Euro Bites

1

 

The Mediterranean boasts islands and achingly blue water, France brought us, well, French men, but let's not forget that Europe's eastern countries brought us vodka. Bless them. In an atmospheric space of candlelight and gypsy music, Borsch serves more than 100 different types of vodka, soaked up by traditional Polish dumplings.

2

 

It's Eurovision time and at this time of the year everyone's celebrating the craziness of those oddballs north of the equator. While specialising in Belgian beers and food (think mussels with pommes frites and a Leffe Blonde), the Belgian Beer Cafe also serves up a bit of signature Belgian quirkiness. Order up a Kwak and trade your shoe as a deposit on the test-tube-shaped glass. Don't worry, your tootsies won't get cold; the staff will hand you a fluffy slipper in exchange.

3

 

This little eatery embraces the tasteful aesthetic of Europe, bringing Canberrans a classy Continental experience without being at all over the top. Wine is a highlight here; the restaurant features a hefty list of solid drops which are carefully matched with each dish.

4

 

While many 'European' restaurants in Australia have a modern Australian twist (green curry risotto, anyone?), this long-stayer shuns dodgy fusion creations. This is familiar European cuisine, with a strong Swiss influence. Settle back in the historic setting of an 1890s mansion and dine on duck a l'orange or chateaubriand.

5

 

There's got to be something a bit surreal about eating rich French food in the middle of the tropics but, against the odds, this restaurant has pulled it off. Opened by true-blue Frenchies Michel Bonnet and his daughter Amelie (who've recently moved to Melbourne), this bistro serves rich, authentic French cuisine.

6

 

With the air of a Parisian bistro, this restaurant offers a thoroughly Euro-chic experience. The food ranges from traditional Continental fare to Aussie innovations, but the highlight has got to be the Euro-only wine list. They may not have a Barossa Valley or a Margaret River, but those Europeans have their fair share of decent drops.

7

 

This bustling brasserie serves up a decent selection of European meals, with tapas nibbles in the bar. But, once again, the focus is on wine. With a whole continent to browse for decent vinos, the wine list has swollen to more than 400 bottles. Don't be afraid to ask for help with the list; their helpful staff are more than happy to guide you through the unpronounceable European varietals. Gewurztraminer, anyone?

8

 

While this restaurant's location at Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf is simply Sydney, the interior is gorgeously Euro-trash. The sleek white interior is broken by brightly striped daybeds, while a whole corner is clad from floor to ceiling in a psychedelic, laminated Missoni print. Sunglasses on, diners can tuck into Mediterranean cuisine, including an all-day tapas menu.

9

 

Radiating the booming bonhomie of its owner and namesake, this Willoughby eatery introduces locals to Alsatian eating that's the German-bordered French region, folks, not the dog. You've got to try Maitre Karl's tarte flambee a pizza-like creation of thin dough, cooked over a hot stone, with a cheesy base and not too much else. Domino's just can't compete.