1 Bethesda Medical Center, Bethesda, MD Agora, from husband-and-wife team Betul and Ismail Uslu, have opened its third location within the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Bethesda. Agora offers an elevated Mediterranean dining experience featuring vibrant mezze platters and wood-grilled entrees. Currently only open for dinner, the restaurant will serve lunch, breakfast (the first location to offer), and brunch later this Summer. Agora Bethesda features the restaurant group’s signature mezze-style menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Türkiye, Greece, and Lebanon. Guests can expect an expansive selection of small plates, grilled meats, fresh seafood, house-made spreads, and traditional favorites designed for sharing. The new Bethesda location is Agora’s largest location. The space features private rooms with space for up 50 guests, semi-private accommodations for up to 120 people, and a patio with room for 100 guests. For more information, visit their website here.Photo Credit: Courtesy of Agora Bethesda

1776 K Street NW Public Interest, DC’s newest destination for elevated American dining, is now open within the newly opened Tempo by Hilton Washington DC Downtown. Public Interest aims to bring a modern brasserie experience to its guests. Led by Executive Chef Arnaldo Pujols, the menu is a curated balance of French brasserie craftsmanship and American comfort. The cocktail program is equally dynamic, featuring classics reimagined with a distinct DC edge. Daniel Price serves as the Director of Food and Beverage at Public Interest. Public Interest is open Sunday - Thursday from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m., and Friday - Saturday from 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website here.

1218 Wisconsin Avenue NW Georgetown has officially received two new concepts in the two-story space formerly home to El Centro: a new American-Grill, Oak Room and a Parisian Supper Club, Bernadette’s, that opened right above it. James Beard Award Winning Chef Tim Hollingsworth takes the lead at this new concept. Oak Room features 60 seats and is a nod to the gilded age of New York and London. Bernadette’s features a menu that takes inspiration from places in Europe like London and Paris. Each concept has its own entrance and menu. Julian Cox leads to the bar program, where he is putting his own spin on classics. Guests can also get excited for the garden patio that is located behind Bernadette’s. Bernadette’s is open 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and until 2:00 a.m. on weekends. Oak Room is open from 5:00 - 10:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday.Photo Credit: Scott Suchman

12117 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD Fish Taco, the beloved DMV-based taco spot, has once again expanded with the opening of its newest location in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Known for its Baja-style tacos, fresh seafood, and laid-back coastal vibe, the new location brings the brand’s signature menu of hand-crafted tacos, house-made sauces, and more to Darnestown. This new location marks the sixth Fish Taco location in the DMV.Photo Credit: Nina Palazzolo

1000 H Street NW Chef Joevel Magpantay has opened his new concept, Oribu, within the Grand Hyatt DC. Inspired by the historic connection between Japan and the Mediterranean through the Maritime Silk Road, this 4,666 square-foot concept blends Japanese precision with Mediterranean warmth in a dining experience rooted in craftsmanship. Oribu offers jet-fresh sushi, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, curated wine and sake, and artisanal cocktails. For more information, click here.

1539 Seventh Street NW Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya has opened his latest concept, The  Grace, in Shaw in the space formerly home to The Passenger. A modern American saloon with well-priced pub favorites and classic,  approachable cocktails, the Grace aims to be a neighborhood destination that encourages repeat visits. Courtney Evans serves as The Grace’s executive chef, bringing her expertise to create an eclectic menu spanning American and bistro influences. Highlights include Slow-Roasted Half Chicken, The Reuben, and Burger. The beverage program features, among other classics, a variety of daiquiris made with house-pressed sugarcane juice, honoring the cocktail’s traditional roots.  Photo Credit: Hawkeye Johnson

1621 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA Duke’s Grocery, the East London-inspired gastropub known for its award-winning Proper Burger®, has expanded into Northern Virginia for the first time with a new fast-casual concept, Duke’s Burgers, opening at Water Park in National Landing. Duke’s Burgers brings a streamlined, fast-casual spin on the Duke’s Grocery brand, centered around its signature burgers, including the Proper Burger®. Designed for speed and convenience, the new location features kiosk ordering and a tighter menu of guest favourites, built for quick service without sacrificing quality as every dish is made to order. In addition to burgers, guests can expect the Wagyu and Impossible burgers, along with fish and chips, Hackney Hot Wings, sandwiches, fries, and white truffle mac and cheese. New menu items developed specifically for this location will also roll out over time.

950 New York Avenue NW Less than a year after opening their first shop in Georgetown, Yala Greek Ice Cream has officially expanded with their second shop located inside Conrad DC at CityCenterDC. Alongside nine Yala Greek Ice Cream favorites, they are also introducing “Pursuit of Happiness”, a flavor inspired by one of America’s most enduring ideals. 

4700 Wisconsin Avenue NW Tenley Provisions, a new neighborhood eatery, has opened in the heart of Tenleytown in the previous Steak 'n Egg space. The eatery brings together three culinary concepts under one roof: Sofie's, a fast-casual café serving fresh crêpes and all-day breakfast favorites; Bistro Metzger, a chef-driven experience with a globally inspired menu; and El Jefe Woodfired Pizza, a neighborhood pizzeria dedicated to handcrafted pies. Nearly everything is made from scratch, to an artisan, fine-dining standard—at a price point that makes it easy to come back again and again. Additionally, almost everything on the menu is also available for takeout. Tenley Provisions was built to support local culinary talent—giving independent chefs and operators a platform to share their food and creativity without the barriers typically associated with opening a standalone restaurant.Photo from @tenleyprovisions Instagram

1504 B Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA From the team behind Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar, Partner Matt Sloan, Culinary Director Eric Brannon, and Beverage Director Michael Riojas have opened Little Birdie, a new neighborhood restaurant centered around one simple idea: celebrate chicken! Little Birdie blends thoughtful sourcing, seasonal cooking, and a sense of fun to create a space that feels both refined and approachable. At its core, Little Birdie is about quality and intention—sourcing chicken from trusted Pennsylvania farms, working with local bakers for Japanese milk buns, and letting the seasons shape the menu. The result is a lineup of inventive chicken sandwiches alongside a broader menu designed to encourage gathering, sharing, and returning often. To complement the food, Beverage Director Michael Riojas has developed a beverage program that mirrors the restaurant’s playful, thoughtful approach.Photo by SV Images LLC via @littlebirdieva Instagram