Midtown Lunch

Since opening, Center City Greek restaurant Opa is constantly tweaking its formula to cater to the desires of Philly residents. From adding a game filled beer garden out back ( I think they may have even been the first bar to introduce the now ubiquitous bar table Jenga) to adjusting the menu, it is nice to see customer needs considered.

Recently, a new chef has come on board and redesigned the lunch menu. Instead of a scaled down dinner menu, the lunch menu is completely different. The sandwiches, salads, and small plates feature fresh ingredients that will keep you full without weighing you down. The Mediterranean diet isn’t wrong.

The Mediterranean Express Lunch ($14) allows you to pick a half sandwich and any 2 items(with a few exceptions) from the Salads and Souvlakia & Plates sections. I love a meal that features different things. Though tempted by the lamb gyro,  I picked the hoagie which comes with not only house made cured meat, “pastourma”, which weas dry and unslimy,  but also a house baked roll that was like a zatar seasoned, fluffy Olive Garden bread stick (everyone loves those, so this is a good thing). Slices of kaseri cheese, tomato, and onion topped the meat. No arugula for me.

The sandwich was served on a photogenic wooden board along with fries, olives, tomatoes, and my 2 selected sides. Chicken thigh bites with bites of crisped skin came on a skewer with spicy mustard for the souvlakia order.  I usually order saganaki when I see it on a greek menu. During dinner service, it comes out flaming, but that wouldn’t exactly work on a board surrounded by other food. Instead, apricot and date compote accompany the browned cheese, an excellent compliment. I love when cheese is mixed with something a bit sweet, so this was working for me.

The Chef and I spoke about the potential of take out for the Express Lunch- sort of a Greek Bento Box option- it may be in the works soon.

I finished my lunch with some chocolate ice cream and spiced cookie crumble that I promptly stained my skirt with. Worth it.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Lots of fresh lunch options with a combo platter that lets you sample
• Works as for a lunch date, lunch with the parents, a business lunch, or lunch all by yourself

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• few under $10 options

Opa, 1311 Sansom St, 215 545-0170