Excellent and fun!

   LadyVXN - 07/25/2008

My hub & I are stone foodie New Yorkers. We were taken to Opera by some of his colleagues. I wouldn't exactly have called the food Chinese, but it was extraordinary. It so far is the only place I've ever been that prepares halibut perfectly. Everything was suffused with tastiness. The decor was totally hip and quite comfy, which usually isn't found together. I'd definitely go again, and recommend it to anyone who likes excellent, well-prepared and intelligently seasoned Asian-esque food.

Lunch Was Awesome!

   Sam8838 - 07/01/2008

As I am in Chicago periodically, I try to stop in to the restaurant as often as I can. The last time I was there, I found out that Opera is now open for lunch! I was thrilled, and after checking it out, I was even more thrilled! Your dayshift manager, I believe her name is Kendel, was absolutely charming. Even though it was obvious that she was short a hostess and a bartender, as well as lots of commotion in the kitchen area, she handled everything beautifully ... what a pro! She even made time to stop by my table, since I was alone, to just make sure that I was pleased with the service and didn't need anything. This young woman obviously takes great pride in treating her restaurant's guests as just that ... guests! I will be back next time I'm in Chicago, and you can be sure that it will be for lunch, and I'll bring friends! Thanks for the experience.

Opera

   Lasandbar - 06/09/2008

One of the finest restaraunts I've been to, The service is wonderful along with the interesting food.. The manager is pleasant and most helpful. We plan on dining here again soon.

ne
nbt is

   GDB877 - 06/07/2008

Haughty and disappointing

   tankertaz66 - 04/09/2007

So I went because it was rated the best and it's right down the street from my condo. A Tuesday night and it was 1/4 full in the dining room yet the airy hostess told us (a party of two) we had to wait for a table bacause one of their waiters called in sick. (Believe me, the ones who were working didn't look in the weeds to me.) Been a long time since I paid $5.50 for a 312 (local brew) beer but what the heck - the bartender (the only decent part of the evening) was a nice enough guy and talking to him made us forget the haughty hostess and the 15 minute wait.

When she finally did seat us (not at any of the tables by the window we asked for - all of which were available) we were wordlessly ushered to a side table with unfinished walls - somewhat resembling a cheesy VIP room in a cheap strip club. A busboy poured us water without a word and we were left wondering what would pleasure us next. The answer was simple: Nothing. After a few minutes of no waitress and no menu to review we withdrew from the dank spaces and returned to eat at the bar where we had found the only human with personality in the joint. (No one noticed we had moved).

I was surprised at the limited menu and found my hunan beef tender but immensely salty. My date's peking duck was interestingly prepared 3-ways, but the noodle dish was too dense for our liking. My overall rating for the food was fair, but for the prices I expected better - I've had better at Yang's down the street and for a fraction of the cost.

I was overcome with the feeling that they felt they were doing US a favor by allowing us to take in their majesty (frankly I found the decor busy and forced). The service was poor (I would have given them a pass since they were minus one waiter, but they weren't busy so that excuse didn't hold for long) and the overwhelming haughty attitude of everyone but the bartender was borderline insulting. We left $90 later and wiser - we won't be back.

Best food I have had

   walery - 02/15/2007

This place is great. The food is terrific. Unique but very good. Check it out.

Not up to Chinatown Standard

   chin860880 - 11/12/2005

This is not a Chinese Restaurant.

Cool experience

   chicagosnells - 02/24/2005

This place is unique. The food is good, a bit small on the portions sometimes, but still good. The Firecracker Chicken rules. It is a bit loud inside so it might not be the greatest selection for a romantic date, but very cool for a group outing.

Different!

   broadwayjandj - 01/27/2005

Opera was unique. I have had much better duck. The food is uniquely served in different forms of preparation.It just seemed the restaurant went out of it's way to be different in decor for what reason?Could the reason be to charge more? Service was great. If you want good Chinese food go to a real Chinese Restaurant.

Yeah, so what?

   sandbag7 - 05/09/2004

Another overhyped restaurant. Exceot for an exceptional version of General Cho's chicken, this place had nothing. Mediocre Ginger carrot soup for $11.00 and bad service to boot. Not worth a second chance.