Ararat — Review by Davidsbeenhere
Miami, United States — Armenian, Caucasian
Ararat is an exceptional Armenian restaurant in Miami featuring authentic Caucasian cuisine with standout dishes like tender chicken kebab, herb-filled dolmas, and perfectly baked manti dumplings. The restaurant beautifully showcases Armenian culture through its decor, wine selection, and traditional cooking methods like the tonir oven for lavash bread.
What was great: Armenian bread (lavash), kebabs with sumac, dolmas with dill, manti dumplings, lahmajoun, beautiful modern setting with Armenian artwork, extensive wine selection
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Ararat presents an impressive array of traditional Armenian fare that tells the story of the region's rich culinary heritage. The meal begins with a green salad featuring creamy feta cheese and exceptional olive oil, accompanied by fresh herbs like basil, dill, parsley, and tarragon. The star bread, lavash, is served fresh and thin, perfect for building herb-filled sandwiches with the provided greens and cheese. The chicken kebab arrives juicy and tender, paired with onions dusted in sumac, a ground berry that adds incredible spice and complexity. The dolmas showcase grape leaves filled with a savory rice and meat mixture, enhanced with generous amounts of dill that provides an herbaceous quality. The manti are baked dumplings with a crispy exterior and soft, paper-thin dough surrounding juicy filling, best enjoyed with generous dollops of yogurt. The lahmajoun, often called a lamb pizza, features super-thin crispy dough topped with spiced meat, creating a perfect contrast between crunch and tender filling. Jingalov Hats rounds out the feast, a soft and fluffy Armenian bread filled with herbs and served alongside yogurt for dipping.
The Experience
Walking into Ararat immediately impresses with its beautiful, modern setting and soaring decor featuring large paintings of iconic Armenian landmarks including the Garni Temple and mountain landscapes. The restaurant celebrates Armenian Christian heritage and culture throughout its design. The service is welcoming and attentive, allowing guests to fully explore the extensive wine and brandy selection that Armenia is famous for. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between educational and comfortable, with staff knowledgeable about the food's cultural significance and preparation methods.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices aren't mentioned in the transcript, the massive feast presented suggests good value for the generous portions and variety of dishes offered, particularly given the quality of ingredients and authentic preparation methods.
Notable Moments
You can tell the story of a country through its cuisine
I love this cuisine, so much flavors
The reviewer demonstrates the traditional Armenian method of building personal herb sandwiches with lavash and fresh greens, explaining how this practice defines nearly every meal in Armenia. A memorable moment involves learning about lavash preparation in the traditional tonir oven.
The Verdict
Ararat is essential for anyone seeking authentic Armenian cuisine outside of Armenia itself. The restaurant successfully transports diners to the Caucasus region through both its food and atmosphere. It's particularly ideal for those interested in experiencing how geography, history, and culture shape regional cuisine, and for adventurous eaters wanting to explore Central Asian and Caucasian flavors.