Best Saganaki: The Flaming Greek Cheese Appetizer That Has Chicago Saying OPA!
I’ll never forget the first time I saw the light. I was just a kid enjoying dinner with my family when it suddenly appeared. The flame shot wildly towards the ceiling before being tamed by lemon juice and a waiter’s steady hand. The whole experience lasted only a few seconds but it changed my life forever.
It was a delicious rite of passage that delighted my senses on so many levels. Never before had I witnessed such a unique display of cheese, brandy, lemon and fire...presented finally with
a glorious shout of OPA! And my family ate it up.
Of course, we’re talking about Saganaki, the famous Greek cheese appetizer that is flambeed and served table side at restaurants throughout Chicagoland. That night, dinner out became a sort of celebration, a spontaneous reminder of how the little things often bring the most joy. It was almost as if our waiter had declared a one word blessing on our family as he placed the anticipated cast-iron plate at the center of our table...OPA!
Oh, the simple things in life.
But what does OPA actually mean? And why is it mostly associated with the lighting of Saganaki? Greeks and non-Greeks both agree that the word has very favorable connotations and is often used to express a myriad of positive emotions. Even though the expression is sometimes used to express playful frustration following mishaps, today it's very common to hear OPA! shouted at weddings, dances, birthdays and of course, restaurants serving the popular appetizer.
Legend also has it that the very first "SOS" (Saganaki OPA shout), happened right here in Chicago in the mid 1960’s. At Chicago’s late great Parthenon Restaurant (which lasted for 48 years on Halsted Street), owner Chris Liakouras was just trying to be creative one day when he took some random advice from an unknown female customer to flame the Saganaki she had ordered. And he happily obliged. But, alas, controversy quickly ensued when fellow restauranteur Petros Kogiones at the nearby Dianna’s Opa claimed his first OPA declaration occurred years earlier. In those days, an order of Saganaki cost $1.25 while a gallon of gas was 35 cents.
But no matter who started the verbal tradition, shouts of OPA! carry on every day at restaurants around Chicagoland, the country and even the world. Hungry patrons love to order the cheesy appetizer as a tasty and fun way to begin a great meal. And depending on where you dine, chances are you’ll be enjoying one of several fine brands of Saganaki cheese including Kefalograviera, Graviera and Kefalotyri. Brandy is the spirit of choice poured right before the cheese is flamed adding a zest of flavor to the mix and evaporating quickly to avoid a soggy Saganaki.
While the Greeks are definitely known for enjoying a wide variety of delicious foods within their culture, Saganaki certainly boasts strong cross-over appeal that makes it a unique staple on so many restaurant menus. So if you’re out today and feeling a little cheesy (sorry), let the gooey goodness of the endearing Greek cheese melt your taste buds and warm your heart.
Just like it did that night during my childhood when a tall waiter served our family with our very first Saganaki while joyfully shouting OPA! The aroma of flamed cheese wafting over our table created a memory this kid will never forget.
Oh, the simple things in life.
Enjoy flaming Saganaki at these fine Chicagoland restaurants:
• Mykonos Greek Restaurant (Niles)
Serving authentic Greek cuisine for over 40 years, this legendary restaurant is known for their Charcoal Octopus, Souvlaki, Aegean-Style Salmon, Roast Lamb, Moussaka, Pastichio, Greek style fries and flaming Saganaki. Outdoor dining, full bar and catering available.
8660 W Golf Road • Niles IL 60714 • (847) 296-6777
Visit the Mykonos website...
• Jameson's Charhouse (Arlington Heights)
The popular steakhouse serves award-winning steaks, chops, filet mignon, rack of lamb, black angus burgers and more in their cozy multi-level dining areas and lounge. Appetizers include shrimp cocktail, oysters rockefeller, fried calamari and flaming Saganaki (OPA)! Private room can accommodate special events for up to 120 people.
1331 W Dundee Road, Arlington Heights IL 60004 • (847) 392-7100
Visit the Jameson's Charhouse website...
• Thassos Greek Restaurant (Clarendon Hills)
The newest Greek restaurant near the Downers Grove area, Thassos has already earned a reputation for its outstanding food including Chicken Riganati, Fresh Whole Sea Bass, Appetizers, Salads, Pastichio, Roast Lamb and more. Enjoy flaming Saganaki and other traditional Greek favorites in Thassos' dining room or spacious lounge area.
