From pierogi to patatas bravas, you don’t have to kiss goodbye to a Euro Summer just yet, writes Bethany Lane from Small Plates.
The spring months in Melbourne can feel like a bit of a bore; some of us are returning from a European holiday, others are mourning the Euro Summer they never had. But instead of sulking at home and wishing these grey skies away, why not bring a Euro Summer to Melbourne?
This city might not have gondola rides or ancient ruins, but what it does have is a diverse food scene. I’ve hunted down the most authentic food spots in the city to scratch that Euro summer itch. Whether it be a bustling Greek tavern or a quaint Danish bakery, be prepared to be transported to Europe in one bite.
Denmark – Iris the Bakery
Once residents of Copenhagen, Iris owners, Tom and Betty, decided to bring a touch of Denmark’s capital to Brunswick. In true Copenhagen style, Iris adopts elegant, minimalist interiors with its engine room on full display, so that customers can admire the behind-the-scenes twist of a cardamon bun or the gentle roll of a croissant. One thing about Copenhagen is it’s always ahead of the curve and Iris makes sure to have some trendsetting treats on offer; try their morning bun with bergamot, vegetable tartine with shiitake mushrooms or even a coffee bun that uses wastage espresso shots!
1 Wilson Ave, Brunswick VIC 3056
Italy – Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Pellegrini’s is iconic for many reasons; perhaps you’ve heard that it imported Australia’s very first espresso machine or maybe you’ve noticed its heritage-listed neon sign from across the street. But it’s Pellegrini’s subtle charm that’s cemented it as a local favourite for over 70 years. Checkerboard floorboards and red vinyl stools make the place feel like walking into a time machine to 1950s Italy. And in many ways it is; despite changing hands a couple of times over the years, Pellegrini’s has retained its unique character and most importantly, its care for its customers. And nothing says care in Italian, quite like a homemade lasagne or blueberry pie!
instagram.com/pellegrinisespressobar
66 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Poland – Eat Pierogi, Make Love
If you’re ever stressed about what to name your new car or first-born child, just know you’ll never come up with something as good as Guy Daley and Dominka Skikorska did when tasked with naming their first restaurant, Eat Pierogi, Make Love. This place boasts a huge array of Polish plates; there’s everything from karkówka (pork skewers) to herring tartare. The Food for Wódka snack menu is a particularly fun addition, and their pierogi is a must! While Eastern European cuisine sometimes feels unfairly dismissed, this place is proof that Polish food is both cool and comforting. So next time you’re off out for dinner, why not pair your pét-nat with pierogi?
161 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Greece – Jim’s Greek Tavern
If you’ve never been to Jim’s before, here’s some quick dos and don’t’s.
Do stop off at Hippo en route to grab some tinnies (it’s BYO).
Do make sure you arrive hungry.
Do not take your elderly, slightly deaf grandma.
Do not wear white.
It’s wonderfully chaotic; sort of like if Fawlty Towers did Greek food. There are no menus; either let the waiters do the ordering for you or choose something from the ingredient case that takes your fancy. Whatever you do, order the saganaki and if the table doesn’t look like a crime scene by the end, you’ve done it wrong.
32 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066
France – Amann Patisserie
Arguably the culinary capital of the world, France is known for an array of beloved dishes, from boeuf bourguignon to crème brûlée. But if there’s one thing the French know how to make, it’s a pastry.
Born and raised in France, Amann Patisserie co-owners, Yohann Godec and Alizee Le Goff, take their work very seriously. Each day Godec spends nine hours rolling out a batch of 150 pastries which is then proofed overnight and baked in the morning. The hard work pays off; you can taste the time and effort that goes into each of these bakes. From French classics like lemon madeleines to fan favourites like the maple bacon Danish, Amann Patisserie is the crème de la crème!
645 Nicholson St, Carlton North VIC 3054
England – Reedhouse
Dating back to the mid-1800s, Reedhouse occupies a quaint, cottage-like building, which almost feels like stepping inside someone’s home. Each small room is sectioned off by arched doorways, making the 90-seater feel remarkably intimate. Having both done stints working under Ottolenghi in London, owners Mark Hannell and Rebecca Baker have managed to create a restaurant that combines both feel-good pub grub with traditional, elegant finesse. Think Welsh rarebit on a crumpet; scotch egg that uses a soy-cured egg, a lengthy wine list and lager on tap. Make sure to get the roast chicken with bread sauce and za’atar; it’s the best of British!
130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Portugal – Casa Nata
The pastel de nata might appear small and dainty but they’re a surprisingly hard thing to master. You have to make your pastry, work with high temperatures all while avoiding burning, curdling and splitting…
Casa Nata owners, Nelson and Ruben, have perfected their recipe, so much so, that it’s the only thing on the menu! Having spent time in Portugal, their natas are impossibly crispy, buttery and gooey. Ideal for a morning breakie, afternoon pick-me-up or if you want to win some brownie points in the office, make sure to swing by Casa Nata for a true taste of Portugal!
166 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
846 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Germany – Mr Bratwurst
Mr Bratwurst laid its roots in Melbourne back in 2014, but these guys have been making their German sausages since 1990. Originally established in the Eastern part of Germany, shortly after the wall came down, Mr Bratwurst has taken many forms; first as a food truck and later as a 24/7 diner.
Now a market stall in Prahran, their traditional hanging grill is an instant point of intrigue for people passing by. The use of an open fire and wooden charcoal is what gives their sausages a uniquely charred, smokey flavour. Each order can be customised with fried onions, cheese and an array of sauces. For a real authentic experience, make sure to add some Sauerkraut!
163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Spain – El Rincón
El Rincón is seriously Spanish. They’ve got their own coffee blend, a family recipe sangria on tap and even a giant picture frame of Salvador Deli! The bold flavours and high tannins of their wines, from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions, are enough to transport you straight to a sunny day in Spain. Pair with some of their seasonal tapas dishes, like patatas bravas and Spanish tortilla, which use fresh produce from their neighbours at Queen Victoria Market and for a split second, you might start to mistake the Melbourne laneways for the streets of Seville.
69 Victoria St, Melbourne VIC 3000
