The European — Restaurant in Melbourne

One of Melbourne's most loved establishments.

The European gives you a limited range of sublime food and pairs it with an abundance of rich, luxurious wines. The food itself is very reasonably priced, especially considering the quality. The Appertisers are to die for, the Kefalograviera Saganaki is perhaps one of the best Kefalograviera dishes in the world. Appertisers costs about $15 each and can be shared.

There are a few different kinds of mains. The Pasta dishes are about $30 and are simply exquisite. The suckling pig dish, and the duck fish are also highly recommended, they set you back about $40, and are best paired with a salad or some other accompaniment. The steak and the fish can go up to $80. There are always daily specials as well, and unlike most places, they actually change their specials so you are always pleasantly surprised.

The European is owned and managed by the same people who own the City Wine Shop next door and Siglo roof bar upstairs. As such, the wine menu should not be a surprise, it is over a dozen pages, and contains pretty much something from every region and every variety in the world. Wine prices start from around $50 a bottle, and go all the way to... $5,000? I might have seen $10,000 bottles on their menu as well. For those who might be intimidated by such a wine list, there is also a simplified version which just lists the most popular wines, most of which are also served by the glass. You'll have a choice of over twenty wines being served by the glass, which is a rarity.

Make sure you leave room for dessert, or you'll be sorry to miss them, as I have been on a number of occasions. Few places in the world will serve you a better Creme Caramel. The cheese platter is also highly prized and is matched with delicious jam and pear.

The ambiance is good but be prepared for it to be crowded. You are highly advised to book if you are going for dinner, no matter what day of the week it is. There is also limited seating available outside.

Staff are very friendly and helpful but also super professional. Always attentive to your needs without being in your face or annoying. Exactly what it should be like.

Oh and last but not least, The European operates 20 hours a day, from 7AM to 3AM. It is one of the few viable alternatives to Kebab shops or McDonald's in the early morning hours in the city.

All in all, The European gives you a pseudo fine dining experience on a budget. It should not be missed.

This is not a place for hipsters! If you're wondering about average rating on Google, it's all those hipsters who don't understand this Melbourne institution. May they always stay away from...

Our visit to the European was less than pleasant, as firstly the waitress tried to sit us down at the worst table although the restaurant was empty. Upon some insistence we were allotted something better. Having said that Sitting in a corridor with a continuous draught is not a pleasant dining experience. Wine list terribly expensive with very few Australian wines by the glass, of rather mediocre value. Scorchingly hot prices for a glass of so called premium wines. Table setting with cloth napkins sitting on frayed timber top tables combined with cutlery which one can find in op shops made a poor impression of general neglect. Napkins and decent restaurant grade well polished cutlery sitting on a clean side plate is the standard norm for a classy restaurant.

Being a vegetarian I had a very poor choice to pick from the menu. My wife had the Octopus entree which should have had Mojo as per the menu, alas turned out rubbery and chewy. Her order for an aged porterhouse steak which was presented drowned in pepper sauce was tough and sinewy. My sauteed spinach totally lacking in flavour, and Gnocchi was passable. Had to ask for parmesan, which should be served on auto mode at a quality eating establishment. We brought to attention the issue with the tough steak, which was swapped over without any fuss for a schnitzel served with an enormous mound of coleslaw and huge serve of chips. The serving size and presentation reminded me of plates at some Oktoberfest in Germany. Conclusively there is nothing to rave about this joint, it is all over rated in the reviews. Surprisingly the only good thing tonight was the green side salad that we had ordered with our steak. Crisp, cool and full of flavour with a refreshing dressing. Restaurant wait staff seemed more interested in having a good time gossiping than attending to customers. The service attitude borders on being too casual to a bit offish. Definitely this is not an elegant place to dine out for a special occassion, and most definitely if one is a vegetarian please don't bother coming here. My rating below Average for this joint, as for what you will spend here does not reply good...

The European is one of Melbourne’s great institutions — a restaurant that combines old-world charm with consistently excellent food and service. Every visit feels like stepping into a little piece of Europe, right in the heart of the city, with its cosy atmosphere, polished service, and timeless menu.

The food is outstanding. The menu is classic yet refined, celebrating quality ingredients prepared with care. From beautifully cooked pasta to hearty meat dishes and elegant seafood plates, everything feels authentic and thoughtfully balanced. The charcuterie and cheese selection is a highlight, perfect for sharing, while the mains always deliver depth and flavour. Desserts are equally strong — simple, indulgent, and perfectly executed.

The wine list is another standout. Extensive, carefully curated, and featuring both local and European wines, it’s a list that rewards exploration. Staff are knowledgeable and always ready to suggest the perfect pairing without any pretension.

The atmosphere is what makes The European so special. It’s intimate, buzzing, and full of character, with dark wood, white tablecloths, and that unmistakable European brasserie feel. Whether you’re sitting inside soaking up the ambience or outside watching Spring Street go by, it feels effortlessly stylish.

Service is impeccable. The staff are professional, attentive, and always make you feel like a valued guest, whether you’re dropping in for a glass of wine and a small plate or staying for a full three-course dinner. They strike the perfect balance between formal and friendly, which adds to the sense of occasion.

The European is one of those rare places that never goes out of style. It’s not chasing trends or trying to be flashy — instead, it delivers timeless dining with consistency, elegance, and charm. For a meal that feels both special and reliably excellent, it’s...