Agora, which opened its first restaurant at 1527 17th St NW DC back in 2010, is a Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine served tapas-style. The restaurant has since opened a location in Tysons Corner, VA in 2019, and will now be opening its first Maryland location in Bethesda, according to Biz Journals.
Per the report, it will be taking over the 6,500SF space at the base of the Hyatt Regency (One Metro Place, Bethesda) that was longtime home to the Daily Grill. The space was previously reported to have a new tenant by 2022, but it did not materialize. Agora hoped to open by summer 2026.
Agora offers a diverse and appealing menu rooted in Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese culinary traditions, presented in a tapas-style format perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. Guests can begin their culinary journey with an array of cold mezzes, featuring popular options like the vibrant Htipiti, classic Baba Ghanouj, creamy Hummus, and the tangy Labneh, all of which can be enjoyed as part of a convenient spread sampler.
The hot mezzes selection includes savory dishes such as Ottoman Rice with its unique blend of fruits and nuts, crispy Falafel, and the flavorful Imam Bayildi. For heartier appetites, the menu extends to grilled meats and poultry, showcasing Kofte, succulent Lamb Chops, tender Grilled Chicken, and traditional kebaps like Sis Kebap and Adana Kebap.
Beyond the regular lunch and dinner services, Agora is particularly renowned for its lively weekend bottomless brunch, available on Saturdays and Sundays, which offers an excellent opportunity to savor an extensive array of their mezze and main dishes alongside unlimited drinks.