Where to Eat in Yerevan?

Yerevan takes immense pride in its culinary scene, boasting a rich tapestry of flavors that can rival the best gourmet destinations in the world. Below is a curated selection of must-visit restaurants that will elevate your stay in Armenia’s vibrant capital.

The name translates as “Mother’s Dolma,” and that’s exactly what you can expect — traditional dolma prepared the way it was decades ago, back when Armenian homemakers didn’t rely on meat grinders and instead chopped the meat by hand with heavy cleavers. This devotion to authenticity is what sets Dolmama apart.

The restaurant also holds a fascinating secret — a single, special armchair. And not just any chair. In 2013, Prince Charles dined here, and being accustomed to the comforts of plush seating, he was given this particular spot. A royal quirk, perhaps, but you too can channel a little royal flair by reserving the same seat and ordering what the prince had: grilled Sevan trout. A meal fit for royalty — quite literally.

Burgers had a rough start in Yerevan. It’s not easy to win hearts when the city is shrouded in the delicious smoke of barbecues each evening — who needs a sandwich when mouthwatering meats are sizzling on every corner?

Still, EVN Diner has carved out a name for itself, serving up some of the best burgers in the city. They’re unapologetically indulgent — take, for instance, the infamous “Heart Attack” burger, a towering beast of three thick beef patties, cheddar cheese, and pickles. It’s delicious, it’s daring, and yes — try it at your own risk.

Tucked away and unassuming, Abovyan 12 is a hidden gem of Armenian cuisine. Part of the artistic Dalan complex — which includes a souvenir shop and an art gallery — this restaurant is where tradition meets quiet charm.

Come for breakfast and enjoy scrambled eggs with basturma, a local delicacy. For lunch, savor a hearty onion soup, and stay for dinner to feast on tender, flavorful shashlik. It’s the perfect culinary introduction to Armenia, served in a place that feels both intimate and authentic.

A casual local favorite, LaBeerInt is a no-frills beer pub with a clever twist: each table is equipped with its own twin beer taps. Pour to your heart’s content — the taps have built-in meters to track your intake.

But LaBeerInt is more than just a novelty. The menu is impressively vast, showcasing nearly every known Armenian dish and a few Georgian favorites for good measure. And the best part? The prices are refreshingly down-to-earth — about half of what you’d pay in the city’s more tourist-centric restaurants.

Imagine an Armenian restaurant without shashlik. Unthinkable? Not quite. Barev Arev, the brainchild of acclaimed chef Grigor Simonyan, is redefining the Armenian table through experimental cuisine. Here, local ingredients are reimagined with European and Asian influences, producing a menu that is both innovative and rooted in tradition.

Think ostrich pâté, or tarragon and mascarpone ice cream — strange on paper, delightful on the palate. As a finishing touch, diners receive a complimentary dessert from the chef: a sweet tribute to the season, with flavors like mulberry, pomegranate, or apple. Barev Arev is a bold culinary adventure — one that redefines what Armenian food can be.