Practical information : Eating out Armenia
Timetable
If Yerevan and the other localities of Armenia counted only rare restaurants (djacharan), and of State, at the time of the Soviet Union, with the often doubtful quality, the country is appreciated rightly today for its gastronomy, which one can taste in very many restaurants especially in Yerevan, where one can eat at any hour in certain districts. But in general, the establishments open at 12:00, observing a break until 15:00 for some, and in the evening, they can close until the last customer, that is to say rather late. Some popular establishments require reservations. From the Soviet era, the tradition of the "coupés" has been maintained, these private lounges, not to say VIP, where you can dine with your family, or with friends who want to meet in complete privacy, far from prying ears or eyes. In a more convivial style, restaurants with "chaou" (chow), where one dances to the sound of a folk group, in the open air or in a rustic and medieval cellar decor (maran), are always popular. As for the menu, Armenians are rather carnivorous, even if their cuisine is rich in vegetable-based dishes, stuffed or not; there is therefore little room for vegetarian and even less for vegan dishes, even if some restaurants claim to be "veg friendly".
Budget & Tips
Eating well is cheap and in Yerevan you can make an excellent and hearty meal for 10 €, drinks not included, and often put on the table, but the local vintages do not skyrocket the bill. In the regions, eating with local produce is even cheaper!
What costs extra
If the service is generally understood, it is good manners to leave a tip, as the standard of living in the country is low and the staff is poorly paid and has strenuous working hours (average monthly salary, €250). The custom in Armenia, as in many Eastern countries, is to fill the table with a wide range of hors d'oeuvres, but the choice is yours.
Smokers
Armenians are heavy smokers, all the more so as they have recently discovered Western brands that have replaced the Soviet cigarettes that used to tear out their throats! The country also produces tobacco and has its own cigarettes. A well-established habit therefore, but the authorities are fighting relentlessly against smoking and since a law of 2020, it is forbidden to smoke in public places, restaurants, cafés, etc., coffee terraces not being concerned. As for women, it is still frowned upon that they smoke in public!