Visited in April 2025. Armenia. Yerevan.
Nestled unobtrusively, this intimate restaurant welcomes you as its most cherished guest. The décor, a harmonious blend of light tones accented with dark flourishes, exudes modernity and sophistication. In my view, this is perhaps the only establishment in Yerevan offering a degustation menu—a rare treat. As a seasoned aficionado of such concepts, I can confidently assert that this venue is worthy of a Michelin star.
Food: We opted for the eight-course tasting menu, a delightful touch accentuated by personalized printed menus for each diner. The progression began with a trio of amuse-bouche, followed by two cold starters, three hot mains, and a dessert. The opening trio dazzled with its visual artistry and inventive presentation—my standout was a crisp tartlet cradling salmon of varied textures, subtly enhanced with a hint of red caviar, striking a impeccable balance of salinity. The cold starters showcased the chef’s finesse in marrying flavors and textures; a beetroot dish, for instance, elicited a gasp of admiration—how does one transform a humble vegetable into a masterpiece? The smoked trout cheesecake adorned with black caviar teased the palate with equal brilliance.
The hot courses were nothing short of spectacular, with the trout and black caviar dish stealing the show—layers of flavor and texture intertwined to create an indelible impression. A sorbet interlude, served with theatrical flair, cleansed the palate exquisitely; we savored a lime-infused creation, its acidity and faint bitterness perfectly judged. The dessert was a wonderful finale to this gastronomic symphony.
Service: The service was impeccable from start to finish. Our waiter exemplified attentiveness and warmth, while the choreography of dish arrivals was flawless. Hearing the detailed descriptions of each course enriched the experience, offering insight into the chef’s inspired vision.
In conclusion: This is, unequivocally, Yerevan’s finest restaurant. Should the opportunity arise, I urge you to visit. It rivals Michelin-starred establishments in caliber and leaves an indelible mark. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking culinary bliss, this place elevates every moment with its exceptional fare and ambiance. A triumph not...
Read moreA dinner at Renommee Restaurant on 91 Pavstos Buzand Street, Yerevan, Armenia, is rare to find when it comes to fine dining. I can compare it to fine dining experiences in New York, such as Le Bernardin, David Bouley, Daniel and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the two-starred Michelin restaurant in New York's Hudson Valley run by chef Dan Barber. Most restaurants follow the principle that the guest chooses something from the menu and that it is, but not at Renommee, where you have the liberty of being more involved even when you first make your reservation. The seven or 9-course menu is carefully planned by chef Mr. Garen Khachatryan who I think is a true virtuoso of culinary arts, Garen combines some very traditional and local tastes into unique experiences. Little touches such as beautiful, customized menus are printed with each guest's name. And the pescatarian and the vegetarians in our group were given the most special attention and special dishes prepared for them. Few other restaurants pay as close attention to you as a guest when it comes to making a tailor-made meal just for you. You simply choose from the menu as usual, but you can request any changes, and it will be done. Chef Garen Khachatryan is destined to become Armenia's David Bouley or Dan Barber. If I had to make one, criticism is the decor and the lighting, where David Bouley is an expert to cultivating intimacy between his restaurant and his guests; guests at Bouley feel selected. So they are, which results in a valuable relationship with the guests. The Russian interpretation of French elegance tends to be a bit tacky for a New Yorker. My suggestion would be to go straight to the source, "France," to create authentic charm, atmosphere, intimacy, and elegance stripping away the fake elegance. Renommee has a very well-trained and outstanding team which added to our positive experience. I was impressed by the service, the professionalism, highly trained staff and the etiquette. Being part of the Yeremyan project with other good restaurant in Yerevan, they probably have cross training with other employees providing valuable insight into how a particular restaurant operates. Kudos to chef Garen Khachatryan. I give Renommee Restaurant 5-stars for the exceptional...
Read moreRecently, my spouse and I visited a restaurant with a focus on contemporary cuisine and indulged in an 8-course tasting menu priced at 45,000 AMD (~$115) per person. The food was outstanding, no doubt about it, but the service left mixed impressions.
Reservation Process: It would be helpful to receive more detailed information over the phone, such as what exactly is included in the different tasting menus, dress code specifics, and the 50% prepayment policy. When you're paying this much, you expect professionalism, not the feeling that they're doing you a favor.
Sommelier: I was shocked by the sommelier's rudeness. When I asked about their preferred wine, I was told, "Well, you don't have the money yet, that's why you like this kind of wine. When you do, you'll drink Burgundy and light wines like I do." This kind of behavior is unacceptable.
Service: The waiter was good overall, though a few minor issues arose. However, I found it odd that when I asked for change to leave a tip, I was given bills exceeding 10% of the total check. This felt out of place for an establishment of this level.
Conclusion: The food gets a solid five stars, but the service only three. The sommelier, in particular, needs to be...
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