When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Opa
Why Opa is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Opa Greek Restaurant, located in Hamilton Township, NJ, offers a vibrant and cozy environment that perfectly captures the warmth of Greek hospitality. This welcoming eatery is known for its authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, making it an excellent place to meet with friends and enjoy a flavorful meal together. Dining at Opa is more than just food; it’s about sharing joyful moments, much like traditional Greek gatherings. The restaurant features a menu rich with classic Greek dishes and a variety of pizzas, catering to diverse tastes while maintaining a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Its operating hours, from 11:30 AM through the evening daily, provide ample opportunity for lunch or dinner meetups, ideal for casual meals or special occasions. With a friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, Opa creates a sense of community and celebration, making it a great destination for friends to gather and savor the tastes of the Mediterranean in a lively setting.
Here's what people think of Opa
As of recent, Opa holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1013 reviews.
Users generally hold Opa Greek Restaurant in high regard, contributing to its strong rating of 4.4 based on over 1,000 reviews. Positive reviews frequently highlight the authentic flavors of the dishes, the generous portion sizes, and the welcoming ambiance that makes visitors feel at home. Customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service, which enhances their overall dining experience and keeps many returning. The cozy and vibrant setting is also a common praise point, fitting well for both casual gatherings and celebratory meals. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions occasional issues such as wait times during peak hours and inconsistencies in food preparation noted by a minority of diners. A few reviews suggest that the noise level can be somewhat high when the restaurant is busy, which might affect those seeking a quieter dining experience. In conclusion, the majority of patrons find Opa to be a delightful and reliable choice for enjoying Greek cuisine with friends, with minor complaints balanced by overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Harry Engel
What a great place. Located right across the street from Proud Mary, the energy is much more relaxed. A solid place to work or meet people. Get the omelette and add meat balls. Super good. Americano was solid. Bathrooms clean. Tons of parking. Lots of quiet indoor seating. Shady under the trees out door seating. Happy staff.
Elena L
This is a great place to meet up and hang out with friends. There’s plenty of space, comfortable tables, and quick service. The menu is extensive, and the staff is very friendly. I especially love the interior design, and there are options to sit both indoors and outdoors, which is a nice touch. The place is quite popular, and we had a wonderful time during our visit. However, I do have one comment. My drink was served in a cup with a chip. I always mention this to businesses when it happens. Please make sure to check your dishware carefully. Chips on cups can harbor bacteria and pose a risk of cuts while drinking. I kindly ask the owner to address this issue and inspect all dishware for any damage. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot, but this small detail needs attention.
Marlene Ruiz
Great food and service not much seating inside. Wish it wasnt raining so I could have sat outside. Amazing food. And apatizers. Really enjoyed everything. Will go back🥰 order at the bar area then seat yourself type of place.
Lindsay Harvey
OPA on South Lamar is a great spot for delicious Greecian cuisine, and has a very serene atmosphere adorned with beautiful landscaping and greenery. The enormous Live Oak Tree is one of my favorite things in Austin. Nicole and Celena are very kind and personable. OPA hosts many events throughout the week including Wednesday's Open Mic Night which caters to local and traveling artists as a welcoming creative space for sharing all forms of art. OPA is a true gem of Austin, just south of the river. 10/10, highly recommend. 💙🇬🇷🎶 -Mnemosyne
whitney sol
really great food! portions are also big (except the avocado toast) but the gyros especially are great meals. the coffee is delicious and high quality but a little slow. the food is quick to come. the staff is very nice too. lots of great vegetarian options, and the seating outside is so nice. i liked the pasta salad and warm pita a lot.
How to reach Opa
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Why Opa may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Opa with your friends?
Gathering with friends is all about creating memorable experiences, and Opa offers exactly that—a vibrant yet inviting setting that transcends the typical dining scene. With a strong 4.4 rating from over 1,000 reviews, Opa is recognized not just for its delicious food but for the warm, almost familial atmosphere it cultivates. Imagine walking into a place that feels like entering a close friend’s home where every meal is crafted with passion, authenticity, and a personal touch. Guests regularly praise the unique experience of dining without a set menu, where the chef prepares dishes based on fresh, high-quality ingredients available that day, allowing diners to explore new tastes together in a communal way. This unpredictability turns every visit into a shared adventure, perfect for groups eager to bond over something special and authentic.
Opa’s owner and host deeply cares about every guest, often making each visit feel like a private celebration rather than just a meal. Whether it’s the intimate setting, the beautifully curated courses, or the sense of being cared for, it’s a place where conversations flourish and connections deepen. Visiting Opa means more than just eating; it is an immersive journey into Mediterranean culinary culture paired with heartfelt hospitality. For friends seeking a unique, joyful gathering space with excellent food and a cozy vibe that nurtures togetherness, Opa is an obvious choice.
