The Greek expression “Opa!” is a celebratory utterance, an emotional declaration and an homage to life. It’s an apt title for Opa! Opa!, the vivacious, bright-blue Greek restaurant new to West Chester, which recently opened its doors on downtown East Gay Street.
Swarmed by a midday lunch crowd and open until 10 p.m. every night, this eat-in or take-out restaurant has a casual, upbeat ambience and serious Greek flavors.
Big Greek Menu
Gyros, pitas, souvlakis and salads, all simply made with abundant portions, dominate the menu. One such item, the chicken souvlaki pita, includes generous cubes of marinated chicken, chopped lettuce and red onions and sliced tomato all wrapped in a fresh, doughy pita, slathered with tzatziki sauce and served with a belly-busting side of french fries.
Other delectable homemade items include dolmades, spanakopita, mousaka and pastitisio, a baked pasta with meat and buttery bechamel cream sauce. Try the Augolemono lemon and chicken soup for a smooth, tangy start. Sweets include Greek yogurt served with honey and walnuts, baklava and rice pudding. For in-between or take-home snacking, Opa! Opa! offers three savory, salty dips including the Tyrokafteri, a sensational spicy cheese dip of feta, hot peppers and olive oil served with a warmed pita for dipping.
Beyond the regular menu, there is also a substantial catering selection of a large salad, gyro, wrap, spanakopita and french fry trays. Most serve 12 people for roughly $60, making it a great party or group lunch option.
Small Greek Restaurant
The layout of the compact restaurant, which is nestled between Hybrid Cycles and Avalon Restaurant, smartly caters to take-out and dine-in customers alike, with a long, curved counter in the front for ordering and carry-away and dining tables filling out the back of the space.
Behind the ordering counter is the kitchen itself, where you can watch the chefs grill up the marinated meats and shave lamb for gyros off of the vertical broiler. Their copious chatter over the loud talk radio mixes with the warm, friendly service of the waitresses and the conversations of the many patrons, all giving the place a humming and cozy vibe.
The decor can be described best as, simply, “blue.” The true blue of the Greek flag serves as the primary palette for the floors, walls and menu, with bright white alternating in accordance. Along the walls hang large photo prints of the Greek Isles, and the grey stacked stone wall of the front counter provides a contrasting rustic touch.
Something for Everyone
Opa! Opa! is poised to become a regular go-to for those in the area craving reliably tasty, casual Greek food. With plenty of space for dining-in, convenient and accommodating hours for take-out and a solid party tray selection, the options are aplenty.
Try the new Opa! Opa! for straight-ahead, quality Greek fare any day of the week.
Find Opa! Opa! at 122 E. Gay Street; phone: (484) 266-7106.
- Photos: Leigh Green
