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Ela! Greek Taverna
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
21 reviews for Ela! Greek Taverna
Review Highlights
21 reviews in English
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Review from Catherine M.
Halifax County, NS
3/29/2012
Ela, Opa, whatever you decide to call it, this is a downtown Halifax staple.
On a recent Friday night, my husband and I were joined by another couple for dinner and we chose Ela. We were able to walk in at 7 and get a table right a way, which will probably not be an option as the weather improves. On this particular night the dining room was busy.
We decided to order some starters as we were there for a leisurely childless meal, which meant we didn't have to shovel food into us one-handed as we entertained our son. We started with three of what I feel are the best starters on the menu: the kopanisti dip with warm pita, the grilled halloumi cheese, and the loukaniko.
I could make a meal of the kopanisti and warm pita. It is made with whipped feta cheese combined with roasted red peppers and just a touch of jalapenos to add just a little heat. The flavour is definitely dominated by the saltiness of the feta, but is tempered by the mellow flavour of the roasted red peppers. The grilled halloumi cheese is fascinating to me, because I don't typically think of cheese as something that can be grilled. The halloumi is first marinated in oil and spices and then lightly grilled to heat through. The loukaniko, a house made sausage, has a wonderful flavour and texture.
For the mains, we had two orders of souvlaki, one order of lamb kleflictico, and and a pastitsio.
I love souvlaki, and I feel like Ela does it just right. The lamb was cooked perfectly without being tough. It is served with your choice of rice or lemon potatoes. As an aside: if you go to Ela and they offer the potatoes, take them. Don't question it, just take the potatoes.
Based on the silence of my dinner companions after the food arrived, I would wager that everyone else enjoyed their meal just as much as I did. -
Review from Ben B.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
While certainly not my favourite of the three Ela locations (oddly enough), the original has always been a downtown destination for a brief Mediterranean escape at the end of a busy work day, or even halfway through for some of their lunch specials.
With a prime location on Argyle Street, a charming atmosphere that brings memories of European piazzas (piazzi?) to mind, and a very accommodating menu, it's hard to say no to this long-standing Halifax favourite for Greek food. I've been lusting after their spanakopita with feta cream sauce for longer than I can remember and can't get enough of the vegetable moussaka covered in wonderful béchamel.
I find sometimes the staff at this location don't always measure up to those in Dartmouth Crossing or Bayers Lake, but that certainly shouldn't stop you from visiting. It's just that extra mile that might be missed as they try to keep up with the dinner crowd. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
1/6/2012
So I almost feel like I'm cheating on a different greek restaurant that has been a long-time staple for me but shall rename nameless. Until last night, my undying love for this unnamed establishment has been unchallenged. However, we're here to talk about Ela, so let's discuss that instead!
I was part of a group that dined at Ela last night as we all missed getting a pre-Christmas celebration in and still wanted to have some time to get together and celebrate the season that is, uh, past. Whatever. Any reason to dine out, and I'm game.
I was surprised at the size of the restaurant (read: it's really big!), and I really loved the back end of the restaurant that overlooks the street below. The interior is probably what you expect of a Greek restaurant, and what I liked most about it, is that it feels lived-in and homey, compared to the newness of the Chain Lake location (which despite my earlier comments, I have been to).
Our server was helpful, and revealed that if you ordered a bottle of wine but don't finish it, it's yours to take home. Perhaps this is normal at most establishments, or perhaps it's something that only a few allow. Frankly, I'm not sure, but knowing that, I'm 100% more likely to indulge!
I ordered the lamb souvlaki, which it my typical greek order. I opted for potatoes instead of rice. Salad was great, skewers were nice, but I'm not 100% sold on the potatoes. I think I just like other versions of greek potatoes better.
Overall it was a really nice night out, and I'd definitely go back again. Several other dishes caught my eye, causing me to dream of the next dine-out opportunity! -
Review from Kim H.
7/19/2011 ROTD 9/19/2011
I absolutely love Greek food so I often will choose a Greek-style restaurant when I go out to eat. With an old family friend in town, my mom and I wanted to take her somewhere with a great atmosphere, reasonable prices, good wine/drinks and food in the downtown area so we decided to go with Ela.
I ate here a few times back when it was 'Opa' and wondered if the new name would also mean changes inside, but I was happy to see everything was still the same! I love the sitting area in the back - it is so bright and sunny and is decorated in such a way that you feel like you are sitting on a vine-covered patio outdoors in Greece. We each started with a glass of sangria (white for me and mum, red for the friend) and it was delicious. Very fresh with lots of yummy looking fruit. Our calamari appetizer was also tasty, and they start you with bread and a delicious olive oil/garlic combo for dipping that I really enjoyed.
