The Euro

LOCATION
On Mary Street, ten minutes’ walk from the city centre.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Urbane, one of Brisbane’s most stellar fine dining institutions, has a little sister who rivals its elder with casual elegance. The Euro is a bistro, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Brisbane CBD. It is less formal than the foodie-beloved Urbane but, essentially, uses the same kitchen. This means food from the very top of the gourmet ladder, served in a chic but welcoming bistro environment.

Step through the intricate metal screens at the entrance, and you'll find yourself surrounded by a contemporary dining space of wooden floorboards and eye-catching metal-panel walls, while the bar up ahead glows in subtle coloured light. A long black zinc bar runs down the length of this stylish restaurant, opposite a gorgeously stark bare stone wall. The feel is one of art and refined European style - a sophisticated venue for the diner who knows that casual needn’t mean sloppy.

The food comes straight from the kitchen of Kym Machin, the executive chef overseeing Urbane, the Euro and the Laneway Brasserie. As one would expect, the standard is impeccably high. Trying new concepts is encouraged through an extensive section of the menu devoted to share platters. A remarkable ‘ham tasting plate’ incorporates a range of delicately flavoured Italian cuts to first tease, then satisfy eager taste buds. When it comes to mains the choice ranges from Goldband snapper served with sautéed squid, to the tender milk-fed veal served with a skilfully designed Italian herb salad. The affiliation to Urbane shows strongly through the drinks menu, with diners offered a selection from the parent restaurant’s outstanding wine list.

The Euro blends high-class fine dining with bistro chic so artfully that it is hard to see how these styles could ever be thought incompatible. It is ideal for discerning diners who want the comfort of a relaxed environment, without skimping on quality of food or service as a result.

Aran Ward Sell