which was a nice touch. Food was prepared well, the Family style platters were overflowing, drinks were tasty and the courses of the meal were paced out very nicely. Service was great and cashing out, even with our large group, was easy. There was a photographer that wrangled 1/2 of the group into a picture, had the price been lower, we probably would have gone for it. Pictures came out nice and fun for a visiting group or birthday. Out of 40ish people in our group, not one negative comment and nothing but raves and compliments on the food. Now, onto the craziness! At some point in your evening- the lights dim, the music cranks up and napkins are showered down, creating a very festive atmosphere. A Bellydancer comes twirling out, maybe you end up in a line of other diners dancing around the restaurant. Or on the tables. Yes, I did... and yes, I have on more than one visit! Really, it's up to you how much of a fun and festively crazy experience you want to have outside of your delicious Greek meal. OPA!
(5)Meg H.
This place is something else, and you have to be, and I mean have to be, there with the right group of people. You need to be feeling pretty good about 3-4 drinks into the night, and you need to be with friends you like to dance with all night. You need a reservation, and if you miss it they will make you wait. Do not come here on a first date, or a second, maybe a third? You walk in and suddenly its a nightclub with odd various people on tables dancing- underage girls, old men, and young men, and kids even. You're seated and suddenly napkins are flying everywhere. You order your food, and it comes, and you think- oh the belly dancer won't come to our table until we are done eating. Nope- she'll come up ask if you want to dance and promptly push your dishes to the side and then peoples food are inches from peoples feet. Hummus and Greek meatball appetizer were frankly delish. You should split an entree if you're a lady, unless you want food for a week. Its weird unless you're already 3-4 drinks in with your best friends. A lot of creepy guys lurking to watch the ladies....you've been warned.
(2)Ivette C.
Amazing!! Food is delicious, atmosphere is so lively, service is excellent (props to our waiter from Rumania, George). A great time is guaranteed!
(5)Louis B.
I have been here twice and both times I was very happy with the service and the meal. One thing that I think people need to know about this place is the noise. It is extremely loud to the point of absurdity. I get that this is that kind of restaurant but it can get a little annoying when you can't communicate with your waiter or your date. They have women dancing on tables and throwing napkins all over the place. The women dancing on the tables I didn't mind (Obviously right?) but when they throw napkins everywhere it kind of makes the place look like a mess. Honestly, these are very trivial things to complain about since the food is the main attraction and it is excellent. The Hummus and Pita Bread to start off with alone is just delicious. The menu can be a tad confusing but the waiter helped us with our selection and we ended up having some beef and pork chops with spinach rice and potatoes. Very impressed and enjoy the meal a lot. One complaint about the meal was that it was expensive. I feel like the prices are that high to pay for all those napkins they waste and for the pseudo strippers. Do I think it is worth the price you pay? Yes. The food was that good. Do I plan on coming here often? No, but for a once in a while treat this place is hard to beat. Highly recommended. Try not to go too late. As the day turns into night, the place turns into a nightclub environment. If that's what you are looking for then go for it but if you are looking for a nice dinner in a quiet restaurant, look elsewhere. Nice to experience just once though.
(4)Jeff G.
It's Opa! Loud, napkins flying, belly dancers on tables, incredible greek food, delicious tatziki, humus n pita. I mean what more do you want from a Greek restaurant! The drinks were strong, the service was impeccable and the family style option gives everyone a little bit of everything. I've now been to Opa in a few different cities and the experience is always the same... FANTASTIC! Enjoy... OPA!!!!
(5)Shiv C.
First yelp review! The place is pretty good. I needed to catch a flight after a vacation to Disney world and this place is about a 15 minute drive from the Orlando airport. The hummus and pita is really garlicky and flavorful. You know the hummus is fresh when it comes out in a moral and pestel. I got the traditional Greek soup which was hearty with a great citrus flavor. My dad had the gyro with opa fries. Since it's hard to screw up a gyro I won't give them too much credit for that, but the Hot Meze platter stole the show. The calamari was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the lamb balls were juicy and minty, and the chicken wings were decent too. The spanakopita wasn't too good for me but everyone else seemed to like it. No complaints on the service either. All in all, a great preflight meal!
(4)Nia W.
Five star everything!!! Great food, great service, and atmosphere!!! Raziel gave us the best experience ever!!! Best Greek dishes in Orlando!!! Margaritas , hummus, lamb chops, etc.
(5)Beth N.
Great food, lively atmosphere, fun for all ages. Whether dining or dancing the experience was fantastic. Opa!
(5)James S.
What a crazy place! If you like decent food, loud noise, people dancing on tables, and napkins thrown everywhere, then this is the place for you. I went with my company of 50+ here. They already had a set dinner for us. It was full of varieties of Greek food. Great selections. We had lamb and it was good. Was alittle salty. Beef tenderloin was good soft and delicious. The seafood platter was pretty decent but really salty. Overall, food was salty but ok. Rating Food 4 Ambience 4.5 Service 4 Price 4 Overall 4 Would come back in a large group.
(4)Heather O.
Taverna Opa is THE place to go for a fun night out in Orlando! The ambiance, the people, the food, the entertainment are all top notch. Come to Taverna Opa for the wonderful food and drinks. Their homemade fresh hummus is the best I've ever tasted and you get to mix it together at your table with a mortar and pestle! Come to Taverna Opa for the belly dancers and the amazing DJ! The music they play makes you want to get up and dance! So you CAN, when the belly dancers come around to give a great show. Everyone is having fun, eating great food, listening to awesome music. A night I won't forget!
(5)Leo T.
What can I say. Despite great reviews 4/5 stars, this place was a little too loud and too chaotic for me. Very loud music is playing everywhere, and you get an impression that you are visiting a Russian restaurant during your cousin's birthday. The music is accompanied by some belly dancers, with occasional customers joining them on top of the tables for a sexy dance. An interesting addition to this Greek restaurant is an enormous amount of napkins, which fly all over the place, leaving you feeling as if you have just disturbed an entire beehive of super angry and pissed off bees mad at the world! :) The food was great, but like any other Greek restaurant, but I had to devour it in sheer silence, since I could not hear anything further than my nose!
(3)Lorraine H.
Great service from Catherine, fun group dancing, beautiful belly dancer, so-so vegetarian Opa salad, music too loud and clashing with neighboring restaurant, nice that they offer outdoor seating but smokers taint the fresh air, couldn't get the free wifi to work.
(3)Lisa S.
A fun atmosphere and the servers were on top of the service (we had a group of 50) with that being said the food was overpriced and very mediocre. Most of us discussed the meal and all agreed the food was not anywhere worth the price. Drinks were served warm we had to add ice from water jug.
(2)Thi P.
I was staying in Orlando for a week & was recommended this place by a friend who used to live here. WOW is what I can say! I was a little confused I might have gotten the wrong place as I walked it, it was extremely loud and the floors were covered in napkins! We were seated immediately & the staff was very helpful with the menu. After we ordered, we were pulled out from our chairs and was forced to dance on our table with belly dancers! Everyone was making in rain with paper napkins! It was wild and the atmosphere was very live! Everyone was having a blast! As soon as our food came out, they of course cleaned our tables (lol) the complimentary hummus , which was interesting because you get to mash it up yourselves! It was so fresh and delicious. You can really taste the garlic they put in there (which I absolutely loved) Second our lamb chops came out which was recommended. Def my favorite part of our meal! Marinated 36 hours & grilled to perfection prior to ordering. There was no gamey taste to it at all, and it just simply melted in your mouth. It was absolute Devine!! The last thing we ordered was the sautéed sea scallops! The only real complaint I have with it was they only served two of them. Other then that, the two that was served was big & delicious. The tomato sauce, garlic & white wine sauce it was cooked in really complimented it. I very much recommend this place to anyone visiting Orlando!
(5)Vanessa C.
Incredible food, service is great! Great experience, had dinner and the transition from dinner to party in a heartbeat made an incredible impression on us. Highly recommended!
(5)Jose G.
Great place to come in with a group for a fun time. I find their food actually very good and fresh. I love the grilled octopus, dolmas and the lamb kebabs. It can get noisy with loud music, belly dancers and on top of the tables... It's a lot of fun... Opa!
(5)Kamila L.
My friends and I agree that this is the house of the best Lamb Chops and the best appetizzers in Orlando. Dancing Party Techno Music is awesome! This one of the best mixes in DJ Ambience, Show, Food Restaurants (Miami Beach Style), probably the only one in this category in Orlando! They even have drinks for up to $100.00 dlls each but also reasonable prices on food. Best place for a celebration!!!! They have belly dancers, Servers and Zorba crowd dance!
(5)William D.
Opa ! our service experience started off wrong here, and was about to call the ball, however another waiter noticed the issue, called the manager, who took some of the best customer service mitigation have seen in a long time, he corrected the situation, replaced the waiter with his best waitress, and she was in fact excellent. he understood we had passed our limit on time with small kids after a late start and expedited the orders. food was spectacular !! great portions, everyone was really happy. service industry is tough, esp a place this busy, so things will happen how you fix problems is what counts, and the managment at Opa is clearly on point. I will say its a loud, and busy off the chain place, the niche here is after your meal, you get up on the table and dance on it and throw napkins in the air, along with belly dancers roaming the dining room floor, a DJ spinning hip hop and a mix of greek techno, but have more mellow outdoor seating. its a strange mix of nite club, greek tavern, family style food with a hint of greek wedding. so if you want quiet meal, go early, its rip roaring by 9pm on a weekend, but unique and fun place if you want a dining adventure.
(5)Robert H.
Started with the keftedes. Had I stopped there it would've been a five star visit. Great! The atmosphere was good and seemed to be a solid happy hour spot on a Thursday afternoon. The grouper was good, not great, but it was seasoned well and the accompanying veggies we're very good. It could've been cooked a little less, but it was still very good. Wasn't impressed with the baklava, but still a solid dining experience overall. If I return when I'm back in Orlando, I will order something different... or 3 plates of the best keftedes I've ever had.
(3)Anneila R.
A group of 13 of us came here last Saturday for dinner. It's fun...but at the cost of good service. This is first and foremost a restaurant - not a club or bar. I get it, belly dancers on the tables and dancing through the dining patrons to set the tone of a fun and rowdy stereotypical Greek restaurant. However, there's definitely an imbalance between the time spent on service vs. time spent on entertainment. It's hard to do and Opa has yet to master this. We ordered drinks at 9:17 and didn't receive them until 10 pm, many of which were non alcoholic since most of my group had flights to catch the next morning. Unacceptable. Now for the food, everything I tried was delicious. The Greek salad was nice and salty, the complimentary hummus (which came 10 minutes after the drinks) was great - but by this time we were famished and anything would have tasted amazing. I tried their lamb chops, lamb shank, chicken souvlaki, steak and grilled seafood, they were all wonderful. As for sides, the green beans were okay...had I known, I'd have doubled the lemon potatoes - they were that good. The meat tends to be overcooked so I'd order it slightly less done than usual to achieve the perfect cooking temperature (I requested medium-rare lamb chops and they came out well done). I would come back during the day when there's less of a party atmosphere just so I'd enjoy my food.
(3)Katelyn M.
I've been to Taverna Opa before and had a good time, but this trip was not. good. This is a long one, so be warned. We went for a bachelorette party so we could grab dinner and some drinks before hitting up areas not too far away. There were about 15 of us, so we made reservations at 7:00. When we get there, we're told they won't seat us until at least half the party is there. No big deal, we all get there and let them know. They then tell us our table will be ready soon. Fast forward to 8:30 (an hour and a half past our RESERVATION time!), and we're finally being squeezed into a table to can hardly fit 15 of us. Our server comes up, greets us and we think we're gonna have a good time because he's friendly and having fun with our group. WRONG. There is such a thing as having a good time while you work, but you need to make sure you're still doing your job. He decides that instead of taking drink orders or anything, he's going to get Fireball shots for some of the table. So he makes a spectacle doing Fireball shots, gets down and disappears. No drink order. We see him dancing on other table. Still no drink order. FINALLY he comes and takes our drink order. It takes us, no exaggeration, 40 minutes for us to get our drinks - and no water to hold us over. And even then, two of the girls who ordered a cocktail didn't get theirs. We had to keep asking where it was at and were told "it's coming - don't worry" - after hearing that 4 or 5 times, you get sick of it. We eventually just started going to the bar to ask for stuff and paying individually there, because it was so much quicker. And when they asked why and we told them (our server prefers dancing on other tables than taking care of us) they just kinda shrugged and went on. We finally gave our food order. Our server told us he'd bring hummus for the table, and he does. And the entrees we order all come out fine - food was cooked fine, it tasted good, nothing wrong with it. Except the tzatziki appetizer me & my friend ordered didn't come out until we finished our entree. And then when the entire table was asking for more bread for the hummus and tzatziki, we were ignored. We had to multiple times to get any sort of answer out of him on whether we'd get more bread. He kept asking if there was anything we needed, and all of us needed water refills, yet never got them. Instead he kept going to dance on other tables and disappear for lengthy periods of time. We were getting very, very frustrated at this point. After 3 1/2 hours - yup, you read that right - we finally managed to get our checks, which of course were messed up for some people but we just dealt with it because we knew it would take a long time. It took a while to pick them up, a long time to run them, and then bring them back. And one of the things that bothered me was that he thought it was cute and funny to mess with some of the girls in the party and not give them their checks back but instead act like he didn't have them. Sorry, but you've kept us here far longer than we wanted and you're not being cute anymore. By the end, we were so frustrated we wanted to get out but he couldn't see that and just kept joking. So overall, the service was seriously lacking. He was far too involved having fun rather than taking care of his table at all. When it was all said and done, we had been there for over FOUR HOURS. Completely inexcusable.
(1)Chris N.
Made up for a shaky start. The manager is on point.
(5)Linda P.
So much fun!!! Belly dancer and awesome dj. This place is a party. The food was great, entertainment and staff were wonderful. We'll be back.
(5)Janet A.
If you're looking to have a quiet evening, DO NOT COME HERE! If you're looking to have a great time with a group and do not care if the food is great, then this is the spot for you. You're paying for the entertainment and a different kind of dining experience. Our waitress seemed confused for the entire evening, she was nice but she was taking plates before we were finished. Here's the kicker of the story: My daughter asked the waitress what kind of drinks there were besides soda and she proceeded to tell her about the beer and wine list. HUH? She's 16 but looks 12! Would I go here again if I am in Orlando? Probably not.
(3)Miryam H.
What a fun place to eat! An absolutely unique place -at least to us that is. We read the reviews and as visitors to Orlando, we were excited to see what this restaraunt was all about. We were not disappointed! When we arrived at 10:30 for a late dinner, most of the restaraunt was dancing on tables to great music. The DJ played a variety of music - from hip hop to traditional Greek songs, but all remixed to allow people the ability to dance. We ordered more appetizers than usual because they were so reasonably priced. A must try is the homemade hummus and the Greek salad. Yum! I would have liked my scallop appetizer to be a bit larger: 3 pieces instead of 2, for its price. But overall all of the food was good. For that matter the drinks were delicious and you could taste the alcohol. Definitely not watered down! I can understand why the service may become slow during moments of high enthusiasm in the restaraunt, however, we had many servers and wait staff ask us how we were doing and both serve us and clear the table. No complaints about that. Overall we had a fun time eating, drinking, and dancing here. There were tons of large groups celebrating birthdays as well. With this type of environment I can see why this would be a top choice.
(4)Michelle R.
This is a place where people mostly like to go to get tipsy and act crazy. The food is not the best and it's extremely overpriced. The only thing I liked there was the hummus that they make in front of you.
(1)Tammy R.
Had a great family dinner. Best Greek food that we had ever eaten, and the dancing was fun. VERY LOUD music, so not a place for small talk...just enjoy the show!
(5)Christi-Anne W.
Great for big groups! Don't know if I'd want to come here on like a date though. Went with a bunch of my friends for a birthday and it was awesome! Belly dancer was very interactive and danced with a lot of guests, including me! The waiters got a bunch of people up for a dance around the whole restaurant! And they threw napkins up like confetti like four times, it was awesome! The only reason I won't give it five stars is because of the food. The meat was awesome (I got a chicken kebab) but the side (I think it was some kind of rice) was so-so. But then again I'm a pretty picky eater.
(4)Kay Y.
OPA!! ::::::napkins get thrown in my face::::::::: Okay that's not what really happen but that's a very possible scenario at Taverna Opa! We trekked all the way from East Orlando to Pointe and braved the convention goers to go to this place for our friends birthday dinner. I didn't know what to expect except all the photos I've saw from Yelp. We got there and our friends were late. To HIS OWN BIRTHDAY - damn Asian Time! Annnyways I digress. We were hanging outside near by the fountain and I was like, "aww, I don't see any belly dancers :::sad face::::". By the time we sat, nearly 15 of us including kids, the restaurant was still average noise level, no music, just people talking. Then BOOM, the restaurant started blasting with what I assume is Greek music? Very intense, lots of beats per minute with some one singing in the back ground. It reminds me of indian or spanish music. For the whole party - I think we might have been assigned to only 1 server. For all 15 of us!! Crazy, right? Fortunately, the server was able to handle the crowd - albeit not the best service. It might have been a cultural difference? Its just the attitude wasn't friend but really to do the point. We had ordered the Beef Kabobs and the Chilean Sea Bass dish. I was really close to ordering the hummus after hearing lots of good things but obviously I didn't read all the reviews because ITS FREE. The Hummus is FREE. Honestly, that was the best thing I ate that night. The Pita is comes with is fresh, warm, garlicky and soft. The Hummus had lots of garlic (I heart Garlic) with the chick peas that we mashed ourselves in a mortar and pestal! FUN! Once again, Hummus is FREE - don't order it as an appetizer! The tenderloin kabobs ($19) were under seasoned. It lacked serious seasoning and flavor. It didn't taste like anything except for beef. We then had to ask for salt, but since our server was nowhere to be found - we asked another person walking by, he said, "no, i'm not your server". UM hello!? It was just salt - not like I need you to do a open heart surgery. We just walked to the expedite area and got our own. Seabass ($27) was good, not awesome for 27. It tasted frozen but the overall flavor was tasty. It was pan fried, so the exterior was crispy on both side and it wasn't over cooked. I tasted garlic, oregano and lemon. I've tasted a calamari from a friend's appetizer and it wasn't anything special. Save the money or pick something else more 'Greek'. It gets pretty crazy here when it gets loud and the crowd gets rowdy. I dont recommend kids, here with some of the behavior some adults were acting. As the night went on, they started play remixes of club music.
