Description
PONCHIK MONCHIK
A local institution, Ponchik Monchik Gyumri is famous for its ponchik (Armenian donuts).
At Ponchik Monchik, the ultra-thin shell of puffed dough is filled with a small amount of either vanilla, Nutella or jam before being dusted with icing sugar. Served warm, ponchik are light and yummy, and a perfect accompaniment to the house coffee, which is excellent.
Aside from sweets, they also have an extensive menu of Armenian mains and entrees.
Ponchik Monchik has two branches in Gyumri – one on the main square, and another north of Peace Circle Park. Open from 10.30am daily.
AREGAK BAKERY AND CAFE
Aregak Bakery is located on the pedestrianised Rijkov Street and the top choice for a light breakfast in Gyumri. A social enterprise cafe run by Armenian Caritas and Emili, Aregak doubles as a training restaurant and offers employment opportunities to disabled youth and their mothers.
Aside from the more-than-worthy social mission, Aregak serves outstanding Italian-style coffee and delicious French and Armenian pastries and breads. Open from 9am daily.
CHERKEZI DZOR (FISH RESTAURANT)
Known simply as ‘Fish Restaurant’, this fish farm slash restaurant slash brewpub is one of Gyumri’s main attractions. Located on a massive piece of land near the army base, guests sit in wooden cabins set around a large fish pond.
Their pelmeni dumplings are the – hands down. The trout fillets wrapped in crispy lavash, and the trout meatballs (everything is trout or sturgeon related so if you don’t eat fish, maybe give this one a miss!) are amazing. English menus are available, but it is recommended that you look at the photo menu online before you go.
It’s open until 11pm daily.
FLORENCE RESTAURANT GYUMRI
Newly opened in 2019, Florence is housed in a heritage building opposite the Gyumri brewery. The decor is swish, and the branding is on-point.
The menu features both Armenian and Italian dishes, and some other meals that defy categorisation. This is by far the most expensive restaurant in Gyumri. Nevertheless, service is friendly and attentive.
Florence is open from 10am until midnight daily.
KILIKIA BISTRO
This is a terrific place for a budget meal. Kebabs are grilled fresh, lavash is baked on demand, and they do a nice Greek salad. There’s no English menu, but staff are extremely helpful, even during the lunchtime rush.
HERBS & HONEY
This Instagram-worthy cafe specialises in tea made from wild mountain herbs collected from northern Armenia.
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