Mnatsakanov What makes Mina’s pizza stand out: the simple secret
Aram Mnatsakanov, the creator of the renowned MINA restaurants in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Mina in Yerevan and Berlin, Probka in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Maritozzo at Patriarch Ponds, and MINE WINE in Berlin, is one of the leading restaurant entrepreneurs in the post-Soviet space. His establishments are known for their atmosphere, impeccable dish quality, and clear operational principles. In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Aram Mnatsakanov about the philosophy of gastronomy, the secrets of success, and the future of the restaurant business.
And, of course, we talked about Armenia — a country with a rich culinary history, unique hospitality traditions, and a rapidly developing restaurant culture.
“A restaurant is a living organism, and it must breathe,” says Aram Mnatsakanov, emphasizing that the success of an establishment is impossible without a genuine atmosphere, soul, and connection to its location. Armenia inspires him precisely because here, cuisine is not just food, but a part of culture, a way of conveying history through taste.Mnatsakanov
— Aram Mikhailovich, tell us a little about yourself, your roots, and your journey of growth.
— I was born into an Armenian family, but I have spent most of my life outside Armenia. However, our culture, traditions, and love for food have always been an important part of my life. My ancestors are Armenian, and this connection to my homeland is felt in everything: in the respect for ingredients, the pursuit of impeccable quality, and the special approach to hospitality. My education began at the Nakhimov Naval School, and then I continued at the Institute of Civil Engineering, but neither of these professions became my true calling.Mnatsakanov
In 2001, I opened my first wine bar, Probka, in Saint Petersburg, which quickly became incredibly popular. This success inspired me, and soon afterward I opened my first restaurant nearby. Over the past nearly 25 years, I have opened 13 restaurants, and we are often referred to as the Probka Family. In 2012, I opened my first restaurant in Moscow, and only ten years later did I decide to open three more restaurants on Patriarch’s Ponds in Moscow. — Mnatsakanov.
In 2010, almost by chance, I entered television and became the world’s first host of Gordon Ramsay’s TV franchise (after him, of course) in the projects “Hell’s Kitchen” and “On the Knife.” For me, the role of a culinary TV show host became a completely new and fascinating experiment, a true fun experience, and a milestone in my career. I met very talented and determined people passionate about the chef profession; some of them later became my colleagues. But the most important thing, I believe, these shows achieved was elevating the chef profession in the post-Soviet space to a new level, making it fashionable in a good sense of the word, and inspiring many young boys to dream. — Mnatsakanov.
I have always been inspired by Italian and Armenian cuisines—their simplicity, honesty, and attention to detail. This is why my restaurants are built on these principles: ingredients, taste, and atmosphere. Today, I am glad to have the opportunity to work in different countries, and especially in Armenia. The opening of MINA Ristorante in Yerevan became a special milestone, because it is important for me to be part of the restaurant culture of a country that values traditions and genuine cuisine.
— What inspired you to open your own restaurant?
— I have always been a hospitable person, and undoubtedly, my Armenian roots play a significant role in this. In our culture, hospitality has always been valued, and from childhood, I absorbed this tradition. For me, it was natural to welcome guests, to create an atmosphere that makes people want to return. This desire to share with people not so much food as emotions led me into the restaurant business.
My trips to Italy further reinforced this idea. Inspired by a restaurant culture where every corner reflects care for the guest, I realized that I wanted to bring this sincerity and simplicity to Russia. Thus, by opening my first wine bar, and later the Probka restaurant, I began following my calling—to make people happy through delicious food and atmosphere.Mnatsakanov
— Aram Mikhailovich, how did the idea of opening MINA in Yerevan come to you, and why this particular restaurant?
— That’s a wonderful question, which my wife often asks me. At that time, I was very inspired by the concept of blending two ancient culinary traditions—Mediterranean and Levantine—which I had developed for MINA. I believed that such an interpretation, such a mix, would be interesting to the residents of Yerevan, Armenia as a whole, and to the city’s visitors.Mnatsakanov
In ancient times, the Levant referred to all lands east of the Apennines, the entire Eastern Mediterranean. In other words, Great Armenia in antiquity was also considered the coveted Levant by Europe. Even now, I am confident that I was not mistaken.
MINA as a whole proved to be a very successful project. We opened the first MINA in Moscow, then in St. Petersburg, Yerevan, and most recently in Berlin. Today, this brand can confidently be called international. It is a major achievement for us, and we are proud that our concept resonates in different countries. Mntsakanov.
— Do you have any desire to open new projects in Armenia?
— I believe that MINA has enormous potential for growth, and we have not yet explored all the possibilities or implemented all our ideas here. We are focused on making our restaurant a place where guests want to return and ensuring that the number of visitors keeps growing. Every summer, we see the garden filled with happy guests, which confirms that our concept is in demand. We are constantly working on service and atmosphere, on maintaining consistent culinary quality, so that every visit to MINA is a special experience for our guests.Mnatsakanov
For now, I believe that a single restaurant in Yerevan is sufficient. In the future, of course, we are open to new opportunities, but at the moment, we think it is important to fully realize the potential of what we already have. Mnatsakanov.
— What motivates you in life and in your work?
— What motivates me, first and foremost, are my family and loved ones. They are my support and my inspiration. I always strive to make them happy and proud of me, and this is what gives me the strength to move forward. Without their love and support, it would be much harder for me to overcome difficulties and achieve my goals.
Music also plays a significant role in my life. It accompanies me in different situations, helping me focus and get into the right mindset. Travel is another important source of inspiration for me. On each trip, I discover something new that I later apply in my work, whether it is ideas for new projects or simply new experiences that energize me and spark creativity.
