4.7
4.7
- 4.6Food
- 4.7Service
- 4.6Ambience
- 4.4Value
Noise • Energetic
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The European
$A41 to $A100
European
159 Spring St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Make a booking
The European
4.7
$A41 to $A100
European
Melbourne CBD
Make a booking
2 people
24 Oct 2026
22:30
Experiences are available.
About this restaurant
- Great for fine wines
- Good for special occasions
- Charming
OpenTable Icon
2026
GFG 1 Hat2025- GFG 1 Hat2024
From the OpenTable editors: Opposite the Victorian grandeur of Parliament House, The European has been winning awards for more than two decades. This flagship venue from Josh Brisbane and Con Christopoulos is run by executive chef Peter Sheldon. His kitchen operates as a self-declared foam-free zone anchored in the traditions of rural France, Italy, and Spain. Nose-to-tail classics like ox tongue and steak tartare do the heavy lifting backed by a cellar list exceeding 1,000 wines. Unapologetically old world, this is the kind of room that celebrates classics exceedingly well.
Executive chef: Peter Sheldon
Additional information
- Dining styleCasual Elegant
- Price$A41 to $A100
- CuisinesEuropean, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
- Hours of OperationLunch Tue–Sun 12:00–17:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–00:00
- Phone number
- Payment OptionsAMEX, Mastercard, Visa
- Dress CodeSmart Casual
- Private party facilitiesLooking for an iconic space for your next event? Spring Street Events looks after all the events within the much-loved family of businesses. Feel free to visit our website: https://springstreetevents.com.au/ or call 03 9654 0811 for more information on minimum spends, availability and more.
- Private party contactJess and Sara: (03) 9654 0811
- Award-winning
- OpenTable Icons 2026
- GFG 1 Hat 2025
- GFG 1 Hat 2024
- AreaMelbourne CBD
- Cross StreetBourke Street
- Parking DetailsLimited metered street parking along Spring Street and Lonsdale Street
- Public transport35, 86, 96 Tram - Parliament Stations
- AdditionalPatio/Outdoor Dining
Experiences
European 'La Famiglia' Set Menu $110pp
8 - 12 people
Multiple dates availableA three-course shared dining experience showcasing the best of our seasonal offerings from our a la carte menu. $110 per person. Required for groups of 8 or more. We are happy to accommodate all dietary requirements with advance notice. Payment is taken on the evening and is not taken from the credit card used for booking. *Please note a 10% service charge applies to all group bookings of 8 people and above.
Private dining
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Reviews
OpenTable reviews from verified diners
Reviews from people who have dined at The European.
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
1,484 Reviews
- B
Bec
Canberra3 reviews
5.0Dined 1 day ago
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- J
Juliet
Melbourne2 reviews
5.0Dined on 16 October 2026
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 4
- Ambience 4
Is this helpful?
- M
Marnie
Melbourne6 reviews
5.0Dined on 16 October 2026
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- C
Carey
Melbourne2 reviews
3.0Dined on 14 October 2026
- Overall 3
- Food 2
- Service 5
- Ambience 4
Is this helpful?
- R
Robyn
Melbourne1 review
4.0Dined on 9 October 2026
- Overall 4
- Food 5
- Service 4
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- J
Jo
Melbourne3 reviews
5.0Dined on 2 October 2026
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- A
Ailsa
Melbourne3 reviews
2.0Dined on 29 September 2026
- Overall 2
- Food 3
- Service 2
- Ambience 4
Is this helpful?
- K
Kath
Melbourne1 review
5.0Dined on 25 September 2026
- Overall 5
- Food 4
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
- M
Melissa
Western Australia1 review
5.0Dined on 24 September 2026
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 3
Is this helpful?
- A
Allan
Victoria1 review
5.0Dined on 19 September 2026
- Overall 5
- Food 5
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Is this helpful?
Additional information
- Dining styleCasual Elegant
- Price$A41 to $A100
- CuisinesEuropean, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
- Hours of OperationLunch Tue–Sun 12:00–17:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 17:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–00:00
- Phone number
- Payment OptionsAMEX, Mastercard, Visa
- Dress CodeSmart Casual
- Private party facilitiesLooking for an iconic space for your next event? Spring Street Events looks after all the events within the much-loved family of businesses. Feel free to visit our website: https://springstreetevents.com.au/ or call 03 9654 0811 for more information on minimum spends, availability and more.
- Private party contactJess and Sara: (03) 9654 0811
- Award-winning
- OpenTable Icons 2026
- GFG 1 Hat 2025
- GFG 1 Hat 2024
- AreaMelbourne CBD
- Cross StreetBourke Street
- Parking DetailsLimited metered street parking along Spring Street and Lonsdale Street
- Public transport35, 86, 96 Tram - Parliament Stations
- AdditionalPatio/Outdoor Dining
Featured in
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FAQs
The European welcomes private parties, private dining is part of the restaurant's offering.
Sunday stands out, guests praise The European for its Sunday lunch and value it as one of the few top-quality restaurants open for lunch and dinner on Sundays.
Yes, The European's lovely French bistro ambience, extensive wine list and several cozy two-top experiences make it a fine choice for a special evening.
Guests commonly describe portions as generous and filling, reviewers note very generous mains (for example, a whole roast flathead) and several say they leave comfortably full.
The European is a perfect pre-theatre choice, many guests say it's their go-to before shows, and Sunday lunch is also a standout, since the restaurant is one of the few top-quality places open for Sunday lunch.
Smart casual is the guide, polished but relaxed; many guests treat visits as a slightly dressed‑up pre‑theatre or celebratory night out.
Yes, guests report enjoying the streetside terrace and outdoor seating, with reviewers noting pleasant alfresco dining on warm days.
The European feels like a classic, old‑world bistro, cosy, wood‑panelled and charming, with a historic, theatre‑friendly atmosphere and a strong focus on wine and classic bistro fare.
Yes, The European was awarded a Good Food Guide (GFG) '1 Hat' in 2024 and again in 2025.
How FAQ content is generated
Make a booking
The European
4.7
$A41 to $A100
European
Melbourne CBD
Make a booking
2 people
24 Oct 2026
22:30
Experiences are available.