The best restaurants Gyumri

An address known to gourmets, but one that you have to take the trouble to find, at the extreme north-west of Gyumri, next to the Olympic College, at the foot of the Red Fort, a small round fort on a hill, away from the centre. All sorts of specialities are served there, but especially fish, which is served from afar in this establishment called the Col des Circassiens because it is said to have served the soldiers of a regiment in Circassian (Cherkesses) dress.

In an intimate setting and a beautiful décor, worthy of old Gyumri, this restaurant boasts authentic Armenian specialties, not just khorovadz and other dolmas. Local specialties such as tan abour, the typical Armenian mountain yoghurt soup with wheat gruel, which is very invigorating in winter, are particularly appreciated, as well as mantis and other beautifully presented and tasty dishes of Armenian and European cuisine. It depends, like so many other Gymri restaurants, on a hotel, in this case the Nane.

This lovely establishment is not a piano bar, as its sign would suggest. Situated on the outskirts of the centre of Gyumri, the Piano is renowned for its delicious Armenian and European-inspired prepared dishes and its selection of sweets and pastries, both Armenian and European, as well as ice cream. You can sit there for a gourmet break in a pleasant setting while enjoying the view of the old Gyumri, or take away the specialities on offer to continue your stroll through the city while eating out.

The Armenian group Tashir, which has entered the fast food business with its eponymous pizza chain, has also set up shop in Gyumri. Located in the historic centre of Gyumri, this Tashir chain pizzeria offers all kinds of pizzas and other fast food dishes at affordable prices, except for authentic Italian, to take away or to eat on the spot in the few chairs available in the establishment, with a modern decor, like all those of this chain, which is very successful in Armenia.

This relatively new restaurant has gone from being a pizzeria to an Italian restaurant. It still offers a wide range of pizzas that claim to be authentically Italian, as well as an equally wide choice of pasta and other Italian specialties, not forgetting of course the Armenian gastronomy, including the famous Armenian or Lahmajune pizzas. Armenian wine, but especially Italian wine, can raise the bill...

This establishment, ideally located on the outskirts of the central square, is one of the oldest in Gyumri and remains a very popular address for locals and visitors alike, for its authentic and rustic decor, and its cuisine, mainly Armenian, served with cordiality. A family atmosphere and very local therefore, which will make you appreciate even more its large choice of specialties and sweets, chocolate and vanilla and other local pastries.

This bistrot-taverne, which also claims to be a "beer house", is located in the heart of the historic district, in a beautiful house combining, as is often the case in the city, black and red tufa. It offers snack-style dishes, mainly Armenian specialities, but served copiously with sympathy and warmth. The atmosphere is in keeping with the most popular beer bar in Gyumri, which is, it should be noted, the Armenian beer capital.

Behind a curious black and orange stone facade of a building located in the centre of Gyumri, a large and bright room with a sober decor offers an Armenian and international cuisine. Suitable for small appetites, as the portions are not Armenian style. So no khorovadz debauchery, but beautifully presented, carefully and hygienically presented dishes, including hamburgers and other more international dishes. The establishment also offers a wide selection of sweets and pastries, both Armenian and European.