Kapnos Kouzina, from Mike Isabella, Opens Today In Bethesda for Lunch

Mike Isabella's first restaurant in Maryland opens today at 4900 Hampden Lane in Bethesda Row. Kapnos Kouzina is an expansion of the chef's other similar Greek concepts.

The menu by chef George Pagonis offers small plates and platters like fried half chicken with preserved lemon brine and burnt honey mustard, moussaka with roasted eggplant, and charred octopus served over beluga lentils. An express lunch special will available on weekdays for $15. The wine list focuses on bottles from Greece, Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The 5,200 square foot space accommodates 160 diners, including a communal table for 12 and bar seating for 24. There's also counter and patio seating. Designed by Natalie Park Design Studio and Eimer Design, the light-filled interior features a large open kitchen, white-washed wood surfaces, and dark olive green accents. The restaurant starts lunch service today; dinner follows March 11, and brunch starts March 12. This brings the total number of Kapnos restaurants in the area up to four (including the airport), with several more to follow.

Kapnos Kouzina, 4900 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, Md.; website