(3)Miran C.
The service was fantastic and the free hummus that came with the pita was amazing. It's inspired me to try to try to make it at home- I think I will experiment with drained chick peas, chopped garlic, and seasoning in a mortar and pestle. Before I paid the check, the belly dancer came out. The waiters threw up a bunch of napkins in the air, which is something you never see in eco-conscious SF. That should all go into compost LOL. Then the belly dancer did her thing in a unique costume complete with arm flaps that reminded me of pterodactyl wings. It was nice getting a free show with dinner. It's the kinda show where everyone stops eating to think, "wow, I wish I could dance like that." Oh, as for the dinner itself- I had the chicken with artichokes. It was just OK. The portion was large enough for me to share with my husband at lunch the next day. There is only 1 free parking voucher per check fyi.
(4)Arti G.
Good food but only go if you're WHITE! The service is horrible if you're ethnic. We came early because we had other plans after. The waitress was annoyed that we walked in at 5:15pm on a Saturday, and rudely told is we had to sit outside. They were still setting up for dinner. We were fine with that but the attitude was not pleasant. The hummus we received was chickpeas not at all mashed. I specifically asked for Greek salad with lettuce and dressing on side, as the waitress informed me that it didn't come with lettuce. My salad came out without lettuce and swimming in dressing. There was no Tzatziki Sauce with my husbands souvlaki and after complaining about poor service to manager (our server wAs nowhere to be found) they had the audacity to charge for tzatziki!!! Food was good but Medford g up our order and no server to help fix it ruined our meal. We only saw white people there all relieving excellent service. Racism?? Maybe?
(1)G J.
We had a large group of 24 for 5:30 p.m. dinner reservation. The restaurant was not full when we arrived, but the place was packed by the time we left. To our surprise, the staff had diners dancing on the tables, dancing a conga line, and taking shots of Greek Spirits. Any excuse to celebrate prompted a napkin confetti toss. It was loud, chaotic and so much fun! At 7:00 p.m., the Belly Dancer arrived and danced around the dining room. She approached our table and hand picked some of the men to climb on top of the tables to belly dance with her. HYSTERICAL! The food is good. We were served a fixed menu but had plenty of food. Price range for fixed menu was about $25. Be sure to bring a camera!
(5)Chris H.
Our hotel sent us to this restaurant when we said that we wanted good food but didn't want a chain restaurant. It was a rainy day and a little after lunch, so it pretty empty. Let's start with that it has a fun atmosphere that is a little more modern than most Greek restaurants that I have been to. If you order an entree they bring you humus and pita bread which was very good. I had the pork and it was just ok (a little dry)...I wish that I had tried the ribeye instead. My wife had the lamb shanks and they were wonderful!
(4)Karla M.
Ok so as soon as we go in the restaurant they give us napkins and then i see people throw napkins in the air so I just did what other people do and it was fun. And then the belly dancers come and it was my cousins graduation dinner and he had a good time and then the music started and the waiters grabbed a random lady then the random lady grabbed a man the a lot of people were leaping around the restaurant and it was an unimaginable night and we had a good time so if your looking to have a family time dinner or a celebration then go to opa the only problem is that there wasting too much napkins and that means a lot of trees dieng
(5)Angelina W.
I went on a Friday night and there was a fun atmosphere with bellydancers, Greek line dancing, napkins being thrown, etc. I can't even imagine their risk management process as people were dancing on tables, there were open flames (food and alcohol on fire), and people were becoming intoxicated. It's not a quiet place, so good luck having a conversation. They do have outdoor seating, which would have been a quieter place to sit and eat. They serve hummus and pita bread as a free appetizer. The food was delicious. I was disappointed that there wasn't a vegetarian platter on the menu (something that included a combination of items such as Greek salad, dolmades, falafel, spanakopita, etc.). When I decided to eat here I didn't know that I'd have to pay to park in a parking garage (they only validate if you spend a certain amount of money, and I didn't spend enough to meet that requirement). There was lots of traffic to enter and within the parking garage, spots were tight, and the parking was almost completely full. If you eat here, plan to get there early to park and then walk to the restaurant (it's in an outdoor mall area).
(5)Alden K.
Great food with a nice drink selection. Fun atmosphere for tourists and locals alike. Try the lamb!
(4)Nima P.
I celebrated my birthday here once with close friends and family-- And the night was a full of memories. This place is more for the party then it is for the food. The food was rather dry but you don't come here too eat... You can't throw a thousand napkins and dance to arabic music on the table on a full stomach! However if you are really hungry, as many times as I have been here, you cannot go wrong with the traditional hummus and pita appetizer and chicken entree. The overall customer experience is fantastic, I've never encountered rude waiters or staff for that matter. It's appropriate for all ages before a certain hour.
(5)Dave K.
Been here a couple times, people are very friendly, food is decent.
(4)Patti P.
Awesome, such much fun and great food. Make reservations though because they are very busy. Get ready to dance on table if you wish!
(5)Kathy D.
I absolutely love their complimentary hummus and pita. You smash the chickpeas right at the table! Their hummus has definitely spoiled me for the future consumed hummus'. Their calamari appetizer wasn't anything special I felt. Maybe would have been better if they offered sauces along with it, it only comes with a wedge of lemon. It just felt greasy after awhile since there is so much of it. I also had the Greek Paella. I love how the cheese in the dish melts right into the flavors and I'm not usually a fan of goat cheese! The seafood was cooked just right, but I wish there wasn't so much calamari and more of the other seafood like scallops and shrimps! The entertainment is fun, with a belly dancer and loud music along with servers throwing napkins in the air, making it rain napkins. If you're not shy, you can expect yourself learning how to belly dance on top of your table. It is a fun spot if you're looking to do a lot of drinking for celebrations, but it might hurt your wallet. lol Service could of been better, seemed less attentive and difficult to find at times.
(3)Torrie W.
We had an awesome time! We danced and partied we ate like fat rats. The service was so awesome and the belly dancers were so entertaining. This place has all the components to have a great time. From dancing on the tables to the awesome well flavored food you will not be disappointed. The food is so well prepared and seasoned to perfection so much so that there isn't even salt & pepper shakers on the tables. The DJ HAS A GREAT COMPILATION of traditional Greek, lil Salsa sound and hip hop beats as the night goes on. The DJ KEEPS UP A GREAT mix and match and flow of the atmosphere. They know their craft. As you watch the room you can tell they have such a system, while you are eating the party is on the other side of the room. Throughout the courses of your meals different experiences come your way. Nothing invasive but well spirited and planned. This is a great place to explore your wild side in public. No worries everyone is letting loose so their wont be no shame to your game! I promise.
(5)D W.
We had a large group for dinner and had THE BEST TIME! The food was delicious, the music & crowd were energizing, and the dancing was pure fun. Have the dinner for 4 or more to have a taste of many dishes. It's the best choice if you have never eaten Greek cuisine. If there were 10 stars I'd give all 10!
(5)Todd Y.
Not wanting to eat at Disney we decided to give this place a shot... It was very good Get there early they do have a 2-1 happy hour, which makes up for the prices of the drinks.. I can see this place getting very busy as it is maybe 1/2 mile from the convention center. Got the moussaka and it was very tasty... Wife got the Greek meatballs and baba ganouj and it was very good.. The meatballs might have given them a 1/2 star ding as they are very small for the price.. Nice touch is the hummus comes and you get to grind it fresh... They start it and you get to finish it... Give it a shot
(5)Dan P.
Had to wait an additional hour twenty for our group of eight 8:30 reservation. Walk-in groups that arrived after us got seated. Why make a reservation if the location isn't going to honor it ? We received our apps but had to get up and get our own silverware and had to repeatedly ask for plates. We ordered mojitos and what we received was not even close. It was straight alcohol , ice and sprite. Where is the mint and lime ? This first experience will be my last !
(1)Rob T.
Came for lunch, service was great (but we were the only people in the whole place), The food was fantastic, would definitely come here again
(5)Nathan S.
This place was AMAZING. We traveled from Texas for my birthday and wanted something you can't find there... This place definitely hit the spot! We did one of the group meals which was a 5 course meal and I can't even begin to describe how wonderful everything was! All of the food had SO MUCH flavor! Also, after the staff learned it was my birthday, they brought out dessert with a candle and had me stand on a table with a waiter while the whole restaurant sang to me. At the end, they all yelled "OPA!!" And threw a huge amount of napkins like confetti. Definitely not anything we would find back home!!
(5)Rhea P.
How anyone eats here is beyond me. Don't get me wrong, I really tried, but was not successful. And that's a shame too becasue I really liked the salad. It's just too much distraction with dancing and watching other people dance. . .I love dancing, so I would much rather dance than eat. I think next time maybe I should just come and dance, and sit outside and eat, or just get it to go. Great fun, party environment.
(5)Mark C.
Hands down the best Moussaka I've ever had! Staff is friendly, ambiance is perfect, and the deserts are delicious! The lamb kabob is simply amazing, as well, tender, marinated lamb with no gaminess whatsoever. If you've never had great Greek, this is the place to go!
(5)Kay P.
Food wasn't bad. But not fond of putting my silverware on a table where people are putting dirty shoes from dancing on table. And you guys are killing the environment wasting all this paper! UGH! It made me so mad seeing all this paper unnecessarily wasted. What's wrong with America? So damn wasteful.
(2)Becky F.
Went last night with group of ten. Food was ok and given in a quick manner. Belly dancer was really friendly. Parking validated. I have been to Greece and the food there of course is more authentic might bring other groups thete.
(2)Cody P.
Very interesting place. If you've never been give it a try its a experience to say the least!
(4)Nicole F.
I encouraged some friends to meet us at Taverna Opa because the idea of belly dancers and napkin throwing seemed fun. We arrived for our Thursday 9:30pm reservation on time and we were greeted promptly. There were napkins all over the floor, loud music playing, and the restaurant was less than half full of customers. There were people dancing in a line through the restaurant and a belly dancer on one of the tables. Our server was pleasant but not very prompt or attentive. We waited about 20 minutes for her to take our drink order and another 20 for the food order. There were employees standing around talking and watching the dancing. We were never asked if we had been there before or offered to participate in the festivities. Food was ok, a few of us had souvlaki platters, the vegetarian platter had the best flavor. Overall we didn't have the greatest experience but there were others that seemed to have a lot of fun as the employees encouraged them to participate. Almost forgot, the scallop appetizer consisted of only two scallops and it was $12.
(3)Lala C.
International Drive is certainly a place to find every chain restaurant in the US in one area. We were looking for someplace not in that category. Don't go for the service, don't go for the ambiance unless you like loudness and watching people dancing on tables for any excuse. Hummus was tiny portion, no seasoning but garlic but a neat concept that you can mash garbanzo beans yourself..... Colleagues enjoyed their lamb entrees. The scallops and greek salad were good not memorable though. Since it is part of an outdoor mall, plenty of parking but you have to walk quite a ways to get up to them on the 2nd floor.
(3)Kyle A.
Arrived for our 5pm reservation and quickly noticed we were the only people there. Which was surprising for a Sunday night for tourist overpopulated Orlando. My wife and I sat unnoticed for at least 10 minutes before water was even given to us. Another 5 minutes went by and we saw 2 waitresses talking and looking at us, as if they were deciding who was going to serve us. Finally, a waitress came over and took our drink order. What came back was a disgusting flat diet coke that had way too much syrup and not enough carbonated water. My wife had a few questions about their fish selection, to which the waitress had no answers for. Seriously, why doesn't the wait staff know if fish is wild or farmed? Anyway, long story short, I threw $2 on the table for the soda and we left and went next door to BB Kings BBQ. Who, might I add, had amazing food and stellar service. Step it up Taverna.
(1)Scott L.
A great fun place with some good food. It feels a little touristy and is certainly in a touristy area, but what do you want it's in Orlando. They have a nice outdoor patio and I'm sure it's great when it's not very hot outside. Outside is nice, but all the entertainment is on the inside. There's music and a belly dancer plus the rest of the staff gets into it from time to time, singing and dancing. Be prepared for napkin showers. Sooner or later the dancer will ask someone from your table to get up and dance. Half the fun is watching everyone. It's a fun and festive atmosphere. If you're looking for a quiet date night, this is not for you. The food is pretty good and the service is friendly. I did the gyro, but wasn't expecting it as a wrap. Looked again and didn't see it in the description. Was expecting it as a platter, but no biggie. It was good, but not the best I've had. The mezze platters were pretty good too, but also not the best Greek food I've ever had. If I was just scoring on food alone I probably would have given it three stars. I'd gladly go back. There plenty of other restaurants in the area to try too. One place in the complex worth checking out is the Pub.
(4)Alyssa K.
I love greek food, and I love greek culture, this place is a bit of a tourist trap, what with the belly dancers and the loud music and the napkins everywhere. I've been to Greece a number of times and that isn't very true to the culture, more like a stereotype. I think my favorite part of this place is the hummus you make yourself and the saganaki appetizer. The gyros are good, but they are nothing like the real thing, and I have had better ones in Orlando. The Saganaki isn't very authentic either, more of a show, in greece, it isnt lit on fire right before your eyes or drenched in alcohol, its just more of a melted cheese, however, I DO really like it with the alcohol and the fire. It is different and adds a nice crisp to the cheese I DO love this place, even though it is americanized, American-Greek food doesnt bother me nearly as much as American-Italian. My only complaint is that it is really loud.
(4)Ara A.
Awesome food and great service. Recommend the kabobs and hummus!!
(4)Joseph E.
Extremely disappointing. Lettuce in our gyros was wilted and rusty. Hair in food. Manager apologized but didn't offer to comp our ruined entrees. Server couldn't pronounce gyro. I would avoid, at least for lunch on a weekday.
(1)Liz H.
This restaurant was highly recommended by a friend. We arrived during happy hour and sat in the tables next to the bar. The waitress took our drink and appetizer order quickly, but we didn't see to much of her after that. We tried waving her down to take our dinner order, but she never came back. Another waitress notice us waiting came and took our order she also checked in with us a couple of times. We were waiting for awhile because our dinner order was taken so late. The appetizers (humus and dolmades) were very good. For dinner we ordered beef kabobs and gyro with fries. The beef kabobs were not so great. The meat was a little tough. However the gyro was excellent, but not that wasn't enough to bring back.
(3)Apu N.
The best advice I can give is go with the right attitude. I definitely knew what to expect, but this place is still very obnoxious. I think what threw me off was the club music, If they played traditional Greek music and were just as loud and rowdy I would have had a great time. We were with a big group and had one server for 30 people. I know they want to make money but it shouldn't be at the suffering of the customers. Since I knew it would take forever to get a drink, I went and got a bottle of wine at the bar to bring to the table, got a nasty look from our server. Food was decent, some items were priced unreasonably expensive but I knew that so I didn't order those. The traditional Greek dishes were tasty. If I go again I'll just sit in the bar. I haven't been to Point Orlando in several years, the place has really become a dump, unless they work on this I can see it becoming a hangout for thugs, then I definitely wont be returning.
(2)Alexandra G.
Horrible service!!!! Went here for friends birthday dinner and it took almost 2 hours just to bring out the appetizers! Asked to speak with the manager and he could not have cares less. We got up and left at that point, all 9 of us.. Never will be coming back here again.
(1)Led D.
It is quite lively. Like the others are saying, it is loud, people dancing on tables, napkins flying all over the place and my favorite, they have the cutest belly dancer. Awesome ambiance. They have trees and branches inside with x-mass lights (no color bulbs). They also have regular and European dance music blurting on the speakers with a live DJ. It is really more for the younger crowd. But if you don't mind, enjoy the beautiful people having fun. The service was decent. I had to use the flashlight of my I-phone to read the menu. It is quite extensive you know. If you come here for a gyro, you are not doing your palate a favor. As matter of fact you are hindering yourself in learning what other type of dish the Greeks have besides a Gyro. Be alive, try something new or different. The grill seafood and meat are an adventure. The octopus are cooked to a perfection. Very tender and good tasting, not rubbery at all. If you like a quiet dinner please do not come here because you will be miserable. But if you want to live and see good looking people, this is the place. Opa!!!!!
(4)Melinda B.