1 Walker Ave • Clarendon Hills IL 60514 • (630) 601-6799
Visit Thassos' website...
• Johnny's Kitchen & Tap (Glenview)
This Glenview favorite serves their famous wood roasted chicken, baby back ribs, rotisserie roasted pork, burgers, steaks, seafood and more. Start your meal with flaming Saganaki and enjoy Johnny's full wine list, craft beers, martinis and tempting desserts. Live entertainment in the lounge every weekend. Full catering available.
1740 Milwaukee Ave • Glenview IL 60025 • (847) 699-9999
Visit Johnny's website...
• Les Brothers Restaurant (Oak Lawn)
Serving the southside community for over 50 years, this legendary restaurant serves old-fashioned pancakes, 3-egg omelets, paninis, all-beef burgers, skirt steaks, flaming Saganaki (OPA!) and more. Enjoy sweet treats from the pie display, including baklava and titamisu! Gaming room also open.
8705 S. Ridgeland Ave • Oak Lawn IL 60453 • (708) 599-7990
Visit the Les Brothers website...
• Prime Time Restaurant and Bar (Hickory Hills)
The spacious sports bar and lounge is known for its signature steaks, Greek-style pork chops, bbq ribs, top-sirloin burgers, appetizers, salads, pasta, seafood and more. Enjoy their famous 10oz Prime Rib and flaming Saganaki (OPA)! Great food and drink specials available weekly including a nice selection of desserts. Banquet room can host events for up to 80 people.
7750 West 95th Street • Hickory Hills IL 60453 • (708) 599-2333
Visit the Prime Time website...
• Niko's Red Mill Tavern (Woodstock • Pingree Grove • Elgin • Marengo • Belvidere)
Bustling restaurant features comfy dining areas with indoor and outdoor bars where customers can enjoy appetizers, burgers, wraps, pulled pork and other tavern favorites. Try the steak sandwich, Greek salad and flaming Saganaki! Niko's also hosts great live entertainment in their spacious outdoor beer garden at their flagship location in Woodstock.
1040 Lake Ave • Woodstock IL 60098 • (815) 338-6455
Visit Niko's website...
• Chicago Prime Steakhouse (Schaumburg)
Fine dining on a whole new level is the norm at this award-winning restaurant where diners enjoy tenderloin sliders, jumbo crab cakes, wild king salmon, Mediterranean salad, 38oz. Tomahawk Ribeye, flaming Saganaki (OPA!) and more. Wide selection of imported beer, wines and spirits. Visit their sister restaurants - Chicago Prime Italian (Schaumburg), Avanti Banquets (Fox River Grove) and Five O'Clock Steakhouse in Milwaukee, WI.
1444 E Algonquin Rd • Schaumburg IL 60173 • (847) 969-9900
Visit the Chicago Prime Steakhouse website...
• Blossom Cafe & Banquets (Norridge)
A favorite family restaurant in Norridge, Blossom Cafe serves all your favorite breakfast items plus sandwiches, burgers, wraps, chicken, pasta, steaks and more. Popular Greek items include Grecian chicken, salads, pork chops, Mediterranean Shrimp, Skirt Steak and flaming Saganaki. Banquet room available for up to 120 people.
8349 W Lawrence Ave • Norridge IL 60706 • (708) 453-5300
Visit the Blossom Cafe website...
• Molos Greek Taverna Restaurant & Bar (Wheaton)
Since July of 2022, Molos has been serving authentic Greek cooking and traditional specialties in a cozy setting that features white table cloths and stone bar. Signature items include Mousaka, Souvlaki on Pita, Pan Seared Halibut, Spanakopita, Grilled Octopus, flaming Saganaki and more.Enjoy imported wines, beers, Greek spirits and desserts. Catering available.
1072 College Ave • Wheaton IL 60187 • (630) 313-6700
Visit the Molos Greek Taverna website...
• OPA! Modern Greek Cuisine (Frankfort/Orland Park))
The newest Greek restaurants in Chicago's south suburbs offer fresh, traditional Mediterranean dishes with modern influences. Enjoy grilled octopus, Avgolemeno (egg lemon) soup, leg of lamb, pastichio, flaming Saganaki (OPA!) and more. Nice selection of imported/domestic wines, unique cocktails and imported Greek beers.
