Traditional island cooking with live music, dancing, and the plate-smashing ritual
OPA Dubai is less a quiet dinner and more a celebration. Set in Fairmont Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, this Greek restaurant pairs traditional island cooking with live music, dancing, and the plate-smashing ritual that has made it one of the city’s most requested tables for birthdays and group evenings.
OPA restaurant Dubai opened in December 2018 on the first level of Fairmont Dubai, created by the team behind Bistrot Bagatelle next door. The interiors recall a Greek island taverna, with white and blue tones, plant-filled walls, and a warm, sociable layout designed for long tables and shared plates.
The restaurant is open in the evenings only, from 7pm until late, and the atmosphere builds steadily through the night.
The menu covers the classics with a modern touch, with most dishes designed for sharing:
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the kitchen can adapt dishes for allergies with notice. Your Private Advisor shares any dietary requirements with the restaurant when the table is reserved.
What sets OPA apart is the show around the meal. Waiters lead Zorba dancing and napkin waving between courses, live Greek musicians play through the evening, and guests are invited to join in. Plate smashing, the traditional Greek gesture of celebration, is part of the experience.
The entertainment runs alongside dinner rather than replacing it, so the evening works equally well for a group celebration and for guests who simply want a lively room with good food.
OPA is a natural choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and group dinners. Larger parties can usually be seated together at long tables close to the music, and the team often marks the occasion with a song or a dance at the table. A cake, flowers, or a bottle waiting on arrival can be arranged in advance, so the evening begins with the details already in place. For corporate groups, OPA also works as a relaxed alternative to a formal dinner, with a shared menu that keeps the table talking.
The Fairmont Dubai page for OPA lists the OPA Dubai dress code as smart casual/formal.
OPA is busy throughout the year, including the summer months when many outdoor venues in Dubai slow down. Weekend evenings are the most animated and the most difficult to secure. For a birthday or celebration, a later seating brings the full energy of the music and dancing. Tables for larger groups are best arranged a week or more ahead.
Share the date, the size of your group, and the occasion, and let your Private Advisor know whether you prefer a table close to the entertainment or a slightly quieter corner. To discover more of the city’s best restaurants, explore our Fine Dining & Nightlife service.
OPA is on the first level of Fairmont Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the Trade Centre area.
OPA opens in the evenings, from 7pm until late. Hours can change on public holidays, so it is worth confirming before you go.
Yes. Plate smashing, live Greek music, and Zorba dancing led by the team are part of the experience, which is why OPA is popular for birthdays and group celebrations. For independent OPA Dubai reviews, see Time Out Dubai’s review.
Yes. The menu includes vegetarian dishes such as Greek salad, halloumi, and spinach pie, and vegan options are available.
