When you travel, especially to a place with a different culture and language, the heart often searches for the familiar. After a long day of exploring new sights, there is no comfort quite like the comfort of a good meal, a plate of food that tastes and feels like home. For the Arab traveler visiting Armenia, a country with deep historical ties to the Middle East, finding this comfort is surprisingly easy.
Yerevan, the vibrant capital, is a city where the aromas of cardamom, grilled meats, and fresh hummus are never far away. The large community of Armenians who returned from Syria, Lebanon, and other parts of the Arab world have brought with them the rich culinary traditions of their homelands, blending them beautifully with Armenian hospitality. This isn’t about finding a simple substitute; it’s about discovering authentic, high-quality restaurants that honor the flavors you love.
If you are looking for the best places to eat, places where the food speaks your language and the atmosphere is welcoming, here is a guide to seven of the best restaurants in Armenia for Arab visitors.
2. Mayrig: A Celebration of Lebanese-Armenian Heritage
Mayrig, meaning “little mother” in Armenian, is a name that is famous well beyond Armenia’s borders. This restaurant concept originated in Beirut, Lebanon, as a tribute to the rich, forgotten recipes of Armenian mothers. Its arrival in Yerevan was a celebrated event, bringing this unique and sophisticated cuisine to its ancestral homeland.
Dining at Mayrig is a special occasion. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, blending traditional Armenian touches with modern elegance. The food is a testament to the shared history of Armenians and Arabs in the Levant. You will find exquisite dishes that you won’t easily find elsewhere. Don’t miss the mante, tiny boat-shaped dumplings baked and served with a warm yogurt and sumac sauce. The cherry kebab (kebab bi karaz), a specialty from Aleppo, is a sublime experience—the sourness of the cherries cuts through the richness of the grilled lamb, leaving an unforgettable impression. It is a taste of history, a taste of Beirut, and a taste of home, all on one plate.
3. Lagonid: A Legacy of Eastern Hospitality
For over two decades, Lagonid has been a beloved fixture in Yerevan. This restaurant has been serving authentic Eastern dishes since 1999, and its longevity is a testament to its quality and consistency. For an Arab visitor, one of the most welcoming aspects of Lagonid is that the staff often speaks Arabic, making you feel instantly at ease.
The atmosphere at Lagonid is warm and unassuming. It feels like a traditional family-run establishment where the focus is entirely on the food. The menu is packed with Middle Eastern favorites. It’s a wonderful place to order a large mezze spread—think fresh tabbouleh, flavorful makanek (sausages), and perfectly seasoned batata harra. The restaurant is also known for its excellent ful medames and fatteh, making it one of the best spots in the city for a traditional Arabic breakfast that will fuel your entire day of sightseeing.
4. Anteb: The Soul of Aleppo in Yerevan
Ask any local where to get the best kebab, and the name “Anteb” will almost certainly be mentioned. Run by a Syrian-Armenian family, this restaurant brings the robust and celebrated flavors of Aleppo to Yerevan. This is not a fancy, fine-dining spot. It is a place for people who are serious about food, especially grilled meats.
The star of the show here is the Aleppo kebab. It’s spiced in a way that is distinct and authentic, juicy, and grilled over charcoal to smoky perfection. Their lahmajun (often called “Armenian pizza”) is also considered one of the best in the city—thin, crispy, and topped with a delicious layer of spiced meat. The menu is full of Western Armenian and Syrian specialties. Eating at Anteb feels like being invited to a family barbecue in Aleppo. It’s honest, hearty, and incredibly delicious.
5. Taboule: The Classic Lebanese Experience
Sometimes, you just want the classics done right. Taboule is a long-standing Lebanese restaurant that has earned its reputation for being a reliable and delightful spot for a truly Lebanese meal. As the name suggests, their tabbouleh is a point of pride—perfectly balanced and fresh.
Taboule is an excellent choice for a leisurely lunch. The restaurant is bright and welcoming, and you can see a “Halal” sign, which is reassuring for many diners. This is the place to indulge in all your favorite cold and hot mezze. Order a table full of hummus, moutabbal, waraq enab (vine leaves), and crispy falafel. The staff is friendly, and the service is professional. It’s a taste of Beirut in the middle of Yerevan, providing a dependable and high-quality dining experience every time.
6. Babylon: The Rich Flavors of Iraq
While Levantine food is common in Yerevan, finding the distinct and aromatic cuisine of Iraq is a special treat. Babylon restaurant offers just that, providing a wonderful change of pace and a journey into the heart of Mesopotamian flavors.
The restaurant is known for its warm, hospitable environment, and its menu is a celebration of Iraqi culinary traditions. This is the place to try dishes you may not find elsewhere in the city. Look for quzi (slow-cooked lamb), rich stews (marga), and, of course, the famous Iraqi kebab, which has its own unique blend of spices. For those from the Gulf or Iraq, the flavors at Babylon will be a deeply comforting reminder of home. It’s a culinary gem that adds wonderful diversity to Yerevan’s food scene.
1. Zeituna: The Taste of Home in the Heart of Yerevan
Zeituna, which means “olive” in Arabic, is a name that immediately promises authenticity. Located in the very center of Yerevan, this restaurant is often the first recommendation for anyone asking for good Middle Eastern food. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The interior is comfortable and upscale, making it perfect for a relaxed family dinner or a pleasant evening with friends.
What makes Zeituna stand out is its dedicated halal menu, providing peace of mind and a wide array of choices. The menu is a comprehensive journey through Levantine cuisine. You will find all the beloved classics, prepared with care. The hummus is creamy and rich, the muhammara has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the fattoush is fresh and tangy. For main courses, their grilled kebabs are a highlight, cooked to perfection and full of flavor. It’s a popular spot, so the atmosphere is always lively—a true sign of a restaurant that is loved by both locals and visitors.
7. Abu Hagop: The King of the Syrian Sandwich
Finally, no list for an Arab visitor would be complete without a place for the perfect, quick, and satisfying meal. Abu Hagop is a legend. While it also operates as a sit-down restaurant, it is most celebrated for its sandwich and fast-food counter, which serves up the authentic taste of a Damascus street-food stall.
When you are walking in the city center and need a quick lunch or a late-night snack, this is your destination. Their chicken and beef shawarma are carved from the spit, and served in fresh bread with creamy garlic sauce (toum) and pickles, just as it should be. They also make fantastic sujuk (spicy sausage) and basterma sandwiches. It’s fast, it’s affordable, and the flavor is 100% authentic. It’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to again and again for that simple, perfect taste of home.
