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Since 1969, Opa Tony Souvlaki has been an institution of authentic Greek souvlaki in Astoria. Now called simply Opa Souvlaki, the tradition continues in the same location on 31st Street, run by the same genial owner, known simply as George. People have come here for years from asRestaurant
Of The Week By Teresa Barile Opa Souvlaki, Bakery Offers Old World Goodies far away as Manhattan, New Jersey and Connecticut for Opa’s famous succulent meat on a stick, fresh fish and Greek specialties. Now, there’s another good reason to visit. Right next door, the new Opa old-world style bakery makes delicious Mediterranean-style breads, rolls, cookies, pies and more, in a traditional wood-burning oven. That’s right. O Fournos, which means "the oven," uses real wood to heat the stone oven, rendering hearty-crusted breads and rolls. Stop in early in the morning or on your way home from work for a warm loaf of delicious olive bread, laced with plenty of calamata olives, or a triangle of kasseri cheese pie, spinach pie or chicken pie. You’ll enjoy every mouth-watering bite, as well as the aroma emanating from the shop. For dessert, bring home some traditional Greek baklava, butter cookies or honey-dipped pastries. If you’re not sure what you’d like, George will give you a free sample to try, knowing you’ll be hooked after just one bite.
Back at the restaurant, Opa Souvlaki prides itself on using only the freshest meats, fish and vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, imported from Greece, to prepare the dishes and impart a robust flavor that is both delicious and healthy. Choose from a variety of fresh appetizers such as melanzanosalata, an eggplant spread, dolmades, stuffed grape leaves and spanakopita, spinach pie. A unique treat, the Opa Saganaki, is a sharp cheese that is broiled and topped with brandy, then served flaming, right at your table. One serving offers plenty to share, as does the tender and tasty grilled octopus, served hot from the charcoal flame. Nearly all dinner entrees are under $10 and feature such choices as souvlaki platters, with your choice of tender lamb or pork, Greek salad laced with feta cheese and olives and either seasoned rice or French fries ($8.95). Grilled lamb chops are juicy and delicious, as are the homemade Greek sausages called loukanika. On the weekends, special whole roasted leg of lamb is cooked slowly on the rotisserie, as well as are whole roasted chickens. Pair these with sublime lemon potatoes and a salad and your whole family can have a feast for just $10.50 a person. Whether for lunch or dinner, eat in or take out, try the famous souvlaki sandwich, tender chunks of marinated lamb or chicken straight from the grill, piled high on a fresh pita with lots of salad and tangy tzatziki (yogurt sauce). All sandwiches are under $5 and go well with a side order of tender, fried calamari rings, served crispy and golden. Opa Souvlaki grills fresh whole fish as well, with selections that often include porgy and red snapper. For a traditional dish, try the homemade mousaka, a casserole of eggplant, ground beef and a light layer of bechamel, and pastitsio, a Greek pasta dish. For the more American palate, the charcoal grill renders a juicy 16-ounce New York strip steak, served with fries or rice and Greek salad for just $15.95. Beer and wine are served and there’s even a lovely outdoor garden dining area.
Now there are even more good reasons to visit Opa Souvlaki: authentic Greek meals that cost less than $10 and an old-world-style bakery just next door, where you can bring home the fresh-baked goodness of the Mediterranean. Both the restaurant and the bakery are open seven days a week and only cash is accepted. Private parties can be accommodated. Opa Tony’s Souvlaki
28-44 31st St. Astoria 728-3638
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