I wasn't impressed. The service was horrible. Don't go here thinking you can actually hear the person you are with. It's really loud. The dancers encouraged dancing on tables and I was just thinking.... " I hope they clean that table off" napkins on the floor everywhere and I thought "do they recycle those?, what a waste!" which was part of the Greek party scene I suppose, but I was just hoping I wouldn't fall.....So don't wear stilettos! After the server got my order wrong then came to blame me for it, we finally got our correct orders about 40.... Yes 40 minutes later, for a darn chicken gyro! It was good though! Lol. The humus was amazing! It kept me from starving to death while we waited. The server never came back to check on us. I almost didn't leave a tip. But I'm kind hearted so he got lucky. When I told my husband about the service his response was "Greeks are not known for customer service, they are like warriors... Spartans".....?!? What!? Lol Spartans? Really. I won't be going back, service is so important to me.
(2)Miguel S.
I don't really eat here a lot because there's so many better options in Orlando as Greek food is concerned; Also the atmosphere is too noisy at the point of not being able to enjoy a nice conversation but I do enjoy coming here for happy hour. I get to sample most of the martini selections and get some delicious hummus and dolmades to munch on. The atmosphere on the afternoon is very relaxed; actually....too relaxed... To the point that there's not really anything going on and it's the time when I see all the food purveyors rolling all the food crates to the back kitchen. I work in the food service industry and this is a cringing moment for me because I don't think the clientele should see your "backstage" operation. Also around this same time; we get to see the owner doing job interviews and yelling at servers. If you like a dinner and show this should be fun for you. Still; you can't beat the 2x1 martinis and that's why I keep coming back
(3)Emily B.
OPA!! This place was great fun! Belly dancer twirling around the restaurant, napkins flying through the air, staff (and diners) dancing on tables ... the list of fun goes on! I would eat there anytime I'm in Orlando. We had a party of 10 and made a reservation just an hour ahead - they were very accommodating. We also had three kids under 5 with us, and it was a bit intense for them, but they ended up enjoying the craziness and danced along! Food was very good, too. Sometimes that suffers when there's a big show going on. Not this time!
(4)Sam M.
Some of the best food we've had in Orlando. Really good food and drinks. Happy hour specials are a great deal too.
(5)Alec L.
Fun, party atmosphere on a Wednesday night no less. Taramosalata appetizer and lamb shank were well executed.
(5)Ines P.
This place is FAB! Great Greek food... It gets loud on Friday night... So leave your first dates at home, but bring the friends out! It is VERY loud. The spinach rice - divine! chicken kabobs- Delish! Service - wonderful! Get ready to belly dance :)
(5)Norman R.
Loud! Belly dancer! Dancing on the tables! Napkin flinging! Did I mention loud? Eh? What? Pardon? If you want deep and profound conversation with your dinner companions go somewhere else, but if you want decent food in a high energy fun setting this is the place for you. Service good enough. Calimari very slightly overcooked (I am a terrible nit-picker wrt calimari) but not at all oily. Slow roasted lamb and lamb shank both delicious. Lemon potato a very interesting touch. The semi-DIY hummus is excellent and will be shamelessly copied at home. Greek wine hahaha... but the garlic will overpower whatever you select so don't worry... choose a cheap one. And btw, you're at the conference center in Orlando. OF COURSE IT'S A TOURIST TRAP. You are, by definition, a tourist if you are even contemplating eating here.
(4)David K.
So I came for lunch because I really love Greek food. My server was really knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Started with hummus which was delicious. Made table side as well. I didn't want a huge meal so it did apps. The Dolmades were really good. Got the Meze Hot App as well and it was No Bueno. Spanikopeta, meatballs, and Calamari were good but the wings and greasy ribs were bland and tasteless. No sauce, no greekness. Baked wings and ribs. For $21 for the Meze plate I expected much more. My advice is order individual apps. House signature dessert was really good. I have 2 words for the owners LUNCH MENU.
(3)Betty S.
Had wonderful lunch ...grilled lavraki (a white flaky fish), fresh hummus made table side by our excellent waiter Gerald F. !! And an outstanding salad !!Food was amazing our waiter even more amazing. BTW their wooden mortar and pestles are available for purchase we bought some for souvenirs!!
(5)John S.
Bunches of fun (especially the Greek dancing on the table!), and the food is authentic.
(5)Keyona H.
Very very good. A lot of people and very fun. Loud inside so if you have soft speaking people in your party you're better off sitting outside. However, the couple tables were very intimate and still had a romantic feel. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five was because the waiters seemed overloaded.
(4)Leigh K.
We have been going to Opa since we moved from Boston to Central Florida. There food is wonderful and authentic and the service is quick and friendly. They have a happy hour everyday from 3m=6pm with half price drinks and a huge variety of martinis. The hummus is to die for, it is made fresh daily on premises and they get there vegetables fresh daily from Plant City Florida. While it is in central Florida, #1 tourist destination in the world, they staff and owners make everyone feel special and treat everyone as if they are their friends. At night they have belly dancers and music which adds to the festive atmosphere. Line dancing and napkins falling, you can't help but get caught up in the excitement. Once you go to OPA you will make return visits for the sheer deliciousness of the food and the wonderful staff. If you go at night, don't expect intimate conversation with who ever you are going with, it gets pretty loud!
(5)Randy G.
Taverna Opa is one of the few restaurants on the strip that you won't recognize because its not a national chain. Finally you can look at a menu and see some unique items and flavors. They do have some other locations throughout Florida, if your interested. I think you'll like how the dinner starts, tableside handmade hummus. They bring out the mortar and pistol, begin crushing chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. Within a minute or two, you have delicious handmade hummus. It is not as smooth as some of the processed blends, but I will be happy to take a little chunky version and have it taste freshly made. For our appetizer, we tried the Spanikopita. It's fresh and HUGE. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be an appetizer or an entree. It has a nice phyllo dough layer, nice and crispy. The spinach is fresh and served warm. Also a pretty good appetizer, they are doing well so far, two for two. I think they don't understand what it means to have a proper sized entree. I had the Panstitio, minced meat, layered similar to lasagna with an enormous layer of cheese. It is pretty good, nice favors, but the texture is one note, all pretty soft. It would have been nice to have some texture change on the top or throughout. It's HUGE, really HUGE. I think I only ate 1/3 of it and had to take it to-go. The atmospher is nice, but can be loud inside. We opted to sit outside on a nice evening, where it was a much more tolerable noise level.
(4)Robyn C.
THIS PLACE WAS AWESOME! I love love love Greek food and they NAILED it. Most delicious hummus I've ever had, comes to your table and you grind it yourself with a mortar and pestle. Also, so excited to see Saganaki on any Greek menu, this is EXCELLENT. The Spanikopita was fabulous as well. It is definitely loud, but what a show, belly dancers, flaming drinks, people dancing on tables, napkins flying, and tasty Sangria. Had a blast watching my friends get pulled up on tables to dance with the waiters. Loved it all!!!
(5)Adeile A.
This place is so fun!! If you are looking for a nice romantic dinner for 2... don't go here. Its a wild and crazy night at dinner if you ask me. We took our vball team here and they had so much fun!! You can dance on the table with the little belly dancer they have and just let loose. They throw napkins every where so thats why there are napkins all over the place. But the food was great!! I had a lamb dish and it was amazing. My nephew had a few bites and ate the whole lamb chop!!! The hummus is super cool.. .although you have to work for your hummus and make it yourself, it was delicious. the pita bread was soft and warm which made it even better!! It's expensive for lamb but there are items a little less expensive. The staff was attentive and filled our water pitchers on a regular and always stopped to make sure we were all ok. I'd go here again on a fun night out with the girls if I was in Orlando.
(5)Chris C.
I loved this place. We came here on a whim and had a magic family moment. The staff was a blast and the atmosphere was a scream. You have to experience the care free atmosphere with staff and guests dancing on the tables to believe it. Food and drink were great and it was a great value. I'm recommending it to all my friends who visit Disney.
(5)Alayna D.
First, make reservations! Especially on busy holiday weekends and any weekend night. There's always a wait and reservations help avoid this. A very, VERY loud, lively Greek inspired restaurant serving great Greek cuisine with authentic flair and live entertainment/dancing. From belly dancers to dancing on tables with guests to the waiters and patrons circling the restaurant in sync with Greek music, Taverna Opa is sure to be a fun night out! I had the Shrimp Kabobs (huge shrimp over a bed of seasoned rice; delightfully tasty!) and our table shared the zucchini chips with yogurt based dip (enough for the whole table) and spinach pie (yum!). All were good and plentiful in portions. Instead of bread, waiters bring homemade hummus (you mash it up) and warm seasoned pita bread to the table. Nice drink selection of Greek named martinis including a full bar, too. Drink prices can get steep, but seem average for the area. The juices used in the martinis tasted very fresh, hand squeezed. Service was slow this time for just our table of 3, other times I've been it was great - so, consider it hit or miss.
(4)Thysis R.
I have always loved coming here but tonight was AWFUL!!!! Horrible service. Couldn't find our waiter for about 30 minutes. Just an FYI there is a minimum purchase on Friday and Saturday nights of $25. They don't tell you this until after you sit down. Also you can't just order appetizers or salads on these nights either. Food was good but the lack of service really put a damper on things. :-(
(2)Yirel M.
Try the Lamb Chops and a specialty Martini... TO DIE FOR.
(5)Danielle F.
Our reservation at señor frogs was a bust because they wouldn't let anyone under 21 come in after ten on Saturday (who knew?). Opa Taverna saved the day on my friend's 21st birthday! We called and they immediately reserved us a table for seven people on a Saturday night! SEVEN! Great atmosphere, loved dancing on the table, loved the belly dancers! Made us feel like a million bucks. Drinks are a bit pricy but they are darn good! Food is excellent too! Will definitely be back!
(5)Chris C.
My coworkers and I dined at Taverna Opa during a business trip in Orlando. If you're looking to experience Greek food in a quiet dining environment, you may want to consider other restaurants. The volume goes all the way to 11 here! Taverna Opa offers non-stop food, music, dancing, wine and spirits. From the moment you walk into Taverna Opa, you're greeted by the sights and sounds of belly dancers, employees and guests dancing on tables to Greek music (both new and traditional). It's like a wedding reception without the wedding. A great place to bring the family. Excellent food, friendly service!
(4)Carlos S.
Excellent food and rowdy atmosphere. Prob among the best on Int. Drive.
(4)Stefano C.
OMG ... how much fun is this place!!! I've only been here once, so the food critique is limited. I had the chicken kebab and they were really good. And I see from the other reviews, that apparently the food is nothing to complain about. Although, I would have to say that the hummus being brought to your table so you can mash it up, hrmph ... not really my thing, but maybe it works for others. The atmosphere is awesome. Go a little later in the evening after 7pm when the belly dancer is out and about, and all the waiters get into the fun and festivities. The belly dancer of course is gorgeous. She will dance around and try to get customers to dance with her. Even going up on a table. But even the waiters make the atmosphere fun, yelling opa and throwing napkins all over the place (what is their napkin budget like .... hehe), and getting on the tables to serve up shots. Overall, a really nice atmosphere, and definitely worth going with a group of friends. Oh, and if given the opportunity, don't pass up on the Zorba shot ... really good!
(5)Zee E.
Went for drinks did not try the food. Shots were measured and seemed watered down. Overpriced. Maybe dinner is better judging by the reviews.
(2)Alexandra B.
First of all the ambiance is gorgeous. I brought my parents here for lunch so there wasn't a huge crowd which is perfect for them. The food is AMAZING!!!! Loved the fresh garlic hummus at the start of the meal with pita bread. Followed by the delicious and fresh lemon chicken soup. Ordered the kebab for my main entree with lemon potatoes. Everything was delicious from start to finish and I'll def return whenever I go back to Orlando. Stupendous experience from start to finish.
(5)Emily G.
I came to Taverna Opa twice in a four day trip to Orlando, which would seem weird until you try the hummus. The word "hummus" doesn't even do it justice. They should call it the "addicting and utterly perfect dip of only slightly crushed chickpeas with lemon, salt, and garlic", but that is probably too long to print on the menu. Served at the beginning of every meal in a wooden mortar and pestle with warm pita bread, this garbanzo mash is the best freebie starter imaginable. Other food highlights at Taverna Opa include the tender and meaty lamb ribs, the crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside falafel, the crisp meatballs (albeit a bit greasy), and the fresh salads, especially the Greek with a large block of high quality feta. The calamari was disappointingly under-seasoned, and the gyro meat didn't taste any different from your standard pre-fab cone meat, but those were the only two real misses. Lunch time is quiet and relaxing, but the dinner rush features belly dancers (and patrons dancing on tables) complete with booming club music - a bit gimmicky for a place that should be standing on the merits of their food. It might be fun to throw cocktail napkins while shouting "Opa!" (cheaper than smashing dishes each night), but within minutes the floor is covered in dirty, wet paper, not to mention the utter waste. Come before 7pm to avoid the spectacle and enjoy your hummus in peace.
(4)Joshua J.
The perfect place to go, if you have no desire to talk to the people you are with. The food is good, but it isnt worth the price or the sacrifice of experience. I get it, they want to put on a show. Get people up on tables dancing and throwing napkins all over the place, but the experience is beyond intrusive and there is no escaping it. The speakers are beyond loud and the sound quality isnt exactly top notch. I mean, who doesn't enjoy crap constantly falling on them and in their food and drink while enjoying dinner?
(3)Meghan F.
Delicious food! The table-side hummus with warm pita was insanely good! Take your time, order appetizers first, and enjoy the live entertainment. Inside seating can be quite noisy, but watching people dance on the tables was worth it.
(5)M R.
Taverna Opa is a belly dancing, napkin tossing, table dancing experience. The restaurant is great for birthdays or large parties or just people watching the long congo lines. So why only three stars? Simple, the food is average and a bit over priced. The wait for a table is always long and the bar is extremely popular. Avoid the Mythos beer. This Greek beer does not ship well. If you want an entertaining night for a birthday or blackmail photos for the office, the place works. If you want good conversation and drinks go somewhere else. I'd give it a four for a large party, but the food needs a little work.
(3)Al K.
Great food and ambiance! We went there with a few co-workers after an event and the service and food were great. You should try the sangria and greek wine. The only gripe would be that the Saganaki was way too salty for our taste. We also tried Crispy Calamari, Opa fries, Santorini Shrimp and hummus and they all were delicious as well.Santorini Shrimp was an instant hit at the table.
(4)Trung P.
Taverna opa isn't the perfect place to have a serious conversation but a place to tell your friends stuff they do not want to hear lol jk but it is very loud especially the music but it makes the atmosphere very upbeat. The food was okay, I had the slow roasted lamb and It was good but not what i expected. The service was good and the belly dancers were entertaining. I love the atmosphere there especially seeing people on tables dancing and there was an old man geting down with the music haha I wouls definitely come again for a birthday dinner or just to have fun with friends.
(4)Amy Y.
Good for big groups and family. Drinks are pricey. Great entertainment and fun family place esp if you like to dance or just want to watch. I've seen lil kids dance up on tables with the belly dancers. The music gets really loud. It ends up being a big party! Great for a blind or boring date lol.
(4)Ms. Review S.
I danced on the table at this place. Food was excellent and the drinks are strong. I absolutely loved this place, I think it's a great place for a group of friends to meet for dinner and drinks. Sooooooo much fun!
(4)Carla C.
Chicken Artichoke. Do it. It will change your life. Taverna Opa is a little on the touristy side, but the food is honestly the main attraction. I know others may beg to differ, considering this place has table-top bellydancing, but this place will satisfy any craving for good food and/or a good time out. I was in Orlando on business and ended up eating dinner here twice. The first night was a Wednesday, and I dined by myself at a high-top by the bar. Malik was my server and was very attentive & friendly. He is my hero because he is the reason why I ordered this life-changing dish: Chicken Artichoke. Described as: All natural chicken breast with a creamy lemon caper artichoke sauce, served with spinach rice. A little salty from the briney artichoke, but I love salty. Also, the sauce is plentiful, but not overwhelmingly heavy/creamy - just alottacreamy. AMAZING. I'm drooling. I have to also point out that this portion is seriously huge. Oh, and while I was totally impressed with the table-top bellydancing and getting the dinner guests to play along, I enjoyed sitting away from the craziness watching from afar while sipping on my Orlando Mango...s. I had three. As I mentioned earlier, I ended up eating here twice because I was so impressed the first time. My second visit was on a Friday, and this time I brought friends along. They were so impressed with the food and the place. We even got pulled up to dance on our table. The atmosphere on a Friday night is a little different. Lights are definitely dimmer, and everyone is in that party mood. When it came time to order, of course I did not stray from my what I got last time. Why try to fix something that ain't broke? One Chicken Artichoke for me, please! And to drink I, again, had the Orlando Mango. Like I said before, why try to fix something that ain't broke? So naturally, I had to have three of these. FYI: Complimentary hummus + pita with any order of an entrée. Oh, and it's really good. Just like there is tableside guacamole at Mexican restaurants, Taverna Opa has tableside hummus. A server actually comes to your table, mortar & pestle and all, with close-to-whole chickpeas and will mash it in front of you. My first time ever having FRESH hummus. Loved it. FYI for those non-garlic lovers: It's a little heavy on the garlic. TIP #1 It can get pretty rowdy on a Friday night (and I will assume Saturday as well). So I would suggest coming on a weeknight if you're not looking for that type of evening. TIP #2 If you're planning for a quiet dinner on Friday/Saturday, I would suggest sitting outside or even in the bar area at a high-top "away" from the rowdiness. TIP #3 Portions are on the larger side. You will definitely be able to taste around the table. However, if you're in town for business like I was and don't have a fridge/microwave for leftovers, just be mindful when ordering! I cannot wait to come back to Taverna Opa.
