Unearth The Voyage
Craving calamari that actually stays crisp to the last bite? At Opa Grill & Tavern in downtown Delaware, Ohio, the kitchen nails that golden crunch with a bright, zesty finish. You will taste balanced seasoning, clean fry technique, and just enough citrus to lift every ring. Settle in for Greek American comfort, lively vibes, and a whiskey list that keeps the night interesting.
1. Crispy Calamari Starter
The calamari arrives hot, golden, and audibly crisp, the kind you can hear when your fork taps the coating. A squeeze of lemon brightens the bite, while a garlicky aioli brings gentle richness without overpowering the delicate squid. You get tender interiors and a clean fry that never feels greasy.
Seasoning leans savory with a whisper of paprika and oregano, which plays nicely with the citrus. Share it as a starter or claim it as your main with a side salad. Either way, pace yourself, because it disappears fast.
Pair with a light lager or a crisp Greek white for a refreshing balance. Ask for extra lemon if you like it punchy. This is the signature crunch you came for.
2. Lemon Oregano Grilled Chicken
Bright, simple, and satisfying, this grilled chicken leans on classic Greek cues. Lemon and oregano perfume every bite, and a drizzle of olive oil keeps the meat juicy without masking the charcoal kiss. It is comfort food that still feels light.
Pair it with a side of green beans or a Greek salad for crunch and acidity. The kitchen seasons assertively, so each slice pops with herbal notes and citrus. It is a welcome counterpoint to richer starters like the calamari.
If you like extra zip, ask for an additional lemon wedge. A glass of house white or a sessionable pilsner keeps the meal breezy. It is the plate you order when you want flavor and balance, not heaviness.
3. Greek Village Salad
This salad is all about crunch and brine. Thick tomato wedges, cucumber, and red onion mingle with kalamata olives and a generous slab of feta. Oregano and extra virgin olive oil tie everything together without drowning the produce.
No lettuce means every bite stays sturdy and refreshing. The feta is firm yet creamy, with just enough salt to wake up your palate. You will appreciate how it resets your taste buds between bites of fried favorites.
Take a forkful with a little of everything for the best balance. A splash of red wine vinegar brings brightness, so ask if you like tang. It is an ideal sidekick to the calamari or grilled plates, keeping the meal crisp and clean.
4. Spanakopita Triangles
Flaky, buttery phyllo shatters at first bite, revealing a warm spinach and feta center. The filling is savory and herbaceous, with dill and a whisper of nutmeg for depth. Each triangle is light yet satisfying, perfect for sharing or snacking solo.
A cool yogurt dip adds cream and tang without stealing the show. Texture is the star, with crisp edges and soft, cheesy layers inside. It is a great contrast to the crunchy calamari and a natural pairing on the table.
Enjoy with a dry rosé or a crisp lager. If you like extra dill, ask the kitchen for a sprinkle. These triangles travel well across the plate and disappear even faster from it.
5. Gyro Plate With Tzatziki
Juicy slices of gyro meat arrive layered beside warm pita, tomatoes, and onions. The tzatziki is cool and garlicky, with cucumber crunch and fresh dill. Every bite balances savory richness with crisp, fresh toppings.
You can build each pita your way, stacking meat and sauce for a custom ratio. Fries on the side add comfort and crunch, inviting a quick dip in tzatziki. It is hearty enough to share, but you might not want to.
Ask for extra onions if you like sharp contrast. A light beer or house red complements the spices without overpowering them. This plate showcases the tavern’s Greek roots while staying weeknight friendly and satisfying.
6. Whiskey Lover’s Flight
The bar shines with a deep selection, and a flight lets you explore without committing. Expect a range from approachable sippers to bolder, spicier pours. Staff recommendations help you find a profile that clicks with your meal.
Try a pour alongside calamari to see how spice and citrus play with oak. The contrast is fun and surprisingly cohesive. You will notice caramel and vanilla notes bloom between bites.
If you are new to whiskey, ask for a balanced lineup. Veterans can pursue cask strength or rye-forward picks. Either way, the flight feels curated, generous, and right at home in this lively, casual space.
7. Opa Cheese Saganaki
This is the showstopper. A skillet arrives sizzling, cheese bubbling, and a quick flame brings cheers from nearby tables. Once the drama settles, you are left with a caramelized crust and a stretchy, salty center.
Finish with lemon to cut richness and chase each bite while it is piping hot. The texture shifts from crisp edges to creamy pulls that satisfy deeply. It plays beautifully before or after the calamari for a full spectrum of crunch.
Share with friends and keep napkins handy. A crisp white wine or pilsner does the trick to refresh your palate. It is indulgent, fun, and exactly the kind of memory you want to take home.
8. Baklava Dessert
Layers of phyllo, nuts, and honeyed syrup create a dessert that crackles and soothes at once. The sweetness is pronounced but balanced by spice and toasted notes. Each forkful delivers flaky crunch and a buttery finish.
