Opa Bar & Mezze

Opa Bar & Mezze is a stunning waterfront Greek bar and restaurant with sweeping views, in prime position at Riverside Centre in Brisbane CBD.

Looking as if it's just been beamed in from Greece, Opa is a dreamy vision of white and pastel, with Mediterranean arches, glamorous curved leather and timber booths, hanging plants, potted trees and stone floors.

To the left is the bar area with its own entrance, and a separate dining section with entry foyer to the right. The restaurant is open 7 days for lunch and dinner, while the bar is open from 11am until late.

The restaurant and bar menu is focussed on an impressive selection of Mezze (dishes to share) which are available all day, as well as larger share plates, raw dishes, oysters and psomi (bread).

Start with some house-baked village bread with a choice of taramasalata, tzatziki, warm Santorini fava (split broad bean mousse) or Tyrokafteri (hot pepper & feta). Or try the oysters Opa (with tomato, tabasco sauce and ouzo).

The extensive Mezze menu will take you on a trip through Greece with dishes such as melt-in-the-mouth Feta Saganaki (Filo pastry, Dodoni feta, mavrodaphne sauce), Lahanodolmades (Cabbage leaves, pork, veal, avgolemono sauce), Kolokithokeftedes  (Zucchini, kefalograviera, mint, breadcrumbs) or Kalamari (flash-fried with lemon and salt).

There's also dishes such as Capsicum Yemista (stuffed capsicum, herbs and rice); Lamb Ribs (grilled oregano, lemon, tyrokafteri); Souvlaki (chicken, red onion, tzatziki); Kritharaki (spanner crab with orzo pasta, tomato, garlic, white wine); or Psari Burger (milk bun, battered barramundi, taramasalata, lettuce & chips).

Larger plates include the likes of Moussaka (recommended), with Wagyu beef, potatoes, eggplant and bechamel, Spanakopita, Stifatho (slow-cooked beef, onion & herbs) and, on weekends, traditional Souvla (lamb on the spit) with tzatziki and choice of side. You can also order whole stuffed chicken (rice, pine nuts, sultanas) to share or whole lamb shoulder, slow-baked with oregano, lemon and tzatziki.

Seafood lovers will find plenty to like on the menu, with a selection of fresh & raw plates including Ocean Trout, Sardines, King Prawns, WA Honey Bugs, Sand Crab or Lobster Tail. There's also Moreton Bay Bugs with chargrilled Cretan butter sauce and Whole Lobster fresh from the tank.

Opa has upped the ‘bar’ in Opa Bar + Mezze with a swanky, Santorini-inspired oasis that boasts spectacular views of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. With bar snacks and the full à la carte menu available to order, it’s the perfect riverside setting to relax, nibble and sip away Brisbane’s glorious afternoons.

Need to know - Excellent pre-booked Wilson parking deals are available at Riverside (123 Eagle St).

The menu may have changed since our visit.

Our full list of the best Greek restaurants in Brisbane HERE