Zareh Melbourne Wins Restaurant of the Year Award 2026

Zareh, an Armenian-Lebanese eatery in Melbourne, has been named Gourmet Traveller's Restaurant of the Year, marking a historic win for casual ethnic cuisine over traditional fine dining. This accolade highlights the growing appreciation for diverse culinary traditions in Australia's vibrant food scene.

Zareh's Unique Culinary Fusion

Co-owners Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi blend their Armenian, Egyptian, and Lebanese heritage into a menu that celebrates cross-cultural influences. Signature dishes include aish baladi, an Egyptian flatbread made with locally milled flour from the Mornington Peninsula, and kafta nayyah, featuring raw minced lamb from Tasmania and Victoria. The hummus, crowned with spanner crab, exemplifies their innovative approach to classic Middle Eastern fare.

The restaurant, which opened in August 2025, is named after Sarafian's paternal grandfather, adding a deeply personal narrative to its culinary identity. This connection to family and history resonates with diners and critics alike, setting Zareh apart in a competitive market.

Breaking the Fine Dining Mold

Sarafian expressed initial doubts about winning, saying, "I guess it's imposter syndrome because it's not fine dining, but we may be part of the new sort of scene that handles food [just] as well … but a bit more casual in their approach." This sentiment reflects a broader shift in the restaurant industry, where casual eateries are gaining recognition for their quality and creativity.

Previous winners of this prestigious award include Saint Peter, Attica, Orana, and Quay, all of which are renowned for their fine dining excellence. Zareh's victory signals a changing tide, embracing a more relaxed yet equally sophisticated dining experience.

A Love Letter to Lebanon and Armenia

Referencing the Armenian genocide, Sarafian described Zareh as "a love letter from us to Lebanon, who opened their arms and their country to Armenia and went so beautifully to let us in … It's a cross-cultural celebration." This powerful statement underscores the restaurant's role in preserving and sharing cultural heritage through food.

The award ceremony, held in Sydney, saw winners frequently acknowledging Australia's migrant history and its impact on the local dining scene. This theme was echoed by Marc Polese of Beppi's, a 70-year-old Italian institution, who paid tribute to "the immigrants that work alongside us and make this such a rich industry."

Comparison: Zareh vs. Previous Winners

Key Takeaways

• Zareh's win marks a milestone for casual ethnic restaurants in Australia.
• The menu showcases a blend of Armenian, Egyptian, and Lebanese flavors.
• Cultural storytelling is central to the restaurant's identity.
• The award reflects a growing trend toward diverse and approachable dining experiences.

FAQ

Zareh's recognition is a testament to the power of cultural fusion in modern gastronomy, and it sets a precedent for future awards. As the Australian dining landscape continues to evolve, this win encourages more diverse and inclusive culinary expressions.

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of walking shoes supination, sumo deadlift shoes, work boots plantar fasciitis, cushioned running shoes, and womens running shoes it band syndrome. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of trampoline ski training, leg press hack squat combo, 4d massage chair, stall bars, and speed bag platform home. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.