Aragats
Author: Anothertravelguide.com1 COMMENT
Riga is a multinational city, yet it's a little far-fetched to say that it can offer good Chinese and Japanese cuisine. It is absolutely true, however, about Georgian and Armenian cookery. Aragats, an Armenian family restaurant, has a very special ambiance. The saying "don't judge a tree by its bark" seems quite apropos to this spot. It is sited in a former apartment and design connoisseurs would shudder, casting a critical eye at its décor. Do not expect any pleasing sight through its windows either. Instead, it features somewhat soviet-style sense of beauty with fake flowers and cheep, plastic decorations. Yet aesthetic grumble fizzles out as soon as the hostess comes to take your order, giving advice and suggesting the best choice. Everything is genuine there and cooked with love and care. Try the superb lamb shaslik! The hostess chops aubergine and fresh greenery right at your table and just a little later a savory and steaming dish, right from the oven, is in front of you. And what a fabulous taste!
15 Miera Street
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 13.00- 22.00
Your comments
Marina and Andreas, Stockholm
Visited: march 2011
We read some different references about Aragats at tripadvicer.com and thought: it can't be that good, can it? The restaurant is quite easily reached, you can either take a cab for a small sum or take a walk for about 15 minutes. We reserved a table (which we recommend, you never know) and were greeted by the owner upon arrival, a very delightful lady who speaks perfect english. We felt like we were coming to a family dinner, she was very eager to help us choose the best for us.
So, don't miss their "hachapuri" (bread with cheeze,directly from the owen), it melted in the mouth. As a main course we took "shashlik" (grilled meat), really tasty. Be aware that the portions are big, so you can easily take 2 shashliks if you are 3,especially if you also take some starters.
Georgian wine is really one of the best, in my opinion, and the coffee with warm chocolate was heaven.
The prices at the restaurant are a bit higher then in an average restaurant in Latvia, but still well lower than in Europe.
The food and the hospitality of the owners make Aragats really special so we will absolutely come back there on our next Latvia trip. :)