(5)Elizabeth B.
My Birthday Dinner was here! Been here before to drink, but first time to eat, and I recommend to everyone. If you want belly dancing, delicious food, friendly staff, and a lil dancing on the table you gots to come here :) The staff comes around and throws napkins up in air around groups about every 20 min. Too much fun - I just took stacks of napkins and threw on other people for the fun! They have a great "Family Style" dinner set up, with amazing food such as hummus, grape leaves, greek salad, spanakopita, lamb, chicken and so much more. You will not go hungry that is for sure! Did I say dancing earlier? Oh yeah, get on the table and dance or if you prefer dancing with the belly dancers? Whatever you fancy you will like :)
(4)Anastasia D.
This place is so much fun! A group of us went here for dinner on a Tuesday night and it was still lively! While being seated I noticed that there were napkins all over the floors and tables which was very odd but I went with it. After being seated and having our drink orders taken, one of the workers asked me if I wanted to dance. I was really confused, but he said it was part of his job, so I said sure. He grabbed my arm and told me to grab whoever else I could get a hold of and we started doing Greek dances all around the restaurant! We had a good group going of about 15 people just dancing around the tables. When it come down to food, this place seriously knows what they are doing. The appetizers where delicious! We ordered hummus, tzatziki dip, grilled veggies, saganaki, and the octopus. All delicious. I think I enjoyed my appetizers more than the meal. The hummus is the best I have ever had! It is served in a mortar and pistil with whole garbanzo beans, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt. Once it arrives at the table, the server will mash some of the beans up for you, but you have the option to continue mashing if needed. If I can have their hummus and seasoned pita bread, I would be a happy camper. Other great treats were the saganaki, they put it on fire at the table and everyone else opa! and the octopus, super tender and flavorful. For dinner I got the slow roasted lamb. Definitely a good meal, the meat just crumbles, and it is packed with the favor of lamb. I thought it was a bit powerful but paired with the lemon potatoes, it balanced out well. We also got a pitcher of red wine sangria which was really tastey! As we were winding down on our dinner, a belly dancer took a few of my friends and climbed on top of an empty table started dancing. We all ended up on the table and the belly dancer taught us some of her moves. So much fun! Definitely recommend coming here with a group of people :)
(4)LL A.
Visited this place on May 2, 2012 while on a business trip. Ordered the chicken kabob and was very happy with my meal. Generous and tender chicken, grilled vegetables and spinach rice. Delicious and properly prepared. Nice touch that they give you freshly prepared pita bread and taziki sauce prepared at your table. Excellent service and very cute waitress :-O Definitely worth a visit especially given that you are in tourist hell (Orlando) this place seem much more genuine and family operated than most plcaes you will find on International Drive.
(4)MP S.
Taverna OPA never disappoints! Great food and great entertainment always! Probably not the best for young kids, but ages 8 and up should enjoy...
(5)Diana N.
This is probably my favorite place in Orlando! Great atmosphere, great servers, great food. The atmosphere in here is incredible,live DJ, belly dancers, servers throwing paper napkins and screaming Opa. Its a party! the best part is that you get to join; any guest can jump on their table and dance. The servers are very attentive and fast, they don't rush you to get you out of the restaurant. They make sure you have fun and enjoy the experience. The food is delicious and the portions are generous. The fresh hummus is delicious and so is the saganaki (flaming Greek cheese). If you're in the area or are visiting orlando, this is a MUST go to place. It's great for big groups or families!
(5)Melanie D.
I'm in Orlando and thought I'd be punch-drunk by now with theme park characters. Instead, I had a near "big O" experience (pun intended) with the most wonderful lamb chops I've had in a long time. So of course, I had to share so that I may save other tourists from thinking there's nothing beyond Downtown D, TGIF and Denny's. AMBIANCE: Like a Greek market courtyard but with an attentive wait staff. Also looks like there's a dangerous bar during the evenings...in a good way. LOCATION: In an outdoor shopping mall very close to the convention center and within a very short drive from the hotels on International Drive. Also reachable by trolley. GOOD TO KNOW: * Without warning, they'll slap you with warmed pita freshly pixie dusted with rosemary and other herbs served with a small wooden mortal and pestle filled with deconstructed hummus (the garbanzo beans are still whole, as is the roasted garlic...mash...eat....spread - you get the picture). Hubby did not enjoy the work involved and found the resulting paste dry and lacking in flavor. I enjoyed the novelty of it. * Gyro plates are around $15 and dinner plates in the $20-$30 range. Family dinners like seafood or meat plates are served with appetizers and a sampling of dishes; at around $33 pp they seem like a steal. * A selection of Greek wines are available by the glass or bottle. COME FOR: * The friggin lamb chops. Order it medium or commit a food crime. Perfectly seasoned with a dominant garlic flavor, then perfectly seared, then served floating over it's wonderful pan juices. Almost made me ignore the delicious lemon potato wedges and OMG-these-can't-be-real green beans. * Their family platters - it's like a tour-de-Taverna-Opa on a plate. NOT WOWED WITH: * The Gyro pita plate - the meat itself was sliced so thinly it could almost pass for bacon. Not bad, just not how I like it. * The pita itself - I've had better but again, not bad. CAN'T WAIT TO TRY: * Their desserts - I was risking rolling myself all the way back to my hotel if I had another bite, but I saw the table next to me having some and they looked authentic, well-portioned (LARGE) and delish!
(4)Shikha M.
This place came highly recommended but I was disappointed. I read a lot of the yelp reviews which recommended the hummus that we were supposed to mash with a mortar and pistle but when we tried to, we found that it tasted bland and like mush. It was not good. We also tried the flaming cheese and lemon potatoes, which were ok, but not a reason I would come back.
(1)Cheryl S.
We had such a great experience here for lunch. Our servers were kind and attentive, and even brought out complimentary hummus with fresh pitas. I was torn on what to order but eneded up with the artichoke chicken and it was amazingggg. My hubby had the lamb platter which he devoured. It's maybe a little pricey for lunch ($12-$14) but they give huge portions so it's worth it.
(5)Xeekster d.
Totally fun. Lots and lots of food.
(4)Donna W.
Opa!!!!!!! This place is amazing for food AND entertainment! Went here with 4 other people and it was a great time. One of the people in our party had eaten there the night before and said it was good food and times and that every now and then people would yell "Opa!" and throw napkins in the air. It was quite evident that the napkins thing was true when we walked in the door as the floor was covered in them. It wasn't too long after we were seated that we saw more restaurant shenanigans. There were several tables of folks who stood on their tables and took shots of some blue concoction. We ordered drinks and our food, opting for the family style selection of Zeus that was $40 per person. OMG it was totally worth it and there was SO much food left over. You got hummus that they made AT YOUR TABLE with a mortar and pestle. There was Greek salad, a bevy of cold appetizers, a bevy of hot appetizers, flaming cheese (I could cry reminiscing on how wonderful that cheese was-truly ambrosia!), a meat plate and a seafood platter that included a lobster tail. Since there were 5 of us, there were 2 seafood platters. 2 lobster tails people, 2 lobster tails! The food was plentiful and the flavor drool inducing and tongue tantalizing. But that's not all, people. They have great entertainment. After we started our apps and salad, a belly dancer came out, began dancing on an empty table swinging around flaming orbs on the end of a rope-like objects. If that wasn't enough, she then later danced with a flaming sword perched on top of her head. About 20 minutes later, the staff got about everyone up to do a circle dance around the tables. A little later on waiters and waitresses were going to individual tables to get patrons to get jiggy on their own tables and throw napkins in the air. The cutest was seeing a little toddler get up on the table and stomp around. Learning by observation was working well for him! All in all, this place is a MUST if you are in Orlando. You will regret missing it if you do, I guarantee.
(5)John K.
I went here with a group. I wasn't my choice, but I was pleasantly surprised with the food. After the hummis others have mentioned, I ordered the tuna. They were out. So I ordered the surf and turf, although the traditional Greek dishes sounded wonderful too. I wasn't expecting too much, but the filet they served me was very tender and cooked to medium rare, just the way I ordered it. It was doused with some spiced butter just prior to service and was delicious. The lobster tail was just a tad overdone, and I didn't care much for the tomato sauce they spooned over it. I would have much rather had a naked lobster with a small dish of clarified butter, but I guess I didn't order it that way. Service was great, with Nick attending to all our needs. My meal was $29, a bit on the pricey side, but I thought it was worth it. If I was breaking this down, the steak would get five stars, the lobster 3 stars and the ambiance, well, that could use some work. The belly-dancing music was incredibly loud. It probably didn't help that we were seated right under a big speaker, but I could not hear myself think, much less converse with those around me. The belly dancer was a big plus, and it was fun watching her shake her hips and watching others get up and dance with her on the tables, but at my age, I would like my meals a little lower key. I would give it a 2 on ambiance. A good place to go if you don't want to converse much with your dining partners.
(3)Larissa F.
Opa was amazing. We went with 2 other couples for a family outing sans kids -- and had a great time. The only thing that sucks was the long wait (no reservations, had 8:30 time and didn't get seated until close to 10 pm), but it's understandable since tables turn over so slow. We started at the bar for drinks and a few apps while we waited. Good bar scene although kind of small considering how many folks were waiting. We finally sat around 10 pm and ordered a bunch of small plates for the table. In between being entertained by other groups dancing on the tables, we ate the most amazing tzatizki I have ever had, with the best pita bread ever. The spanakopita was serious, definitely didn't taste like the usual frozen dreg. The brandy flaming cheese was fun and delicious. The seafood paella is huge and enough to share, and the beef tenderloin kebabs were perfectly cooked. In addition to the awesome food, the atmosphere was like a club. There was a DJ and dancing on the tables was encouraged. They also threw napkins every so often so the floor was covered (hello environmentally friendly, not). It was like going out and partying at a club, only having a wonderful meal too. Oh, and did I mention the belly dancers? All I can say is, I wish Opa would come to the DC area! I would love to open one!
(5)Tom B.
Who knew that some of the best Greek this side of Tarpon Springs would be in a crazed spot on I-Drive? There used to be a place on N. Orange Avenue, I think I was called Athenos; but it's long gone, in fact the building is razed. In those days, it was our go-to place for Greek cuisine, so once it closed we had to search elsewhere. The nearby Greek Corner on Lake Ivanhoe didn't measure up. It's more Italian and American than Greek. On our first visit to Opa, the weather outside was delightful (that could make a nice song), so we sat outside, oblivious to the boisterous party going on inside. We were given a starter of hummus and pita, the hummus prepared in a mortar and pestle at the table. Then we both ordered a very tasty lamb dish. Our second visit was in the hot humid summer, so we dined inside. Instead of flying plates, they have flying napkins by the thousands (with apologies to my beloved Al Gore). People dance on tables, they do the Zorba-like dance around the place, and so on. If you sit inside, you really have to quell your inhibitions -- this isn't a romantic place, it's an amusement park. But the food is A+.
(4)Marla G.
I give this place one star but if I can give them a zero I would. I made reservations and when I got there they had my reservation, but no table. We were a party of 2 adults and 2 kids. They said our wait would be 1 hour and 30min.The hostess was very rude. And when i asked to speak to the manager he didn't even apologize. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Wilnelia S.
Definitely fun with the belly dancers on top of table, napkins thrown all over! Not a fan of the food.
(4)lori l.
If you're looking for a quiet, romantic dining experience this may not be your spot. But if you are looking for fun, very good food and a fun wine list this is your place! The menu is extensive and we opted for the family style (for 4 or more), meat. This included two appetizers and two meat courses with dessert. All while an unbelievably huge amount of food is being presented you are caught up in Greek music, a belly dancer, paper napkins being thrown into the air and shots of ouzo flowing! It was impossible not to have fun! One minute you're waiting on your food, the next minute you're dancing on a table! (they did hold off on this after the food arrived! :) ) The first appetizer arrived and we made our own hummus by pulverizing the ingredients provided. YUM! My friend ordered the seafood medley and it came with huge amounts of seafood and lobster drenched in the most delicious sauce you could imagine. Our meat platters contained beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Although the pork was a bit dry the others were delicious! While music is playing, hundreds of napkins are being tossed into the air and the festive mood prevails! A mix of families to older folks seemed to all enjoy the restaurant. Bring your camera and plan to dance on the table! If not you're missing out on the total experience! OPA!!!
(5)Marci M.
Not just a restaurant... an experience!! I love eating at Opa, and every one I have ever brought there has loved it too!! The food is great, really great... and huge portions! There are tasty Greek wines (that I truly believe hit you harder than their Napa Valley counterparts) and tons of selections! The atmosphere is awesome. Crazy napkin throwing, yelling of opa, drinking, dancing on the tables... just a super fun place to be. They accept reservations, so make one. This place is packed with a wait, even on a Tuesday!! Super fun place for a group!
(5)Amanda J.
Taverna Opa at Pointe Orlando is a fun place to celebrate a special occasion or to go if you are into for a convention and want someplace close. I wouldn't want to go there all the time because yes, it's loud, they throw napkins everywhere, dance on tables (you can too) and dance around the whole restaruant. But how fun for a special night! The hummus they bring to your table is fantastic (watch out for the garlic breath). We've tried the gyro, paella, and the mufsaka as well as the appetizer platter for 2. Everything was very good. My favorite was the mufsaka. I'm hungry just writing about it. Wine list is pretty good. I was surprised that I enjoyed a few of the Greek wines. If you go and you are a girl, make sure to not wear a skirt, doesn't work that well for table dancing...' Have fun!
(4)Rus O.
Took my wife and 4 friends for my wife's birthday. Ordered the Zeus group meal, it was all very good. Loved dancing on the tables and the ouzo flowed, fun time had by all.
(5)Hector M.
I went here for lunch while in Orlando for a conference. The restaurant is located in Orlando Pointe (a two-story outdoor mall area) - its hard to find, but its on the 2nd floor. The server suggested Mythos (an easy to drink 5% lager), we shared (or devoured like Hungry Hungry Hippos) hot and cold pikilies, and I went with the Pastitsio (a delicious macaroni, ground beef, and bechamel). From what I heard, the restaurant transforms at night with belly dancers and a loud festive atmosphere.
(4)Drew M.
OPA! I had my 1st Opa experience recently, and this place rocks! Any place that encourages you to dance on the tables and throw napkins all over is a winner in my book! It's definitely best to go with a large group...The more the merrier as they say. The food is great. I had the lamb kabobs which were delicious! I was already full from the hummus and pita bread, but somehow still managed to finish my meal! We also ordered some saganaki and an order of spinach pie. Yum! The menu is full of both small plates (great for sharing) or larger entree sized plates. The have a great selection of drinks to help ease any inhibitions... Throughout the meal, the staff did a great job of keeping things fun. Our server also had a table next to us with 6 guys in town for a convention. They all did a shot, but got up on the chairs first. Later on she got them up on the table to dance with her! This happened all around at various tables throughout the night. A belly dancer was also there showing off her...uh...assets. She made her way around the dining room several times...ensuring every seat was a good one! We were lucky enough to get seated before the dinner rush came in. By the time we left, there was a large crowd waiting for tables. They do take reservations. I can only imagine that this place gets crazier as the night goes on. I will definitely be back!
(4)Joe P.
Very good food, but it was quite loud.
(4)Matt R.
This place was crazy! Got there at 6PM and the place went from empty to "fire code" full in minutes. Our server, Olga, was very attentive, helpful and knowledgeable. Me and my family ordered the $30 family style meal. We were quickly supplied with "make your own" hummus in a mortar and pestle and fresh pita...which was creamy and garlicky and crunchy. Our appetizers or traditional Greek salad (hold the lettuce was a nice touch), saganaki, calamari, lamb, meatballs were served as soon as they were ready. Our meal had Lamb, chicken, beef and pork. This is one of the few places I've been where a pork chop wasn't overdone. It was succulent and flavorful. Now on to what made it crazy. As I was finishing my meal, the belly-dancer was preparing right next to me for her show. All of a sudden, the lights dropped, loud Greek dance music started and our belly-dancer is a spinnin away. The staff is yelling OPA! all the time and launching packs of bev-naps in the air every few seconds. The dancer was up on tables dancing with other diners. If you're celebrating a birthday, as we were, you better be prepared to get up on that table too. The music continued and I was pulled in to a huge conga line by my waitress that snaked through the whole restaurant...even outside and back in. Go with a fun group of folks to this place, it increases the chances of crazy stuff happening.
(4)Cameron C.
Serviceable Greek food, but definitely a place you come to more for the atmosphere than the food. Lots of dancing on tables and cheering and "napkin showers", certainly a lot of fun for big groups. But as a solo (and sober) diner, it was just okay. Appetizer = saganaki, sub par for one of my favorite dishes anywhere. Salad = Opa salad, generous portion, but a lot of flavors in there that didn't necessarily mesh well. Main = stuffed peppers, "meh". Once again, great atmosphere, but enjoy it with your raucous group of friends, not alone.
(3)Todd D.
