The best restaurants Yerevan

A little away from the Hrazdan river gorges, but thus offering a panoramic view, this restaurant leaning against the hill of Dzizernagapert, at the foot of the genocide memorial and its immense park, offers a varied and quality cuisine, mainly Armenian but also with international ambitions, to a clientele often family oriented, attracted by shows and other musical events, called here "chao", but also by the natural setting, conducive to calm and meditation when the decibels allow it ...

Yerevan has not succumbed to the skyscraper trend, so this restaurant, recently opened on the 17th and top floor of a building housing the Elite Plazza shopping centre, offers one of the few opportunities in the capital to enjoy a good meal while taking in the panoramic view. The Armenian and international specialties, which are otherwise tasty and tastefully presented, are a luxury that only the wealthiest can afford here, as the altitude makes the bill go up, as it does in most Yerevan rooftops

Created by the chef of the famous restaurant "Dolmama", this snack is ideal for discovering the famous basturma (dried beef) next to pastrami, and also the other product of the local delicatessen, the sujukh, a spicy sausage called here yeghchik, not to be confused with the homonymous candy. A cheap gourmet break, in a sandwich or tapas to peck with a good glass of wine on one of the few outdoor tables. A piece of advice: if you have an appointment, whether gallant or not, avoid basturma, whose spice leaves a persistent smell, especially in the heat of summer.

In the coolness of the very pleasant winter garden and its pond with fountain of the luxurious Grand Hotel Yerevan, ideally located on Abovian Street and in the greenery of the terrace overlooking Charles Aznavour Square, great Italian and international cuisine. An elegant setting, but not too stuffy though, for a tasty cuisine, offering the most refined specialities, served by attentive staff, all washed down with the best Italian and Armenian vintages, which are likely to make the bill soar.

This restaurant located in the northern outskirts of Yerevan, towards Komitas Avenue, in a lively quarter with green areas, offers, among other Armenian specialties, those enjoyed in the province of Shirak and its capital, Gyumri. Only connoisseurs will know the difference, but the cuisine of Gyumri and the Shirak province is more rustic and sober, suited to the harsher climate of this northern region, where khach and other body-friendly specialties help to cope with the rigours of winter ,

This restaurant located near the Republic Square is dedicated to the cuisine of Western Armenia, more exactly of Cilicia, as the sign says, which pays homage to the city of Ayas, the only large port that Armenia ever had, on the Mediterranean Sea, at the time of the Kingdom of Cilicia. However, no seafood platters. In culinary terms, the cuisine of Western Armenia does not really differ from that of Armenia, but you will be able to savour the diversity of it in this tastefully decorated restaurant to the sound of traditional music.

Somewhat off-centre, on one of the main sloping streets on the edge of the Hrazdan gorges, this restaurant is one of the survivors of the good times in a district that used to be full of khorovadz and other grilled meats, offered in stands on the pavements of Prochian and Paronian avenues until a few years ago. A good sign for the value for money and the typical decor, as well as for the Armenian specialties on offer, among the restaurants located in this area where the scent of kebabs still emanates.

The sign is Italian, the cuisine is Italian, but it is also international and the clientele is made up of the nouveau riche who like to show off in the flashy and slightly kitsch decor of this restaurant with orchestra, without looking to spend money. Perhaps as much ethno-sociological as gastronomic interest, although the menu has improved, for this establishment located between the heights of the Cascade, on the edge of the greenery of the Victory Park, and the northern outskirts of the Armenian capital, therefore a little far from the centre.

This bar-restaurant, located in the lively Opera district, offers authentic Italian cuisine, whose specialties are popular in Yerevan. All kinds of pasta, but also dishes from different regions of Italy, a wide assortment of cold cuts, and very hearty pizzas too, which are tastefully presented in a rather sober decor, all washed down with Italian wines, but also Armenian vintages, served on large tables to create an atmosphere that is meant to be convivial, in the Italian style.

