Restaurant in Yerevan 0001, Armenia
Caucasus Barbeque
No-frills barbecue spot serving excellent khorovats at reasonable prices. Simple setting but the quality of meat and grilling is top-notch. Popular lunch spot for locals craving authentic Armenian barbecue.
Caucasus Barbeque on Abovyan Street is the kind of no-frills grilling institution that serious eaters in any city will recognise immediately: a straightforward room with simple furniture, a wood and charcoal grill visible through a pass, and a focused menu built entirely around the quality of the meat and the skill of the griller. In Armenia, khorovats — the country's beloved form of charcoal-grilled meat, typically pork, chicken, or lamb skewers — occupies a cultural position comparable to barbecue in the American South or asado in Argentina, and at Caucasus Barbeque the preparation is honest and unadorned. Marinated cuts are skewered and grilled over hot coals until slightly charred on the outside and juicy within, then served with fresh lavash, raw vegetables, and thinly sliced marinated onion. Pork Khorovats at $6 and Chicken Khorovats at $5 represent exceptional value, and the Liver Kebab — grilled quickly over high heat and wrapped in fat to keep it tender — is considered by regulars to be the kitchen's sharpest test of grilling skill. The restaurant operates as a popular lunch destination for local workers, tradespeople, and nearby residents seeking a quick, filling, and well-priced midday meal. Service is fast and functional, in keeping with the no-frills ethos. Evening visits bring a slightly more relaxed pace and the option to complement the grilled meats with Armenian beer or house wine. The absence of pretension is part of the appeal: Caucasus Barbeque does one thing extremely well and sees no need to complicate it, making it one of the most authentic khorovats experiences available in central Yerevan.
Signature dishes
- Pork Khorovats — $6
- Chicken Khorovats — $5
- Liver Kebab — $5
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Reservations: Walk-in
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +374 10 571 571
Location
45 Abovyan Street, Yerevan 0001
40.1791, 44.5153 — View on map
Highlights
- Pork, chicken, and lamb khorovats grilled over charcoal — the central preparation of Armenian barbecue culture at its most straightforward.
- Liver Kebab wrapped in fat and grilled quickly — a dish favoured by regulars as the kitchen's most technically demanding item.
- Some of the most competitive khorovats pricing in central Yerevan, with pork skewers at $6 and chicken at $5.
- Genuine local lunch institution popular with neighbourhood workers — an authentic window into everyday Armenian grilling culture.
Tips
- Arrive at noon when the charcoal grills reach optimal temperature — the first lunch service typically delivers the most consistent results.
- Order the Liver Kebab if available; it sells out earlier than other items and is considered by regulars to be the most characterful option.
- The grilled meats are served without elaborate garnishes — this is a venue for simple, honest food rather than elaborate presentation.
- Pair the khorovats with Armenian beer (Kilikia or Gyumri brands) for the most locally appropriate accompaniment.
FAQ
What is khorovats?
Khorovats is the Armenian word for charcoal-grilled meat, most commonly pork, chicken, or lamb skewers marinated in onion, herbs, and spices before grilling. It is the country's national barbecue tradition, prepared at family gatherings, celebrations, and casual restaurants alike.
Is the menu at Caucasus Barbeque extensive?
No — the menu is deliberately focused on grilled meats. The core items are Pork Khorovats, Chicken Khorovats, and Liver Kebab, with standard accompaniments of lavash, salad, and pickled vegetables.
Is Caucasus Barbeque open for dinner?
Yes, the restaurant operates from 11 am to 10 pm daily. Dinner service is slightly more relaxed than the busy lunch period, and the grill remains active throughout.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Caucasus Barbeque is focused entirely on grilled meats and is not well-suited to vegetarian visitors. The only non-meat items are accompaniments such as salad, lavash, and pickled vegetables.
Accessibility
Caucasus Barbeque operates from a ground-floor space on Abovyan Street with straightforward street-level entry. The simple interior with basic furniture is generally navigable for wheelchair users. The grill area is typically separated from the dining space by a pass or counter.
When to visit
Lunch from noon to 2 pm captures the busiest and most energetic service, with the freshest output from the charcoal grill. Arriving slightly ahead of the noon rush ensures the widest choice of cuts.