If it’s a fun atmosphere, great Greek food, and live entertainment you’re looking for, be sure to make a stop at Taverna Opa in Orlando. Orlando boasts a number of Greek restaurants, but Taverna Opa stands apart from the rest with belly dancing events, authentic Greek platters, and encourages everyone to ‘have fun until the ouzo runs out!’. It’s one of Orlando’s recent openings, and offers a casual atmosphere and your chance to dabble in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s what to expect at Taverna Opa in Orlando:
The Atmosphere at Taverna Opa Orlando
The spacious dining room at Taverna Opa Orlando is designed with brick walls and simple wooden tables lined up in perfect lines. It’s a Greek tavern, only you’re presented with white cloth napkins and real (smashable) plates. Most tables seat up to eight people, and you can also choose to sit at the long bar that lines one side of the dining room.
Settle into your seat and you’ll catch sight of the billboard-style menus right above the kitchen; you can see the chefs working away behind that brick wall, and the fun begins when the waitstaff arrives with menus and recommendations on specials for the day. This is the best time to order either cold ‘meze’, your fair share of delicious appetizers that will arrive in a few minutes as you peruse the exotic menu.
As you dine and dance in this festive environment, you’ll be joined by singing servers, plenty of clapping, and Greek music throughout. Belly dancers will make weave their way in and out of the dining room space, and it’s a fun place to enjoy the live entertainment – gleeful shouts of ‘Opa!’ and rounds of applause are expected. Wait for the staff to begin the plate smashing tradition, another highlight of the dinner experience.
Taverna Opa: The Menu
The menu at Taverna Opa is broken down into hot and cold meze , salads, seafood and vegetable entrees, wood fired meats, kebobs, and souvlaki platters. There’s only one soup on the menu, a traditional lemon chicken rice which can easily become a small meal or appetizer in itself.
Still, you’ll find some of the best dinner choices in the ‘Greece On Your Plate’ section; this is where you can order traditional Mousaka, Pastitsio (Greek lasagna), or even a Slow Roasted Lamb entrée. The Wood Fired Meats features choice cuts of filet mignon, lamb chops, and grilled pork loins; all are served with lemon potatoes and vegetables. If you’re a seafood fan, you might enjoy the Greek paella or grilled Chilean Sea Bass entrée. A small Kids Menu is also available, with a choice of ‘Opa Pizza’ or Chicken Tenders.
No matter how much you fill up on your dish of choice, however, you must save room for dessert. Baklava is on the menu, but not your only choice for a sweet Greek treat; try the Opa Ekmek, the restaurant’s signature dessert of shredded filo dough, walnuts, custard cream, and whipped topping. Or, exercise your right to chocolate with the Sokolatina, a rich chocolate mousse cake.
About Taverna Opa
Taverna Opa is actually a Florida-based chain restaurant; you’ll find other venues in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami Beach with another restaurant opening in West Palm Beach this year. Each restaurant is designed with the same color combinations and logo, but presents a unique floor plan, and of course, different entertainment lineups each week. Taverna Opa is located at 9101 International Drive, Orlando; call (407) 351-8660 for more information or visit OpaOrlando.com.
Bottom Line: Both the food and ambiance offer a unique dining experience; when you go to a restaurant that encourages plate smashing, you know you’ve entered a bona fide Greek establishment. Whether you’re hosting a group event or just want to enjoy some fantastic Greek cuisine, Taverna Opa is an excellent choice for your celebration!