What activities and experiences make Opa perfect for a group meetup?
Opa’s core offering is an intimate culinary experience that goes beyond traditional dining. One distinctive feature is the absence of a fixed menu, meaning the chef creates the entire meal based on the freshest ingredients available—this not only guarantees seasonal flavors but also inspires curiosity and conversation among diners. Friends can enjoy multiple courses, each introducing them to authentic Mediterranean dishes they might not have tried before, making the meal a shared adventure. This style of service encourages groups to discuss their impressions, savor each bite collectively, and appreciate the artistry behind the meal, enhancing the social experience.
Another appealing aspect for groups is Opa’s atmosphere. Reviewers often mention the homey feel and personalized service, where the owner personally hosts, cooks, and interacts with guests. This fosters a comfortable environment that’s conducive to socializing and celebration. Unlike louder, larger venues, Opa maintains a setting where groups can enjoy meaningful conversations without distractions, making it ideal for friends and family who want both excellent food and quality time together.
For those who enjoy a little entertainment alongside their meal, some locations of Opa feature live music, such as top-notch singers performing Mediterranean tunes, adding a lively yet relaxed background to the experience. The option of outdoor seating by the water, as seen in some branches, further enriches group gatherings with beautiful scenic views, making it a perfect backdrop for memorable meetups. Attentive and friendly service ensures that all group needs—from dietary requests to pacing of courses—are expertly handled, allowing guests to focus purely on enjoying their time together.
How does Opa’s food enhance the group experience?
Food is the heart of Opa, and the way dishes are crafted dramatically elevates any group meetup. With the focus on authentic, fresh Mediterranean cuisine, every dish bursts with flavors that encourage shared discovery and enjoyment. The rotating menu based on quality ingredients means groups often receive unexpected delights—from savory appetizers like saganaki to hearty, well-spiced mains—that become talking points and enhance the sense of community around the table.
This approach also enables inclusive dining experiences; even guests with diverse tastes find something to savor because the menu is adaptable, and the chef can accommodate preferences spontaneously. For instance, dishes range from classic grilled meats to vegetarian-friendly options, ensuring nobody is left out. The sharing style of presentation encourages everyone to try different flavors, fostering a sense of collaboration that is perfect for building camaraderie among friends and family.
Pairing food with a thoughtfully selected wine or traditional beverages offered at Opa further complements the meal, deepening the sensory pleasure of the gathering. This level of care in food preparation and pairing reflects an understanding that dining is a social event, making Opa not just a place to eat but a place to celebrate friendship and family bonds through shared culinary experiences.
Why is Opa’s ambiance ideal for social gatherings?
Opa creates a warm, inviting, and authentic ambiance that makes it a standout location for social gatherings. Unlike sterile or overly commercialized venues, Opa feels personal and genuine—qualities that guests frequently highlight in their reviews. The ambience is a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, with décor that evokes Mediterranean homes, complete with soft lighting and intimate seating arrangements that encourage conversation and laughter.
Groups benefit from this cozy setting as it naturally promotes closeness and ease among attendees. The absence of a rigid restaurant feel lets guests relax as if they were in someone’s living room, which helps new acquaintances warm up quickly and old friends reconnect deeply. This kind of atmosphere is often missing in large, noisy restaurants or typical party venues, making Opa a refreshing alternative for those who want meaningful connections during their meetups.
The attentive and passionate staff, often led by the owner, contribute to this ambiance by engaging personally with guests, checking in without being intrusive, and sharing stories about the dishes and their origins. This enhances the feeling of being welcomed into a cultural and culinary experience unique to Opa. The result is an emotional connection to the place that turns casual group dinners into cherished memories.
What practical considerations make Opa a great choice for group meetups?
In addition to atmosphere and food, Opa stands out for practical reasons that support smooth and enjoyable group gatherings. One key factor is its thoughtful approach to reservation and seating, especially given its popularity and limited days of operation—some locations only open when optimum ingredients are available, ensuring quality and exclusivity. Securing a reservation here guarantees an experience that few other venues can match, making it a smart choice for groups who value both quality and reliability.
The manageable size of the venue helps maintain an intimate feel without overcrowding, so groups don’t get lost in the noise or buzz of a busy restaurant. This makes it easier to coordinate meetups where everyone can participate and feel included. Staff’s attentiveness to group dynamics ensures timely service without rushing or long waits, important for keeping the flow of conversation and enjoyment uninterrupted.
Lastly, Opa’s price point is considered fair for the quality and uniqueness of the experience, providing great value for money. This combination of high standards in food, atmosphere, and service at a reasonable cost makes it accessible for a broad range of groups, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Whether it is a reunion, a birthday, or just a night out with friends, Opa offers more than just a meal—it’s a carefully curated event that meets both emotional and logistical needs, making every gathering truly special.