Out and About: Magical Dining at Taverna Opa in Orlando .. #TavernaOpa #VisitOrlando #MagicalDining

- Michelle Snow

Taverna Opa - magical dining 2022

Taverna Opa has been delighting Orlando foodies for years with its Greek food and fun, and CitySurfing Orlando was recently invited to a media preview of its Visit Orlando Magical Dining Menu.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining starts August 26, 2022, and runs through October 2, with restaurants, including Taverna Opa, offering up a three-course prix fixe dinner for $40 per person (+ tax/gratuity).

My guest and I arrived about a half hour before the evening’s entertainment was scheduled to start and were sat at a table in the main room by the windows.

After looking over the Magical Dining menu, we gave the server our choices.

Taverna Opa - classic hummus

Another server came to the table with some sliced pita and mixed up a classic hummus table-side, serving it in the mortar it was made.

Taverna Opa - falafel

The first appetizer, Falafel with tzatziki, arrived soon after and we both sampled the dish. The falafel were just the right size, and were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I thought they were great with or without dipping in the tzatziki which had a lemon-forward taste.

As we were discussing the merits of the dish, our server walked up to our table and set our second appetizer on fire.

Taverna Opa - Saganaki

The Saganaki is a simple dish of vlahotiri cheese flambéd table-side with a splash of brandy. Vlahotiri is a hard cheese made from sheep’s milk, and the flash fry brings out the flavor nicely. We both enjoyed it immensely, and I recommend this appetizer for the Magical Dining pick.

As soon as the clock hit 7pm, the volume level rose as the DJ started playing music.

Servers quickly offered stacks of paper napkins to all those dining, and with a huge “Opa!” we tossed our napkins in the air.

My guest and I both chose the Filet Mignon for our main course, and they arrived just as the belly dancer started making the rounds of the dining rooms.

Taverna Opa - Filet Mignon

Even though we chose the same dish, we each ordered ours cooked differently, and I’m happy to report the kitchen made both to order.

The 10 oz. black Angus filet medallions were served with lemon potatoes (the lemon flavor is light) and a side vegetable which turned out to be slightly mushy green beans.

We were waiting for our final course, dessert, when servers started up a Sirtaki, a Greek line dance, that wound its way through the restaurant gathering up diners as it went.

It was fun to watch, and very festive, especially the servers dancing on some empty tables at the end.

Taverna Opa - Baklava

Our desserts arrived, and we dug in. I chose the Baklava, because that to me is the quintessential Mediterranean dessert, and Taverna Opa’s definitely represented its heritage well with lots of flaky layers and the right amounts of walnuts and honey.

My guest ordered the Loukoumades, tiny Greek-style donuts served with a drizzle of honey syrup, and some walnuts. Very tasty and shareable.

Taverna Opa - loukoumodes

In addition to the choices on the Magical Dining menu, guests also have the option of purchasing a Wine flight or a Cocktail flight, for $16 each.

We went with the Cocktail flight, which included a nice variety of tastes in the three beverages included.

  • The Orlando Mango was a light fruity drink, with a mild alcohol kick. Mango fans will enjoy this.
  • On the other side of the spectrum, the Daphne of Patras really hits you strongly from the first sip. It’s a fortified red dessert wine with a small dash of brandy added. The taste reminded me of a brandy sangria.
  • We agreed the third glass was our favorite, and it held a Baklava Coquito with a cinnamon dusted rim. A nice lightly sweet and creamy drink, it reminded me of a walnut and honey flavored creamed coconut.

Taverna Opa - cocktail flight

CitySurfing Orlando dotted divider

Overall, we both really enjoyed our Magical Dining meal at Taverna Opa. The food was delicious and the Greek energy and entertainment contributed to a fun and unique dining experience.

Dinner and a show, if you will. Just be prepared for the volume increase when the entertainment starts.

Taverna Opa is located on the second level of Pointe Orlando, near the Orange County Convention Center. Self-parking is validated for a reduced fee with a minimum purchase, like the Magical Dining menu.

Reservations for Taverna Opa are highly recommended, especially for Magical Dining, and can be made at the restaurant’s website: OpaOrlando.com.

Disclaimer: CitySurfing Orlando was invited for a media preview. Our opinions are honest and our own.

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