Why Mina on Saryan pulls you in from the doorway
Mina Yerevan is not just a restaurant, but a place where culture, art, and gastronomy meet. The restaurant, opened by renowned restaurateur Aram Mnatsakanov, is located in the very center of Yerevan, on Saryan Street, in the building of the famous architect Varazdat Harutyunyan, which gives it a special charm. Mina attracts attention not only with its delicious food but also with its unique atmosphere, in which modern culinary traditions harmoniously intertwine.
Mina Yerevan began operations on May 22, 2023, and since then has become a popular destination among gourmets, offering refined dishes that reflect the creativity and philosophy of Aram Mnatsakanov himself. Mina is located in the very heart of the city, and it is almost impossible to walk past it without noticing.
It is painted in vibrant hues, making it a true work of art against the backdrop of the city’s bustle, while the building evokes the vivid творчество of the Armenian artist Saryan. Every detail here is carefully considered to create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth, where one can not only enjoy gastronomic masterpieces but also immerse oneself in the world of art.
The restaurant’s concept is unique—bringing together two cuisines close to the heart: Middle Eastern and Italian. This concept emerged thanks to the close ties between Italian and Lebanese cultures, making it possible to create a distinctive gastronomic palette in which the traditions of both cuisines complement one another. As a result, Mina Yerevan offers dishes that unite the richness of flavors and aromas of these cultures, creating a unique experience for every guest.
During the season, restaurant guests can enjoy a magnificent veranda, which is an ideal place for dining in the open air. The restaurant is not only delicious and cozy, but also features its own courtyard with mulberry and apricot trees, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. This place is a true oasis in the center of Yerevan, where one can relax and enjoy pizza from a wood-fired oven, as well as other genuine culinary creations.
We spoke with the esteemed Laura, the manager of the Mina Yerevan restaurant, to better understand the philosophy of the establishment and learn what makes it so special.
— When was the restaurant “Mina” in Yerevan opened?
— The Mina restaurant in Yerevan began welcoming guests on May 22, 2023. And it feels as if it were just yesterday. From the very first day of operation, I realized that this was a truly special place.
— Which dishes are the most popular among guests of your restaurant?
— Without a doubt, pizza is the pride of our restaurant. We prepare it in the traditional Neapolitan style, and, according to many of our guests, it is the best in the city. We let the dough rest for about 24 hours, and it consists of 80% water, which makes the pizza easy to digest and leaves no feeling of heaviness after eating.
In addition, we make our pasta and ice cream in-house, using authentic family recipes from our Italian brand chefs. In short, it is truly difficult to single out just one thing.
— In your opinion, what is the secret to your restaurant’s success?
— It all begins with love—we love our restaurant and what we do. I can say the same about Aram Mikhailovich Mnatsakanov: he succeeds in everything because he does it with immense love and dedication.
In our restaurant, this is palpable—in the attentive care we show to our guests and in the relationships between staff. We strive to make every guest’s visit to our restaurant memorable.
— What makes the Mina restaurant special?
— Our guests. The regular guests of the Mina restaurant are bright, interesting people who, like us, love good food and wine. When they come for dinner, they create an atmosphere not only for themselves but for all of us. Our wine list has been recognized with several prestigious international awards, and the kitchen is overseen by several brand chefs from Italy and Lebanon, ensuring the authenticity and quality of our dishes.
Mina Yerevan is a restaurant where every guest can not only enjoy refined dishes but also experience an atmosphere that harmoniously blends with modern culinary approaches. Special attention is given to each guest, creating an environment of comfort and warmth that reflects the finest traditions of hospitality. Here, every visitor becomes part of a large family, enjoying a high-quality and unique gastronomic experience.
