ORA Taverna & Bar opens its doors | Mediterranean ‘slow living’ in Breda
Tarama (traditionele Griekse dip) met zeevenkel en venkel van ORA Teverna & Bar - credits Fleur Fotografeert
Langoustine met gebrande kool en schaaldierensaus bij ORA Taverna & Bar - credits Fleur Fotografeert
Interior of ORA Taverna & BAr in Breda - credits Fleur Fotografeert
Interior of ORA Taverna & BAr in Breda - credits Fleur Fotografeert
Interior of ORA Taverna & BAr in Breda - credits Fleur Fotografeert
‘family style’ geserveerde dips en gerechten met pita uit de steenoven bij Ora Taverna & Bar - credits Fleur Fotografeert
Charlotte en Vasilios Papadopoulos of ORA Taverna & Bar in Breda - credits Fleur Fotografeert
On March 26, 2026, ORA Taverna & Bar officially opened its doors at Nieuwe Ginnekenstraat 3 in Breda, near Van Coothplein. With a modern Greek-inspired kitchen, a wine list that is unique in the Netherlands, fair pricing, and a kitchen team with experience in top-tier restaurants, entrepreneurial couple Charlotte and Vasilios Papadopoulos bring a refined and accessible slice of Mediterranean ‘slow living’ to Breda.
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ORA Taverna & Bar is the second restaurant of entrepreneurs Charlotte and Vasilios Papadopoulos
Following the success of their well-known restaurant Con Fuego in Breda, which they still run with great pleasure, thirty-somethings Vasilios and Charlotte Papadopoulos felt it was time for a new concept. “South of the major rivers, there is not yet a Greek taverna and wine bar presenting Mediterranean dishes and quality wines at this level,” says Vasilios. “With ORA, we fill that gap and focus on pure dishes from modern Greece and the Mediterranean. The name ORA—literally translated as ‘time’—is a tribute to the Greek art of slow living and symbolizes time standing still while you enjoy.”
Kitchen team with experience in top restaurants
In the kitchen stands a team with experience at leading restaurants. Head chef Jan Beijer, who previously built his reputation at places such as Salon de Provence in Breda, O&O in Sint Willebrord, Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen, and Pure C in Cadzand, leads the kitchen. He is supported by sous-chef and SVH certified Master Chef Luuk Dekkers, who previously worked at Uijttewaal in Breda and Tilia and De Zwaan in Etten-Leur.
House-made and seasonal
Everything at ORA is house-made and seasonal, from the patisserie to the fresh dips served with warm pitas from their own stone oven. Dishes on the rotating menu are served ‘family style’, following the rhythm of the kitchen. The current menu features bites such as oysters and zucchini chips, and dishes like pulpo with fava, lentils, and lovage. Steak tartare gets a Mediterranean twist with piment d’espelette, caper leaves, and parsley, while langoustine is paired with charred cabbage and shellfish sauce. The menu also offers larger sharing dishes such as whole dorade, ribeye, and chateaubriand. The dishes are presented on handmade tableware from the Belgian Studio Mattes.
Distinctive wine list structure: coast versus inland
The bar, with its comfortable seating, forms the beating heart of the venue. ORA is also a fully-fledged wine bar with around 40 wines available by the glass. The list is 50% dedicated to Greek wines, complemented by other Old World selections, including Burgundies. A distinctive feature is the division of the wine list into ‘coastal wines’ and ‘inland wines’. Vasilios Papadopoulos: “As far as I know, this classification is unique in the Netherlands. With this list, we want to showcase the immense finesse, diversity, and quality of Greek wines. Our selection goes far beyond well-known varieties like Assyrtiko or Xinomavro; we offer wines from many lesser-known indigenous grape varieties by young, talented winemakers who are currently shaking up the Greek wine scene.”
Japandi-Mediterranean and Greek plasterwork
The interior, designed by King Kongs in Eindhoven, exudes a warm, homely atmosphere. Charlotte Papadopoulos: “The style can be described as ‘Japandi-Mediterranean’: a combination of Scandinavian minimalism, organic shapes, and the rustic ambiance of the Greek countryside. There is extensive use of wood and soft fabrics, and eye-catchers include two organically shaped walls finished with traditional Greek plaster techniques. Inside, there is seating for 77 guests, and outside, the two terraces accommodate another 42.”
Opening hours
ORA Taverna & Bar is located at Nieuwe Ginnekenstraat 3 in Breda and is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:00 PM. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the venue opens from 12:00 PM for both lunch and dinner. Visit their website here.
It reminds us a bit of restaurant Elea in The Hague. If they reach that level, their guests are in for a treat!
