LOCATIONLocated in the north-east corner of the CBD, a short walk from the Melbourne Museum or the Regent and Princess theatres.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAThis rustic bar and restaurant on the corner of Little Collins and Exhibition is a gold mine for CBD suits, corporates and tourists, offering everything from booths and nooks for intimate couples to private rooms for large functions. Dark wood and high, ornate ceilings give the downstairs bar and dining area a beautiful European atmosphere, while the versatility of a similarly designed function area means the European Bier Cafe can cater for a wide variety of private parties, gatherings and corporate events. Large windows in the upper lounge allow diners to look out over Exhibition Street, while the basement lounge feels a world away from the busy city above.
The Cafe’s extensive menu does well to cover cuisines from all corners of Europe and includes classic and contemporary dishes. The apple cider-braised pork belly and field mushroom and sage risotto are among the scrumptious and different dishes on offer. A bargain $14 lunch menu on weekdays means this place is always on the go. Last but not least, the wondrous beer list includes 27 bottled and 18 tap beers, including the very strong yet delicious Gulden Draak from Belgium, as well as favourites from Germay, Netherlands and France.
Frank Trimboli, December 2008