What a great restaurant. Opa is hidden on the second floor of restaurant filled square, but take the time to find them, because they are worth the time to find. The meal started with fresh baked pita bread and garlic hummus that is ground by hand in a mortar and pestle right at your table. It was the best hummus I've EVER had - period. We also got a plate of olives and feta that was delicious. I ordered the slow-cooked lamb, which I swear tasted like the meat my grandmother used to cook (that's a good thing) and my wife and daughter shared the salmon. The portions are large, and easily shared between two. The food is so delicious and well made it is hard to put into words. And the desserts are decadent. The service was top notch, and our waitress was attentive and added a personal, friendly touch to the service. The atmosphere was noisy (music) but not raucous, and we felt comfortable with our 8 year old there. Dress ranged from shorts and t-shirts to dresses and heels. Go how you are. Go, go, go to Opa for great food and service.
(5)Gary P.
Good Greek food in the touristy heart of Orlando. Not worth driving across town for, but not bad. Reasonable prices and good service.
(3)A S.
We were looking for something off the beaten path of Orlando and found it at Taverna Opa. The food was fresh and delicious. The atmosphere was fun and festive. The wait staff were great.
(4)Caleb B.
FUN PLACE THAT MY WHOLE FAMILY LOVED!!!!!! You can enjoy a belly dancer, and dancing on the tables while throwing napkins all at the same time. The food was incredible. I remember I got the steak and my wife a Greek chicken platter and both were the best I have ever had. The flaming cheese was great too. You also get all you can eat hummus and bread. I know I will be probably shunned by parts of my family for saying this but I like this restaurant better than ANY Disney Restaurant. Even though Disney FOOD IS AMAZING!!!
(5)Mi C.
This place was wonderful, great music, energy, food and service! We ordered the wild salmon and grouper dishes, both amazing!
(5)Wilbert F.
As authentic as it gets. They even have cod roe. The entertainment is as outstanding as the food. Truly a family restaurant.
(5)David H.
Meh. We liked it our first visit... but the second time our opinion changed to overrated and overpriced. Some of the food is good (the pita bread garbanzo spread, roast lamb, ribeye steak, lemon potatoes) and some just OK (gyros). Service was especially bad on our last visit--wait staff and bussers standing around talking while water and drink glasses are empty...waiting 20 minutes after we were done eating, and the waiter blamed the customers at another table...Others have complained about their "cheap" parking validation policies--they won't validate until you've paid, and will only validate one ticket per $25 spent...
(2)Artis H.
Wonderful lamb ribs, wonderful hummus. The experience WONDERFUL!!!
(4)Heather D.
I have never had so much fun in a restaurant. I stumbled across this place with a couple co-workers during a multi-day conference. We were exhausted from 12-hour workdays and wanted somewhere close to our hotel. We were sure in for a surprise! The hostess told us it would be "between a 10 and 45 minute wait." Luckily it was closer to the former, and the six of us got seated promptly. Upon entering, we were a little surprised to find the concrete floor completely covered in white napkins. The music was blaring, and there were big menus on the walls. Don't plan on coming here to have a productive conversation. We hardly said anything to each other except to marvel at the other guests as they jumped on their tables to dance with each other or with the belly dancers who made their way through the room. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday or a special occasion; one table was pouring the champagne while atop the table and obviously having a fantastic time. Our waitress suggested an excellent Greek merlot , and we happily downed a couple bottles. The appeal of this restaurant is pretty widespread, and adds to the fun ambiance. We saw everyone dancing from twenty-somethings to young moms with their toddlers to grandmas. The music varies from traditional greek dance music to latin to today's pop. You can't stop dancing throughout the whole meal. It was a fun change to feel you were burning calories while eating! It seems every thirty minutes or so the staff starts a huge conga line that snakes through the whole restaurant. I gladly dropped my fork and joined in the fun with about 30 other people. The food is decent, but definitely not the star here. We ordered the family-style platter, which came with appetizers, seafood, meat, mezze, etc. Come hungry because the food keeps coming! They bring hummus in a mortar and pestle that you mix yourself. Some of the items were a bit over-salted, but overall it was very good. If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend you give Taverna Opa a try. I still smile thinking about the fun I had!
(4)Teddy E.
Short and to the point - This was the best Greek food I've ever eaten, even better than in Greece! We went for lunch and both of us loved the food. The "make your own hummus" was a nice touch and the Greek salad was delicious. I had chicken and it was cooked to perfection. My spouse had one of the Greek specialties and also commented on how delicious it was. There were no belly dancers at lunch, but the atmosphere was nice (we sat outside). We both had iced tea to drink and even that was delicious.
(5)Molly G.
We had to wait half an hour to get in on a Friday night. The atmosphere was fun and relatively family friendly. The chicken gyro was good and I substituted my Greek fries for lemon potatoes which were very tasty. Great for tourists. The belly dancers were awesome at their job. Opa!
(4)Brett H.
Agree with all the previous reviewers: extremely high-energy, fun, perfect to get energized for a night out. Belly dancing on table tops, the waitresses haul patrons up to dance with them. I recommend the hummus appetizer: fresh beans and garlic you grind yourself into the freshest mix you've ever had. Hope you're a fan of garlic. Best dining experience I had in the conference district of Orlando. Admittedly (aside from Charley's) that isn't saying much, but it is something.
(5)Florence Y.
"Let's get it started, let's get it started in here!!" *black eyed peas* The party IS ready once you walk into the restaurant!!! :) Belly dancers and napkins on the floor and kids dancing on tables and people hollering...perfect for dinner parties/groups where small talk is futile and having your senses over stimulated with food, music and dancing!! :) Girl friend and I walked into the joint about 9pm on a Saturday and was told by the hostess we had to wait 20 mins for a table for two. There was about 3 or 4 bigger groups ahead of us...and then, out of the corner of my eye I see an empty table for 2 outside (outside the restaurant, not indoor where the party's at)..went to ask the hostess if we could take it, She said " i have other groups ahead of us, please understand" STUPID answer...but the very nice waiter in charge of that seating area gave us the green light. We sat and ordered...HOT PIKILIA ( SPANAKOPITA, KEFTEDES, CALAMARI, LAMB RIBS & OPA WINGS), it's like the hot appetizer sampler and the KEFALOTIRI SAGANAKI (FLAMING CHEESE WITH BRANDY). The cheese was like a show, another table ordered it right after they witnessed our show! :P The pikilia arrived within seconds of us ordering, which I was rather impressed with...but the food was semi-cold. Made me wonder if it was a mis-order from some other table. Oh well. The cheese was good..but not for those who watch their salt. Got too salty the more you ate. OH, and it comes with fresh hummus you can grind yourself. Music was good, I caught glimpses of belly dancers and customers dancing from where i was sitting! It was like eating at a club...but everyone was in high spirits! Definitely the place to go for a good time! And I must add, I had a really good waiter...Zoran was his name? Very attentive and friendly! Tip-bits: Get validated for free parking, I think the bill must be $25 and over. Salty food, so not the best for those who watch their sodium...or fear h20 retention Sit outside to have decent conversation, sit inside for entertainment and amusement
(4)Adam P.
I'm Greek, so my vote of approval counts extra. ;) This place was highly famous in Miami and it has transferred very well to Orlando where tourists and business men constantly come to unwind. Come for the food, the alcohol, the belly dancers, the dancing, and the awesome DJ. It's on the pricey side but it's well worth spending an entire night there.
(5)Jordan A.
I am usually not a fan of baked fish, but their Greek-style dish was outstanding. I also loved the hummus that you mash yourself into desired consistency. Friendly competent service. It'd be five stars, but I was a just a little shocked by the prices. I am not used to $30+ dishes at Greek-type restaurants.
(4)Pete M.
I love this place. I went to the one in Miami Beach two nights in a row and had high expectations for Orlando. Orlando was more touristy but super fun. The food is good but not best but who cares, it's so much fun. The music is night club loud and you have to dance on the table with a belly dancer or join a chain of dancers around the place to get the full experience. The service can be so so but not bad. I can't wait to take my kids and blow their minds!! If you don't like loud music and can't pry yourself from your shell then you won't like it. Go to Applebees or something boring ;o)
(5)Don W.
It's loud and people are really having a good time. The cynic in me is always a little suspicious of any party restaurant in an Orlando mall. I'm thinking of a bunch of old guys sitting in a conference room thinking about new ways to separate tourists from their money. One guy says "Let's make a Greek restaurant where people throw tons of napkins in the air!" The next guys says "Okay, but the music has to be too loud." And a third guy insists that servers make patrons stand on the tables if it's their birthday. And the cynic in me thinks that at the end of the meeting, Taverna Opa is born. But wait, there's more. All those things really do describe Taverna Opa. They inexplicably throw tons of napkins in the air. The music is too loud for a regular conversation. And if it's your birthday, an army of servers will help you up on to your table and sing to you. But my description in the last paragraph was totally WRONG because I left out an important detail. People were having a really good time. Some kid who looked like Jack Osbourne at his dorkiest was on a table with an impossibly cute server. His family was taking pictures. He was in heaven. A new facebook profile photo was born. A table full of mid-20's girls was celebrating a birthday before they were going out. A group of about 12 Muslim people (I'm just guessing because of the hijabs) were laughing at their surroundings. If was really fun, and I had a great time watching the insanity. The closest thing to a downside was the food. It was okay but really nothing more than average. Saganaki was too salty, spanakopita seemed like the stuff in your grocer's freezer, pastitsio and moussaka had too much bechamel or whatever it was on top. If you go to Taverna Opa, you'll leave full and happy. But it's the atmosphere that will bring you back. Five stars for the atmosphere, three for the food.
(4)Megan R.
Loud. Fun. Delicious Greek. I was here with a group of people on a work trip and we had a blast! (not to mention, ODed on greek food) Appetizers were great, we had a platter of tzatziki, dolma, create your own hummus, taramosalata (this was a first, but it was pretty tasty) and a large greek mixed salad with cucumber, onion, tomato, olives and feta. After the appetizers our whole table had a shot of ouzo....this will knock you on your ass! The shots were served just in time as they got us wound up for the live belly-dancing entertainment. Don't be shy. Dance on the table! Throw your napkins!!! Seriously entertaining. The hot appetizers were served shortly after the first round of entertainment and included spanikopita (my favorite) chicken wings, calamari, lamb and beek kebabs (I seriously thought this was the meal it was so hearty). Then, the entrees were served. Yowza. Large cuts of beef, pork chops, lamb, and chicken. All cooked beautifully, with that greek dill/lemon/oregano combination and served up with potatoes and green beans/tomatoes ( I think it's called fasolakia freska). Overall a great experience in food and entertainment for a large group. I wouldn't recommend it if you have never tried greek food before because the atmosphere is very loud and you don't really have time to pick the waitstaff's brain with tons of questions about what you are eating. They get bonus points for knowing how to make a great dirty greek martini as well. :)
(4)Jackie D.
Meh. I am not from Florida, but I hope people in Orlando have a better place than this to get some Greek food. This place is a bar with a theme, no authenticity here. Loud music that is not Greek but plays all the same tunes as any other place, ladies dancing on tables, belly dancers in training trying to show off and their cheesy "thing" they do is fling hundreds of bar napkins all over the floor and patio (that I hope they clean up becuase the litter out onto the plaza was everywhere). The drinks were "okay" and modestly priced. Crowd was a mix of married women, old desperate men, too young girls, and weird couples. The food was well, you can only compare it to bar food. Ordered cold and hot appetizers which was a lot of mush, and well yucky in general. The pita bread with their special version of hummus was like crack though. They bring a garlic masher filled with garbanzo beans, tahine, lemon, garlic and they mash it up in front of you. This is NOT hummus exactly but very tasty. This was the only thing I liked here but also gave me massive heartburn( not the fault of the restaurant lol). The manager came over to the table to make sure everything was ok, which was nice. Overall the bill was $70 dollars for 2 drinks, 1 cold appetizer plate and one hot. Go to drink, not to eat. Eat only if you are already drunk and dont care.
(2)Katey S.
I'm not even going to try and pretend like I know what real Greek food should taste like, but what I got there was amazing. I had the beef kabobs, and the meat was amazing, cooked perfectly to order, the rice was delicious and the potatoes were good too. Even tasted good when I heated it up in the microwave two days later, that's a big deal for me, since I hardly ever eat my leftovers. The service was... eh. Not bad, not great. Our server asked if we had been before or were familiar with Greek food and when we said no he offered to briefly go over the menu with us... and then flipped through the pages and read off each heading (cold apps, hot apps. etc.)... Well thanks for that, but my reading skills are actually quite good. He didn't seem to interested in serving us, but nothing was bad. Our entree did come out first, but as soon as he realized it he went right over and got our appetizer, without even mentioning it, though a quick sorry about that may have been appreciated. The atmosphere was fun. I liked the belly dancer and the loud music made it very lively. We got there a few minutes before 7 and the party didn't start until shortly after, so if you're looking for good food without the loud music and paper napkin confetti then I would try and get in and out before 7. Next time I might try and get there earlier, I might get better service if my waiter isn't trying to deal with all that going on around him. But for me the food alone made it 4 stars, the great atmosphere helped, but the so-so service kept it from 5 stars.
(4)Ted E.
Right in the heart of International Drive restaurant row. This is on the second level of the "mall." We had a lot of fun. Sort of touristy but the food was wonderful, the service attentive, and the prices weren't outrageous considering what we ordered. We stuck to the fixed price assortment - the $30 per person one. Everyone had enough food. We also ordered Sangria which was OK. The lamb chops were A+. There is a belly dancer to entertain.
(3)Kathleen H.
The most fun I have had in a long time.I went here during my Orlando visit with two locals. It was insane .. not the place for a romantic and quiet evening together.The wait can be upwards of 60 minutes on a Saturday night .. and they do not take reservations. We got lucky and snagged a table by the bar and began the evening with their signature Martini's .. delicious and a bit strong. We started with the hummus .. a bit too much garlic but tasty none the less. I had the lamb shank; very tender and tasty .. fell right off the bone. For dessert we had the baclava .. and it was a delicious piece of sticky sweetness. After dinner we stayed and danced on the tables while the DJ mixed in Hip-Hop with some great middle eatern beats. I highly recommend sitting in the bar area as it is VERY odd to have someone dancing on a table next to your food. Overall great food, drinks and entertainment.
(4)Fred D.
Outstanding Greek restaurant in terms of food and atmosphere ... we really enjoyed it. Eating outside on a warm, sunny day reminded my wife and me of eating in a taverna on Rhodes many years ago. The portions are huge: beware!
(5)Erin B.
I was so excited to go here. Sad to say this was not a great experince. The service was bad, refills didn't happen, and we sat around for almost an hour waiting for our food. The food came and it was sub-par. I was horrified what we were paying outrageous prices for. Small, icky portions, and they wouldn't modify my plate at all. Dude, when I'm shelling $20 for a plate, you better substitute french fries for rice or salad! I'm not opposed to spending good money for a fun, yummy meal but there is no such thing at Taverna Opa. awkward fatty's dancing at our table yes, oversized 'belly dancers' yes, but good food and service...NO! I would not go back and would NOT recomend to anyone! Save your money!
(2)Mina K.
This restaurant was absolutely wonderful!! Don't go there if you have a headache! The atmosphere is PARTY! And the food was very good. I had the red snapper. Although I was thinking that it would be a grilled fish, it had some sauce on it but it was very good!. My friend had the lamb chops that she really liked also. THE MUSIC WAS AMAZING!!!! We didn't want to leave! I wish they would open a restaurant here in NYC!! Highly recommend it!
(5)Gi D.
Excelent Greek food!! my husband and i have a really good time there, good music and love the belly dancers...
(4)M M.
Food was ok and enjoyed watching belly dancers and diners dancing on the tables. Sure hope they clean the tables. Prefer to sit in the second dining room cuz it was too loud where the dancers were.
(3)Susan F.
First let me say that I live in Chicago. Not a suburb of Chicago, but actually in the city. So after spending what seemed like an eternity eating bad food in cheesy themed chain resteraunts, the urban snob in me yelped Greek food. Not knowing the city, and not able to get a recommendation of where to go that wasn't part of the Magic Kingdom, we found this place. The food was great, but also, the atmosphere and service were very welcoming. It was somewhat loud, but lets face it, my table was making quite a bit of the noise. It was my inalws 50th anniversary and the staff couldn't have been more pleasant. And so if you're a local you might already know about this place, but for someone on vacation or business, I can't say enough about giving this place a try.
(4)Bill L.
Food was delicious. Belly dancer was very entertaining. Place is noisy but very kid friendly. This was our third visit and will go back again the next time we are in Orlando. Also, want to mention that service was excellent.
(4)Paola N.
Always amazing here love it food is great.
(5)Jennifer K.
NOT "good for kids." We trusted this listing so had a reservation for Friday night for a group that included a 7-year-old. When we arrived, the belly dancer was dancing on the table, accepting dollar bills in her waistband. Belly dancing as part of a cultural experience? Fine. Belly dancing as barely more than a stripper show? Not fine. Fortunately we got a table quickly at another nearby restaurant. I had eaten at another Opa location and loved the food, but will not be eating there again.
(1)Nathan S.
The Greek Jersey Shore: Tourist Edition. The food was pretty solid but the atmosphere is total douche. Awful music playing at full blast, douches with way too much product in their hair dancing on tables with hoochies. Just gross.
(2)Crissy L.
Arrived in Orlando mid-afternoon and wanted to find a place to combine lunch and dinner. Settled on Taverna Opa and were thrilled with the experience. Didn't experience the nightlife aspect since it was so early, but we had a lovely meal on the terrace. Food and service were both excellent. We were particularly happy with the lamp chops and the yiayia vegetables, which were some kind of magical green beans with onions and a tomato background. Not sure if that is the standard or if the veggies change, but either way, yum. They do happy hour between 3 and 6 each day - 2 for 1 drinks at the bar, not a bad deal. Go, enjoy.