10235 W. Lincoln Hwy • Frankfort IL 60423 (815) 806-7303 / 8801 W 143rd Street • Orland Park IL 60462 • (708) 966-4571
Visit the OPA website...
• Ellwood Steak and Fish House (DeKalb)
Refined and upscale restaurant serves prime cut USDA steaks, bone-in chops, fresh seafood, gourmet burgers, pastas, salads and more. Appetizers include calamari, shrimp de jonghe, salmon cakes, filet skewers and flaming Greek cheese Saganaki (OPA)! Unwind in the 1879 lounge. Full wine list, desserts and after dinner drinks.
2219 Sycamore Road, DeKalb IL 60115 • (815) 901-0270
Visit the Ellwood Steak and Fish House website...
• Jimmy's Charhouse (Libertyville)
Known for their prime hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, this popular North Shore restaurant also serves delicious rotisserie chicken, bbq ribs, USDA burgers, flaming Saganaki (OPA!) and more. Unwind in the spacious lounge area with a meal or just drinks. Private dining available for up to 90 people.
1413 Peterson Road • Libertyville IL 60048 (847) 549-9900
Visit the Jimmy's Charhouse website...
• Ki's Steak & Seafood Restaurant (Glendale Heights)
Since 1934, this landmark restaurant has served prime aged steaks, fresh seafood, black angus burgers, bbq ribs and other signature dishes. Appetizers include calamari, baked oysters, shrimp de jonghe and flaming Saganaki (OPA)! Outdoor patio, Champagne Sunday brunch and catering available.
705 North Avenue, Glendale Heights IL 60139 • (630) 469-4757
Visit the Ki's Steak & Seafood website...
• KEFI Greek Cuisine (Palos Heights)
Grecian signature dishes abound at the restaurant whose name signifies joy, spirit and passion. Favorites include grilled octopus, pastichio, braised lamb, village salad, dolmades, greek-style meatballs, pork chops and more. Begin your dining experience with a flaming Greek cheese Saganaki (OPA)! Daily specials and homemade soups available.
12200 S Harlem Ave, Palos Heights IL 60463 • (708) 361-9610
Visit the Kefi website...
• The Greek Islands (Chicago & Lombard)
The landmark restaurant is known for its consistency, quality, value and spacious yet cozy dining areas. Specialties include Pastichio, Roast Lamb, Dolmades, Hot or Cold Octopus, Greek Salad, Fresh Seafood, Lamb Chops and of course, flaming Saganaki. Say OPA! to Chicago's most popular Greek restaurant.
200 S Halsted St • Chicago IL 60661 • (312) 782-9855
Visit the Greek Islands website...
• The Village Squire (South Elgin)
With 4 regional locations, this rustic English-style pub serves appetizers (including flaming Saganaki), burgers, salads, wraps, bbq ribs, prime rib, aged steaks and more. Enjoy their spacious dining areas and lounge with plenty of flat screen TV's for your enjoyment. House drinks include Squire's famous Mai Tai, Margarita, Rum Barrel and Bloody Mary.
480 Randall Road • South Elgin IL 60177 • (847) 931-0400
Visit the Village Squire website...
• Palm Court (Arlington Heights)
Renowned for its outstanding cuisine, relaxed elegance and first-rate service, Palm Court has served prime steaks, chops, fresh seafood, pasta and more since 1979. The spacious facility features cozy dining rooms, lounge area, fireplace room and banquet area. Nice selection of desserts, wines, beer (domestic and imported), cocktails and specialty martinis.
1912 N Arlington Heights Road • Arlington Heights IL 60004 • (847) 870-7770
Visit the Palm Court website...
• Rose Garden Cafe (Elk Grove Village)
Serving up quality homestyle dishes in a retro setting, Rose Garden Cafe boasts an extensive menu featuring pancakes, french toast, crepes, burgers, salads, Greek chicken, Saganaki, pasta, gyros, prime steaks, bbq ribs and more. Daily specials include their famous Pot Roast (day varies) and cream of chicken soup (served daily). Banquets for up to 140 people.
800 E Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village IL 60007 • (847) 952-1881
Visit the Rose Garden Cafe website...
