Delicious food is the calling card of the capital of Armenia. Bunches of the aromas of cilantro, spicy basil, fresh vegetables, juicy barbecue, hearty khashlama, ruddy lavash – it is simply impossible to resist. We have compiled a selection of the best cafes and restaurants, as well as places where one can eat both tasty and inexpensively in Yerevan.
Yasaman
Yasaman Restaurant – Address: 1/1, Yekmalyan str.
In brief: an atmospheric restaurant with a wide selection of national dishes.The name of the restaurant translates as "lilac" and reflects the features of the interior: there are many flowers and natural decor in the halls of the restaurant. However, guests come here not only for the interior, first of all, they are attracted by the yummy menu.
In "Yasaman" one can try:
- several types of barbecue, including the signature sturgeon barbecue;
- veal, lamb or goose dolma;
- hummus with roast beef and vegetables;
- pide and lahmajo baked in the oven.
For desserts, they offer warm halva with ice cream, pakhlava and cheese with blackberry sauce.
The cuisine of "Yasaman" is represented by both traditional Armenian dishes and European recipes, which in the hands of a skilled chef have acquired the so-called Yerevan notes.
Tavern Yerevan
Tavern Yerevan – Addresses: 91, Teryan str.; 5, Amiryan str.; 7, Paronyan str.; 29/2, Khorenatsi str.
In brief: Armenian flavor, affordable prices."Yerevan" is a chain of taverns where one can try national Armenian cuisine. Here one will find a very wide menu and reasonable prices. The specialty of the restaurant is that the waiters here are exclusively men who are well versed in cuisine, especially meat.
Several interesting dishes are included in the menu:- Erzrum ghapama. Pumpkin stuffed with beef pulp, vegetables and beans.
- Khurjin. Meat and vegetables baked in a lavash pouch.
- Tava kyufta. A meat dish made from beef pulp, served on a frying pan.
Visitors will find a wide selection of fish and grilled dishes, soups, side dishes, as well as baked goods.
Toon Lahmajo
Toon Lahmajo – Address: 23, Teryan str.
In brief: one of the best Lahmajos in Yerevan.If you do not know where to eat inexpensively in Yerevan city center and try national cuisine, then you should visit "Tun Lahmajo". The signature dish of this restaurant is the famous Lahmajo – an Armenian analogue of pizza with meat filling, baked in the oven.
The restaurant is very popular both among the guests of the city and the local population. Therefore, it is usually quite crowded. However, this does not prevent you from enjoying delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.
On hot days, the guests of the restaurant are invited to a summer veranda, entwined with grape vines. It has become a favorite spot for regulars of this place.
Cafe chain Karas
Karas – Addresses: 15/6, Vardanants str.; 19, Tumanyan str.; 20/1, Hrachya Kochar str., etc.
In brief: Armenian fast food restaurant.The specialty of "Karas" is the successful combination of home cooking and fast food. Here one can find traditional Armenian dishes served in a manner reminiscent of fast food restaurants. The cafe is suitable for those who want to try a quick, inexpensive and tasty snack.
From 9:00 to 18:00 lunch is served here. For 1800 drams (about 5 US dollars), one will be offered a set lunch, consisting of:- hot dish;
- side dish;
- salad;
- drink.
There will be 5-10 options to choose from for each point.
The menu of the restaurant offers a wide selection of hot and grilled dishes, soups, appetizers, salads, including dolma, khinkali, fried suluguni and many more.
The atmosphere in the cafe is quite relaxed, which creates a feeling of home. Visitors especially note the quality of cooking meat and vegetables, as well as the freshness of the ingredients.
Tumanyan Khinkali
Tumanyan Khinkali – Addresses: 21, Tumanyan str.; 60/6, Griboyedov str.
In brief: the most famous khinkali house in Yerevan.Another place where one can enjoy a delicious meal in Yerevan. The cafe's calling card is boiled and fried khinkali with a variety of fillings:
- meat;
- cheese;
- chicken;
- mushrooms;
- tarragon and egg.
Besides khinkali, one can taste khashlama, dolma, moussaka, farro pilaf and other dishes in the cafe.
Lavash
Lavash Restaurant – Address: 21, Tumanyan str.
In brief: a fine dining restaurant."Lavash" is one of the most popular restaurants in Yerevan. Perhaps that is the reason of the prices here being higher than the city's average. The restaurant attracts guests with its national Armenian cuisine, enhanced by a signature presentation.
The pride of "Lavash" is farm products, delivered specially at the chef's order. On the first floor of the restaurant guests can observe the process of baking in an Armenian tonir (special oven).
In "Lavash" one will find an elegant interior, special presentation of dishes, haute cuisine, friendly staff, as well as a wide selection of wines. In a word, everything one needs for a pleasant dinner.
At Artash's
At Artash's Restaurant – Address: 31, Moskovyan str.
In brief: fast food and restaurant.On the first floor of this restaurant there is Armenian fast food point. Here one can have a snack of shawarma, barbecue in lavash and kebab. It is also possible to try Armenian wok: traditional Armenian arishta noodles with different toppings.
Going down to the ground floor, one will find a small but atmospheric restaurant. The menu of the venue includes national and European dishes. Visitors are pleased with the huge portions.
Dolmama
Dolmama Restaurant – Address: 10, Pushkin str.
In brief: national cuisine restaurant with home interior.The interior design of this restaurant resembles a cozy, tastefully furnished old Armenian house. Inside one will find antique furniture, carpets, decorative elements: vases, candlesticks, as well as forged objects.
The signature dish of the restaurant is dolma. Also, visitors of "Dolmama" recommend to try khashlama, kyufta, tzhvzhik from lamb. Wine is served with meat dishes – the wine list contains more than 50 names.
"Dolmama" is a restaurant with a history. It was visited by many world celebrities, one can view who exactly by observing the photos right at the entrance. It is not surprising that the price tag of the restaurant seems high to many.
In Vino
In Vino Wine Club, Bar – Address: 6, Saryan str.
In brief: wine bar with tasting and shop."In Vino" is a wine club, bar and shop. It offers a huge selection of wines of both local and foreign production. A favorite place to spend time for both city guests and local residents. Therefore, if one wishes to sit here in the evening, it would be better to book a table in advance.
The restaurant sells wine in bottles and glasses. Light snacks will be offered for drinks: cheese plate, meat set and olives. And if one does not like wine, aromatic coffee and sandwiches are offered.
Ponchikanots
Ponchikanots – Addresses: 54, Mesrop Mashtots ave., and others.
In brief: the best place for sweet lovers."Ponchikanots" is the most famous family cafe in Yerevan, where one can eat delicious donuts, pastries, cakes, candies and all kinds of sweets inexpensively. Donuts are served with creams of different types: custard, chocolate, strawberry, apple. From drinks one can choose between tea, coffee and cocoa.
The cafe belongs to one of the largest producers of sweets in Armenia – "Grand Candy" company. There is also a store where one can buy the products of the company. There are several "Grand Candy" cafes in Yerevan, but the one on Mashtots is considered the most popular.
