We’d heard some buzz about Agora from a few locals, so we decided to give it a go. With no reservations accepted, it’s all walk-ins, and we were lucky to snag a table as one freed up. Created by David Carter, the restaurateur behind Smokestak and Manteca, Agora is an all-day restaurant inspired by Athens’s bustling street markets and eateries. At its heart is a traditional ‘souvla’ – a massive charcoal rotisserie where sustainably reared native breeds of chicken, lamb and pork slowly cook. If you’re looking for contemporary Greek food in SE1, the best place for lunch in Borough Market or near London Bridge, Agora is the place to be.
“The Athens street market menu features succulent rotisserie meats, fluffy wood-fired flatbreads and intriguing seasonal dishes, perfect for sharing with your favourite person,” Homegirl London.
Agora Menu
Start with the wildfarmed flatbread and a few spreads like hummus masabacha (with whole chickpeas) topped with hot crisps, tahini with red zhoug, or labneh with chermoula. Their hot potato crisps are highly recommended (crisps are their thing).
For skewers, we enjoyed the mushroom with spring onion and the large shishito peppers with crushed chilli flakes. Other options include pork souvlaki with oregano, lamb kebab with sumac onions, and slow-grilled chicken. Skewers are reasonably priced from £3.50-£6.
Refresh with the ezme salata, full of chopped tomato, green chilli, and pomegranate, or try the radish with mint and dill or the Greek salata with carob rusks and galomizithra. Salads range from £5-£9.
Hearty braises include fava with red onion and crispy capers and slow-cooked chickpeas with green zhoug. We found this comforting and filling, with tender chickpeas in a thick gravy-like sauce. Braises are priced at £7-£8.
You should try one of the wood-oven flatbreads. I recommend the wild garlic butter with metsovone, which was fluffy in texture and mellow in garlic flavour. Meat lovers might enjoy the spicy pork sausage with spit-roast pineapple and hot honey or the confit lamb with spiced tomato and garlic yoghurt. Flatbreads cost £7-£9.50.
The wood-burning rotisserie features must-tries like middle white pork souvla and spit-roast heritage lamb, priced between £12.50 and £15.
My only criticism it that they don’t currently offer dessert but to be honest we were full after our meal so it was just as well!
Drinks include cocktails, wines on tap, and coffee. We tried a couple of their soft drinks which were refreshing.
Watch My Agora Restaurant Video
Helpful Information About Agora Borough Market
For more information, check out the Agora website. The restaurant is located in the heart of Borough Market at 2-4 Bedale Street, London SE1 9AL, a short walk from London Bridge or Borough stations. The kitchen prep area is visible from the street, with busy kitchen windows open to the elements, so you can catch a whiff as you pass by.
Opening times are Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 11.30 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11.30 am to 10 pm. The interiors are dark and industrial, with seating options ranging from traditional tables to countertops. Upstairs is a more relaxed restaurant called Oma, which is on my list of places to try.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit Borough Yards London SE1
Ten Things To Try At Borough Market
Explore Southwark Via The Low Line Walk
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