It is a natural ending after savory classics, particularly the calamari. The syrup seeps into the layers without turning them soggy. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, if available, adds creamy contrast.
Pair with coffee for a toasty, aromatic finale. If you prefer less sweetness, share a piece and savor slow. This is baklava that honors tradition while keeping the texture game strong.
9. Classic Greek Burger
This burger packs Greek flair into a juicy, handheld package. Feta brings briny punch, tomatoes add freshness, and tzatziki stands in for mayo with cool garlic. The patty stays tender and well seasoned, soaking into the bun just enough.
Fries on the side invite dipping, and a sprinkle of oregano ties it back to the menu’s roots. It is a great pivot if someone in your group wants American comfort. You will still taste the house style in every bite.
Order medium for optimal juiciness. A pale ale cuts through the richness without stealing the show. This one is hearty, familiar, and still distinctively Opa.
10. Shrimp Santorini
Plump shrimp simmer in a tomato garlic sauce, finished with feta and fresh herbs. The sauce is bright, slightly sweet, and layered with olives and onion. Scoop it up with warm pita to catch every drop.
It pairs beautifully with the calamari for a seafood duo that hits different textures. The feta softens into the sauce, adding creamy salinity. Heat is mild, focusing on aromatics and balance over fire.
A chilled white wine lifts the herbal notes. If you like more kick, ask for a touch of red pepper. This dish keeps things cozy and vibrant, a tavern staple that never feels heavy.
11. Mediterranean Wrap
This wrap delivers portable freshness with hummus, cucumber, tomato, and grilled chicken. Feta adds tang while the pita stays warm and pliable. Each bite has crunch from vegetables and creaminess from the spread.
It is a reliable lunch or lighter dinner, especially when you want flavors that pop. Ask for extra veggies if you prefer more texture. The wrap pairs nicely with a side salad or seasoned fries.
A lemon wedge on the side brightens everything up. Choose an iced tea or a crisp lager to keep it refreshing. This is the kind of order that makes weekday meals feel easy and satisfying.
12. Fried Zucchini Chips
Thin zucchini rounds fry to a delicate, lacy crisp with tender centers. A sprinkle of salt and oregano keeps the flavors focused and clean. Dip them in tzatziki for cool contrast and a little garlic bite.
These chips scratch the itch for crunch without feeling heavy. They sit nicely beside calamari and invite casual snacking at the bar. You will find them hard to stop picking at between sips.
Order for the table and watch them vanish. A light beer or sparkling water helps keep the palate fresh. Simple, golden, and satisfying, they prove that small plates can steal the spotlight.
13. House Greek Platter
When you want variety, this platter does the heavy lifting. Expect a generous spread of proteins, pita, olives, feta, and dips to sample. It invites sharing and lets everyone discover a favorite bite.
Rotate between tzatziki, hummus, and warm pita, then circle back for gyro or chicken. The flavors swing from creamy to briny to savory, keeping the pace lively. Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the richer items.
This is a table pleaser that plays nicely with a whiskey flight or a round of beers. Ask the staff for pairing tips if you are curious. It is a festive way to eat and a snapshot of the tavern’s strengths.
14. Tomato Basil Soup Cup
This soup is comfort in a cup, with ripe tomato sweetness and basil aroma. A light swirl of cream rounds edges without turning it heavy. The texture is smooth, made for dunking with pita or grilled bread.
It makes a smart starter before fried items like calamari. The acidity wakes up your palate and sets the stage for crunch. On chilly Ohio evenings, it warms fast and lingers pleasantly.
Pair with a simple salad or the spanakopita for balance. If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes perks it right up. It is humble, reliable, and quietly impressive in its restraint.
15. Weekend Late Hours Vibe
On Fridays and Saturdays, the room hums with conversation and clinking glasses. Warm lighting glows across the bar, where whiskeys line up like trophies. It feels lively yet relaxed, perfect for lingering over plates and pours.
Service keeps pace, checking in without hovering. You can stretch dinner into a slow evening, adding another small plate or dessert. The calamari stays crisp, even as the night settles in.
Make a reservation if your group is large. If you prefer quieter moments, earlier hours work best. Either way, the weekend vibe matches the menu’s generous spirit and keeps you coming back.
16. Helpful Staff and Ordering Tips
Staff are quick with suggestions, especially if you want the crispiest picks. Ask what is frying freshest and pair it with something bright, like the village salad. They will happily steer you toward a whiskey that complements your meal.
Order calamari first so it lands hot, then stack your table with dips and sides. Shareable plates create a relaxed flow that suits the room. If allergies are a concern, speak up and they will guide you safely.
Call ahead for large parties and confirm kitchen hours near close. Parking is straightforward downtown, but give yourself a few extra minutes. You will feel taken care of from greeting to last bite.
