European cuisine is a gastronomy that has deep roots in history and is closely linked to various influences during periods of conquest and colonisation.
Composed of many different types of cuisines, including those transplanted to other continents due to colonists, European fare utilises a wide range of meat from poultry to cattle, sheep, pork and varied game.
Northern European dishes are robust, often rich in fat – think soups and stews, warm and hearty meals to ward off the cold. Meanwhile, Southern Europe has an abundance of products and cooking methods, with a variety of vegetables consumed both cooked and raw.
Want to taste Europe on a plate Down Under? Here are six of our favourite venues to get your fix:
Offering stunning views from every table, Jonah’s on Bynya Road in Whale Beach is one of Australia’s most spectacular ocean retreats. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this Chef-hatted venue has uninterrupted sea views from floor-to-ceiling glass windows, while the terrace balcony perches on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean – ideal for whiling away an afternoon with your special someone and a bottle of bubbles.
Start with grilled King prawns, miso and orange butter, baby turnips, wasabi mayo and salmon roe, before memorable mains such as duck breast, rhubarb, beetroot, blackberries and shiso.
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar on Victoria Avenue brings a new level of sophistication and style to Broadbeach. Located on the ground floor of the Oasis Shopping Centre, dreamy tones and a stunning fit-out draw you in, with whitewashed walls, touches of wood and pops of colour from the bottles on the shelves, all transporting guests to long, serene Summers on the Italian Coast.
Start with Sofia’s famous housemade bread, with extra virgin olive oil, oregano and sea salt, then indulge your palate with signature cacio e pepe – linguine, cream and cracked pepper tossed in a 40 kg Parmesan wheel and served at the table.
Bringing a sense of familgia and connection to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, head to Osteria Coogee on Alfreda Street for Italian classics…revived. The perfect beachside setting for a casual dinner with friends, date night or family celebration, settle in at the window seat on a high stool and people watch; while overhead cane pendents and trailing ferns add to the chilled-out vibe.
Graze on small plates of malfatto – pumpkin and ricotta dumplings with sage butter - moving onto lamb shoulder with garlic olive salsa verde and sides of crispy potatoes and Brussels sprouts with capers and ricotta salata.
Inspired by Napa Valley’s rolling hills and verdant vineyards, Basq on Wirraway Road brings a new dining destination to Essendon Fields. Whether stopping in for a coffee break or lingering over a long lunch, take time to relax in Basq’s rustic interior of stacked stone, wood panelling, circular pendents and potted palms. Ideal for catch-ups and celebrations.
Savour each mouthful and sip as you forget about time for a while and delve into breaky tempters of maple-glazed French brioche toast, while the lunch crowd enjoys chilli crab spaghetti, with cherry tomatoes, white wine, lemon velouté and herb crumbs.
Cooking up your new cravings, Kyabram locals and visitors alike flock to Café Three620 on Allan Street to appease serious hunger. Polished wood floors, intimate tables and a calming colour palate of pale grey welcome guests as they catch up over coffee and brunch plates such as lambs fry, bacon, mash and onion gravy.
Dinner brings pasta dishes sure to tempt like spaghetti marinara with prawns, scallops, fish, mussels, garlic and Napoli sauce, or chicken and mushroom risotto with mushrooms, bacon and spinach.
Pizza has never tasted as good as what you get at South Melbourne’s Miss Margherita Pizzeria on Park Street. Centrally located, this eatery brings fresh gourmet pizza to the local lunch and dinner scene with various tasty offerings from pizza to calzones, focaccias, pasta, crispy fresh salads and delicious desserts.
Let your tastebuds sing with pasta plates like freshly cooked salmon, penne, creamy sauce, dill and capers, or pick up slice of pizza topped with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, hot salami, charred peppers, black olives and goats’ cheese.
