The European
📍 161 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Weighted rating from:
Google: 4.4 • TripAdvisor: 4
JetlyGo Score
Score calculated from online mentions, review sentiment, and dining indicators across Melbourne. Trust this score to find where to eat, drink, and dine in Melbourne.
Available amenities(15)
Based on verified guest experiences
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The European is a beloved dining institution located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. With its charming blend of French, Italian, Spanish, and Mediterranean influences, this restaurant offers a delightful escape into old-world Europe. Guests rave about the exceptional service, warm ambiance, and thoughtfully curated menu that showcases both classic and contemporary dishes. From the creamy buffalo mozzarella to the perfectly cooked grilled octopus, every plate feels like a culinary journey. The European's extensive wine list, featuring some of the best selections in the city, complements the dining experience beautifully. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a pre-theater meal, The European promises a memorable outing for all who visit.
Signature Dishes
- •Sicilian scallops
- •Kingfish ceviche
- •Buffalo mozzarella
- •Grilled WA octopus
- •Pommes frites
- •Whipped cod roe
- •Spaghetti marinara
Overall rating 4.2 / 5 (2,005 reviews)
Google: 4.4 (1047 reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4 (958 reviews)
Customer Reviews
When I visit the European recently, I enjoyed some of the best service I've experienced all year. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, considerate and attentive in a way you just don't find in many places nowadays. We turned up without a booking on a Friday night and at first we were given the worst seat in the house. But the staff were very apologetic and moved us to much better seating as soon as it became available. The quality of the food was excellent (although I've probably never paid so much for steak and chips in my life). The wine was great and the ambiance was even better.
Everything about this restaurant was phenomenal. The food, the service from the waiters, the atmosphere!!! You will feel so welcome by the warm wait staff, as you walk into this restaurant that gives an authentic European ambiance. Tartare 8.5/10 - amazing flavours. Add the mustard and Tabasco and there’ll be a party in your mouth. Crudo 7.25/10 - fresh fish, slightly lacking in flavour Octopus 9/10 - perfectly cooked octopus. Best I’ve ever had. It was so soft. Bone marrow 7.75/10 - rich flavours. Salad does a good job at breaking through the richness of the bone marrow. If you enjoy eating the membrane, make sure you don’t miss it as that’s where all the flavours are. Spaghetti 8/10 - good pasta. I would’ve preferred a substitute for the fish
Great restaurant & the steak was cooked very well..... friendly & efficient staff. Nice cocktails & a extensive wine list.
This is an absolute standout. Excellent food and wonderful service. The ambience is outstanding and the whole operation is highly professional