(5)Tina S.
Taverna Opa was amazing. The food and atmosphere was far better than the reviews. Worth the time and money to enjoy.
(5)Jessica S.
The food was great! Healthy, fresh, and very tasty from appetizers all the way through dessert. The service was excellent, too. Even the kids enjoyed their meals - it was nice to have so many good choices on the menu and varying portion sizes, so we did not order the typical chicken fingers or burger. We will definitely return.
(5)Edward H.
Most reviews were positive so we decided to try it out on our last night in Florida. We ordered my daughter the $9.00 plate of Mac and Cheese. We didn't bother to ask about preparation of it because for $9.00 it would seem that it would have to be made fresh. The first item to come out was the bread and hummus which were very good. Then came the child's plate. It was a bowl of Kraft Mac and Cheese, no presentation, no sides, just $8.65 of profit. This item really tainted my opinion of the rest of the meal. If this restaurant was willing to sell boxed convenience food for $9.00 what could be said about the quality of the rest of the meal? The adult entrees were fine but the rip off that was the child's menu left me sorely disappointed. We also read that the belly dancer was supposed to start at 7 PM, yet when we left at 7:30 she was still sitting at the bar flirting with a few of the staff of the restaurant. We did bring up our displeasure about the kid's plate to the manager that went table to table asking about the experience of the restaurant. He seemed apathetic at best about our concerns. I would not recommend for a family experience, maybe later in the night as a couple but I was very disappointed.
(2)Darcy G.
This was quite the experience. Belly dancers. Napkins being thrown everywhere. People dancing on tables. We had a lot of fun.... and the food was pretty good too. They make hummus tableside and have a flaming cheese appetizer. For dinner, I tried the chicken kabob which was excellent. This is a perfect restaurant for a celebration or birthday!
(4)A V.
Had a great time, good food with huge quantities. We went in a large group, but had preferred seating (which I recommend calling ahead for). The wait staff provided excellent service. Be prepared for a very loud atmosphere.
(4)Charlie G.
Won't go here again. Ever. Pi$$ poor gyro platter for $15.00. Greasy meat, stiff-as-a-board pita. The tzaziki was kinda like mayo. Bad dance music playing way too too loud. I thought the pre-teens dancing on their families' tables was bad. Then the dads got up on the tables to dance with their budding little 10 & 12 year-olds. A little creepy. Oh, and the floor was covered in paper napkins. What's with that? Does that make it 'fun'? Maybe I just needed to do some serious boozing before hand. Not my kind of place, and neither is Disney.
(1)Ann C.
Had a fantastic time here recently. If you go, I suggest you arrange a sizeable party of fun friends (we had a table of ten) and be aware they will put a 20% gratuity on the bill, which is standard. We all ordered the Aphrodite family-style menu, so we had platters and platters of hot and cold appis, meats and vegetables, coming to our table. The entertainment is fun also, though you will be a bit shocked at the waste of paper napkins being festivaly strewn around like confetti, if you are in any way green-tended. Speaking of greens, wish there were more green beans among the meats, but that's a personal preference. Take your camera. You'll want photos of your boyfriend dancing on the table with the belly dancer. Trust me. :)
(4)Heide E.
Belly dancers, napkins and Greek food. That pretty much sums it up. They have a large food and drink menu. They also have vegetarian choices if you aren't up for the delicious choices of meat they have. They play techno and authentic Greek music while you eat, watch the dances dance and the servers throw napkins. They also encourage you to participate in the fun and get a little crazy. If your looking for a quite little family owned Greek restaurant this isn't the place. BUT the food is Greek and good! The restaurant is located in a great area surrounded by a movie theater and shopping. You can park in the parking garage, which is attached to the shopping and restaurants. Get your parking ticket validated so you don't have to pay to park.
(3)Nicole L.
Great place, good food, and the dancer...the music...really fun night! We will definitely come back again.
(4)Annabelle N.
If I lived in Orlando, I'd make this one of my regulars, perfect for a night out on the town. My family and I stumbled upon it while on vacation, you can see the sign from International Drive, but the restaurant itself is up some stairs and kind of tucked around the corner. We came in on a Friday night and were quite happy to find that there was no wait at all (we had already tried a few other places that had LONG waits) but there were still a good amount of very lively people. The first thing I noticed when we entered was, of course, the belly dancer, and napkins strewn all over the floor. I found out later it wasn't just a messy place, the wait staff actually took to throwing the napkins up in the air for the belly dancer. The DJ was fantastic, with a great mix of Greek music along with other things (like a Shakira song!) over a dance beat to encourage the belly dancer and dinner-goers to actually get up on their tables and perform. There was even one Greek line dance that the whole restaurant got up and participated in! Now I must say, the music was a little loud if you wanted to carry on deep conversation, but you could talk without yelling, and we mostly had fun just observing the goings-on. As far as the food goes, I was a little disappointed by the drink (alcoholic) selection, but i did find something that I was at least content with, the Eros Martini. The also brought out to the table right away some fantastic homemade hummus-like dip and pita bread. The chickpeas were actually still whole, and the dip came in a little mortar/pestle dish where you mashed it yourself...very garlicky, but super delicious. As a appetizer we ordered the saganaki (flaming cheese), which never fails to disappoint. We had six people in our party, and we managed to eat really well ordering only 3 entrees, a salad, and a kids meal for my nephew. So even though the entrees themselves were a little pricier, it was plenty for us to share. No room for dessert, which was a shame. Overall, this restaurant was a blast, with delicious food and a fun, friendly atmosphere and I would highly recommend it!
(5)David H.
I probably wouldn't go back here although the food wasn't too bad. This place is mostly known for their belly dancers...they walk around and entertain/annoy you during dinner. It's right in the middle of the tourist district of Orlando. I try to avoid this area as much as I can. Parking is kind of annoying since it's deck parking unless you want to risk parking in another restaurant's lot like I did. Actually it's not that risky...just do it.
(3)austin d.
I am a huge huge fan of Greek food and when I found this place was in walking distance from where I was staying, I tried it out. The owner was nice and sat me by the bar. Ended up knowing the table next to me and put our tables together. All three of us were thoroughly impressed. Our waiter was unbelievably cool and took shots of ouzo with us. A card magician came up and showed us the COOLEST tricks I've ever seen (including levitating my card). As everyone else on here said, they have belly dancing, throwing napkins, etc. There was a 67 year old woman having her birthday party next to us, and she got on the table and danced her ass off. Hip music, great great environment. And the food. Ok I mentioned I went at night. But I also went back the next day for early dinner! Its that good. The lamb tenderloin kababs are out of this world. So tender its like they ran over them a few times with a truck. Unbelievable. Had the lamp chops too, delish! Some of the best dolmathes I've ever had and their desserts are excellent, although a little bit rich and too sweet. I recommend those lamp tenderloin, ouzo, Mythos beer and dancing your ass off. 5 stars.
(5)Joseph M.
Goddamn horrible. Normally I find something to love in everything. This of not the case. Two very expensive bottles of wine and the most wretched service ever culminate in an entirely inedible $38 porterhouse. My friends, spend your stupid tourist dollars elsewhere!
(1)Michael C.
This place is insane. Walk inside and you'll come into giant dining parties, belly dancing, greek music and more dancing. Taverna Opa is a smallish Greek restaurant located down on Pointe Orlando, nearby the local Hooter's and B.B. King's. The food is pretty decent with a mix of Greek specialities and American type food. While anything on the menu is alright, I'd go with the Greek because let's face it, I am a fan of Greek food. If my first paragraph didn't make it clear enough, Taverna Opa is not a relaxing, laid-back dining experience. It's best to go with large groups to oogle the belly dancing and it's even better if you go on Tuesday's.
(4)Bill F.
Only went here for lunch and everyone was friendly. Food was okay for a tourist trap. However, I usually go to Tarpon Springs for great greek food and this food is so so. I hear they throw napkins and dance on the tables at night. If you're looking to be entertained and eat okay food. Try it. You might like it.
(3)Angela B.
I been there at night when the music, belly dancers and fun begin. It was a blast. Everyone was having a great time. Great atmosphere and great drinks. I went there for Happy Hour next time and the appetizers were awesome and very reasonable. I highly recommend this place for any occassion. Great for a birthday get together. Not to forget the service is great too, friendly employees. I just found my weekly hangout.
(5)Justin W.
Very fresh Greek food in a beautiful new spot on I Drive!
(5)Darlene G.
We brought a party of ten and had the Zeus special. It is a sampling of various Greek foods including meat & seafood! The entertainment is belly dancers that visit the table and enlisted people to join!! Lots of fun however very loud if trying to have any type of conversation.
(4)Kelly R.
Do not go here unless you've already had A LOT to drink. I had a group of seven and knew it would be hard to find a restaurant on a Saturday night but the concierge at my hotel called over and Taverna Opa said they could seat us at 8:30. We arrived right at 8:30 and were told our table would be ready in 10 mins. Ten mins later I asked if they were ready for us and was told we didn't actually have a reservation just priority on the wait list but that they were clearing a bunch of tables and to sit tight. FORTY-FIVE minutes later they finally sat us--at a table for six for a party of seven. We stood around the table and several minutes later they finally came back with a seventh chair and squeezed it in. The music at that point was so loud that the server could not hear us to take our cocktail order! That out us over the edge. The noise, the laminated menu, the dirty table (dancing on the tables is a thing at this place), and the belly dancer hovering around the table looking for tips equal low class. We got up and left despite the 45 minute wait after our reservation time. We went downstairs to Tommy Bahamas and had a great meal! Skip the hassles we went through and just go to Tommy Bahama from the get-go.
(1)Mike S.
We went here when my parents were in town. It is good to go and share appetizers and meals so that you get to try a little of everything. We heard that this place gets loud at night but were there before the "entertainment". The lamb wrapped in parchment paper was soooo good and tender. That and the hummus were excellent. If you like a quiter meal, just go earlier in the evening.
(5)Cameron S.
Really loud and noisy. Waitress brought the wrong dish out to me and I had to wait another 20 min to get my food. So I had to eat my food by myself. You would think they would have comped something but no it was full price on everything. Food quality was mediocre. Definitely overpriced tourist food.
(1)Brian C.
Lots of fun. Family atmosphere. The lamb shoulder was very good. Not a quiet place...belly dancers, customer participation, dancing on tables. Opa!
(4)Philip Y.
Great food, good services, and wonderful live entertainment while dining.
(5)Theresa K.
Love the traditional greek food here. The entertainment is really the best thing about this place, the belly dancer, the napkin-throwing, the music, and the patrons dancing on the tables. This is not just dinner it is a party! It is a little bit loud. I have been to this restaurant every time I come to Orlando. I have recommended it to friends and they all come back and tell me how much they enjoyed it.
(5)Rick S.
Very lively. The portions are very generous and quality is very good. Great place to have fun. Food cooked very well and tender. If you have 4 or more in your party, I would recommend getting the platter that has a little of everythiing. After the appetizers which you may think are the main dinner, you will be full, so don't think it is the main meal. The main meal is even bigger. You can take the leftovers home which is still quite a lot. Waitresses are fun. Most of the action is inside-very noisy with all the music and action. Nice Greek dancing, very upbeat, and usually 2 belly dancers. If you want something more quiet, request outside. You can still hear what's going on. A must for local and out of towners.
(5)Ryan M.
Opa was a great place to go!! Food was great, service was great, and the entertainment was perfect. Once we ordered food it came out rather quickly which was great for us since we had a 5 and 3 year old with us. They enjoyed the chicken and shrimp kabobs a lot. We got about 4 of the hot appetizers and 2 kabobs and it was a little too much food. Belly Dancer starts at 7, and it was probably the best one I have seen. You can dance on the tables, which my kids loved. Only complaint is I put my reservation in online, and they never got it. It was 6:30 so it wasnt an issue, but just be aware. They say it happens often, so I would call.
(5)Bullwinkle R.
Great food and a fun place to party loud. They had a belly-dancer and encouraged dancing on the tables. Not recommended if you want to talk or dislike massive bench/group seating.
(3)valentin p.
The food was delicious. The atmosphere and service were great. I was with a group of five people and ordered their group special which included appetizers, a seafood platter, and a meat platter. It was a lot of delicious food. Had a great time dancing on the table while great music was playing
(5)Clo C.
ok ok I am a lover of there Lemon potatoes,I beleive its the best I've had so far. this place is great, I had there pastitsio its ground beef, cinnamon with macaroni pasta w/ bechamel sauce and its baked ,was nice and tasty. there hummus they bring out first, you yourself smash it to your liking there's a little pounder that come's with the chickpeas which is coated in olive oil was so good I ate everything in front of me, I'm definitely going back when I have another Orlando layover, I wanna watch the bellydance show next time,
(4)Kara L.
This was probably my favorite place by far for food and entertainment! Way to loud for a place to go if you are meeting someone to chat but well worth the noise! There is a live DJ and the dancers are amazing movers/dancers, the napkins they throw everywhere is awesome, and the way they all encourage you to get up on your table or on the floor to dance and yell OPA. You do shots from standing on your chair and the servers are very attentive, fast with everything. Great food as well if you like authentic Greek food.
(5)Meredith F.
I was asked to plan a dinner for 15 of my engineers who were all in town for a wastewater conference. Yep - that's right - a wastewater conference. I was looking for a place that would have some atmosphere to hopefully pull a few of the more introverted out of their shell and Taverna Opa was recommended. I've never had so much fun at a work function. Not only was the food delicious (and they catered to several dietary restrictions) but the atmosphere was great! I was slightly mortified when the belly dancer came out - figured my reputation for planning dinners was on the line - but by the time she had picked three of the most introverted people in our group and got them to stand on the table and dance I was relaxing.... mostly because my boss was laughing. I didn't even care when they pulled me up on the table with them. Granted there are some pictures from that night being held as blackmail, but i'd return to Taverna Opa in a second. Any place that can get introverts to shake their booty on the table is worth it!
(5)Christine H.
Fantastic meal, fantastic service, fantastic atmosphere. I went here with my mom, gram, and great aunt. We all loved it. Fresh hummus that you mash yourself to start things off. Then spanikopita and lamb kebobs. Top it off with Taverna Opa's signature dessert. Did I mention the belly dancer onthe tables and the waiter pulling my mom and I up to dance around the room? We went back a second time and certainly weren't disappointed!!
(5)Sherryl S.
The food is amazing and i love this place, it is very hyped up but just have some fun and enjoy it, the food is so good i could go go back every week.
(4)Nathan G.
Most of the selection is pretty good. the lamb was especially delicious. Belly dancers were scary...
(3)Betsy M.
Came for the food. Yikes! Not Greek to me. Tasted just okay, til I found a foreign object in my meal. Never again.
(1)Tina L.
I would love to be able to write this review and have it be a good one but being as I didn't even get to eat the wonderful food I heard about I cannot. For my birthday my friend said I should go to Taverna Opa. She went for her birthday and she had an amazing time. The restaurant doesn't do reservations on the weekend but does priority seating. So we had it set for 10 people to arrive at 7:00 pm. We waited and waited and waited. We were told another half hour, another half hour, another half hour. Finally after 2 hours of waiting and watching countless other people who arrived after we did go in, I went to talk to them and they just didn't care that my party had been waiting for 2 hours. So we left and went to the Hooters next door and had an awesome time and saved alot of money from the MUCH cheaper dinner.
(1)Mariya Y.
This is the best alternative to touristy grease food, offered on the rest of Orlando's International Drive. Opa's friendly service, fun atmosphere, and melt-in-your-mouth lamb was a savior! Four out of five members of our party ordered lamb dishes, and all were amazing. The lamb fell right off the bone (and your fork), as it was so tender and moist. The lemon potatoes (which come with some of the lamb dishes) were incredible-very flavorful. The fifth person got salmon with veggies and potatoes-which again was a successful choice. We also had Greek white wine, based on the server's suggestion (don't recall the name)-light, crisp and refreshing. Once we were finished licking our plates clean, the waiter pulled us inside for traditional Greek dancing. So much fun!
(5)Tiffany T.
I am forced to central Florida each year because I love my grandparents. I think of it as an endless strip mall. This place blew my expectations out of the water. The staff seem to just be on cloud nine because they work there. Our waiter was bragging that his wife was one of the belly dancers and how wonderful it was that they get to be together and have so much fun. The food was fantastic. I had ordered rare lamb chops and I think they are the best I have had. The meat was marinated in lemon and herbs for 36 hours and it was actually rare like I ordered and the portions were huge and the price was reasonable. LOVED it! The hummus served with a mortar and pestal was fantastic. The baklava was excellent. We liked it so much we went back for New Years and it was the perfect alternative to a club. Everyone, including staff, dance on tables and around the restaurant. The have really good belly dancers who dance with fire and give lessons to anyone who seems interested. The staff make it fun because they are having fun themselves. I am fickle to the n-th degree and this place was just fantastic on every level.
(5)This restaurant is on International Drive, at the Pointe Orlando entertainment and shopping centre. It is a Greek restaurant, with an emphasis on fun and a party atmosphere! There are belly dancers, and even fire eating! In the evening there was a DJ with music, although quite loud! Many of the visitors joined in with the partying, and everyone had a really great time! They throw napkins up in the air all the time - it is really fun! The food is really good - featuring known and less well known Greek Dishes - the entrees were quite reasonably priced too. I think at lunch there is a more relaxed atmosphere. They accept reservations.
