Yerevan street

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, is well-known for its cozy and beautifully designed restaurants offering exquisite and delicious dishes of both local and foreign cuisine.

The choice is really great, and to help you not to get lost in the huge selection, we offer the top 4 best-loved and most popular restaurants in the capital.

1. Dolmama

Address: 10 Pushkin St, Yerevan 0010, Armenia

Dolmama restaurant is one of the most popular traditional restaurants of the capital. It is located in the city center on Pushkin Street. It was opened in 1998, in the difficult times for Armenia during the economic crisis.

The aim of the restaurant “Dolmama” was to revive the Armenian national cuisine and give a special highlight to it. The restaurant’s name comes from a pun words “dolma” – one of the most popular Armenian dishes, and “mama (mother)” – the one who prepares the best dolma.

As you have probably guessed, the main dish of the restaurant is dolma, which is generally prepared from the ground meat – beef, lamb, with rice wrapped in grape leaves.

The restaurant slightly changed the main recipe: minced meat was replaced with pieces of fillet, and the dish has become more spicy with the addition of rosemary and chili. This is the author’s recipe of Zhirayr Avanyan – the founder of the restaurant.

Generally, Dolmama’s cuisine is rich in interesting variations of the traditional Armenian dishes. The interior here is old-Armenian and resembles kitchens of the 19th century. Lots of world-known celebrities have dined here.

Just take into consideration that the prices are not low.

2. Tavern Yerevan

Address: 5 Amiryan St, Yerevan 0010, Armenia

Another no less popular place of the capital is Yerevan Tavern known for its friendly atmosphere and tasty national dishes.

The restaurant consists of one large hall for 30 people and several small rooms for 4-8 persons. It is decorated in traditional style with massive wooden tables and chairs, tablecloths, and cushions with a national Armenian ornament.

Separate rooms of the restaurant enable to conduct business meetings in a more relaxed atmosphere. And the comfortable large hall furnished with natural stones, has become a favorite destination among tourists.

3. Old Erivan

Address: 2 Northern Ave, Yerevan, Armenia

Since ancient times, Armenians have been famous for their warm hospitality and excellent cuisine.

Anyone who has ever visited this country or just communicated with Armenians living outside their homeland will mentioned this fact.

At Old Erivan you will be able to fully experience Armenian hospitality and enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant combines the elements of the ancient and modern history of Armenia, with unique secrets of its national cuisine. A distinctive feature is the design: apart from the usual tables, on the walls you will see photographs of famous people and politicians who have visited the restaurant before.

Today it is considered one of the best and the most attractive place in Armenia. The restaurant menu is pleasantly pleased with the variety and abundance.

The uniqueness of the restaurant is that visitors can satisfy not only their tastes in food but even choose a hall that is closest to them in spirit and style. Erebuni Erevan, Old Erivan, New Yerevan, Lights of Yerevan – four halls that are ready around the clock to serve everyone who chose one of them!

4. Charles Restaurant

Address: Apartment no.40, 3 Tamanyan St, Yerevan 0009, Armenia

For those who wish to enjoy not only the Armenian cuisine but European as well, we recommend visiting the wonderful restaurant Charles, located in one of the most beautiful places of modern Yerevan – near Cascade.

Charles is a piece of France in Armenia – refined, elegant with cozy atmosphere, live music, and the interior complemented with lighted candles, flowers, and a fireplace.

The restaurant serves delicious French cuisine, fine wines and desserts The service here is at the professional level, and the staff is very attentive and kind.

The desserts at Charles are absolutely indescribable! Mille-feuille, profiterole, even an ordinary cheesecake are works of culinary art!

Dishes You Must Try in Yerevan

These are some of the best locals foods to try in Yerevan and Armenia:

  • Manti 
  • Dolma
  • Herb-stuffed lavash
  • Armenian kebab (Khorovats)
  • Lahmacun
  • Lavash (bread)
  • Armenian snickers (Churchkhela)  
  • Khinkali

Book Your Trip to Yerevan

As you can see there are many interesting restaurants in Yerevan to visit and have a culinary journey like no other. Yerevan is also rich in unique sights, interesting museums and galleries.

You will find something to your own taste and preferences. To discover more highlights of the city or country you might want to book a trip with a local or international travel agency who offer guided-tours.

Whatever way you choose to travel, you’ll get lots of memorable experiences in Yerevan and with our suggestions for where you eat you’ll also get to sample the tastiest local food.