Brisbane has its own slice of Mediterranean right here in the city, and there’s even water views to boot. Opa Bar + Mezze is located along the picturesque riverside Eagle Street Pier and serves up authentic Greek fare
The restaurant is conceived by Michael Tassis, the visionary behind Massimo Restaurant & Bar and Yamas Greek + Drink, Opa is a love letter to Michael’s deep-rooted connection to Greek culinary traditions.
After the restaurant underwent necessary renovations in 2022 caused by the floods, the reopening unveiled a refreshed, unparalleled ambiance and a new menu.
The fare you get here will make you feel like you’ve been whisked off to the Greek Isles, with an array of Greek dishes infused with a contemporary flair.
Our Opa Bar + Mezze experience
Even the walk to Opa is lovely and my friend and I take our time venturing along the riverside on a sunny Brisbane Sunday. When we arrive, we are greeted by the expansive 500-square-metre establishment. It’s divided into two distinct areas: a laid back bar area centred around a lengthy marble counter perfect for drinks and share plate, and a more refined dining space featuring signature Greek alcoves and architecture adorned with greenery. Seating ranges from plush couch booths, to intimate tables with terrazzo tabletops. It’s an easy breezy, relaxing vibe, with the pristine white walls and blue stone flooring transporting us to a Santorini sunset.
First: cocktails are a must when one is sitting riverside on a hot and sunny day. They taste as good as they look.
Since Greek food is all about the shared experience, we opt for everything to share and select a few of our favourite things from the extensive menu.
We decide we need a taste of the sea first, and order three natural oysters to kick off our long lunch. Salty. Delectable. Perfect.
Then I feel like it’s impossible to come to a Greek restaurant and not have halloumi so we order halloumi chips. They come stacked up like a little tower, and with yoghurt, mint and pomegranate. The little pops of pomegranate perfectly offset the saltiness of the halloumi and honestly, can I eat this every day?
Our next course, because I’ve never tried it before and it sounds yummy, is Lamb Fricassee. It’s a stewed lamb dish, slow cooked to perfection with greens in an avgolemono (lemon) sauce. Honestly add lemon to anything and I am probably going to love it, so it makes sense I like this. It feels warm and comforting: I imagine it being one of those go-to dishes for when you’re not feeling well that gives you a big, warm (but zesty) hug when you need it.
And clearly because I am a sucker for lamb, we also order the half serve of lamb shoulder slow baked with oregano and served with lemon and tzatziki. It comes with a side of choice, and we pick a Marouli Salad with cos lettuce, dill, shallots and Kefalograviera cheese.
When it arrives, the lamb looks and smells divine and it’s hard not to just dive in. But we pause briefly because this dish is deboned tableside by the waiter. She takes the lemon and delicately squeezes it over the lamb before effortlessly removing the bone—the juicy meat just falls right off.
I still drool when I think about this dish weeks later. The saltiness of the lamb, the light tang of the lemon, the cooling tzatziki and the fresh, crisp light salad. Everything flavour goes together so well that I am already planning a return visit after my first bite just for this lamb shoulder.
Honestly, EVERYTHING went together so well—the waterfront views, the mouthwatering morsels, excellent service and a sunny Brisbane day. Opa Mezze + Bar is an ideal destination if you want to escape to the Mediterranean with friends—without forking out for the airfare—and just share good food, and good times and great atmosphere.
Opa Bar + Mezze, 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, (07) 2111 5155
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
