A long vacant DC storefront will soon be serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine to hungry customers. Alara will be opening in the old home of the High Street Cafe later this year, reports local media outlet The Georgetowner.
The Turkish restaurant will be opening at 1303 Wisconsin Avenue. Owner Hakan Ilhan had originally hoped to debut Alara in early 2024, however the restaurateur states that due to the work necessary to make the space customer-ready, the eatery will instead begin serving guests in August.
Once open, Alara will be able to accommodate up to 120 visitors. The full service bar and dining room will serve meze, hot and cold dips, and Greek interpretations of classic meat and seafood dishes. The restaurant will offer happy hour specials and weekend brunch.
Speaking to Eater Washington DC about Alara’s cuisine, Ihan states ““I’ve always enjoyed Mediterranean food. It’s lighter and healthier and I think there’s a good market for it.”