Armenia is home to a vibrant café culture. While it’s known as the “Silicon Mountain” for its tech startups and innovation, modern café life thrives side-by-side. It’s common to see young professionals working on laptops or socializing over a cup of rich espresso. Yerevan, in particular, is famous for its cafés—especially around the Cascade Complex and the Old Town district, offering a wide variety of trendy and cozy options. Life in Yerevan is never dull!

Breakfast Traditions

Armenian breakfast varies from one village to another. The essentials usually include fresh eggs, warm lavash straight from a traditional tonir oven, cucumbers, tomatoes, goat or sheep cheese, dried meats like basturma, honey, and a selection of homemade jams served with tea or coffee.
In Yerevan and other major cities, you’ll also find full English breakfasts, continental options, or fresh bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon. But nothing beats the taste of farm-to-table Armenian breakfast offered in most cafés.

Fine Dining

Food lovers will be thrilled with Armenia’s culinary renaissance.
From Yerevan to other cities, many restaurants are redefining traditional Armenian cuisine with creative flair, offering gourmet dishes that satisfy even the most refined tastes.

Mezza Culture

Derived from the Persian word for flavor, mezza in Armenia is a shared experience.
Meals are social events with large platters of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, appetizers, and breads meant to be enjoyed together.
Almost every Armenian restaurant offers shareable dishes with bold, rich flavors.

Drinks & Nightlife

Armenia’s cocktail scene is booming. Several Armenian mixologists have won international competitions, and there’s talk of Armenia hosting a global cocktail championship soon.
Prefer beer or brandy?
Armenia has plenty of local breweries and brandy bars, serving award-winning spirits that are nationally renowned.

Late-Night Street Food

No visit is complete without trying beef or lamb kebab from a roadside stand between cities. For vegetarians, try freshly boiled corn. In the cities, grab chicken shawarma, matshosh bread (Armenian pizza), or a warm ponchik (a cream-filled donut, like an Armenian Boston Cream). Want something different? Raise your glass and say “Kenats!” Armenian for “Cheers!”