Feeding Frenzy

Restaurants opening, closing and pending

by Drew Lazor

NOW SEATING

Opa | Brother/sister team George and Vasiliki Tsiouris have debuted Opa, their modern Greek eatery, just off the extremely hoppin' corner of 13th and Sansom. Dreamt up by Jun Aizaki of NYC's crème design (he's done all of Jose Garces' joints), the 70-seat interior features an arching birch-branch canopy, reclaimed-oak tables and a 24-seat bar pouring cocktails designed by Village Whiskey barman Stephen Seibert. Chef Andrew Brown (White Dog, Django), who used input from Tsiouris' momma to develop the menu, is mixing traditional Greek fare (braised/grilled octopus; saganaki) with a slew of edgier dishes (wine-braised rabbit with housemade pasta; an offal plate featuring sweetbreads, heart and intestines). Opa serves dinner Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. on. More on Meal Ticket. 1311 Sansom St., 215-545-0170, opaphiladelphia.com.

Zaffron Mediterranean Grill & Hummus Bar | Amir Memon has opened up this quick-serve Medi joint in the food court of the Shops at Liberty Place. Culinary director Seth High is doing a customizable menu (wraps, salads, rice platters) featuring all manner of fillings (chicken, shawarma, sirloin, falafel) with sauces/condiments galore (eggplant caponata, balsamic onion relish, mango chutney). Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. More on Meal Ticket. The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut St., 1-855-ZAFFRON, zaffronusa.com.

Falafel Bar | Even more falaffin' action for Center City: The almost-all-vegetarian Falafel Bar offers sandwiches, salads and traditional snacks aplenty (baba ghanoush, latkes, borekas, grape leaves). Snag your fried balls in a pita, twisted up in a wrap or on a baguette and side it up with fresh-cut fries, or create your own sandwich/panini. Hours: Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m. More on Meal Ticket. 1513 Chestnut St., 215-568-0800.

LITTLE VITTLES

American Sardine Bar (1800 Federal St.), from John Longacre of South Philly Tap Room, should be opening within the month. More on Meal Ticket.

Healthy-eating concept Sweetgreen is opening a new location in West Philly's Radian building (3925 Walnut St.). More on Meal Ticket.

Mica is the name of the to-come Chestnut Hill restaurant (8609 Germantown Ave.) from chefs Chip Roman and Jason Cichonski. More on Meal Ticket.

The owners of Fork & Barrel will open The Grainery (1113 Walnut St.), a restaurant and beer/cocktail bar, this spring. More on Meal Ticket.