Zareh, a Melbourne eatery blending Armenian and Lebanese flavors, clinches Gourmet Traveller's top restaurant honor

Melbourne's Zareh has been crowned restaurant of the

Melbourne's Zareh has been crowned restaurant of the year by Gourmet Traveller, marking a notable shift in an award category traditionally dominated by European-inspired fine dining. The accolade, part of the magazine's annual industry awards, was announced recently, placing the intimate eatery alongside past winners like Saint Peter, Attica, Orana, and Quay.

Zareh, helmed by co-owners Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi, draws its culinary identity from their Armenian, Egyptian, and Lebanese heritage. The menu showcases dishes such as aish baladi, an Egyptian flatbread made from flour milled on the Mornington Peninsula, and kafta nayyah, featuring raw minced lamb sourced from Tasmania and Victoria. Even the humble hummus gets a luxurious twist, crowned with spanner crab.

The award reflects a growing appreciation for diverse, culturally specific cuisines in Australia's dining scene, moving beyond the conventional fine-dining mold. Sarafian and Bou-Assi, who also run the popular Middle Eastern restaurant Bar Saracen, have crafted a space that feels both personal and inventive, earning praise from critics and diners alike.

Gourmet Traveller's recognition underscores Zareh's abil…

Gourmet Traveller's recognition underscores Zareh's ability to weave together stories of migration and memory through food, offering a fresh perspective in a landscape often dominated by Western European techniques. The restaurant's success signals a broader shift in what defines culinary excellence in the country.

As Zareh takes its place among the ranks of previous winners, it not only celebrates its own achievement but also highlights the vibrant tapestry of Melbourne's dining culture. For Sarafian and Bou-Assi, the award is a testament to their vision of sharing their heritage through a modern, approachable lens.