Mediterranean Eatery Opens 1st MD Restaurant

BETHESDA, MD — A new Mediterranean restaurant has officially opened its first Maryland branch in downtown Bethesda

Co-owned by husband and wife Betul and Ismail Uslu, Agora Bethesda will be serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine from its location inside the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, just off Wisconsin Avenue.

The current menu includes signature dishes ranging from cold and hot mezze to grilled branzino and octopus, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Guests can also expect traditional desserts such as kunefe and baklava.

With the new opening, the restaurant will also be launching its first breakfast menu, which will include Mediterranean-style fried eggs, Aegean avocado toast, and a porridge dish.

"Having spent many years working in hotels, opening Agora inside the Hyatt Regency Bethesda feels like a homecoming," Uslu said in a release. "It brings together my passion for hospitality and our vision of creating a restaurant that serves both travelers and the local community."

Easily accessible via the Bethesda Metro Center, the restaurant's arrival in the county marks its first expansion in 15 years. The couple has two other locations in Washington, D.C., and in Virginia.

Compared to the two other sites, the Bethesda location is considered the largest of the group. Officials said the branch includes a mix of dining areas that can seat up to 300 individuals.

Diners can visit the Bethesda-based eatery daily from 4 p.m to 10:30 p.m. for dinner service.

Are you a local business owner? Post a business listing on Patch! It’s an easy way to reach a local audience and connect with customers close to home. Go here to get started today.