Opa Estiatorio

09/03/08

Fresh, perfectly prepared authentic Greek food with great service

by diamondlod

The keys to a great restaurant are:

Don't take on more than you can handle

Use fresh ingredients that take advantage of the local supplies

Cook everything possible fresh

Prepare the food consistently without over or under cooking

Don't make the guests feel intimidated by the menu, especially in a non-American restaurant

Get the food out in a reasonable amount of time

Opa does all of these things flawlessly, all while staying true to their Greek roots. When I first saw the HUGE menu, I thought that they had taken on too many items. However, many of them are variations on the same types of food (grape leaves, lamb, meats, eggplant, etc.). This is a huge positive, because they have found a brilliant way to create a huge, varied menu without overstressing the cooking staff. This is the sign of a genius owner and/or head chef. So right there - HUGE plus.

I order an appetizer, vegetable, a 3-item combination plate, and dessert (I was REALLY hungry!!). My wife ordered an appetizer, vegetable, stuffed grape leaves entree, and dessert. Between the two of us, every items was flawlessly prepared. The chicken was not overcooked but was thoroughly cooked as well as nice and juicy. The lamb was soft, tender, pink in the middle, and full of flavor. The stuffed grape leaves were, to steal an Italian term, al dente, and the stuffing meat was cooked to a perfect medium. Let me repeat that -- the GROUND STUFFING was cooked to a perfect medium. That is downright difficult, especially with a 3/4ths full dining room on a Tuesday. The dessert was fresh, light, and very rich without feeling heavy.

The waitstaff are cheerful and flawless - I'd go into more detail if I had more room in this review.

Combine all that with a great wine list, and you've got a 5-star restaurant. Everyone will enjoy themselves here, so get yourself to Vernon Hills and have a great Greek dinner!

• Pros: Great menu, fresh food, friendliest service for miles, and flavorful sauces
• Cons: Maybe just too much white in the dining room (yeah - that's all I can think of...)

09/02/08

Not a great experience~

by familyfoodcritic

I recently ate here with my family (three kids 5,7, and 15) for a special occasion. The server was extremely slow and seemed to be annoyed when asked questions. Since not all items on the menu are translated completely- selection was difficult. Wine took fifteen minutes from order to receipt (1 glass). The saganiaki was excellent, as were the main dishes. I ordered a steak and was not asked how I wanted it cooked. When I asked how it was prepared the waiter then asked me how I wanted it (with an eye roll). After several instances throughout the meal with not bringing ordered items the waiter seemed especially annoyed when he was aked by the hostess to return to out table. When the check came (incosistent with the food to our favor) the waiter felt the need to come over and explain that the next time we came back to ask for him by name and he would show us great service. I explained that this would not occur. He seemed very puzzled. hhhmmm. Even though I love the food here I will not be returning any time soon. As a side note- I love Greek food. I don not appreciate being talked down to by anyone- especially someone seeking a tip from me. My tip- BE POLITE!

• Cons: Made a reservation the day before that they "couldn't find"

04/21/08

JUST LIKE HOME COOKED FOOD!!!

by adam1233

The food was excellent. I had pastichio it was to die for! The rest of my family tried all sorts of plates which i dont remember the greek names (thank you to the funny and helpful waiter that described each dish) but we left the restaurant satisfied and full!!! Perfect