I ordered the LOUKANIKO PENNE (crumbled in house sausage, sautéed in garlic and chili flakes, spinach and feta in an orange, olive oil sauce) and it was really tasty. My only complaints would be that there was a lot of oil - the sauce was mostly oil actually (there was a shallow layer of it in the bottom of the bowl when I finished) which for me was too much. It was still tasty, just a bit greasy for my liking. The sausage was delish though - lots of herbs/spices, but not too hot.
One other small complaint I would have to make is that there were a lot of flies buzzing around our table, especially once the food came. I would say there were 5, and they got to be quite intrusive. One even fell into our friend's spaghetti and unfortunately she lost her appetite after that. I have no idea where they were coming from, but I think they need to invest in a couple of fly traps around the large windows.
That being said, the waiter was very sympathetic - they brought our friend a whole new dish, and didn't charge us for our dessert as an apology for the fly situation. I thought that was a great gesture. (btw, the feta cheesecake? TO DIE FOR). Our server was great in general, very friendly and prompt. He also recommended the stuffed chicken to my mother when she could not decide what to order and I think we now agree it is the best dish on the menu. I will probably order that next time, or stick to a more authentic Greek entree with a more liberal dose of olive oil! -
Review from William B.
Halifax, NS
11/22/2011
Not sure what the big deal is with this place. I believe it's overrated..
Been there twice with the second time, just my wife and I.
She had the chicken souvlaki which was 'okay... but not as good as other places'.
I had the kleftiko and I WAS ROBBED... of a meal!!! Seriously.
They brought it in a very small bowl and it was in a pastry. it was smaller that the size of a small apple (the ones you get for Halloween). And it came with only a salad.
I was very disappointed and very hungry afterwards.
I wrote a small review for 'The Greek Village' on Quinpool and that place is MUCH better that Opa or Ela or whatever name you want to use.
Once again, this place is overrated... and very overpriced. -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2011
my brother wanted to try "opa" for lunch, we didn't realize they had changed their name. So what we thought was going to be an Opa lunch turned out to be an Ela! lunch. I have been here before and wasn't overly impressed, but always willing to give something a second chance.
We were seated immediately. Waited only briefly for our waitress to arrive and take our drink orders. She was less than warm and fuzzy. We were busy talking and catching up and apparantly were taking too long to order because she was getting a little irritated. We ordered the hummus dip which was served with grilled pita bread for an appetizer. I wasn't keen on getting it because i'm not normally a huge hummus fan. However this was really good. I was definitely impressed. The price based on the amount of hummus you got left a little something to be desired, however the taste was beneficial to the price.
For the main course I ordered the Greek Salata minus the green peppers. The salad was large and the dressing was delicious. Just the right flavor without being over powering and very filling.
My brother ordered the falafel pita... the only thing he could have done without were the pickled turnip definitely not his thing.
The meal over all was good, no complaints, the service was less than desirable, the waitress wasn't speedy on offers to refill our drinks and service definitely wasn't with a smile.For the prices you pay there a smile would go a long way.
It wont be my first choice again for lunch but I'll return. -
Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
4/2/2011 1 photo
I used to visit Opa with a friend quite frequently back in 2007 before I moved to Calgary. We always went for the delicious eats, which I would have wrote about then if Yelp was known to me at the time!
On my recent visit to Halifax, this same friend and I just had to go again and we brought some others along with us this time! I can definitely tell you that I was pretty happy that nothing really changed in the quality of food and atmosphere of the space. Everyone really enjoyed their meals and I was very pleased with my usual choice at Opa - Pastitsio! I've had a couple other choices before, but the Pastitsio is my favourite meal and it was just as tasty as ever. Appetizer for this trip was the Calamari, which was also quite yummy, but I have enjoyed the spanakopita and tyropita in past visits.
Prices are a tad bit higher than other spots, but I don't mind as the food has always been tasty and I love the beautiful atmosphere inside. Service was very friendly and efficient on my last visit and our server was quite helpful with a wine choice for a friend that was new to the drink.
Oh, and can I just add that I LOVE the bread with oil dip that is provided before the meal. I almost ate the whole table's worth!
So, if you're looking for some good quality Greek food with a lovely and colourful atmosphere, definitely stop by Opa - and try not to eat ALL the bread!Listed in: Adventures in Halifax
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Review from Lauren J.
Halifax, NS
6/2/2011
Halifax is abundant with Greek restaurants, but I find I keep going back to Ela! (used to be called Opa!). It's especially great to go in the cold, winter months, because you sit in the atrium area and feel like you're enjoying a meal in the sun on an outdoor patio.
I love their fresh baked bread and their oil blend with lemon and Greek herbs and spices. While I can never remember the name, they have a Greek dessert with philo, custard, cream and pistachio. It's amazing! -
Review from Lacey H.
3/17/2010
In a city saturated with Greek restaurants, Opa has managed to become one of the forerunners in this category. I used to head into this restaurant more regularly, until I moved into the Quinpool area and discovered It's All Greek To Me.