(4)Kas T.
where else can you dance on the table top and get dinner at the same time? come here for a fun time! they validate parking too.
(4)Joy G.
The food was good, but the volume inside this restaurant makes it IMPOSSIBLE to have any sort of dinner conversation. Probably won't return as a result.
(3)Kindred P.
This Greek restaurant gives Greeks a bad name.This is not a true Greek restaurant and there is nothing authentic about it. While eating my soup I found some type of yellow paper with in my soup. Told the waiter about this object within my food. Only to have him whisk it away and come back later asking me if I would a another bowl or just have it taken off the check. I asked him what was that in my soup he simply said it was paper and his manager is looking into the issue. I thought to myself great the manager will be out soon to give me apology for this mess up...Needless to say the manager never showed his face. So I ordered the Lemon Chicken dish paired with Lemon Potatoes & House String Beans, and my boyfriend ordered the slow roasted Lamb Shanks. Both were horrible the chicken was dryer than a piece of toast there was no lemon taste to the chicken at all. The Lamb was extra dry reminded him of a over cooked piece of steak. The string beans weren't fresh at all I'm pretty sure they got them out of a can and added some type of tomato sauce to it for color. The lemon potatoes where hard as a rock. And to top everything off the temperature of food wasn't even hot !!!! I don't think I have ever paid that much for food and still be disappointed with the Food & Service. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY WITH THIS PLACE!!
(1)Lori G.
First off, you better be full of energy to dare enter Taverna Opa, for a nice relaxing dining experience you will not find here. I went without really knowing what I was in for. The restaurant itself has some tasty Greek food, my favorite of which being the cheese set on fire for a unique appetizer. Each table is outfitted with bread and hummus and its hard not to come away with a happy stomach with the meaty main courses. This is just one aspect of the restaurant however, the focal point more so lies with the dancing. Belly dancers float around the restaurant, loud music entertains, and patrons are invited to join the end of the train of people that winds through the tables as everyone gets some of the action. But just wait until you are done eating and your table cleared, that's when the real fun starts. You're then encouraged to climb on top of your heavy wood table for some table dancing... yup with a full stomach in front of an audience of diners. This was not my cup of tea. call me a prude but it just didn't seem fun, too exhibitionist like. I was the only one who felt this way though as my fellow table mates hopped on and got into it. This is a great place for families and friends alike, so if you are in the area check out the Greek culture in a unique way.
(3)Melinda C.
Close to the convention center (OCCC), this Greek place is something special. Ok, I was a little put off by the belly dancer with candles on a tray perched precariously on her head, while she danced over the thousands of flammable napkins, but nothing happened. This place was a total surprise, I wasn't expecting the food to be awesome. I thought they had a host in the corner, but no, he's the DJ spinner, and they have random acts that walk around including a card master (I can't remember what he called himself), but he was an awesome playing card manipulator trickster. Ok onto the food: great grilled octopus with a moist texture and lemon flavor; amazing quality feta with mouth watering olive oil appetizer; hummus made at your table - I still can't figure out what makes it so incredible, maybe it's roasted garlic, I'd eat it with a spoon if the rest of the table would let me; and best spanikopita that I've had ever, hands down. The tzatziki was way too heavy on the garlic, and I've heard amazing things about their lamb chops, but I'm not really into those. Not bad on wait times, either. Never had to wait more than a few minutes. Great wine selection - can't remember/pronounce the name of the bottle we got, but it was $44 and delicious. Hope my company covers that one ;)
(5)Laura C.
My family visited this restaurant while vacationing in Orlando. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed our meals. We were however, feeling a bit jipped with the waitress told us the belly dancers would also be coming outside (where we were seated) to dance. But they never did. So we watched jealously as everyone else inside threw napkins in the air and danced along with the professionals.
(4)David S.
Was invited by friends and could not talk to them all evening due to the jncredible noise level and frequent interruptions by admittedly attractive belly dancers jumping on the table and dancing while we were all showered with what seemed to be toilet paper. The food was relatively tasteless and the sangria tasted like watered down Kool- Aid.if any of this appeals to you, then you should go.
(1)Rahul J.
The food was aweful. Mussels app - coated with this salty tomato sauce..worst mussels I've had Shrimp entree on rice - THE SAME salty tomato sauce. Stuffed Peppers - You guessed it...the SAME SAUCE! WTF? and this place is not cheap. Mojito was weak. The best part of the meal was the free pita and fresh hummus served in a motar pistle. This place is known for dance music played loudly by a DJ, table dancing and the belly dancer. If you had to come for a drink and the fresh hummus app.
(2)Leah N.
We went for my mom's birthday so it was a big group of people. It was really loud so we couldn't really talk. Food was just okay. The only thing I really remember is the hummus, which you mash yourself with mortar and pestle. The dancing is a fun aspect to the experience.
(2)Scarlet S.
Completely forgot to write a review until my friend invited me to go recently. Now the bad taste in my mouth is coming back... (no pun intended) I went with a group, we made reservation. Checked-in on time. Waited for TWO hours beyond our reservation time until we were seated. After we were seated, hostess told us there's a $50 minimum we have to spend, per person. Why did they not mention this over the phone when we made the reservation or while we were waiting for two hours? Wrote a complaint to the restaurant, never heard back. Also, the food came with a side of dirty belly dancers feet, and flying paper napkins. Personally, I prefer a side salad, but it's your choice. And I went temporarily deaf.
(1)Kevin Charles M.
This place is so much fun! This was my second time at this wonderful dining experience. It is one of my favorite places to go when I want good Greek Food, and an awesome party night! The only way that I can think of to describe this place would be restaurant, turned into a belly dancing, dancing on tables, with napkins flying every where! Food is good. Service is good, but VERY slow.... That is the only reason why it didn't get five stars, otherwise it would have! Keep in mind that on Fridays and Saturdays they do have a $25 minimum tab for EACH guest. This place is pretty popular, so I'm sure that they need to have this limit in place. They will validate your parking. Definitely a place to go if you are on vacation, or are a local. You will have a great time!
(4)Randy N.
Surpising and Fun! This is a great place to visit with a group. Lots going on and the atmosphere is electric. Our waiter was excellent, went out of his way to ensure we were satisfied. The belly dancer was cute, engaging and made everyone (especially the ladies) smile and dance . The hummus was amazing as was the "flaming cheese". OPA! Watch for flying napkins! Plenty to choose from on the menu and the food was good. If you are in the area, check it out.
(4)Pradeep G.
Nice food..excellent atmosphere...great service...Got to dance a bit...and got the belly dancer to dance as well...high energy levels.... Lamb was amazing...so was d sea bass...clean flavors..cooked to perfection...the meat jus was melting in my mouth... Obviously....d best self made hummus and the flaming cheese... Overall great experience...Will go again if I am in Orlando...
(5)Stephanie R.
This place is INCREDIBLE. Their housemade hummus is SO delicious! I had falafel, lemon potatoes, and spanakopita and it was to die for. The food was so delicious and the environment was SO fun. It's definitely a place to go to with a group. There's belly dancers on tables and loud pop/Greek music remixes. It is awesome!
(5)Cody A.
First time eating at a Greek restaurant. Very upbeat and lively atmosphere. We had a group of 4 and had the family style dinner. We left some of every course (5 total) behind and we were all stuffed. Everything had a very good taste and if you like meat I highly recommend. If you don't mind napkins everywhere, belly dancers, or people having fun in general this is your place.
(4)Kalynne M.
Went here for a drink before comedy show started nearby. Loud, eclectic crowd and lots of cocktail napkins on the floor. Girls belly dancing on tables and some guests as well. I noticed some business people/office outings and felt this place was a little too risqué for that. I also saw some kids and didn't think it was appropriate for them either. Bar service was okay. The location is great with plenty of parking in garage. This place would be good for birthday and bachelor parties, perhaps a 3rd or 4th date.
(3)Chloe C.
Such a great experience!! Felt like I was studying abroad back in Europe again. Amazing food (the hummus is INCREDIBLE) and super fun environment with loud music, dancing on tables, and belly dancers. Definitely check this out!!!
(5)Nhu N.
Came here for a birthday dinner. We had a large table so the service was a little slow. Only 1 server for a table of 20, but it wasn't to bad. The have fresh hummus which was delicious. You have to grind the beans yourself in a mortar so it's very fresh. For dinner we ordered Calamari for an appetizer. The amount of calamari you got was a log and it was pretty good. Only think that was lacking was a sauce. There was none. I ordered the lamb chops which came with potatoes and green beans. Lamb chops were well seasoned and moist. The thing that makes this restaurant different than other Greek restaurants is it's atmosphere. They have a belly dancer that walks around and dances around the tables. Also on top of the tables. She will get your guests and yourself to dance with her. It's a lot of fun. If you're looking for a fun filled event with great food than this place will be great. If you want a nice romantic, quiet dinner then skip Opa.
(4)Edward W.
Opa is a party that serves food. Mediocre food, but a great party. Expect LOUD music. Disco dance floor loud. You can barely communicate with your dining companions. Meh food. The dishes are 3 stars at best. Sangria is expensive and watered down. Service is good enough. Don't bring someone here on a first date. If you want to have a good time with your friends, including Pontic-style dancing with a belly dancer and Americanized-whatever-dancing on top of the tables with people you may not even know, then this is your place. Shots are poured for the revellers as they gyrate and "Opa", leading into an alcohol induced good time, if that's what you're looking for. Fend off the photographer trying to make you buy her 5x7s and key chains with you cheerfully opa-ing on it: thirty something dollars. And you can't put the charge on your restaurant bill. She's an independent (Greek) contractor. So go forewarned. If a party's what you want, you're sure to get it. If you want a great meal, search elsewhere here on Yelp! There's tons of 4+ star food places within walking distance.
(3)Ric B.
This place was awesome. The best steak I have ever had. This is a must go ...great atmosphere and excellent food.
(5)Kathy U.
The food was very good. Flaming cheese is a must. Shots come with a flaming bottle. Dancing on tables is welcomed. A party atmosphere. Perfect for a birthday party. Not good if you want to talk. Music is really , really loud
(4)Charles S.
Greek food in a loud festive atmosphere. Try to get seated in the main room to see all the action. This place is a better time when it's busy. The service started questionably having to wait a noticeable time before a waiter introduced himself, but was superior from that point on. They validate for Pointe Orlando if you ask. Beware of the photographer who takes family pics only to gauge you on the price.
(4)John L.
Who cannot enjoy themselves at Opa's??? Food is good, not great BUT ambiance and attitude is all *****. Go to eat but go more simply to have FUN. It's hard not to.
(4)Krystle S.
Fun, loud, and filling - Opa is definitely a decent find along International Drive. We ordered the hot mezze platter and the grouper plaki from our outdoor seats and found the portions to be fair, but heavier and greasier than I expected from the descriptions. The music, especially during the live entertainment portion, blasts through the shopping center and makes it hard to talk at times but it made for a fun atmosphere, especially for those inside. At one point the indoor patrons all started a festive line of dancing around the restaurant, giving those eating outside a glimpse at the crazy fun going on inside. With entrees costing at least $20 each I found the quality to fall a bit short, with the mezze platter especially, but the service and grind your own "hummus" we're nice touches in chain-ridden Orlando. I think 2 dishes with a few beers could probably leave 3 people feeling satisfied but not stuffed. As they tell you upon being seated sharing is definitely encouraged if you're up for it. I'd argue that it's crucial but I also just love variety. The grouper was pretty good - a firm, white fish accompanied by tasty tomatoes, garlic and onions. The rice and spinach that came on the side was appreciated but too greasy for my taste. Maybe it's my CA bias preferring my sides to be prepared with minimal oil. The mezze platter offered a nice sampling but I didn't find anything to be overwhelmingly tasty. The ribs were aggressively grilled and oily but had that lamb taste I like. The meatballs were alright, as we're the wings, the spanikopita was really greasy but at least looked homemade, and the calimari was sadly fried instead of grilled like I had hoped (I should have asked before ordering). In this case I think it was our mistake to order the hot mezze platter - maybe a kebab plate would have left a better taste in my mouth and garnered 4 stars but this visit earned 3.
(3)Michael K.
First time here and loved it. Although a bit pricy, great food and ambiance. Left with a to go bag.
(5)Alan H.
This food if the real deal. Hummus was so fresh and the best I've ever had. Greek salad was on point with fresh whole feta. We got the slow cooked lamb. I make this dish at home and my family said mine is better but I'm not so sure. It was very tender with garlic and rosemary. A good side was the homemade tzaziki sauce. I highly recommend this place.
(5)John W.
Food is pretty good, lots of vegetarian options. Not really a place for kids - the kids menu doesn't really exist and it's super loud. People dance on the tables and did I mention that it's loud? It's really loud!
(3)Elizabeth N.
First of all do not go to this restaurant for a quiet romantic date, a business meeting, or somewhere to have a conversation. This place is LOUD! It was so loud that we had to repeat our order to the server several times. At times this becomes a little annoying. I am not sure why there is a photographer coming around to take your picture. It felt a little awkward. After we had our picture taken our server brought out the hummus. This is made at the table and is delicious! We ordered an appetizer something with potatoes. It was very good. For dinner I had a gyro. It was pretty good. My only complaint and it really didn't annoy me too much was the noise. At times it did get to be a bit much. They had a belly dancer who was rotating around and dancing on tables. This slowed down the service a bit. I will be back though.
(4)Melissa W.
Very disappointed, the service is pushy, no free refills. When asked for a second complimentary hummus for a table of 7, we were charged for it and in the end the quality of food is nothing to write home about.
(2)John S.
They did not honor our reservation. They did not wash the tables after having people dance on them. I'm surprised the health department hasn't shut them down. Once we were finally seated (30 minutes after our reservation time) We waited for over an hour and a half and they never brought our food out. Finally we gave up. We wound up paying for our drinks and leaving. I would have been able to deal with the loud trashy music if not for all of the other shinanigans. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this garbage establishment.
(1)The Yelp-inator W.
Wow!!! What an experience. I highly recommend this place...some of the best Greek food I have ever tried. This is a family run establishment right in the heart of the tourist area. This is real deal Greek food done right,,,A nice menu with lots of options (seafood, lamb, chicken, beef, vegetarian) Go around 7pm so you can see the belly dancer. I liked the homemade humas you mash at your table wit the fresh pita bread... Get the saganaki...flaming cheese....freaking awesome!!! other dished we tried include: Falafel was excellent Chicken artichoke excellent Kleftiko...lamb dish - good Pastitsio....fairly good. baklava - very good they have a signature dessert (did not get the name but it is excellent)
(5)Stacee D.
It's definitely more than a meal, it's an experience. Music pumping, napkins being thrown everywhere, belly dancers galore. Come here to have a good time, get delicious food and great service! Our waiter was top of the line, on the ball with everything! Our son had a great time, he's two. It is a little loud, but it's a party! We had crispy zucchini, scallops, and Chilean sea bass- all were delish. They give you complimentary hummus, and it is soooo good! My only complaint- the lemon potatoes. It's one potatoe sliced into thirds and grilled- it's okay, but $5? Try their signature dessert- it is so unique, light and airy custard on the top and rich honey and phyllo on the bottom. A unique dining experience for sure!
(5)Makena K.
Extremely rude managers and ditzy wait staff. As for the food, my party got up and left before we could order due to the disrespect experienced from the manager. I WILL NOT come to this place.
(1)Travis L.
One of the best atmosphere's I have ever seen at a restaurant. We went on Saturday night and it was packed. They made it seem the only way you could eat was outside, at the bar or have made a reservation so we ate at a side table by the bar and that worked out perfect. The place is decently priced for the quality of the food. The DJ cranks loud music so if you are looking for a place were you can have a conversation this isn't it. I had the gyro and it was awesome and a lot bigger serving than I expected. For $15 I'd certainly order it again. Between the dancers, the napkins flying and the music this is a can't miss place. I highly recommend going even if you just get a couple drinks to take it all in.
(4)Ally B.
Very good reasonably priced would be a great place for apps and drinks. Nice outside dining area
(3)Lillian P.
I was really disappointed here overall. We got seated fast but the waiter took forever to come nearby. We ordered drinks....15 minutes later another waiter stopped by and took our drnk order again. Finally after 5 more minutes the first waiter arrived. We felt ignored majority of the time. We ordered hummus and the flaming cheese. When the cheese came the flames went out immediately after it was lit and tasted heavily of brandy. After awhile we noticed someone else got one and theirs was on fire for awhile. So I am unsure why they just didn't relight our then. I had salmon which was good, the veggies were cold. My fiancee asked about the Pastitsio and was told it was homemade so he decided to order. It was obviously microwaved because the middle was red hot and random ice cold spots were all throughout. Overall I just felt service and food was lacking.
(1)Emily B.
This place is very fun to go with a group of friends. The food is great but a bit on the pricey side and the music is super loud for a restaurant but if you're looking to celebrate a birthday or an event, this would be a great place!
(5)Raina S.
