George Tsiouris cites Athens’ Gazi neighborhood as the inspiration for Opa, the modern Greek restaurant he and his sister Vasiliki are opening today at 1311 Sansom Street. Like Midtown Village, Gazi’s metamorphosis has transformed a once dicey swathe of blight, rife with drugs, prostitution and crime into a thriving community, humming with young, sophisticated urbanites and trendy restaurants and boutiques. To harness that sense of renewed excitement, the brother and sister team tapped Crème Design’s Jun Aizaki, the mastermind behind the look and feel of Jose Garces’ restaurants, to create Opa’s interior. Chef Andrew Brown, formerly of White Dog Cafe and Django, was hired to update classic Greek dishes for the menu. Take a look at our slideshow to see some highlights of the eats and drinks Opa’s serving up.
Opa, 1311 Sansom Street, (215) 545-0170.