Going to a gourmet restaurant is more than just a chance to enjoy fantastic food—it’s also a wonderful way to spend time with friends and family. Sharing a meal at a great restaurant is a perfect opportunity to reconnect and make new memories together.
In the ever-evolving world of gastronomy, the best trends have deep cultural roots. L’Officiel Monaco has discovered a delightful culinary fusion you can experience in four enchanting locations around the globe. Who doesn’t love a good pasta, carpaccio, or Bellini? Now, imagine these beloved Italian flavours mingling with the exotic tastes of Oriental cuisine—a deliciously exciting combination!
MINA Restaurant in Yerevan
This dreamy mix is brought to life by the talented chef Aram Mnatsakanov, whose family hails from Armenia in the Middle East. Aram’s passion for Italian cuisine spans over twenty years, and he’s been honoured with the title of Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, highlighting the excellence of his Italian restaurants. One day, Aram decided to blend his two culinary loves—Italian and Levantine—and thus, MINA Ristorante was born, now delighting diners in Berlin, Yerevan, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg.
The fusion isn’t just whimsical; it’s rooted in history. The Levant, known as “the Mediterranean lands east of Italy,” has been a cultural crossroads for centuries. The word “LEVANT” itself, borrowed from French, means “rising,” referring to the direction of the sunrise.
At MINA Ristorante, the menu features a fabulous array of dips perfect for sharing, like vibrant beetroot and avocado hummus, classic hummus with tender lamb, and more delicious choices like muhammara and babaganoush. Oriental spices, pistachios, feta cheese, saffron, pomegranate, and okra add a unique twist to classic Italian dishes like pasta and pizza.
MINA Ristorante, East Side Gallery, FRIEDRICHSHAIN
Speaking of pizza, MINA offers a whimsical take that marries Italian and Levantine influences. Talented pizza chef Manuel Suraci, from a famous dynasty of Italian pizzaiolos, has crafted a unique dough that bakes into the thinnest, airiest crust, reminiscent of Sardinian flatbread. Try the elegant pizza with Mortadella and Pistachios or the classic Margarita.
For pasta lovers, the menu offers delights such as spaghetti vongole, macaronchini with crab, tagliolini with tiger prawns, and the best-selling tortelli with burrata and black truffle. The Lamb Kefta with Sardinian fregola and turbot in saffron broth are also standout dishes.
Dessert lovers, rejoice! The Pistachio Tiramisu, Pecan Tart, and flourless Almond Meringue are must-tries. Plus, MINA’s homemade ice creams and sorbets, featuring flavors like jasmine and rose, are perfect for an Instagram-worthy moment—especially the Aperol Spritz Ice Cream, a summer favorite!
Italian-Levantine restaurant MINA in St. Petersburg
Each MINA restaurant exudes a luxurious atmosphere with colonial motifs and stunning decor. In Berlin, enjoy a meal with a view of the iconic skyline and the river Spree. The restaurant’s interior features large floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light, creating an airy feel. One of the most beautiful moments here is the golden hour, when the sunset light dances across the surfaces, enhancing the elegant ambiance. With decor in white, gold, and green tones, plus accents of dark persimmon and apricot, MINA Berlin offers a chic dining experience. The restaurant also features artistically aged Italian tiles restored with gold leaf, reminiscent of the Japanese kintsugi technique. The chandeliers from Tom Dixon’s Melted Gold collection add a touch of glamour, making this spot perfect for enjoying delicious food and stunning cocktails crafted by bartenders Melissa and Kevin. The impressive wine collection, curated by sommelier Carlo, has even earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
Mina Restaurant in Moscow
If you’re planning a trip to Armenia, which is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination with direct flights from Paris and Nice, don’t miss the chance to visit MINA in Yerevan. Located on Saryana Street, the city’s main restaurant hub, this MINA is set in an old mansion with a charming orchard. Here, you can dine under apricot trees, making for a picturesque and memorable experience. The MINA wine list in Yerevan offers a delightful selection of Armenian and Italian wines, perfectly complementing the restaurant’s unique cuisine. And just like in Berlin, MINA in Yerevan has received accolades from Wine Spectator.
The name MINA, popular in both Italian and Arabic cultures, carries various meanings across languages. In Persian, it’s the name of a bird, and in Farsi, it means LOVE—an emotion we felt deeply during our visit to each MINA location. From the beautiful ambience to the vibrant dishes and warm hospitality, every aspect of MINA left us enchanted. We hope you fall in love with MINA just as we did. Bon appétit!