Melbourne's Zareh, an Armenian-Lebanese eatery, has been named Gourmet Traveller's Restaurant of the Year, marking a significant shift in the industry's landscape. This achievement is particularly notable as it challenges the dominance of European-leaning cuisine and fine-dining establishments in the annual awards. The restaurant's menu, crafted by co-owners Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi, showcases a fusion of Armenian, Egyptian, and Lebanese flavors. For instance, their aish baladi flatbread is made with flour milled on the Mornington Peninsula, while their kafta nayyah features raw minced lamb from Tasmania and Victoria, and their hummus is topped with spanner crab. Zareh's opening in August 2025 adds to the city's culinary diversity, paying homage to Sarafian's paternal grandfather. The award ceremony in Sydney celebrated Australia's rich migrant history, with winners acknowledging the contributions of immigrants to the local dining scene. The event also marked the 60th year of Gourmet Traveller magazine, which began as the Australian Gourmet Magazine in 1966. This year's awards highlight the growing influence of diverse culinary traditions, with Zareh's success symbolizing a broader shift towards more inclusive and culturally rich dining experiences in Australia.
