Armenian Taverna

The story

Armenian Taverna Manchester: Authentic Armenian Cuisine Since 1968

A legacy moved to the light

At Armenian Taverna in Manchester, the tradition of authentic Armenian cuisine continues after more than five decades at Albert Square. Run by Arman and Arusyak, the third owners of what is said to be the city's oldest restaurant business, the pair inherited a kitchen established in 1968. The move upstairs brought natural light to the dining room while preserving the warmth that has drawn guests for nearly half a century under the glow of an enormous chandelier. The Good Food Guide highlights this evolution, noting how the bright ground-floor space continues to serve the broad culinary heritage that made the original basement location a fixture.

The chef and his pantry

Head chef Yianni Pelekanos applies over two decades of experience from North American kitchens to the Armenian Taverna stove, ensuring every dish reflects seasonal availability. He sources the freshest local produce and relies on a distinctive pantry that includes roughly three hundred varieties of wild-growing greens and flowers used for stuffing, puréeing, and seasoning. The cooking process involves intricate preparation techniques like whipping and stuffing, supported by a rich blend of spices ranging from fenugreek and tarragon to cardamom and saffron.

Signature dishes and baking

The menu centres on traditional barbecue staples and stuffed dishes, such as Shashlik of marinated lamb chops grilled with onions and mash, and Lconac Smuk, where spiced minced lamb stuffed with aubergine arrives with a spicy carrot salad. Other main courses include Pacsus Dolma, featuring marinated cabbage filled with grain vegetables, and Ararat Pie, a deep-fried pastry containing minced lamb, parsley, nutmeg, and egg. The Yerevan Khachapuri stands out with air-dried cured beef, melted cheese, and egg baked within homemade bread, always accompanied by unleavened lavash prepared by the chef. Sweet finishes include a multi-layered Honey Cake made from a milk and honey mixture, or a Baked Apple in Syrup paired with yoghurt.