After 6 years of school in St. Petersburg and over 140 visits, I am finally getting around to writing about my favorite Georgian restaurant! The Bargration is a great place to eat. Its interior is clean and cozy. In the winter, sit by the open-flame oven and enjoy the cozy flames licking at the dish of the night. In the summer, sit opposite the front door in the cozy corner and enjoy watching the well appointed of St. Petersburg come and go. The dishes are authentic, and if you are not familiar with Georgian food, you are in for a very special treat.
No matter what you order, start out with the fabulous Adjarien Khachapuri. It is the best bread I have ever tasted. It is Georgian bread made with cheese and eggs and is not for those on the Atkins diet.
For a main course, I recommend the Bargration. This specialty of the house is veal brisket, baked potatoes, tomatoes stuffed with mushrooms, and additional large mushrooms stuffed with cheese.
Desserts range from fancy fruits to ice cream, and either is a good choice.
If you want to eat a little lighter, there are a myriad of dishes from which to choose. There are over 30 cold appetizers and an equal number of hot appetizers to choose from. There are 20 main dishes, and lamb is certainly a good choice in any form. Pastries are available, and if one is in the mood for fish, you can choose from salmon, trout, or sturgeon.
The wine list is extensive, and a superior bottle of Georgian wine can be had for around $20.
A couple can experience an exceptional fine-dining experience for less than $75 for a full-blown four-course meal, plus a full bottle of wine. For cigar aficionados, you can select from an impressive list of genuine Cubans.