Opa! Souvlaki in Astoria Closes Doors After 20 Years in Queens

• Opa! Souvlaki opened in 2004 on 30th Avenue, Astoria.
• The restaurant closed on June 15, 2024.
• Owners cited lease challenges and higher costs.

Opa! Souvlaki has been a fixture in Astoria’s Greek dining scene since 2004. The restaurant built a steady clientele among local residents, offering classics like souvlaki platters, gyros, and spanakopita. Its location at 33-02 30th Avenue placed it in the center of the neighborhood’s restaurant corridor.

The owners, Nikos and Maria Papadopoulos, announced the closure in a letter posted on the restaurant’s door. In the message, they referenced difficulty renewing their lease and increased operational costs over the past year. No plans for relocation or reopening have been disclosed.

Astoria remains home to a number of Greek eateries, but long-standing establishments like Opa! Souvlaki continue to face pressures from rising rent and competition. Local patrons stopped by for final meals in the days leading up to June 15. Several nearby business owners expressed concern over the ongoing loss of legacy restaurants in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Opa! Souvlaki close?

The owners cited challenges renewing their lease and higher operating costs as the main reasons for closing. These difficulties made it untenable to keep the restaurant open after 20 years in business. No details were given about future plans.

When did Opa! Souvlaki first open in Astoria?

Opa! Souvlaki opened its doors in 2004 at 33-02 30th Avenue, joining a cluster of Greek restaurants that defined Astoria’s food scene. The business operated for exactly two decades before closing in June 2024.

Are there plans to re-open Opa! Souvlaki elsewhere?

The owners have not announced any plans to reopen at a new location. Their letter to customers indicated the closure is final, but did not rule out the possibility of a future endeavor. The Astoria location is now closed.