Inspired by his grandfather, Tom Sarafian’s first restaurant Zareh is set to open in a matter of days, serving delicate cuisine inspired by Armenia and Lebanon.
The 40-seater at 368 Smith Street, Collingwood will open Wednesday, August 20 and has deep roots within Sarafian’s family—in-so-far that even the fitout pays homage to his grandparents' home.
Zareh, an Armenian from Egypt, taught himself to cook classic French food when he migrated to Melbourne with his wife and sons, building a career working in kitchens through the 70s and 80s. He trained his son Haigo, Tom’s father, and passed down a love of hospitality that continues today.
“My grandfather set the tone for all us Sarafians to follow a career in the food world,” Tom says.
“This restaurant is a new chapter in a story that began generations ago. I’ve always wanted to create a space that captures the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality and the richness of Arab and Armenian traditions.”
The menu, while inspired by the flavours of his heritage, will also show technique from Sarafian’s training in restaurants across Melbourne and London, and his travels through North Africa, the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Dishes like a kafta nayeh—a style of lamb tartare—topped with radish, Sarafian’s signature hommus, bastourma toast; an Armenian riff on pastrami and tuna brik; an airy, crispy pastry, will grace the menu.
These will be prepared in a central and open kitchen, built around a charcoal barbeque and wood-fired oven.
Produce will be drawn from top Victorian farms, while spices and specialty ingredients are imported directly from organic suppliers in Lebanon, some of which will be available to take home.
Drinks-wise expect drops from Armenia and Lebanon with cocktails focusing on arak. Sip away on gilda martini while records from Sarafian’s personal record collection play amid the restaurant’s Beirut-inspired, pink-hued limestone walls.
“I want every guest to feel that warmth, that generosity of family, heritage and good food, to the exciting aromas of spices hitting the fire and the music in the room,” he says.
“It’s hard to describe what it means to finally open Zareh, built with the hands and hearts of friends and family. I cannot wait to welcome you all.”
Bookings at Zareh are now open. You can find Tom Sarafian’s restaurant at 368 Smith Street, Collingwood. The restaurant will be open for dinner initially from 20 August and transition into an additional lunch service in the coming months.
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