The new Mediterranean lounge-restaurant at Juhu intends to spread Greek-style, fist-pumping mirth -- precisely why it's called Opa. The Guide gives you an exclusive peek into the all-day dining destination
The new Mediterranean lounge-restaurant at Juhu intends to spread Greek-style, fist-pumping mirthu00a0-- precisely why it's called Opa. The Guide gives you an exclusive peek into the all-day dining destination
Getting the pronunciation for the new restaurant at Hotel Royal Garden right would be much easier if you've watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Remember the loud shout of approval that the boisterous family let's out every time they hear good news? Opa (like woohoo, perhaps) is what the Greek say when they're in a celebratory mood. Restaurateur Ashish Sajnani wants you to bring in that kind of cheer when you step into his spanking new restaurant. 
Opa replaces an Indian restaurant that occupied the same space. Ten months of renovation and refurbishment later, the place is clutter-free and spacious. Wood and glass panels seem to give Opa a fluid structure. What we liked best about the ambience was that they have an open bar-like waiting area and large consoles for big groups to be seated comfortably. A specially crafted wine rack greets you at the entrance so you can check out their selection while waiting for your table to be readied.
The reason that the restaurant has gone the Mediterranean way is because the young owner wanted to give Juhu an all-day dining space outside the confines of the surrounding five-star hotels. "The idea is to serve the kind of food that is easy on you so you can step in for a meal at any hour of the day. So if you look at the menu, we have everything from breakfast to pastas, risottos, sandwiches, with teas and coffees too," Sajnani explains. From business meetings over drinks to a place to catch up with friends, Opa is positioning itself for all kinds of patrons.
Apart from an extensive wine list, the bar serves an eclectic set of signature cocktails including Lychee and Kokum Sorbet, Tamarind Margarita, Pomegranate and Cinnamon Martini and more. The Tamarind Margarita gets a big hands-up for the extra tangy twist. The food menu also has interesting concoctions like the Mushroom and Cappuccino Soup, which is served in a coffee mug, the All New Caprese, that is served on curved spoons and the Lobster Risotto with caramelised onion shallots, Sajnani's personal favourite. Another creation that Sajnani got us to try was a combination of brownies muddled with Jack Daniels, topped with blueberry compote and dark chocolate. The decadent dessert is not on the menu yet but we've given it a strong recco, for your sake.
Opa will open on September 1 (initially, for dinner only). AT Royal Garden Hotel, opposite Reid and Taylor showroom, Juhu Tara Road, Vile Parle (W).
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