OPA Dubai Restaurant: An Atmosphere of Greece and Traditional Cuisine

The ultimate guide to the most vibrant restaurant-show: from plate smashing to booking a table. Imagine this: outside, Sheikh Zayed Road buzzes with business activity, skyscrapers pierce the night sky, and suddenly, your ears are filled with the deafening clang of a breaking plate, followed by bursts of laughter and applause. This isn't an accident—it's the hallmark of OPA Dubai, a restaurant that declares from the very entrance: today, you're not just a guest, but a participant in a fiery Greek celebration. Inside, you'll find a white-and-blue interior awash in bougainvillea blooms, infectious rhythms of the Zorba dance, and, of course, the famous tradition of smashing plates for good luck. This article is your comprehensive guide, helping you decide if OPA's atmosphere suits you and plan the perfect evening at one of Dubai's most dazzling venues.

Immersing yourself in the atmosphere: A journey to Greece without flying

Forget that you're in the heart of a bustling metropolis. OPA is a portal that instantly transports you to sun-drenched streets of the Greek islands. And this effect isn't achieved through magic, but through meticulously crafted design and an entertainment program that unfolds like a well-staged performance.

An interior oasis in the style of the cycladic islands

From the very first step, you enter an entirely different world. The restaurant's design is executed in the signature white-and-blue palette of the Greek islands. Snow-white textured walls, cozy arches, accents of natural wood, and vibrant ceramics create a sense of authenticity. The signature feature of the interior is cascades of lush pink bougainvillea descending from the ceiling and walls, bringing the space to life and making it incredibly photogenic. Every corner here is a ready-made photo spot, designed to capture your emotions.

^{Image from}

Shows and fun, or when dinner turns into a party

The atmosphere at OPA dynamically shifts throughout the evening. If you arrive early, you'll find a relatively calm and relaxed setting, perfect for conversation. However, closer to 9:00 PM, the restaurant literally bursts with energy: the music picks up, conversations grow louder, and all eyes turn toward the center of the hall, where the main event is about to begin. The musical backdrop includes contemporary Greek music and DJ sets, but the highlight is the interactive program featuring traditional dances. The show usually starts around 9:00 PM, but we strongly recommend confirming the exact schedule for your specific date when booking a table, as it may vary.

Greek cuisine and service: What’s on the plate and around it?

OPA offers guests not only vibrant experiences but also high-quality cuisine combined with a high level of service, and it's precisely this combination that turns an ordinary dinner into a real adventure.

Menu highlights and guest reviews

OPA's menu is thoughtfully designed: it doesn't aim to impress with gourmet delicacies, but instead offers clear, tasty, and modern Greek cuisine. Here's what deserves special attention:

• What to Try: Guests and critics agree, and my experience confirms it—meat dishes here are exceptionally well-prepared. The beef tenderloin is particularly outstanding: the perfect doneness and meat quality leave no room for doubt. Traditional Greek appetizers, such as hummus, also deserve attention.
• Things to Note: Portions may seem rather small for their price, so if you're hungry, it's best to order several dishes. Additionally, keep in mind that the selection of vegetarian options on the menu might be limited.

Prices and expectations: is it worth it?

OPA is a restaurant in the higher price segment. The average cost of main courses ranges from 185 to 350 AED, while signature cocktails cost between 75 and 95 AED. It's important to understand that the final bill includes not only the food but also a full-fledged entertainment show. This is the "dinner + show" concept, where you pay for a comprehensive experience.

Prices are current at the time of writing; we recommend checking the latest menu on the official website before your visit.

Service worth a million: what to expect from the staff

Despite potential booking difficulties due to high popularity, the service inside the restaurant is top-notch. You'll be greeted by friendly hostesses who will do their best to accommodate your seating preferences. The service here is an integral part of the show. Waiters don't just take orders; they enthusiastically describe the dishes, skillfully navigate the bustling dining room, always appear when needed, and with their genuine positivity keep the overall mood lively and fun. You can feel that the team here is a truly well-coordinated orchestra.

OPA vs. competitors: How to choose your greek restaurant in Dubai

Dubai offers several magnificent Greek restaurants, but each one is unique. To help you choose the perfect spot for your evening, we've compared OPA with two other renowned establishments.

Planning your visit: A practical guide to OPA Dubai

To ensure your evening goes perfectly, it's worth considering a few practical details. We've gathered all the key information in one place.

Reservations, dress code, and visiting rules

• Reservations: It's recommended to book a table well in advance, especially for weekends (approximately 5–10 days ahead). Keep in mind that larger groups may require a deposit, so always confirm the current conditions when booking.
• Dress code: The restaurant has a Smart Casual / Elegant dress code. This means no beachwear or sportswear. Men should opt for trousers and closed-toe shoes, while women should choose an elegant dress or a stylish outfit.
• Visiting with children: our advice for parents: think twice before coming here with young children for the evening show. After 9:00 PM, OPA transforms into a very loud and energetic venue, which is likely to be quite stressful for little ones.

How to get here and where to park

• Location: The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Fairmont Dubai hotel, situated on Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Transportation:
  Metro: The nearest station is "World Trade Centre" (Red Line), from which it’s a 5–7 minute walk to the hotel.
  Taxi: You can easily order a taxi or use Uber/Careem services directly to the hotel's main entrance.
  Private car: The most convenient option is free valet parking, provided for all guests of the OPA restaurant.

Your ticket to a Greek party in Dubai

As you leave OPA Dubai, you probably won’t remember the taste of hummus in detail, but you’ll certainly not forget the sound of breaking plates and the general jubilation. That’s the main takeaway: this place is designed for those seeking vibrant experiences and willing to pay for atmosphere and fun.

• OPA is perfect for you if: you’re looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion, want to have a great time with friends, or simply love lively shows and an electrifying vibe.
• You might want to choose a different place if: you're looking for a quiet, romantic dinner, you're a connoisseur of fine cuisine for whom food matters more than ambiance, or you're traveling on a tight budget.

But if you're ready to dance the syrtaki, smash plates for good luck, and take home memories of the most fun night from Dubai—go ahead and book a table at OPA—mountains of plates to break and a sea of unforgettable experiences await you!