• Chaser's Sports Bar & Grill (Niles • Lake Zurich • Schiller Park)
Friendly neighborhood bar serving salads, homemade pizzas, jumbo wings, pastas, bbq ribs and more. Begin your meal with one of Chaser's famous appetizers including nachos, breaded mushrooms and flaming Saganaki (OPA)! Daily food and drink specials include 1/2 off pizzas (Mon), 89 cent boneless wings (Wed) and $20 imported buckets (Fri).
9003 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles IL 60714 • (847) 470-8800
Visit the Chaser's website...
• Yianni's OPA! Greek Cuisine (Bannockburn)
Using the most wholesome ingredients available, Yianni's serves authentic Greek cuisine including dolmades, lamb chops, moussaka, chicken riganati, fresh seafood and hearty appetizers including flaming Saganaki (OPA)! Full bar and cocktails available. 2535 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn IL 60015 • (847) 607-9002
Visit the Yianni's OPA! website...
• Union Ale House (Prospect Heights)
Executive chefs prepare creative, home-cooked meals at this friendly neighborhood pub and grill. Dishes include their flaming Saganaki, salads, award winning pizza, black angus burgers, prime rib and more. Full selection of domestic and craft beers along with brand name wines and liquors. Video gaming also available.
1211 S Wolf Road • Prospect Heights IL 60070 • (847) 947-8175
Visit the Union Ale House website...
• Apolis Greek Street Food (Lisle)
Family recipes are used to prepare Greek style pork chops, skewers, chicken burgers, salad bowls and kabobs. Enjoy their famous Saganaki, gyros, dolmades, Greek style fries, pitas, dips and more. Kids meals, desserts and Greek beer available. Apolis can also cater any special event.
1109 Maple Ave • Lisle, IL 60532 • (331) 775-2135
Visit the Apolis website...
• Draft Picks Sports Bar (Naperville)
This spacious restaurant and bar serves great appetizers, flaming saganaki, burgers, wraps, salads, signature pizzas and more. Drink specials, live entertainment, plenty of flat screen tv's and private banquet room for up to 100 people.
523 Fairway Drive, Naperville IL 60563 • (630) 904-1111
Visit the Draft Picks website...
• Artopolis Cafe Bakery Agora (Chicago)
European-style cafe serves their unique ouzo saganaki, brick oven pizza, signature sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and more in a cozy loft setting. The bakery features artisan breads, sweets, cakes and Greek frappes. Full bar, wine list and wines by the glass. Shop for a variety of specialty items and gifts in the Agora gift shop.
306 S Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60661 • (312) 559-9000
Visit the Artopolis website...
• Papagalino Pastry & Cafe Shop (Niles)
Celebrating over 20 years, this casual restaurant and bakery is known for their Greek/European pastries, gourmet wraps, sandwiches, souvlaki, pasta and flaming Saganaki (OPA)! Relax in the cozy dining room or outdoor patio with a Greek frappe and an assortment of their famous desserts including Tiramisu, Baklava, Black Forest Cake, Bougatsa and more.
9014 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles IL 60714 • (847) 803-9260
Visit the Papagalino website...
• Jimmy's Charhouse (Elgin)
The spacious, yet cozy restaurant and bar is known for its certified aged steaks & chops, prime steak burgers, wood roasted specialties and great daily specials. Try the bbq ribs, mediterranean shrimp, fried calamari and flaming Greek cheese saganaki (OPA)! Catering for any special occasion, banquet room for up to 100 people.
2290 Point Blvd, Elgin IL 60123 • (847) 783-0200
Visit the Jimmy's charhouse website...
• Billy Boy's Restaurant (Chicago Ridge)
Since 1976, this friendly eatery on Chicago's southside has been serving their famous bbq ribs, gyros, chili cheese dogs, wraps, salads, signature sandwiches and more. Appetizers include homemade soup, mozzarella sticks, pizza puffs, spinach pie and Billy Boy's Saganaki Bites, a unique take on the classic Greek appetizer. Liquor department includes a full selection of brand name beers, wines and liquors.
6400 W 95th Street, Chicago Ridge IL 60415 • (708) 599-8406
Visit the Billy Boy's website...
