OPTO

What groups say

Groups book the upstairs private room or full buyouts for business dinners, company events and birthdays, often ordering family style.

• There is an upstairs private room, used by one reviewer for a business dinner of 20 guests.
• A company event and a separate large group private dining experience were curated by the chef and owner.
• The menu is a la carte, but groups report ordering widely and sharing family style; one party of 8 did so with dietary needs accommodated.
• Reviewers mention generous portions well suited to sharing, and staff bringing serving spoons for shared dishes.

Drawn from 28 Google reviews of OPTO that mention a group, a private room or a celebration, read September 2026. The reviews below describe a group visit, private rooms and larger events first, with the critical ones kept in.

• large group dinner

  I went here with a large group. We tried a lot on the menu. In terms of appetizers, the salad, dips with bread, tuna crudo, and octopus were good but the octopus is more of a stand out. There are several vegetarian pasta options and I wish I had tried the cavatelli pesto but others I had weren’t particularly memorable so I’d suggest focusing on the meat and seafood. The display of the lobster pasta is cool though. The Canary Island Branzino and Lamb chops are really special. The side shishito peppers and potatoes were so well cooked and also very shareable sides. Don’t skip dessert. I really liked the dense lemon cake and chocolate mouse. The almond cookies are also gluten free.I didn’t get a photo but want to highlight the Good Humor non alcoholic cocktail that delivers on a “special cocktail” while practically appearing like a regular cocktail because so many other bars miss the mark here. In terms of vibe, it’s a surprisingly large restaurant with a small feel and would probably be a date night spot. It’s quiet enough to chat even though it’s packed. There are a few spots at the bar. Opto is a great spot for a special occasion with a warm neighborhood feel.

• company event

  OPTO was the most spectacular venue for our company event. The space was gorgeous and expansive, the service warm and attentive. And the food…*chef’s kiss* Thank you to Chef Alex and the entire staff for going above and beyond to make this night so special for our guests. We can’t wait to come back for more.

• private dining event

  Had an absolutely fantastic experience booking Opto for a large group for Dinner. Alex curated a private dining experience that our guests have been raving about. If you need the best of the best - this is the spot.

• private room dinner

  Totally love this place, had no idea I was walking in to such great food and service. One of the best salads / salad dressings I’ve ever had, and the branzino was so good, big & fresh — Chef Alex Tubero told me it’s the Canary Islands type of Branzino which grows so big and tender, not like most branzinos that come from fish farms. The pasta was also amazing. We were lucky to enjoy the upstairs private room, and will definitely be going back to enjoy the main dining room.

• friends group dinner

  Had dinner here with a group of friends. Restaurant is basically the same as the old space, except some change in the bar shelves. Food was very underwhelming, lemon pasta tasted metallic and artificial. The Pesto with potatoes and green beans didn't taste like pesto at all, pasta not all dente.. The wine selection was generic,with nothing great to chose, so we chose the cocktail with olive oil, and the one with limoncello.. both generic as well Definitely not going back, as the service was also lacking. Big step down from the periyali

Good to know

Hours, spend and amenities from Google. Private event hours and minimums are set by the restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

Does OPTO have a private dining room?

Yes. OPTO offers a private dining room for groups in Chelsea. Contact the restaurant for capacity and availability.

How much does it cost to book a private event at OPTO?

Guests at OPTO typically spend $100+ per person on a regular visit, according to Google, before drinks and tip. A private room or group booking is usually priced on a food and beverage minimum that scales from that per-head figure rather than a flat room fee. Minimums run higher on Friday and Saturday nights and through December. Contact OPTO for the current minimum and deposit terms.

When is OPTO open?

OPTO is open Monday to Wednesday 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Thursday 5:00 to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday 5:00 to 10:00 PM, serving lunch and dinner. The restaurant takes reservations for regular tables. Private rooms can often be booked outside these hours, including daytime events, so ask when you inquire.

What kind of restaurant is OPTO?

OPTO is a $$$$ Mediterranean restaurant in Chelsea, New York City, rated 4.6 stars across 214 Google reviews. It has a wheelchair accessible entrance.

What do guests say about group dining at OPTO?

Groups book the upstairs private room or full buyouts for business dinners, company events and birthdays, often ordering family style. There is an upstairs private room, used by one reviewer for a business dinner of 20 guests. A company event and a separate large group private dining experience were curated by the chef and owner. The menu is a la carte, but groups report ordering widely and sharing family style; one party of 8 did so with dietary needs accommodated. Reviewers mention generous portions well suited to sharing, and staff bringing serving spoons for shared dishes. Reviewers praise: private room handled a 20 person business dinner well; chef and owner personally curate large group events; generous shareable portions and broad menu coverage; staff accommodate dietary needs and birthday desserts. Watch for: main dining room can feel dark and cramped when packed; mixed food reports from some group visits: pasta texture, overcooked octopus; a la carte pricing with $14 sides adds up for groups. Based on 28 Google reviews of OPTO that mention a group, a private room or a celebration.

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