Hello dear
Welcome to Opa Chattanooga
Opa Chattanooga is a unique dining experience nestled along River Street in Chattanooga, TN. Founded by the warm-hearted Michael, this restaurant invites guests to indulge in a delightful four-course Greek feast with no menu—just surprise dishes that reflect authentic Greek cuisines. Diners are transported to a lively Greek village ambiance, characterized by its cozy decor and enthusiastic hospitality. Each meal is crafted with fresh ingredients, including delightful offerings like spanakopita and galotobourikio. The celebration continues with wine, music, and even traditional dancing, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for celebrations. At Opa, every visit promises to be memorable, combining culinary excellence with cultural joy.
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About
Opa Chattanooga
Welcome to Opa Chattanooga, a hidden gem nestled along the scenic River Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This unique eatery, at 249 River St, invites you on a culinary adventure that transcends mere dining—it’s a celebration of Greek culture and hospitality.
With a heartwarming atmosphere carefully crafted by owner Michael, Opa is more than just a restaurant. As one patron, John Vidalakis, beautifully articulated, dining here feels like stepping into a vibrant Greek village complete with whitewashed walls and a festive spirit. The experience is designed for enjoyment, not haste. Here, you won’t find a traditional menu—instead, expect a continuous flow of lovingly prepared dishes that reflect the heart and soul of Greece.
The journey begins with refreshing pomegranate tea and rich homemade wine, setting the tone for a delightful evening. Guests are treated to a succession of courses that includes zesty Greek salads, flaky spanakopita, succulent roasted chicken, hearty vegetable stews, and the highlight—a perfectly crafted galotobourikio dessert. Each bite is a testament to authenticity and the dedication Michael and his team have for their craft.
As you immerse yourself in the festivities, you may find yourself dancing alongside new friends amid broken plates and jubilant laughter. The joy shared here is undeniable, as echoed in the glowing reviews of other patrons who describe their experiences as “life-affirming” and “transformative.” Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, Opa Chattanooga offers an unparalleled dining event where warmth and hospitality reign.
So, gather your loved ones, prepare to partake in a delicious, multi-course feast, and embrace the contagious joy that is Opa Chattanooga. Be ready for surprises, and remember, it’s not just about the food—it’s about connecting with others through the spirit of philoxenia. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience in the heart of Chattanooga!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ BIG BEAUTIFUL GREEK EVENING. Do not go to Opa thinking you are going to grab dinner. This is a life-affirming, life-transforming event. The owner and host, Michael, serves up huge portions of delicious homemade Greek food and great times. Once you enter the restaurant, you are transported to a Greek village with whitewashed walls. There is no menu. The food just starts coming and keeps on coming. This was our second time at Opa. We were served pomegranate tea and red wine. Our first course was a Greek salad and spanakopita. The second course was roasted chicken and vegetables. We told our waiter that two of the people in our group are vegetarian and he brought out an excellent hearty vegetable stew with roasted potatoes. The third course was a beef stew with potatoes. The fourth and final course was galotobourikio--one of the trickiest Greek desserts to get right. It was perfect. The texture of the custard and the sweetness were just right. There was a touch of cinnamon which was an excellent addition. I am Greek-American, grew up eating Greek food and have been to Greece many, many times. There is nothing like Opa in Chattanooga, or even outside of Greece. If you are in a hurry, don't like surprises, are a grump, or prefer fast food save yourself the time and go to Denny's or Macdonald's. Otherwise, you will have a great meal and a great time at Opa. Michael is an enthusiastic, warm-hearted host and is really dedicated to the spirit of philoxenia (hospitality) and wants to make sure that every guest has a fantastic experience. I spoke to him in Greek and introduced my family. He hugged me and tears came to his eyes. He insisted on playing music from our region of Greece (Crete) for the rest of the night. I won't ruin all of the surprises, but expect to end up talking to the people seated next to you, expect to eat more than you expected, and don't be surprised if during the course of the night there are broken plates, things flying through the air, and you end up Greek line dancing with people you just met. There was a group of about ten couples celebrating a birthday while we were there. They weren't Greek, but they were that night and they had the time of their lives. You will too. ”
“ We went to celebrate a birthday dinner and Michael made sure that it was so special! I have never left a review for anywhere before, but I felt like Opa deserved one! This restaurant offers such a unique experience and the AMAZING food was just the icing on top!! I loved that the meal was already planned out because it gave us the opportunity to try things that we probably wouldn’t have ordered. You can tell that this restaurant really takes pride in authenticity! From the pomegranate tea, to the homemade wine, champagne, salads and main courses, to the after dinner celebration, we could not have asked for a better evening. We will definitely be back! ”
“ We went as a big group to this restaurant to celebrate a wedding. It was an amazing time! Truly amazing! The staff and owner gave excellent service, excellent food, never ending wine and a wonderful festive environment. It’s small, very well decorated in a cozy shabby chic Greek motif. We had a full 4 course meal served in stages that thoroughly enhanced the fun, festive experience. And the food was excellent. Although most of the evening you’re with your party, it still felt like a full family experience- especially at the end when we got to throw plates and napkins. Everybody was all up and dancing together. I would say in all my very many years this was the best, most fun, delicious dining experience I’ve had. The owner is very caring and encouraged everyone to have fun. FUN! If you haven’t been there and you live in Chattanooga,TN, YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT! Do yourself a great favor and put this on your list of must do restaurants. ”
“ The owner was so kind and did everything he could to make you feel welcome and at home. The food is a 4 course meal that he prepares, and it isn’t the same two visits in a row. That being said, there is no menu so be ready to be surprised. But don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed! I’ve never written a review but his service and the food made me feel compelled to do so. 10/10 :) ”
“ Absolutely amazing! So much good food! The food was all fresh ingredients and prepared just right! The wine was amazing, and the after dinner entertainment (starring you) is not to be missed!! I can't tell you the last time dining out was so fun!! I will definitely be back! Thank you Michael and staff for sharing a small piece of your world with the rest of us! ”
“ We went for Valentine’ Day and it was a phenomenal experience. The food and wine were delicious. The dancing at the end made it unforgettable! The owner Micheal puts his heart and soul into his restaurant. ”
“ Had a party of 14 for a birthday. Michael was the best host. 10/10 would recommend. Best time ever. ”
“ If you're in for a dinner EXPERIENCE that is unique, delicious, authentic, and ONE OF A KIND, this is the place for you. We went there with a party of 6 adults, and everyone had the best time, left feeling so full of yummy, homemade Greek food, and enjoyed the after dinner festivities of napkin throwing and dancing! It felt like we were all one big Greek family for a few moments! Just as a heads up to people: the owner and cook set the menu. We never picked any food, we just ate what was served and what he was cooking that night. We LOVED that part of this experience and it felt like eating at a friend's house and they made their own special, authentic dishes for you. The majority of the restaurant is pseudo inside/outside, so on a summer night it will feel like a summer night. To me, this felt like what it might be on a Grecian patio on the Mediterranean in the summer. It added to the EXPERIENCE. The food was incredible (my favs were the spanakopita and salad dish, and the chicken dish was just *chef's kiss* delish!) If you're looking for a cool experience with an amazing and authentic dinner, go to OPA! They will treat you like family and you'll have a meal you won't soon forget!!! ”