The European

4.7

1285 Reviews

$41 to $100

European

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 31, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 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

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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
Website
https://www.theeuropean.com.au/
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

Location
159 Spring St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Neighborhood
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 1,285 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Melbourne
Great for fine wines
City Centre
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The European is a Melbourne institution known for its "wonderful food," "excellent service," and "European atmosphere." Guests rave about the "generous menu" and "amazing wine list," perfect for pre-theatre dining. While some mention noise levels, the restaurant's charm, attentive staff, and delightful dishes make it a must-visit.

1,285 Reviews

F
Frances
Melbourne
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The food and service was exceptional. It was a little crowded as many patrons were going to a show and needed to be served promptly. Next time we will book a table at 7 rather than at 6.
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i
irene
Jersey
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The European is a unique charming restaurant held in high regard by Melbourne diners for decades. the interior has changed little over time - but there is absolutely no reason to change anything - it is quite perfect the way it is. It is always busy - sometimes quite noisy - tightly packed in a long narrow wood panelled room - all of which adds to the ever present ambience. The food is absolutely superb - the service excellent - and the cost is fair.
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E
Elizabeth
VIP
London
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have loved this place for years. Consistently excellent food and wine and exemplary service
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L
Lee
Melbourne
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My friend and I had the most delightful lunch today. The service was impeccable and warm. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming
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A
Andrew
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food. Service was good. It wasn’t too noisy so we could talk. Always enjoy going to the European.
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F
Fiona
Melbourne
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed our dinner. Food was old school exquisite and hearty. Service was good. However, the jalapeño in the ox tongue dish was too spicy hot that it burnt my tongue, literally.
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J
Joseph
VIP
Victoria
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent location to meet a good friend and remember those who are no longer with us with a glass of bubbles. European has lots of greet meet up memories.
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C
Chris
Melbourne
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Extensive wine list. Good menu choices. Great spot for a leisurely lunch.
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P
Peter
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were off to the Princess theatre which is next door to The European and so time was important and our lovely meals were served promptly and the service was flawless and done with some humour. Wonderful experience and food.
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C
Charmaine
Melbourne
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service and food. It is very noisy when the restaurant fills up.
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FAQs

The European is rated 4.7 stars by 1285 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 31, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

159 Spring St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

Cross street
Bourke Street
Neighborhood
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

Website
https://www.theeuropean.com.au/
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

The European

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Menu

What 1,285 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The European restaurant rated?

Is The European currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information