Taverna Opa is more of an experience than it is a restaurant. The music is way too loud, but the food is good enough to put up with the noise. We came here for a pretty early dinner, but the place was already booming. People were dancing on tables and servers were throwing napkins everywhere. Later, a belly dancer came out, and people were jumping out of their seats to join in. Our server started us out with some freshly-made hummus and pita triangles. The hummus was good but the pitas were dry. I was very impressed to see horta (a somewhat bitter green that's steamed and served with olive oil and lemon) on the menu. Horta is very rare on West Coast Greek menus, but this place had it, so I ordered some. It was a little overcooked, but still good. We also ordered tzatziki, saganaki (flaming fried cheese) and grilled octopus. The octopus was perhaps the most expertly prepared I've ever had: soft and not a bit tough. Delicious! After a couple of glasses of retsina, I would have considered joined the table dancers, but I couldn't stop eating all the yummy food!
(4)Debra P.
Great food, service and fun!!!! Come for a fun night and excellent Greek food!!! The gyro and tsaziki were so good!!! You don't want to miss this place when you are visiting Orlando and it's fun for all ages! Our 5 year old daughter loved the napkin throwing, music and belly dancer...she keeps asking when we are going back so she can dance again!!
(5)Cindi J.
Taverna Opa was Crazy! High party atmosphere but G-rated. The belly dancers are a fun--Think Disney princess not Hooters. If your kids are screamers no one will notice. If they are shy, this may not be the place for them. There is a lot of excitement and very, very loud. You won't be able to talk at all. We ordered the family style meal. Plenty of food, very tasty and very good presentation. Who can't love Mediterranean food? One of our guests had a seafood allergy and they made a good attempt to keep the food separated.
(4)Zac H.
Dance on solid wooden tables while napkins rain from the sky! Taverna OPA is like no other. Great food, music, drinks, belly dancers and one incredible atmosphere!
(5)Annie F.
I love I-drive, it's full of food, music and fun times. Taverna Opa has all three. Some of the locals may be dissuaded to coming here due to the fact it's on I-drive but I embrace it. How many places can you go on a weekday and feel like it's the weekend? One of the great things about living in Orlando is that, I have the ability to play "tourist" and then go back to my normal routine. Taverna Opa gives me that experience and I'm certain for anyone else who goes, they'll have a great time. Taverna Opa is a Greek restaurant highlighting food and entertainment. It's located on the second floor of Pointe Orlando, next to B.B. Kings Restaurant. Ample seating is available inside, it's great for groups and celebrating any occasion. I remember the last time I was here, I was celebrating my birthday. And yes, I did get on top of the table. It's been awhile since I had been back but I'm glad I went again. Upon entering, there's a massive tree in the middle with lights. Full bar on the left, the kitchen is straight ahead. It's definitely spacious inside. People are dancing, paper napkins are being thrown in the air, just fantastic atmosphere. (For those wondering about the paper napkins being thrown, it's been four times recycled.) They even have a belly dancers here. If all this entertainment isn't your thing, there is outdoor seating too. At Taverna Opa, they give you a wooden mortar and pestle where you mash your own hummus. The hummus here is more of a typical flavor. I prefer a heavier garlic flavor but it certainly was enjoyable with the warm pita bread. If chickpeas isn't your style, the Tzatziki appetizer is very good. It's a cool strained cucumber-dill yogurt served with pita bread. Ah, spanakopita, a definite favorite of mines. Classic spinach and feta pie in phyllo dough. The combination of spinach and feta cheese can't be beat. I also ate some of lamb chops. Absolutely delicious! It's succulent, flavorful, cooked perfectly and not to mention it's marinated for 36 hours. I highly recommend getting the lamb chops. The chicken kabobs is another good option. It's a tender chicken breast on stick with delicate subtle flavors. Great for those who want to enjoy the natural flavor of chicken. The chicken kabobs is served with the spinach rice. I do feel the name "spinach rice" is a bit misleading because as I ate the rice, I wasn't thinking "Boy, I really taste that spinach". Nonetheless, I thought the rice tasted great. During my meal, I had the Eros Martini. Very tasty, if I do say so myself. It's got Absolut raspberry vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime. The Pomegranate Martini had Pama liqueur, Absolut citron, a splash of cranberry juice and a splash of sour. Not bad but the Eros Martini was definitely tastier. There's a full bar here with lots of drink choices whether it's beer, wine, liquor, or specialty drinks. Last but not least, I had some baklava. I will admit, I'm not the biggest fan of baklava because often times, I find that it's too sweet for me. I really enjoyed the baklava here. It was sweet but not to the point where I could only have a few bites. The baklava had great balance between the spices and honey. Yum! Come for the lamb chops, you won't be disappointed. If you're wanting to go somewhere with some good eats and fun times, this is the place! OPA!
(4)Kat in the House s.
No no no no no... I can thank a business associate who made this reservation for our group for the experience here. I don't even know where to start- My first tipoff that we were in for an interesting evening when a visual assessment of the gender makeup of the other patrons was about 90/10 male. At 7pm, the house lights went down and stayed down... Why? Because... The mood needed to be set for the belly dancers- wait who doesn't like belly dancers? But wait, during the belly dancing, the employees heave stacks and stacks and stacks of white cocktail napkins...napkins, napkins, and more napkins. The waste was/is absolutely unfathomable... And, when you factor in that napkins on the floor and the table top, are slippery... The risk manage to involved with witnessing this just pained me. The food was a step above a chain place... I had high hopes when we were handed a mortal and pestle to make our own hummus... After that, it went down hill. We couldn't converse with each other... The staff seemed overwhelmed with our party size and orders and bills were very confused. My thought is if you are looking for a place to host a bachelor party without the threat of having to paying for bottle service, do dine here!
(1)Alyssa W.
came here for a light lunch during the off hour. the place was empty, but that was expected, since our concierge was on a roll, we decided the empty restaurant didnt matter. Our waiter seemed, tired? not very happy we walked in? not really sure, thats the reason for 4 stars. he did the basics, took our order brought our food, not personable at all, but who cares when the food is good, right? we ordered a combo place, two falaffels, chicken kabob and pastitsio (macaroni, cheese, and beef) every table gets pita bread and a mortor and pestle filled with garlice, olive oil and chick peas...mash your own hummus!! super fun and delicious. Love knowing that you are eating something fresh and there's no added bad stuff. when our food came it was great. literally the best falafell i've had in a while, the falafell was super fresh tasty and just damn good. even my dad who doesnt like falafell, said it was really good. I wanted to come back here to get one to go, but we didnt have time. From the pictures, it looks like this is a fun place to go at night!
(4)Daisy D.
My husband was craving Greek food so when we were in the Orlando area with friends we tried to find a place that would satisfy his jones. Taverna Opa was not far from our hotel and I was rather familiar with the shopping area where it was located. I ordered the Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) from the traditional options. It was excellent. The pasta was cooked perfectly and while it was a lasagna, there was still a lightness to it. The portion was huge, so I was a little full after our appetizer and the warm pita they served. The place is one of many restaurants in the strip. It's definitely catering to the vacation crowd. The music is loud and the energy high. We sat outside and still had a hard time hearing conversations with one another. The only big problem with the area is the parking. Sometimes a little difficult to find and I'm not always in the mood to valet.
(3)MJ J.
Amazing place. Our group eleven including kids were thrilled - exciting loud music, festive atmosphere, outstanding food and just a great fun environment. I read other reviews complaining about the intrusiveness of the vibe but they need to relax and chill out. Belly dancing, a party ambience. For sure we will be back when in town.
(5)Shaye G.
What an experience! My friend recommended that we have dinner here one night in Orlando, and it was a fun evening! We started with their Hummus and Saganaki (cheese flamed table side). For my entree, I ordered their Chicken Artichoke which was delicious! Belly dancers entertained and encouraged patrons to get up and shake their groove thang. :)
(4)Brad K.
Atmosphere was very nice. Food was average to above average. Prices were high compensating for the free live entertainment and the tons of paper napkins they throw overhead. But I would recommend and go back given the other dining on I-Drive
(3)Kevin H.
It is a bit unfair for us to rate this "club". I've lived in Greece, eaten and had great fun at many many lively Greek restaurants. We were four, two of which are guys in their early twenties. We could not stay and eat. The noise level was unbelievable. Truly unbelievable. That said, the staff was quite polite and understanding.
(3)Richard W.
The most fun and great food. They entertain you from the time you walk in until the time you leave. I'll be back!!
(5)Tyler P.
Went there Sat night for a friend's birthday. Atmosphere was crazy. Loud music and people standing on the tables. Our party loved throwing napkins every where. The food was outstanding. I had the lamb shank which was cooked perfect. Things that brought it down to 4 were not being able to talk, napkins in my food, and it took 25 mins to get our bill.
(4)Francis N.
As a first timer, I had a fun time at Taverna Opa. My relatives tell me that this place can make dance on your table, dance around, and even dance with the belly dancer! I was skeptical about this place being "authentic greek" as I've had amazing greek food in San Francisco (Kokkari Estiatorio if you're ever in the area, check it out!), but the food turned out great-especially the LAMB! My compliments to that chef that made that! The staff was really fun to be with-dancing, socializing, and throwing napkins everywhere like it was no ones business. Anyways, it was definitely a dinner experience I'll never forget!
(5)Shannon B.
The food was really good, I had the marinated lamb chops. They were tasty but very small. The greens were interesting too. For an appetizer my group did the calamari which was done very well. If you are planning to have a conversation over dinner, this is not the place to go. I love the fun atmosphere but they need to dial it down a few notches. To talk you had to yell to be heard thus bringing the noise level up even higher. I had a headache when I left and my ears were ringing. It was difficult to enjoy the meal. Not cool.
(3)K W.
So far best meal and time for dinner in Orlando! We got seafood platter, porterhouse, moussaka, saganaki, meat appetizer for 4 adults, 2 kids, 1 infant. Toocmuch food but was delicious so we finished. Was also entertained by belly dancer, group dancing, and flying paper! Fantastic time - a little pricey but comparable to all other restaurants in the area.
(5)Sara W.
Delicious Greek food, belly dancers, and watching older gents getting their groove on on top of a table? Check, check, and triple check. Taverna Opa is such a fun experience and was definitely a highlight of a recent trip to Orlando. This restaurant is a chain, however just located in various cities throughout Florida. My family and I arrived around 7 o'clock, and at the perfect time, as the belly dancer was just about to start her grand opening act. The lights dimmed, the loud music started, and the napkins started flying! She seemed to make her way around the entire restaurant and stopped by our table about 10 minutes in. My mother and I could not compete with her perfected booty shakes and shimmies! If you're here with family, or a large group, be prepared to dance your heart out! Side note: This place would be ideal for a girls night out or Bachelorette party, ideally for those that list watching others make fools of themselves dancing as a favorite acitivity. I WISH there was a Taverna Opa located closer to me, but I guess this means I will have to make another trip, I cannot wait to go back, bust a move, and eat more of their delicious seafood & hummus!
(5)Jeff B.
Nice casual atmosphere with good food. Quick and easy place to eat at. Friendly staff with good service. Recommended!
(4)Carri B.
Although it can get pricey, Taverna Opa is worth it. I have been here several times and have yet to have anything that wasn't delicious. Among my recommendations would be the saganaki (flaming cheese you say, yes please!) the chicken kebabs and the spanakopita. Their hummus is also delicious and prepared at your table. What makes this place amazing though is the overall sense of fun it embodies. There are belly dancers prancing around, napkins are flung in the air and people routinely dance on tables. If you're looking for a place to eat yummy food and have a great time, just think OPA!
(4)Isabelle G.
I love this place, I do. It's so much fun on Saturday nights. The staff is always very nice and encourages you to have a great time and let loose. I prefer ordering the smaller dishes, tapas style and just sharing everything among our table since I find personally that their main course dishes are too pricey and not as tasty as their smaller dishes. My favorite dishes to order is the hummus and the AMAZING saganaki. SOOO tasty, you wont regret ordering it! I encourage you to make reservations, it's the only way you'll get a table on a Saturday night! All the drinks are amazing, they have a great selection of martinis.
(5)Luke S.
What a find! I went here for lunch with my wife and we were very impressed. The food was excellent Greek food. The portions were huge and our servers never neglected us. The free hummus was also a nice touch, with their fresh out of the oven wheat pitas! If Orlando wasn't 1,000 miles away this would be one of my regular spots!
(5)Randall O.
Great service, great food, and great memories by Flash!!! Amazing time.... Plus belly dancer on the table!!!! Wow
(5)John H.
Just ok. Food was ok. Service was meh. Water took a long time to be refilled. Most annoying part of the night was the "tourist attraction" "photographer" wanting to take our picture and then wanting 20 bucks for a 5x7 and 10 each for keychains. Beat it, we're trying to eat dinner jackwad. Again food was just ok. Most of the apps were poorly done. Salad was good. Meat on platter was good, oven potatoes were flavorless and underdone. Green beans we're tasty but way over cooked. At least we sat outside so we got to avoid the old-country dancing around in a circle. I guess it's a destination restaurant so if you want to dance around in a circle, have a belly-dancer on your table and have mediocre food...good luck. There are much better places in Orlando area. Try Tu Casa.
(2)Niki M.
As a local, I can understand the pull of this place but don't think I will be returning. It is a fun place to eat and the food is decent, but it just wasn't that spectacular that I would choose to eat dinner here again. It seems very much like a tourist-y restaurant. We started with the hummus and pita (VERY GOOD!!!!), the calamari (also VERY GOOD), a Greek salad (good), and a spinach-quiche type appetizer (it was okay). We were impressed at this point, but unfortunately all four of the people at my table felt that their entrees (the red snapper, lamb shank, lamb chops, and chicken artichoke respectively) were just "okay". The appetizers we got were delicious and we all agreed the appetizers were much better than the entrees we chose. I could have eaten the hummus and pita all night and been happy! Entertainment wise, I think this would be a fun place to take children. As soon as we sat down we were showered with napkins as the waiter shouted "OPA!" There was a belly dancer entertaining the tables and at one point a giant 'conga line' of sorts started going around the room. A rather pushy lady came by our table and insisted we have a group photo taken, which we did not purchase at the end of the night. The belly dancer also would not take 'no' for an answer when she told me to get on the table and dance with her.. I at least made sure I got a picture with her and my mother on the table for my embarrassment. All in all, its a fun place to eat with okay food and is one of those "you gotta go once" type of restaurants.
(3)Angelina A.
Food was a 2 but ambiance gets a 4. Wait staff is entertaining and it's nice and loud. Service was slow and not very attentive. Expect bar food.
(3)Marlon T.
One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. I rarely give 5 stars to a place that isn't a upper class restaurant with waiters and such wearing suits and being extremely knowledgeable about the product. Our waiter was very accommodating and professional. He didn't need to write down our order (this is always impressive even though it was just 2 of us). He knew some good things to recommend and we felt comfortable. We ordered the Saganaki (flaming cheese dish), a bell pepper dish, and a lasagna-like dish (some traditional Greek cuisine). All were excellent and it was awesome watching the Saganaki get lit up by one of the servers. Then said opa pretty loud while it was burning. The drinks were good and the ambience of the joint was calming. It was spacious and suitable for large parties. They had some nice props inside like the fake grapes vines. I'm sure they get big families all the time and don't care if it gets loud. Too bad I wasn't there during the Belly Dancing. This place for sure deserves 5 stars.
(5)Josh H.
I honestly wouldnt even give this restaurant 1 star but to write this review I need to give at least 1 star. Service and management at this restaurant are horrible. Came in with a huge party on Saturday night for a birthday party. We had a large group of 16 people. Reservations were made for 8. We all arrived early and checked in for our table. Granted it was a Saturday night and they were quite busy, however we ended up waiting over an hour for a reserved birthday party of 16 people. Once the table finally came available we all sat down and got ready to order. The waited came around to take everyone's order and I tried to order an appetizer because our reservations were for 8 and I normally eat hours before that so I decided to eat something earlier in the evening. Thank god I did. Apparently the rules at this restaurant on the weekends are you must order an entree for your meal. WTF kind of shit is this . I'm a grown man and I live in America. If I'm a paying customer at a restaurant. A good paying customer I might add because by this time Ive already ordered a bunch of drinks so its not about the $, its the point. How can you go into a restaurant, wait an hour for a reserved table, spend good $ on drinks then be told what you have to order. Thats complete bullshit. I addressed my concerns to the manager who was a complete ass after my wife told him we wouldn't be coming back. His exact words were "I was going to give you what you wanted but now that she said that a screw it". Great atmosphere but staff and management have no class. I could think of about a dozen other Greek restaurants in the Orlando area that are leaps and bounds over this place. Save your $ and go somewhere else.
(1)Marcy C.
Be careful with reservations here. We specified a front room table for a special occasion. When we arrived we were told to wait 20 minutes past our reservation time and then stuck in the back room . I enjoyed this place in the past, but poorly run now.
(1)Victor R.
Very good food. Awesome service Kleftiko Platter was fantastic. Calamari was delicious.
(5)Paul T.
A nice spot that does have the look of a Greek taverna. Had dinner with 4 coworkers after a long day of meetings. All tables get a mortar and pestle to make your own hummus. Plenty of pita delivered to keep you eating. Sort of a Mediterranean chips-and-salsa! Shared a saganaki order which was good, but a little small for 5 real fans of flaming cheese (like me). Ordered pastitsio and found it good but maybe lacking a bit in the spice department. I expected a stronger tomato flavor with a bigger hint of cinnamon. No real complaint, but not a "wow!" reaction. Service was very good and typically Greek. Would have appreciated some traditional Greek music and dancing. There was live belly dancing, but not really a Greek performance. The place is loud as many have mentioned.
(4)