Dupont Meze Favorite Agora Is Weeks Away From Opening a Tysons Corner Outpost

Dupont Circle restaurant Agora is finally making good on delayed plans to bring its Mediterranean cuisine to Northern Virginia, with an opening now scheduled for mid-June in the heart of Tysons Corner.

The new 4,000-square-foot eatery will sit near Founding Farmers on the ground floor of the Nouvelle building (7911 Westpark Drive), hoping to cater to the surrounding 9-to-5 accounting firms.

The layout includes a mezzanine level and a 12-seat chef’s bar overlooking the kitchen, which will house a charcoal grill and brick oven. The look from Urbane Architects and Sorrell Design calls for rich red and brown hues, intricate basket weaves, and kaleidoscopic door inlays. All of the millwork was sourced direct from Turkey, inspired by the Mediterranean country’s art and culture.

The menu will include kibbeh nayeh, grilled octopus, and braised short ribs. The bar plans integrate infused Raki (a sweetened anise-flavored spirit), rose liqueur, and aromatic spices into cocktails. The beer and wine list will show love for both Mediterranean and local vineyards and breweries.

Agora/official photo

Agora debuted in May 2010 under executive chef Ghassan Jarouj, a Lebanese native specializing in small plates that borrow from Turkey, Lebanon, and Greece. Popular menu items under his watch include ground lamb and beef kebabs, roasted beets salad, and eggplant dishes.

The flagship Agora (1527 17th Street NW) was bursting at the seams during peak hours, including an always packed bottomless brunch , so it expanded next-door into the building formerly occupied by neighboring Italian eatery Pasha’s Kitchen.

Agora Tysons will be open for dinner and late-night bites Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Lunch and brunch will arrive later this year.

• Eight Years Later, Mediterranean Eatery Agora Is Expanding to Tysons [EDC]