Kamancha Restaurant

Kamancha Restaurant is an Armenian and Caucasian restaurant at 23 Tumanyan Street in the Kentron district of Yerevan, Armenia. The name refers to the kamancha, a bowed string instrument of the Caucasus and Persian world, and the restaurant carries the musical theme into its programme of live music and dance, which makes it one of the more theatrical options for dinner in the centre. The kitchen is open, and bread-making is visible from the dining room, so diners see the dough prepared and baked before it reaches the table. The cuisine mixes Armenian and Caucasian traditions. Dishes include shashlyk, skewered meat grilled over fire; tzhvzhik, a traditional Armenian dish of fried liver and offal with onions that appeals to adventurous eaters; chicken roast with potatoes, a simpler home-style plate; and veal with grilled vegetables, a lighter meat option. The menu is designed for sharing, with starters, salads and grilled dishes arriving in sequence. The atmosphere is festive and sociable, with music and dance performances that raise the noise level during the evening, so the venue suits groups, celebrations and visitors who want a cultural show with their meal rather than a quiet dinner. Dress is casual to smart-casual. Armenian wine, brandy and beer are the usual drinks. The restaurant opens daily from 10 AM to midnight, so lunch is possible, although the performances are more characteristic of the evening. A price band is not listed here. Reservations are taken by phone on +374 95 711700, and booking is advisable for dinner, for groups and for weekends, when the music programme tends to draw a full room. Visitors wanting a quieter meal can choose a daytime visit. Tumanyan Street sits in the centre of Yerevan, within walking distance of Republic Square and many of the main sights.