Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine: Toward the Good

The Greek phrase “sto kalo” means toward the good. The two words are well suited for Opa! Greek Restaurant in downtown Los Gatos. 

Overview: is tavern-style dining serving  traditional Greek food prepared simply with small flourishes that satisfy an international heart. The use of sharp cheeses (feta) and pungent herbs in the many combinations of mezedes creates a strong explosion of flavors that transports you to Greece or one of its islands.

Décor: Walls have earthen-colored stone work and murals reminiscent of images that would be found upon an old coin or ancient shield. The restaurant is long and narrow and has a sports bar or tavern vibe. There is a second dining area toward the back of the establishment. The dining rooms are a little dark giving an intimate feel. Three huge flat-screen TVs face the dining room and are always tuned to sporting events.

Drinks: There is a broad collection of beer ($4.99) including Spaten, New Castle Brown Ale, Blue Moon, Hillas Lager and Mythos Lager. Along with classic cocktail favorites like cosmos and mojitos, Opa! offers specialty cocktails, which include Opa! Champagne Punch ($11.00); The Aphrodite ($11.00); The King Leonides ($11.00); Aegean Spicy Breeze ($9.00) Greek Island Sangria ($10.00 or $21.00); Blackberry Mojito ($10.00); Devoted Mary ($9.00); Opa!-tini ($10.00); Cucumber Fresca ($9.00); and Coffee-tini ($10.00). There are varieties of blended and single-malt scotch, cognac, port and after-dinner drinks ($10.00 to $12.00). The wine list is varied with a good selection from Greece and other parts of the world. There are several options available by the glass ($6.00 to $18.00). By the bottle, the selections of varietals range from Vista Point 2008 Chardonnay ($23.00) to a Veuve Clicquot Sparkling Wine ($85.00) a bottle. Coffee and fountain drinks ($2.99) are also available.

Appetizers: The beauty of the appetizers at Opa! is that they can be eaten at the start of a meal or combined to create a tapas-like banquet. Each savory tidbit is a tasty introduction to Greek cuisine: Souvlaki ($6.99); Gyro Meat Platter ($11.99); Dolmades ($7.99); Opa! Short Ribs ($10.99); Plevrakia ($11.99); and Spanakopita ($7.99) are just a start. There is also Loukaniko ($7.99); Saganki ($9.99); Saganki Fondue ($9.99); Calamari ($9.99); Keftedes ($7.99); Keftedakia ($9.99) and delicious Greek meatballs, a blend of lamb and beef-infused with spices, bread crumbs and ouzo. Vegetable and cheese treats like Zucchini Chips ($7.99); Zucchini Drops ($9.99); Feta Cheese and Olives ($8.99); and Horta ($7.99)—Greek for wild greens are some classic dishes. Opa! sautees Swiss chard in olive oil and garlic with lemon zest. It even has its take on macaroni and cheese with the Fiery Feta Mac & Cheese ($9.99). Greek dining often includes small plates with dips and spreads. There is a huge list of these which include Tzatziki ($5.99) a cucumber and yogurt dip; Skordalia ($5.99) a mix of garlic, potatoes, olive oil and vinegar; Taramosalata ($5.99) a blend of red caviar, lemon and olive oil; Fiery Feta Dip ($6.99) feta, roasted red pepper olive oil and garlic; Melitzanoslata ($6.99) roasted eggplant, garlic and spices; Kalamata Spread ($6.99), and the Dip Sampler ($15.99) with any three or you can try them all ($18.99).

Entrees: Souvlaki are skews of grilled meat and vegetables otherwise known as kababs. Opa! prepares kababs to perfection and one can enjoy items like Beef Souvlaki ($15.99); Pork Souvlaki (14.99); Chicken Souvaki ($14.99) Lamb Souvlaki ($16.99); Seafood Souvlaki ($15.99); and Vegetarian Souvlaki ($14.99). However, if you want something a little more familiar, there is the Bifteki ($10.99 ) a Greek burger. Other items on the menu are the Opa! Sauté ($12.99); Paidakia ($22.99) three rib-cut lamb chops prepared with herbs and lemons; Grilled Solomos ($19.99); Filet Mignon ($22.99); and the Opa! Lettuce Wraps ($10.99). The Pita is the traditional bread for sandwich making in Greece. Gyro Pita ($9.99) is the most popular, but there are other delicious options like the Pork Pita ($9.99); Beef Pita ($10.99); Chicken Pita ($9.99); Seafood Pita ($10.99); and Vegetarian Pita ($9.99). Opa! has even tried its hand at a Greek style Cheese Steak Sandwich ($9.99).

Sides: Opa! Fries ($4.99) with feta cheese can have gyro meat ($6.99) to make it more substantial. You can always add grilled Pita ($2.99), too and of the green course like the Horiatiki ($10.99) a traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, pepper and herbs; Greek Green Salad ($9.99) with spinach, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese; Green Caesar ($9.99); Greek Beet Salad ($9.99); and Santorini Chopped Salad ($14.99). You can add protein to your salad (Chicken $4.00, Beef $5.00, Prawns $6.00) to make it more of a main dish. Daily soup specials ($6.99) include delicate lemony Avgolemono Soup ($6.99) a traditional soup made with chicken orzo.

Dessert: Greek sweets laden with honey and cinnamon raise one's spirits and desires. Some classic treats include Baklava: ($7.00) a beautiful delicate Greek pastry, phyllo dough layered with walnuts, cinnamon sugar and honey; Bakllava Sundae ($9.99) two slices of baklava with ice cream; Fresh Greek Yogurt ($7.99) with fruit, honey and walnuts; Bougtsa ($7.99) phyllo dough layered with apples and ricotta cheese covered with a cinnamon caramel sauce; Fruit Souvlaki ($8.99); Loukomades ($7.99) lovely light and airy fried Greek donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar and walnuts drizzled with Greek honey and served with vanilla ice cream; Sokolatina ($9.99) Molten Callebout chocolate cake served with raspberry mouiller and crème anglaise sauce aside vanilla ice cream.

Service: The hospitality and warmth is notable as you are greeted with a generous smile from the hostess and ushered to your seat. Post haste, you are greeted a second time with the smiles and kindly disposition of your server. The service is courteous, patient and professional.

Signature Dish: Opa! had several items considered signature dishes, but there is one dish that sings as classic Greek comfort food, Moussaka ($15.99), a Greek style Lasagna and cannelloni hybrid made with roasted eggplant seasoned with shallots, garlic and herbs, layered with spiced beef and lamb, sliced potatoes and topped with a fresh yogurt béchamel.

• OPA!
• 27 No. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos 
• Chef: Gonzalo Gonzales
• Cost: $25.00 to $75.00