Cozy Jericho cafe for flavorful wraps, Moroccan-leaning brunch, and good coffee; strong service culture with occasional lapses and a few quality misses during rushes.
Opera Cafe delivers solid neighborhood brunch appeal with strong food quality anchored by its celebrated spicy chicken wrap and reliable eggs dishes, paired with friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution on pastries and occasional off-wraps prevents a higher grade, and the pleasant but modest setting across multiple seating zones lacks destination-level distinction. Worth visiting for brunch staples and coffee, though peak-time crowds can compromise the experience.
On Walton Street in Jericho, Opera Cafe feels cozy and buzzing rather than cramped. People talk about friendly, can-do staff and seats spread across the front, downstairs, and a small backyard. One diner summed it up: "quick service and a wrap worth the detour." Expect a lively scene at peak times with watch-the-world-go-by tables outside. Cooking leans cafe-brunch with Moroccan accents: shakshuka, harira, falafel, and that much-loved spicy chicken wrap. Coffee gets plenty of nods, though pastries draw mixed notes—baklava can be firm and cinnamon buns sometimes a touch overbaked. It suits casual brunchers and quick-lunch seekers who value fresh, flavorful plates over formality. Families do fine here: counter ordering keeps things simple and staff have helped with a stroller. Kids gravitate to hot chocolate and wraps, and the menu’s eggs, pancakes, and simple chicken dishes are approachable. There is no formal kids menu, but portions and prices are family-manageable.
Area vibe: Leafy, student-heavy Jericho with indie shops and arts venues; relaxed daytime crowd and weekend brunchers.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked area near university buildings; typical urban awareness at night.
What's nearby: Close to Little Clarendon St, Blavatnik School, and Oxford colleges; mix of residents, students, and visitors.