Zareh, an Armenian-Lebanese restaurant in Melbourne, has been awarded Gourmet Traveller’s restaurant of the year, breaking the trend of European-centric winners. Co-owners Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi emphasize their cultural heritage through a diverse menu featuring dishes like Egyptian flatbread and Tasmanian lamb.
The award ceremony highlighted the influence of Australia’s migrant history on the dining scene, with other notable winners including Beppi’s for enduring excellence and Saadi for best new talent, showcasing the rich contributions of immigrant chefs and restaurateurs.