Situated to the right of the Cascade, in a district rich in all kinds of entertainment, this very nice newly created restaurant is worth visiting, especially during the sunny days: it is indeed one of the still too rare places in the capital where you can have lunch and dinner on the terrace and be offered, by a friendly and helpful staff, a varied and good quality menu, which does not spoil anything, of Armenian and international specialties. The "expats" of the capital have made it their Q. G.

A sign installed in the pleasant and relaxing greenery of Hakhtanagui Aiki (the Victory Park), on the heights overlooking the "Waterfall" and all of Yerevan. This bar-restaurant offers a wide choice of Armenian and also French specialties, even from other countries, at moderate prices, even with the addition of Armenian wines, all in a friendly atmosphere, on the terrace in the summer, where children can enjoy the surrounding green areas without fear of cars.

Located in the northern suburbs of Yerevan, but nevertheless in a lively area, relatively green when the summer has not been too hot, this restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern gastronomy offers a wide variety of Lebanese and Syrian dishes, quite similar to Armenian cuisine but whose subtleties have been appreciated by Armenians since the arrival of many Syrian refugees in the country. To be eaten on the spot or to take away, day or night.

This establishment, located in a slightly secluded area between the Opera and Republic squares, but nevertheless lively, offers a quality and refined Middle Eastern cuisine, which has seduced the capital's many amateurs from Lebanon, although difficult. Geotians may not see much difference between this cuisine and Armenian cuisine, but this restaurant allows you to grasp the nuances. You will eat like a king at a modest price. The restaurant also has a home delivery service.

This restaurant, ideally located in the lively Cascade district, close to the Tamanian statue, aspires to luxury and great cuisine, Armenian and Middle Eastern, and attracted the local elite when it was one of the few to occupy this niche. The Armenian and Near Eastern dishes on offer are sometimes of uneven quality, but the décor is elegant. The establishment makes it a point of honor to serve French or Californian wines, which helps to raise the bill, in a hushed and musical atmosphere that tends to soften the morals ...

Located in the hollow of the Hrazdan gorges, its slightly kitsch decor aspiring to luxury and its somewhat stilted service are not really in the spirit of the "guinguette" that the place had until a few years ago. However, the cuisine is refined, Armenian but also European, in profusion and with warmth, in a family atmosphere, and sometimes it is necessary to reserve the vast rooms for weddings and banquets. In other words, we are left with a certain folklore, with prices that remain reasonable

While local pizzas, lahmadjune, are still popular, Armenians have readily converted to Italian pizza, which was virtually unknown in Soviet times. This establishment, conveniently located at the beginning of Abovian Street, a stone's throw from Republic Square, was one of the first to introduce it to Yerevan, and it has since withstood stiff competition, including takeaway pizzas. It is part of a chain that also includes two establishments in the opera district, at 32 rue Toumanian and 31/2 rue Khorenatsi.

On the outskirts of Republic Square, there is a "corner" (ankiun in Armenian) of Italy in this restaurant that serves the specialties of the peninsula, and not only, with some success. In addition to the must-sees of Italian gastronomy, pizza and other pasta and ravioli in all sauces, the establishment with its vaguely Italian decor offers specialties from Armenia and other culinary horizons, served with Italian wines, but also the latest Armenian vintages, which can raise the bill presented by a rather affable staff.

This restaurant will be perfect for lovers of the spicy flavours of Indian cuisine, which is not very well represented in Yerevan despite its close ties, dating back to the Soviet era, with India, which still sends many students to its universities. Nationals of the subcontinent, some of whom have failed in Yerevan, misled by fraudulent advertisements, may not be able to afford to eat there, but Armenians do get a taste for the tandoor, so close to the tonir!

This establishment, located in the Opera district, illustrates Yerevan's openness to world cuisines, especially Asian ones. Gone are the days when Yerevan had only one Chinese restaurant, from which people came out sick. Here, you can enjoy specialities of northern Chinese cuisine in a serene atmosphere, in a setting that is meant to be Pekinese. A cuisine less refined than that of the south (of China), but which will seduce the palates eager to rediscover the flavours of China after an overdose of kebabs. A welcome stopover on the Silk Roads.

