From a young age, Kostas Lazanas was no stranger to kitchens. He worked as a server and later as a manager at several Greek restaurants in the Dallas area, soaking up recipes, rhythms, and the energy of Greek hospitality. His ambition was to bring a piece of Greece to the suburbs of Dallas, grounded in family, tradition, and the flavors he grew up with. Drawing on his Greek roots, Kostas dreamed of opening a place where friends and families could gather, share plates, laugh, and feel transported. In 2013, that dream became reality with the opening of Opa! Greek Taverna in Rowlett, Texas, a restaurant that captures the warmth, vibrancy, and communal spirit of a traditional Greek tavern.
Inside Opa!, and you immediately sense the care and passion behind it. The walls are adorned with photographs of Greece, taken personally by Kostas, and the décor evokes Mediterranean warmth and charm. The air is fragrant with the aromas of fresh pita, roasted meats, and sizzling spices, promising an experience that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about food. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or on a casual date, the space feels inviting, festive, and alive with the promise of shared enjoyment.
The menu at Opa! is a celebration of Greek comfort food, offering both classic dishes and hearty platters perfect for sharing. Start your meal with appetizers like dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice and occasionally meat, tender and served with a tangy lemon-egg sauce. The hummus and tzatziki paired with warm pita are perfect for dipping and sharing, while falafel offers a crisp, flavorful vegetarian option. Soups like the lemony avgolemono or hearty lentil soup make for a comforting beginning to the meal, warming the soul while teasing the palate for the main course.
For the main dishes, Opa! delivers generous portions and authentic flavors. The gyros platter, with its thinly sliced lamb and beef served alongside pita and tzatziki, is a classic that never disappoints. The lamb souvlaki platter features juicy, flame-grilled cubes of lamb, perfectly seasoned and served with sides that complement the richness of the meat. Hearty dishes like pastitsio and moussaka offer layers of comfort—baked pasta with meat and creamy béchamel, or eggplant, potato, and meat with béchamel for a deeply satisfying experience. For those seeking something elevated, grilled salmon, mahi-mahi, or slow-cooked lamb shank provide flavorful, well-crafted options.
No Greek meal is complete without dessert, and Opa! offers indulgent options to finish the meal on a sweet note. Baklava cheesecake combines the rich flakiness of baklava with creamy cheesecake, while traditional baklava provides a simpler, honey-sweet ending. Other options like warm custard pastries, rice pudding, or chocolate desserts round out the selection, offering something for both traditionalists and those seeking a more decadent treat.
Vegetarian diners are also well accommodated, with a variety of vegetable-forward dishes, salads, and dips ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Opa!’s bar program complements the food, offering a full range of options from Greek beers to traditional cocktails. Mythos and other imported options allow diners to sip alongside their mezze or mains, while a variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages like cucumber-limeade and fresh-brewed teas provide flexibility for all guests. Whether clinking glasses over a platter of lamb souvlaki, enjoying a beer with shared appetizers, or savoring dessert with coffee or an aperitif, the drinks enhance the communal, celebratory spirit of the restaurant.
The overall vibe of Opa! is warm, welcoming, and lively. It’s ideal for casual dinners with friends, family meals, or small celebrations. The combination of flavorful dishes, generous portions, inviting décor, and thoughtful drinks makes it more than a meal—it’s an experience. Guests linger over shared plates, enjoy the music and atmosphere, and leave feeling as if they’ve been part of a little piece of Greece for the evening. For anyone looking to enjoy authentic Greek flavors in a festive, friendly setting, Opa! Greek Taverna is a must-visit destination.
