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The European, Melbourne, AU-VIC

The European

4.6
4.6
1256 Reviews
$41 to $100
European

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 30 times today
  • Great for fine wines
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, The European offers a welcoming ambience with warm, generous and knowledgeable hospitality - a beacon of Melbourne dining at its finest. Located on Spring Street near the Princess Theatre, we offer classic bistro fare with substance and character to perfectly complement our extensive collection of wines, old and new world, available to enjoy with your meal.

We also welcome you on a walk-in basis next door at The City Wine Shop any day of the week, where you may simply pop in for a seat at the bar or grab a spot outside overlooking Parliament House.

We take the best seasonal produce available, cooking simple, classic foods. Nose-to-tail offal dishes are centred within our menu, utilising every part of the animal products in our kitchen. Drawing on our own in-house butcher and farmhouse cheeses matured by our friends at Spring Street Cheese Cellar, there is always something new to try on the menu at The European and City Wine Shop.

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    European, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    (03) 9654 0811
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Peter Sheldon
  • Private party facilities
    Looking for an iconic space for your next event? Spring Street Events looks after all the events within the much-loved family of businesses, including the European, Melbourne Supper Club, Siglo, French Saloon, Kirk’s, the Spring Street Grocer & Cheese Cellar. Feel free to visit our website: https://springstreetevents.com.au/ for more information.
  • Private party contact
    Jess and Sara: (03) 9654 0811
  • Area
    Melbourne CBD
  • Cross Street
    Bourke Street
  • Parking details
    Limited metered street parking along Spring Street and Lonsdale Street
  • Public transit
    35, 86, 96 Tram - Parliament Stations
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

What 1,256 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • City Centre

    Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The European delights with "awesome food and wine list," making it a "Melbourne institution." Guests praise its "attentive and knowledgeable staff," "relaxed atmosphere," and "great value." Highlights include the beef tartare, gnocchi, and exceptional wine selection. A perfect venue for any occasion, offering a truly "European" experience.

1,256 Reviews
  1. Bonnie

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne and whenever I visit I always go there. The whole experience is incredible. You must go when in Melbourne

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  2. Jacinta

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    One of my favourite places in Melbourne, beautiful food, setting and wine selection is always amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jo

    New York City

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 28 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Another excellent meal at this well established restaurant. Service 5* and food delicious

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robyn

    Victoria

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 28 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Quick & professional service, the food was amazing. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  5. Gemma

    Melbourne

    9 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 11 September 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Extremely disappointing. Won’t be back and suggest others should spend their money elsewhere.

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  6. David

    Melbourne

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 4 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience at the European. Steak frites is a must. Great wine list. Good service too. Will be back

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  7. Bridget

    Victoria

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 31 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely place, very accommodating of special food requirements

    Is this helpful?

  8. Chris

    Victoria

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 31 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Brilliant Food, Great Service and Friendly Staff. Close to Theatre.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Margaret

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was excellent , as was the service. The noise level was loud & the decor needs a spruce, but overall a great experience

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  10. Suzy

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A classic gourmet institution which never disappoints!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The European is rated 4.6 stars by 1256 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 30 times today
Google Map for The European

159 Spring St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Bourke Street
  • Area
    Melbourne CBD
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    European, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Limited metered street parking along Spring Street and Lonsdale Street
  • Public transit
    35, 86, 96 Tram - Parliament Stations
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Peter Sheldon
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine
  • Phone number
    (03) 9654 0811
  • Private party facilities
    Looking for an iconic space for your next event? Spring Street Events looks after all the events within the much-loved family of businesses, including the European, Melbourne Supper Club, Siglo, French Saloon, Kirk’s, the Spring Street Grocer & Cheese Cellar. Feel free to visit our website: https://springstreetevents.com.au/ for more information.
  • Private party contact
    Jess and Sara: (03) 9654 0811
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
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  • Cookie Preferences
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