However, Opa still maintains its stronghold on the Greek cuisine scene and rightly so. They offer a fairly extensive menu and provide courteous, professional service. They have a gorgeous display case filled with decadent desserts and have a lovely atmosphere, ripe with charming Greek island vibes.
The menu is a little pricey for what you receive, especially if you're of the herbivore variety. If you have a large group of friends gathering and you're okay with spending a little more, Opa is a good spot to choose as they have a dining room that can accommodate bigger parties. In the summer, when the sun is shining, this patio can be a nice choice - giving you free visual reign over the corner of Argyle and Blower.
Consensus says: An okay place that probably won't disappoint you. You'll enjoy the atmosphere, but maybe not the prices. It's worth checking out so that you can decide for yourself! -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
10/24/2009
'Opa' isn't the best Greek food in the city, but it isn't the worst either.
I find Opa! Greek Taverna too expensive for my humble tastes. The quality is only so-so as well. There are a few things that any greek restaurant ought to be able to boast and all have fallen a little flat in my estimation: Salad (greek, of course!), Calamari, Souvlaki dinner, and the Mousaka. I did enjoy sampling the Spanakopita though!
Opa gets points for ambience as the inside of the restaurant is quite nice. Try the tiramisu for dessert too as I recall that being quite good!
Overall, better quality at places like: It's all greek to me on quinpool so head up there next time you're having a Greek hankering. -
Review from None N.
Moncton, NB
6/8/2011
Now let me start off by saying I'm not the biggest greek food fanatic, but I really enjoyed this place. The dinning area is really nice with a back section that is all glassed in with skylights which makes for a nice atmosphere. Our server was very pleasant, and the food was excellent, not to mention you start off with infused olive oil and bread ( yummmm). So if you love Greek food, or are like me and usually not the biggest fan, you will not be disappointed. Oh and if you were wondering this used to be named Opa, everything is the same, they just had to change the name.
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Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
Located on the corner of Blowers St and Argyle St this little piece of Greece is a must visit. The outside-inside decor gives you the feeling of sitting outside on a warm sunny day, despite the weather in the real world outside. A great place to loose yourself for an hour or so.
I had the Lamb Youvetsi, made from local lamb. I was very impressed that they had local content on their menu. The meal was delicious from the fresh bread with spiced oil for dipping to the Lamb dish. For a beverage I tried the Mythos beer from Greece. Great pairing with the lamb which I had spiced extra with the fresh ground pepper offered by my attentive yet non-intrusive server.
I've been here for their Sunday brunch as well, it's great, I recommend the eggs marathon.
From where I was seated I could see the kitchen. It was amusing watching my meal being cooked, though I tried not to watch excessively so not to make the chef uncomfortable.
No wi-fi here folks, and if you need an accessibility, there are several small stairs to climb throughout the restaurant. -
Review from Laura P.
7/17/2010
Multiple raves, several recommendations, ongoing "Best Ofs" and a close to home locale are the draws that have finally charmed me into a dinner at Opa. While Greek cuisine is not my ideal, the steady reputation had my curiosity.
Strolling down to Argyle, the patio is in full bloom, and it seems the spot brings a quirky vibrance to the street's otherwise casual-pub mentality. Floral accents, bright colors and fresh table settings make it all a top-notch atmosphere to enjoy a meal, and with the steady buzz of a packed house, I'm liking Opa's vibes.
Service seems to be of the utmost professionalism. Our server kept things friendly, efficient and was helpful in wine/ meal suggestions. I ordered a pinot gris from the extensive wine menu, as well as the Chickpea Salad with red & green peppers, celery, fresh
cilantro, tahini, extra virgin olive oil and lemon. Light and delicious! Greek doesn't often fare well with my sensitive tum, so it was nice to see a few more neutral items on the menu.
Its a little pricer than other restos of the same nature, but Opa is good. The food is quality, and not as greasy/heavy as I've found it at other spots. They take a clean approach to presentation and service, and ultimately, these are the things that sets Opa above the rest. I'll be sure to give it another whirl. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010 3 photos
I stopped in to Opa! with my mother this weekend after we finished getting our shop on for the day. It was the ideal place to unwind, the atmosphere is very inviting and makes even the most stressed out person (no offence intended mom) feel relaxed.
The menu offers a number of great dishes that I've tried over the years, my favorite being the Mousaka which is served with a huge helping of vegetables. Opa! this the type of place where you can drop a lot of money without noticing, but since it was on my mom I wasn't worried and really enjoyed my meal.