This restaurant is located at a good distance from the center of the capital, in the western periphery, beyond the Hrazdan gorges, and therefore in a green setting. But distance does not matter for the fans of Georgian cuisine, which shows its difference even if it shares many flavors and specialties with Armenian cuisine. In a traditional setting of wood and wrought iron, on the upper floor, typically Caucasian, a varied choice of Georgian specialities - including the famous khnagali, Georgian variant of the Mantis - and Russian ones, at affordable prices.

In a decor recreating the typical atmosphere of the old taverns of the Caucasus, this restaurant on the first floor of a building located on the edge of the green belt east of the capital, between the Republic and Opera squares, offers a wide selection of Armenian and Georgian specialties, including the famous khngali, these large meat ravioli filled with broth, accompanied by the best wines of the region in a musical environment. A very friendly atmosphere, around large tables, day and night.

Among the many claimed "resort" locations created in the northern suburbs of Yerevan, this is one of the most impressive. An eclectic collection of buildings, with dungeons, canals, basins, water jets, waterfalls, statues and a swimming pool, scattered throughout a vast garden, this is the setting. It offers a wide range of kebabs and specialties from Armenia and elsewhere, washed down with Armenian and other wines in a typical (a) atmosphere, and activities, including horseback riding

Located in the immediate vicinity of the vast tree-lined esplanade of the Cascade, where the whole of Yerevan gathers in summer especially, to the right of the imposing statue of the Soviet urban planner Tamanian, this excellent restaurant offers in an elegant and bright setting, with large bay windows, original menus composed with Armenian specialties and other culinary horizons beautifully presented. Impeccable service, is friendly. The establishment offers a wine list, from the country and elsewhere, rather extensive which can 'weigh down the bill, but without excessive.

This newly created restaurant, an initiative of the local Tashir group, which has several shopping centres and a chain of Tashir pizzerias, is ideally located on the outskirts of Republic Square. It offers a wide range of Armenian and European specialties in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and is popular for its khorovadz and grills, although vegetarians and other gluten-free lovers are not forgotten. The sign, which means "ladle" in Armenian, gives an idea of the hearty character of the dishes served by ladle.

A complex like this has been built a lot on the outskirts of Yerevan, especially in the green area on the road to Tbilisi. The establishment, scattered in a park with ponds and swimming pool, has several buildings, nicely furnished, including a hotel, whose rooms are also tastefully decorated. Suitable for weddings and banquets, the vast dining room extends outdoors where Armenian specialties can be tasted under the trees

As its sign indicates, this restaurant is located on the 11th floor of one of the buildings of a somewhat solemn neo-Armenian architecture of this avenue du Nord inaugurated in 2007, linking the Place de la République to the Place de l'Opéra. As with all the establishments on this new artery, which seeks to give character with shows and entertainment, prices are relatively high, but Armenian and international specialties are served in an elegant setting and rooftop, the main asset, gives them even more flavour

Anchored under the big Victory Bridge (Hakhtanaki Gamourdj), this boat (nav) cannot offer you a cruise, because of the draught, the Hrazan almost dry in summer, not being navigable... But you can also embark on a culinary and folklore cruise, which will take you on a journey through the flavours of Armenian cuisine to the sound of the folklore groups that sometimes perform there, even if the atmosphere in the gorge is not the same since the many guinguettes that settled there in the early 2000s have dropped anchor.

A typical restaurant along the thin stream of the Hrazdan, one of the survivors of the many guinguettes that were set up in the gorges at the beginning of the 2000s. A little overhanging, in a green setting, it offers a view of the site from its large terraces. But the cuisine, especially the brochettes, which the restaurant has made a speciality, along with other typical Armenian dishes on the menu, is not always in tune with the place, which is nicely furnished and decorated, and the staff, who are welcoming.

If you have a sudden craving for sushi and other makis, perhaps tired of khorovadz, it is now possible to find some and have them delivered to Yerevan, where Japanese take-away or eat-in Japanese cuisine has found many fans. This beautiful establishment, decorated in the Japanese style, is undoubtedly one of the best in the capital for its value for money; a profusion of sushi and other Japanese specialities served in the dining room or in the charming private lounges with parchment walls, or that can be taken away.