• Naxos, A Greek Island Restaurant (Itasca)
Taste the spirit of the Mediterranean with signature Greek items including Grilled Calamari, Cold Octopus Salad, Greek Meat Balls, Fresh Red Snapper, Beef Tenderloin Kabob and Roast Leg of Lamb. Enjoy Naxos famous Avgolemeno Soup and Flaming Saganaki. Full bar and catering.
933 W Irving Park Road • Itasca IL 60143 • (847) 250-5410
Visit the Naxos' website...
• Woodfire Tavern (Long Grove)
The contemporary restaurant and pub serves their signature barbecue, pizza, burgers, appetizers, salads, wraps and more. Enjoy the sports themed pub where guests can unwind with food and drink while big screen tv's show all the latest sports action. Start your meal with a flaming Saganaki! Private room available for any special event.
4868 IL-83 • Long Grove IL 60047 • (847) 478-1160
Visit the Woodfire Tavern website...
• Demetri's Greek Restaurant (Deerfield)
Serving the north shore for over three decades, Demetri's offers classic Greek items including Moussaka, Fresh Seafood, Grilled Octopus, Roast Leg of Lamb, Gyros Platter and more. Guests also love the flaming Saganaki, Greek Salad, Jumbo Shrimp, Dolmades and Avgolemeno (Egg Lemon Soup). Cozy outdoor patio in warmer months.
660 Lake Cook Road • Deerfield IL 60015 • (847) 940-0777
Visit Demetri's website...
• American Tap Pub & Eatery (Addison)
Great food, craft beers, video gaming and fun abound at this popular local pub and eatery. The menu includes flaming Saganaki (OPA!), burgers, wings, flat breads, salads, sandwiches, wraps and great entrees including chicken kabobs, steak & frites, homemade meatloaf and more. Plenty of TV screens to enjoy all your favorite games. Great food and drink specials every day.
701 W Lake Street • Addison IL 60101 • (630) 628-5800
Visit the American Tap website...
• Spectrum Bar & Grill (Chicago)
Located in the heart of Chicago's Greektown on Halsted Street, the long standing sports bar is known for its great food, drinks and live entertainment. The menu boasts American, Greek and Cypriot influences famous for grilled souvlaki, flaming Saganaki, pork chops, thin crust pizza and more. Fully stocked bar with beer, wines and cocktails.
233 S Halsted Street • Chicago IL 60661 • (312) 715-0770
Visit the Spectrum website...
• QP Greek Food With a Kick (Hoffman Estates)
Greek-style pitas, meatballs, skewers, ribs and chicken are just the beginning at this stylish Mediterranean eatery. Enjoy unique flavors with a kick in the clean and contemporary setting. Daily specials available along with QP's famous Saganaki and Avgolemeno Soup. Try the popular Greek Feta Pizza and Caesar Salad. Full Bar and catering.
830 N Roselle Road • Hoffman Estates IL 60169 • (224) 353-6999
Visit the QP website...
• Basil's Greek Dining (Aurora)
Blending old school values with modern flair, Basil's is a celebration of authentic Mediterranean dining serving flaming Saganaki (OPA)!, salads, pastas, shish kabobs, pork chops and more. Beautiful dining room with adjacent bar is the perfect setting to enjoy signature Greek dishes including Pastichio, Mediterranean Sea Bass, Grilled Octopus and Double Cut Lamb Chops. Private parties for up to 75 people.
4000 Fox Valley Center Drive • Aurora IL 60504 • (630) 692-1300
Visit Basil's website...
• Alexander's Cafe (Elgin)
Enjoy an extensive menu at Alexander's featuring appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos, chicken, pasta, fresh seafood and more. Grecian specialties include Athenian Salmon, Mediterranean Chicken, Greek Salad and flaming Saganaki. Weekend specials include Alexander's famous Prime Rib of Beef.
1725 N State St • Elgin IL 60123 • (847) 888-4146
Visit the Alexander's website...
• Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen (Glenview)
A creative twist on traditional Greek cuisine, Plateia offers a refined setting to enjoy award winning Lamb Chops, Honey Custard Sweet Crepes, Biftekia, Chicken Skewers, Pastichio, Atlantic Grilled Salmon, Beet Salad, flaming Saganaki and more. Accommodating 20-150 people for private parties and other special events. Beautiful outdoor patio in seasonal months.
9860 N Milwaukee Ave • Glenview IL 60016 • (847) 296-2230
Visit the Plateia website...