First Look: Ochag Brings Eastern European Cuisine to Aurora

After three years in Denver, I’ve come to enjoy the city’s growing and eclectic food scene. Still, for someone who grew up in the Chicagoland area with roots as a first-generation Ukrainian-American, there’s a quiet longing that never really goes away. It’s a craving not just for my culture’s food, but for the sense of belonging that comes with it.

In Chicago, Eastern European culture is everywhere. Within a few blocks, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of Ukrainian borscht, pick up fresh piroshki from a neighborhood deli, hear Russian conversations at the bus stop, and pass newspaper stands stocked with Russian-language publications. You might even savor a plate of fragrant Uzbeki plov, or explore neighborhoods where Polish and Georgian food are staples, thanks to their large local communities. All of these experiences reflect your heritage back at you.

Here in Denver, that kind of connection is a bit harder to come by. So when I heard about a new Eastern European and Mediterranean café, Ochag Bar & Grill, opening this spring in Aurora, something stirred in me. A little excitement, a little nostalgia. Hope, maybe. The kind you feel when it seems like a piece of home is finally within reach.

When you step into an Eastern European eatery, you’re instantly embraced by a warmth that radiates not only from the people, but from the hearty food and flavors. Ochag is no exception. Its name is the Armenian word for “hearth” or “home,” and Ochag evokes a sense of comfort, tradition and togetherness, the very qualities that define this eatery. Here, you’ll find a distinctive blend of Armenian, Georgian, Russian and Tajik dishes, each one a flavorful reflection of its cultural roots, served in a glamorous and modern dining room.

Owner Kristina Petrosyan knows exactly what it means to carry your culture with you. She grew up in Armenia, where her love of food was born in her family’s hometown restaurant. That early experience stayed with her; years later, it became the inspiration behind Ochag: a place rooted in memory, family and the joy of sharing a good meal.

“When you immigrate to a new country, you carry your culture with you,” Petrosyan says. “Ochag is a tribute to my roots and my family’s heritage. That spirit is reflected in many of the dishes on our menu.”

Ochag’s menu is a vibrant fusion of Eastern European and Mediterranean flavors, offering a rich tapestry of traditional dishes. From hearty, Russian-style Borscht topped with sour cream and savory Armenian dolma to zhingyalov hats, a delicate flatbread stuffed with a medley of fresh greens and herbs, every plate tells a story. You’ll also find Georgian Khachapuri, bubbling with cheese and egg, alongside an array of expertly marinated kebabs.

“The menu isn’t huge, but every item is crafted with care and intention,” says Petrosyan, noting that many of the recipes come straight from her own family’s kitchen. Asked which dish diners absolutely must try, her answer is immediate and passionate: shashlik — or kebabs, as they’re known in English.

“Our true specialty is the Armenian shashlik,” Petrosyan says with a smile. “I might be biased, but I truly believe they’re the best.” Marinated in a blend of Armenian spices like basil, dried oregano and a hint of cardamom, the generously cut meat on these skewers is packed with rich, distinctive flavor that sets them apart.

Ochag also brings something special to the table for wine lovers: Georgian wine. While still flying under the radar for many, Georgia’s winemaking tradition is one of the oldest in the world, with a history that goes back thousands of years. Ochag features a carefully curated selection of these unique wines, each one a link to the region’s deep cultural roots.

Petrosyan envisions Ochag, which is located just steps from H-Mart and some of Aurora’s most beloved Asian eateries, as a welcoming hub for the Eastern European community. But Ochag isn’t just for Europeans; it’s a place for everyone who’s curious to explore new flavors.

When I visited, the café was alive with laughter and conversation. I’m excited to return to introduce my non-Eastern European friends to the rich, satisfying flavors of Armenia, Georgia and Russia, foods I grew up on and the vibrant culture that comes with them. It's clear Ochag is filling a gap Colorado didn’t know it had.

“It brings me so much joy to see people try my family’s recipes for the first time,” Petrosyan says. “I truly hope this is just the beginning.”