Opera
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 461-0161
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 13th Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Roosevelt
- Best of Citysearch:
- Chinese Food 2008
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm, Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm , Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-12am, Sat 5pm-12am, Sun 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Opera – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner strikes again with this wild Asian dining room, where touches like red silk light fixtures and velvet curtains blend with graffiti-sprayed walls and distressed paint for a gritty, South Loop-chic feel. The crowd is mostly local hipsters from the neighborhood.
The Food
Fans of Chef Paul Wildermuth's fun Asian fare at Red Light will dig the menu here, which boasts the same Far Eastern influence, creative presentation and, for the most part, delicious results. Like crispy prawns, crusted with almonds and hiding under greens in a sweet-and-sour blood orange sauce; lobster Cantonese, served in the shell with a fragrant, curry-scented lobster sauce; and kung pao beef, tender chunks of N.Y. strip plated simply with broccoli in a super-hot chili-garlic black bean sauce. The perfect cool off? Tao of Chocolate dessert, with white chocolate ice cream and milk chocolate sticks side-by-side with flourless chocolate cake.
High Marks
"Opera is not traditional Chinese food, it has a modern take on Chinese food by infusing bold flavors and odd twists that bring a sense of renewal a dish." (luvjewel2, Citysearch user)
"Specialty cocktails are quite good and a perfect pairing...and the Tao of chocolate dessert is postively orgasmic." (ladyrae966, Citysearch user)
"Great portion sizes, beautiful plate presentations. Wide variety of foods, even vegan! The service is great as well." (rnealis, Citysearch user)
"The atmosphere was funky and hip without being overwhelming." (DocRose, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
"Opera aims to dazzle, but the food is far from extraordinary...it is indeed a fact that there cuisine lacks sophistication." (Truthsayerlives, Citysearch user)
"Terribly slow service - perhaps it improves over time - but the kitchen apparently isn't equipped to handle the size of the restaurant." (aisens, Citysearch user)
"The staff was friendly but simply does not know the ins and outs of their menu as well as they should." (arsujdak, Citysearch user)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitThree sexy, semi-private vaults (tables 142-147) seat four apiece; there's also a private dining room hidden behind an eight-foot by six-foot foot oil painting that accommodates up to 12.
ParkingValet your car for $9.
When to GoSwitch up your usual sandwich and chips routine for a lunch box filled with hot and sour soup or duck wonton soup, a choice of veggie fried rice, steamed jasmine rice or steamed brown rice; and either fresh fruit or creme brulee for dessert. The cost is $14.95.
User Reviews for Opera
06/29/2008 Posted by Truthsayerlives
Opera aims to dazzle, but the food is far from extraordinary. I was excited about trying this place, but it is indeed a fact that there cuisine lacks sophistication. There are great upscale chinese places in New York that far outshine anything the chef can muster up at Red Light or Opera, which have great decor but neglect what is of paramount importance to a great dining experience- the food. I realized immediately after tasting the food that this had to be a part of a franchise. The ingredients lacked freshness. The flavors were not creatively matched, and lacked depth of flavor. Last year, I went to a restaurant called Swagath in Defense Colony, New Delhi (that's India, so it's a ways from here). But, i must say, it will be worth your trip. The chef specializes in regional Indian fare and Chinese Fare, and excels in his execution. Brilliant combinations of flavor and ingredients await you in every single dish you try. This is exceptional Chinese (and Indian). One trip to a restaurant like Swagath, and you'll understand that cuisine can be far more enriching and creative than one experiences at Opera or Red Light.
Pros: Decent Food
Cons: Very Good Service
05/25/2008 Posted by Kateeej
We went on a Sunday at 6 pm without reservations and excited to eat at Opera again. We walked in with tons of tables available. We went in and the hostess told us that there is a 20-30 minute waiting time and we should just wait at the bar. What we don't understand is why can't they sit us when there were so many open tables, inside and outside the restaurant. To seem like they are so hoppin? So, we went next door to Zapatista, got seated immediately and got a great meal. After our dinner, we looked at Opera and it was stil not full. They lost business from us that night but will lose more because we will never come back there again to be treated bad and will definitely tell our friends about this pretentiousness.
Pros: great ambiance, good food when you get seated
Cons: even with available tables, 20 minutes wait!
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