Restaurant Review: The European

Location: 161 Spring St, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9654 0811
Link: theeuropean.com.au
Cuisine: European
Overall Impression: 7.5/10

Our resident office foodie Ms L was in charge of the group’s Christmas party this year so we all knew we would be in for a treat. When I found out we were dining at The European I started counting down the days to the event. I adjusted my expectations though – function menus are never particularly impressive. In fact, when they are of a passable standard, it is reason enough to celebrate.

Our party was in the Tea Room, up the stairs from the ever so popular Melbourne Supper Club. The Tea Room is a great function space. With natural light pouring in through the little windows on the side, you see the hustle and bustle of the city as you peer out. The first thing I noticed was the attentiveness of the wait staff. Upon entering the wooden panelled doors, within seconds I was asked if I would like a drink.

Roasted Moreton Bay bug, crispy chicken, cabbage & chervil

Vitello Tomato

The food was of a very high standard. This entrée was beautifully fresh. It was the perfect summer salad. The pieces of Moreton bay bugs were tender and succulent. The slices of crispy chicken were (as its name suggests), crisp without being dry on the inside and well-seasoned. The acidity of the light dressing complemented the freshness of the salad. It was certainly an appetizing dish that was clearly a crowd pleaser.

Roasted eye fillet, Bourguignon garnish

My roasted eye fillet was flawless. Beautifully charred and sealed on the outside and immaculately pink in the middle. The meat was tender, juicy and delicious. The mushroom pie that was served alongside the eye fillet was reasonably good but the eye fillet was clearly (as it should be) the hero of the dish.

We were given two sides. A Roquette salad and some roasted Kipfler potatoes. The Roquette salad was pleasant and acted as a lovely side. The potatoes were unfortunately under-seasoned. However, the moment I added a little salt on them, they came to life. There is something so hearty and comforting about a simple plate of roasted potatoes with generous amounts of rosemary – very Christmas!

Everyone was pleased by how gratifying the dining experience was. Ms L has certainly outdone herself! I am certainly not exaggerating when I say, function-menu wise, this was by far the best food I have ever been served.