I just found this blog-- it's fantastic. I was wondering about Opera-- I've been there many times and it's fantastic. However, a good friend of mine reports that last week the food was of much lower quality, and that one of the waiters claimed that there had been significant cutbacks. I was wondering if maybe anyone has heard of that? It would be a real tragedy-- that's one of the best places in the South Loop!
We like this place, however we know some people are not the biggest fans of Opera. It might not be the best restaurant in the city, but we still think it's a cool, unique place that brings people into the neighborhood (that typically wouldn't come here).
Anyone have any thoughts on this rumor?
Opera was never good. Gorgeous space, but lousy food. Here's hoping they redevelop the concept. Hell, just turn it into a second Marche!
ReplyDeleteThe food was good maybe 4 years ago, but downhill since then.
ReplyDeleteWe went there once when we were gifted (I actually suspect "regifted") a gift certificate. Let's just say we never had any reason to go back.
ReplyDeleteI went once with my wife a couple of years ago. It wasn't really a memorable experience. The decor was good but the food was just average. For the price I didn't think it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm going to overpay for Chinese food, I'll go to Ben Pao.
Well, I've been eating there regularly since it opened. I don't think it's slipped at all. My selections are always solid . . . granted, I orderr stuff not on the menu quite often.
ReplyDeleteI never go there on the the weekend for what it's worth.
Opera is a great restaurant that serves unique dishes and drinks superbly, has interesting and comfortable decor and is a true south loop-style establishment.
ReplyDelete...you can't please all the people all the time...
Tear it down and build a Chipotle
ReplyDeleteMichael said...
ReplyDeleteOpera is a great restaurant that serves unique dishes and drinks superbly, has interesting and comfortable decor and is a true south loop-style establishment.
...you can't please all the people all the time...
Must be the owner. Food sucks. Chilpote would be better
I hadn't been to Opera since it opened, but I dined there last weekend and it was very good. They have just changed the menu from Chinese to Pan-Asian, according to my waieter. I tried their 5-course tasting menu. Lots of very spicy dishes - especially good was the dish of mussels in some sort of Vietnamese sauce. I'd say, if you were disappointed in the past at Opera... give it another try. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the comments here that it was better previously. About six months ago I heard that they changed chefs/cooks but I am not sure when the change took place but this may have something to do with the poor reviews.
ReplyDeletewhy is everyone always so negative? the place is still great!!
ReplyDeleteAwful food and service. I'll be happy to see it go!
ReplyDeleteI come to Opera frequently and over the years it has gone down hill since their original chef Paul Wildermuth left. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited 2 weeks ago and guess who was there? Paul Wildermuth...he was only there as a consultant but the food was right back up there with the quality I'd remembered. It is a great menu and an inspired menu with the Asian fusion but the level of service and menu items had gone down...here's to hoping that the new year and the little hand for their former chef are the shot in the arm they needed!
ReplyDeleteThe group that owns Opera KDK which includes Gioco, Marchè and Red Light I would say only Gioco is worth the money unfortunately I have been to all the other ones and I think they are all over price and the food is not worth it.
ReplyDeleteOnly Gioco is worth the price.
FYI - I'm NOT the owner of Opera... nor do I have any involvement with this institution. I just happen to have frequented this restaurant recently and we walked away very satisfied, as I did the multiple times previously. I invite others to provide comments after a RECENT visit to an establishment, not your experience 3 years ago.
ReplyDeleteWe went last week; it should be replaced with a Chipotle.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWe went last week; it should be replaced with a Chipotle.
This is still not a productive reply, and a glaring insight on your lack of culinary taste...
did you have the chicken or steak burrito? with chips & salsa?
Michael, it is called "a troll". And you just fed it, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that so many people are pleased/satisfied with this place speaks volumes about the lack of viable fine dining options in the south loop. Any restaurant in either River North, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, etc, which exhibited the quality of food and service as Opera would be completely empty and probably shuttered years ago.
ReplyDeleteThis place (as well as others, like the horrible Utopia) are prime examples of why we need other options in this hood. Other options would cause these terrible places to either step up their game or shut down.