I don't go to Opa! often, but I'm not really sure why. The food is good, the atmosphere is cheery and bright and the meals are a good price for the occasional diner, as long as you aren't eating there every night. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/22/2009 2 photos
This was one of those reviews that I knew I would teeter totter on possibly giving it one more star. But the pricing is what kept it at a three star ranking. The service is definitely top notch. Very friendly staff who know how to be themselves around you, make you feel comfortable and genuinely look like they love and support the restaurant they work in. The location is perfect. Right on Argyle street which is one of the busiest streets in Halifax during its "nightlife" hours.
Opa's interior is designed in a way so that you feel like you have entered a small Greek village once you walk in. They also have an outdoor patio so you can "people watch," while the sun shines down on you. The downfall is the food and the pricing. The food is pretty good for a Greek restaurant. One challenge for any Greek restaurant in Halifax is the fact that there are a lot of them. So to ensure a strong business, you must have or strive to have better food quality. Opa is really no more special than the other Greek restaurants in the city but I will say they have a wider and more unique selection.
But their prices are higher than expected for the quality of food. And this mismatch is something I hope they solve soon. I don't see Opa packed with customers very often. And I believe this could be, in part due to the number of options a person has on Argyle street. Why would I want to eat at a place for ten dollars more when I can have a similar experience and spend less in a restaurant a few feet away? And this is the challenge that faces Opa. The pricing is the kind you would expect at a very fancy restaurant. But Opa has chosen to live on a street where fancy restaurants do not live. Its decor doesn't suggest you would be spending the prices you do. But the service is amazing and definitely one of the reasons why Opa is still going strong. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Halifax, NS
1/11/2011
Opa was my introduction to greek food, and what an introduction! been back many times and i'm never dissapointed. If you go for lunch the prices are reasonable (about $20 for lunch if you get a drink ) however, if dining at supper, be aware of the price jump (about $40 per person with drink).
The atmosphere inside the Opa is so calm and relaxing. It's a great place to feel like you are getting away from the hustle and bustle of your day.
The food is incredibly flavourful. the spanikopita is just to die for. it's fluffy and hot and all covered in a delectible feta cream sauce. yum.
If you like beer, be sure to give the Opa ale a try.
the lamb is always cooked to perfection and i would recommend any lamb dish to those who love it. If you have never tried lamb, the lamb souvlaki pita or the lamb burger are top notch and provide a great introduction for not to much money at lunch time. The salads are always fresh and crunchy never brown or old looking. even the lemon wedges look like they were cut just before they plated your dinner.
When you get the bread before your meal be sure to ask for the oil dressing to go with!
If you are willing to part with the delicious potato wedges as your side dish, you need to try thier french fries at some point. I know, I know, french fries aren't greek food but they have truly perfected the french fry! They are a must try. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/27/2009 1 photo
I like the atmosphere at Opa, but it's true that the pricing makes it a "once in a while" treat, as opposed to a regular outing.
Dishes like souvlaki are not that much different than what you would get at the Athens in terms of flavour, except that they cost a few bucks more here. The grilled halloumi cheese is delicious, as are most of the appetizers.
Great service, and this restaurant is particularly good for a big raucous group meal (I've had a few birthdays here that were a lot of fun). -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/22/2010
Opa! seems to be a go to spot for any large gathering I have with friends. There is something about the atmosphere that always seems to draw us in, even if the food isn't the best Greek in the city.
I've always really enjoyed their Souvlaki and it is usually my order of choice when I dine here. The appetizers are always really great here as well, especially if you're ordering with a group and have the chance to share.
The menu is a little pricey, so I can't suggest you frequent Opa! but it is a very nice place to check out once in a while. Go with a group and get it a little loud. It's fun, trust me!
Those of you who are looking for a way to impress a potential girl or boyfriend, may I suggest a dinner at Opa! followed by a play at Neptune just down the road. Take out a small loan and make it happen, Romeo! -
Review from Jill M.
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Opa! is one of those Halifax restaurants that I'll never tire of. Some of my favorite menu items include the stuffed mushrooms (seriously, I'd fight someone for one of those), the stuffed tomato & pepper and the stuffed chicken. Their desserts are killer and the atmosphere is lovely.
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Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
1/7/2010
For most of the year, I admit it, OPA! is not my first choice for Greek in town. The food is only OKAY and it's a bit pricey, but come sunshine and warm weather, it's a perfect place to sit on the terrace, munching goodies and people watching.
In the heart of the restaurant and theatre district downtown and just a short, albeit steep, climb up from the waterfront, you'll think you were in the sunny Greek islands. -
Review from Emily W.
Halifax, NS
12/7/2010
my husband and i decided to try this place out after hearing it had some of the better greek food in the city. without a reservation we were able to walk in and get a table during peek supper time - which was great, since the place was pretty full. the server who waited on our table was great and helpful with suggestions, etc from the menu. after both ordering pasta dishes shortly after sitting, we waited over an hour for our food to arrive. the food was good - but that could have just been because we were both starving by the time it finally showed up.
