Newton's Premiere Armenian Fare
It is my understanding that this is the best Armenian food to be had in the Boston metro area. Being neither a connoisseur of Armenian food nor a regular customer, I can only give you the average Joe's description of my experience there. The food was decent, not really my cup of tea, but I could see how it would be enjoyable to someone who is a fan of the region. The atmosphere on the other hand was exceptional. It was like stepping out of the Newton suburbs right into the Middle East. The interior is dimly lit and the whole place has a rustic charm. It isn't a joint I intend to frequent, but if you are looking for a unique dining experience, look no further. And where else in Newton can you see live belly dancing?    [28 Jun 2001 15:26:40]

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     ­Pat   

The Best
Best food, best music, dances, cute Armenian guys, very good drinks, nice relaxing atmosphere!    [07 May 2003 11:18:17]

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     ­olya   

A Very Fun Place with Wonderful Food
The food is authentic and delicious, and the entertainment is fun, a great place for either a quiet dinner or a party. It is worth the trip. The ambiance is nice too.    [17 Jul 2003 17:45:09]

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Recommended Dishes: Lamb Kebab, Mezze platter

     ­Karen, Beacon Hill   

Worst Service Ever
Karoun is an Armenian owned family restaurant large enough to serve a birthday party banquet.

I haven't tried all the items on the menu, but those that I have can be characterized as mediocre or worse. Such a 'must' for Mediterranean cuisine as humus is far worse that can be purchased in a store like Costco.

Wine selection was in sync with food.

Belly dancers perform live on Friday and Saturday starting at 9:30 pm. Shows are followed by tip collecting by performers that some people may find offensive. I personally feel tip collecting is more appropriate for street performances rather than for family style restaurants.

There is no cover charge for entertainment.

Belly dancing performance is followed by live dancing that includes French songs from the 60s performed by the owner who apparently has no formal singing training accompanied by 2 musicians. Group plays disco style music that mostly includes hustle, rumba and also Armenian folk music.

Service was not great from the beginning, but what happened after we got our bill is worth mentioning. I was there with a party of six people. We came late (in the middle of belly dance) and were not really hungry, so we ordered wine, appetizers, one main course and a dessert platter. Our order
total was approximately $80. We got a bill that only indicated the total of $126 and were asked to pay. After the bill was paid in full I asked the waitress to explain where this amount had come from but the only explanation I got from her - was that this amount was recommended by the owner and there was some kind of minimum charge per person (which was not mentioned at time we placed the order).

I was curious to find out how total was calculated (mostly because we wanted to know how to split the money among the group members) and called the owner to explain.

Here came the real surprise: On my polite request to explain how the total was calculated and a request to provide an itemized bill for services, the owner in a very high-pitched and irritated voice lectured me that the
entertainment provided was not free. We tried desperately to clear up any possible confusion and to understand why he was so angry in the first place.

However he became more and more angry, finally demanding that we leave immediately and never come back again. This kind of horrific treatment of customers was unexpected to say the least and I want this review to act as a warning for potential customers.    [15 Jan 2008 20:52:08]

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     ­kamal03   

Karoun's Awesome
I'm a long-time customer of Karoun. I've met the owners on a number of occasions and they are the ultimate hosts. Everyone pays prix fixe on the weekends. It's like going to the theatre where you're paying for your seat. The food, service, atmosphere, entertainment (especially the owner/singer) are all fabuluous. Don't listen to "sour grapes" or you'll miss the time of your life!    [13 Feb 2008 08:59:50]

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Recommended Dishes: appetizers, lamb kebab

     ­Anonymous