Agora Dc Mediterranean Restaurant
Mediterranean · Seafood · Washington, DC
About
Agora D.C. is a family-owned Mediterranean mezze restaurant rooted in Dupont Circle since 2010, blending the culinary traditions of Turkey with flavors from Greece and Lebanon. Executive Chef Ismet Sahin, a native of Southern Turkey, creates modern dishes using local seasonal ingredients. The vibe is upscale yet welcoming, drawing a mixed gay and straight crowd of locals. Yelp data confirms outdoor seating, a full bar, happy hour, and dog-friendly policy. The bar serves award-winning wines and hand-crafted cocktails, including Lion's Milk made with the Turkish spirit Raki.
Lunch and dinner hours vary by day, with a midday break on most days — for example, Tuesday hours are 12pm-1:30pm then 4:30pm-8pm. Reviews note the bar staff is skilled and attractive, but some guests have reported inconsistent hostess treatment for odd-sized parties. Reservations are accepted, and the restaurant offers free wifi. For a nearby alternative, consider Hank's Oyster Bar on 17th Street.
Agora is in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, known for its vibrant dining scene and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere.
Features
- ✓Award-winning Mediterranean wine and cocktail list
- ✓Executive chef blends traditional Turkish with local ingredients
- ✓Outdoor seating with happy hour specials
- ✓Dog-friendly patio and full bar
- ✓Locals' favorite for mezze dining
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 1,828 reviews. 6 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
The food was excellent, service was great, and the drinks were really tasty. I will definitely come back!
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Not a good experience”
I visited Agora on a Wednesday around 9 PM, and the restaurant was mostly empty with several tables for four available. My group of three was told very rudely by the hostess that she couldn't seat us in the dining room; we had to sit at the bar. Initially, we found it slightly amusing, but trying to have dinner at the bar surrounded by people there only for drinks was unpleasant. It was not a good experience, and there are much nicer and friendlier options on 17th Street.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Excellent Food, Excellent Drink, Excellent Service”
We brought a group and ordered every appetizer on the menu. Everything was excellent, showcasing the best of light Mediterranean cuisine. The bartenders were enjoyable to watch, both for their good looks and their skill at their jobs.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Agora take reservations? +
Yes, the restaurant accepts reservations.
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, they offer outdoor seating.
Are vegetarian options available? +
The restaurant is categorized as vegetarian-friendly by Yelp.
What are the hours? +
Hours vary: Mon 4:30pm-8pm, Tue 12pm-1:30pm & 4:30pm-8pm, Wed 12pm-2:30pm & 4:30pm-9pm, Thu 12pm-2:30pm & 4:30pm-9pm, Fri 12pm-2:30pm & 4:30pm-10pm, Sat 11am-4pm & 5pm-10pm, Sun 11am-4pm & 5pm-9pm.
Is there a full bar? +
Yes, they have a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails and a selection of Mediterranean wines.
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