melbourne european

Polish Deli

NORTH MELBOURNE

For decades, members of Melbourne’s Polish community have come to this tiny shop in Queen Victoria Market for traditional sausages, smoked pork loin and handmade pierogi.

Korona Csárda

WANTIRNA

This Hungarian husband-and-wife-run eatery serves all-you-can-eat buffet feasts of beef goulash, tiny dumplings, schnitzel and stews. And it’s BYO wine.

Eat Pierogi Make Love

BRUNSWICK EAST

Polish food comes hot at this brutalist-inspired restaurant. Expect brightly garnished dishes, apple-cinnamon cocktails, a plethora of vodka options and, of course, pierogis aplenty.

Fred's Bar

CREMORNE

A slick eatery serving bagels and brioche from 7.30am, and $2 oysters later on.

Poodle Bar & Bistro

FITZROY

This double-decker haunt is full of cosy nooks. Sink into a leather banquette or gold velvet couch and order zhooshed-up hotel classics (vol-au-vents or charcoal-grilled steaks) from a former Cumulus Inc and Marion chef.

Gimlet at Cavendish House

MELBOURNE

Andrew McConnell's signature flair is all over this grand bar and dining room, from the exacting service to the comforting European dishes. It’s named after the classic cocktail, and the calibre of drinks here speaks to that. You’ll find us at the marble bar, Gimlet in hand.

Zsa's

NORTHCOTE

A light-filled all-day European bistro, bar and deli stocking fresh pasta, fancy tinned fish and other staples.

Chancery Lane

MELBOURNE

Scott Pickett's take on a mod-French brasserie brings old-world European elegance to a heritage-listed CBD building. There's ritzy deep-green marble, dramatic arched windows and candelabras throughout. Start with black truffle and foie gras toasties, then move onto French-style gnocchi, and finish with a gin-and-raspberry baba.

Miss Amelie

WODONGA

A modern European restaurant headed up by a chef that’s worked under Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. It’s all set within a historic former railway station.

Alium Bendigo

BENDIGO

Modern European dining by a prodigious young chef, set inside an historic former bank building overlooking Alexandra fountain. Hyperlocal produce and wine is front and centre here, but it’s hard to ignore the dining room’s stunning and original Art Nouveau features.

Neds Armadale

ARMADALE

An outstanding bakery-restaurant delivering house-made European breads and brunches. Take your pick from the counter lined with sweet and savoury pastries, Danish-style sandwiches and more.

Lillian Brasserie

MELBOURNE

Set inside Chris Lucas’s fine diner, Society, this European-inspired brasserie retains the strong seafood focus of its sibling, but offers it in a more casual space primed for long lunches and late-night cocktails. Pull up at the bar for signature drinks and exceptional drops from Society’s peerless wine cellar.

Bar Magnolia

BRUNSWICK

A petite, dimly lit wine bar serving classic French bistro fare, like sweet and savoury tartes tatin, crème brûlée and coq au vin with a twist.

Smithward

COLLINGWOOD

It may feel like a neighbourhood wine bar somewhere in Europe, but this tiny spot exclusively pours Victorian vino as a rule. It also goes hard on the cheese front – mop up some melty, stretchy raclette with a stub of crusty sourdough for the full Smithward experience.

Neds Middle Park

MIDDLE PARK

Not quite a bakery and not quite a cafe, this Euro-leaning corner spot is primed for many occasions. Grab an on-the-go loaf of bread, head in for a casual catch-up over sweet pastries and St Ali coffee, or enjoy a longer brunch with classic cocktails out the front.

Neds Albert Park

ALBERT PARK

Order a punchy chilli scramble in the morning or a loaded chicken sandwich around lunch, which you might pair with a brunch-friendly Bloody Mary or wine. And on your way out, be sure to grab a loaf of Neds crusty seeded sourdough – or local’s favourite olive grissini.

Dolly

MELBOURNE

Descend the art deco staircase inside Melbourne's Le Meridien hotel to find a European restaurant imbued with the glamour of yesteryear. It's all about classic European fare, from a signature beef Wellington to bombe Alaska torched tableside.

Elster

ELSTERNWICK

This charming daytime diner is by a respected Melbourne cafe mogul. It walks the line between cafe and restaurant with breakfast classics and lunchtime dishes inspired by European bistros.

Lucia

SOUTH MELBOURNE

This south-side restaurant nods to Saint Lucia, with earthy hues and large-scale works by a Melbourne collage artist. Stop by for crab linguini and European-inspired cocktails – like Bellinis and “two-sip” Negronis.

Mokum

BRUNSWICK SOUTH

This cosy all-day eatery is a love letter to Amsterdam. Find Dutch comfort food like stamppot, pancakes and slow-braised beef brisket croquettes. Plus, a giant beer list and house-roasted coffee.

Neds South Yarra

SOUTH YARRA

This is much more than a bakery. Sure, the bread and sweets are great. But you ought to stay for a meal. With past dishes including mascarpone pancakes and chicken-liver pâté on brioche, brunch here is too good not to try.