Eastern European Foods Melbourne Indulge in European-Inspired Dining Experiences

Introduction

Europe has always been a dreamy destination for those who long to venture overseas and immerse themselves in its rich culture and old-world lifestyle. However, traveling to Europe may not always be possible at the moment. Luckily, there are alternative ways to experience European culture and cuisine right here in Australia. In Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, you can find authentic European-inspired dining experiences that will transport you to the charming streets of the continent. In this article, we will explore some of the best Eastern European food establishments in Melbourne, highlighting their unique offerings and inviting ambience.

La Colemena, Melbourne

Melbourne now boasts a direct portal to authentic Spanish pastries with the opening of La Colemena in Prahran Market at the end of 2022. Cristina Jiménez, a former computer engineer, fulfilled her dream of establishing Australia’s first proper pastelería. At La Colemena, you can indulge in underrepresented Spanish pastries such as piononos, glaseados, doblegats, and xuixos, all made using Jiménez’s own family recipes. One of the exciting elements of visiting La Colemena is discovering the origins of each pastry, as they hail from various regions of Spain. These pastries are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the flower-like flor manchega being a standout favorite. This crunchy delicacy from La Mancha is made using a special iron mold that has been passed down through generations.

Miss Sina, Sydney

Miss Sina in Marrickville, Sydney, is a vegan bakery that showcases the German heritage of its owner, Sina Klug. Klug and her partner, Jacques Dumont, focus on using local and seasonal ingredients to create their delectable pastries and savory menu items. While Miss Sina offers a range of French and Australian classics, their traditional German treats truly shine. One must-try pastry is the franzbrötchen, a cinnamon-kissed cousin of the croissant. The all-day brunch menu features a German-inspired cheese toastie with bacon, sauerkraut, and pickle. Additionally, Miss Sina serves Austrian chocolate cake sachertorte and other European staples. Due to its popularity, Miss Sina recently opened a second location in Surry Hills, catering to the growing demand for their unique offerings.

Settimo, Brisbane

Settimo, located in the Westin Brisbane, is a culinary gem inspired by the Amalfi Coast and led by Italian food maestro Guy Grossi. While Grossi is well-established in Melbourne, Settimo brings a taste of Italy’s distinctive Campanian dishes to Brisbane. With 150 seats available, the restaurant offers a culinary journey through different regions of Italy, accompanied by an impressive wine and cocktail list. Noteworthy dishes include the gnocchi alla Sorrentina and pasta al limone, along with a variety of antipasto-style starters. Settimo embraces the warm communal atmosphere of Italian culture, featuring authentic Italian meats and cheeses on their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The restaurant also prioritizes sustainability, sourcing produce from around the globe, including Fremantle octopus and Amalfi-made anchovy extract.

Indulge in European-Inspired Dining Experiences in Melbourne

If you’re craving a taste of Europe but can’t travel at the moment, Melbourne offers a range of authentic European-inspired dining experiences that will transport you to the continent. From La Colemena’s Spanish pastries to Miss Sina’s German treats and Settimo’s Italian delights, these establishments provide an opportunity to savor the flavors and ambiance of Europe. So, open up your sunroof, let the Tuscan-style rays in, and embark on an intercontinental-style culinary adventure right here in Melbourne.

La Colemena: Australia’s First Proper Pastelería

La Colemena, located in Prahran Market, is an absolute delight for pastry lovers. Owned by Cristina Jiménez, a former computer engineer, this Spanish bakery offers a selection of underrepresented Spanish pastries. From piononos to glaseados, doblegats, and xuixos, La Colemena showcases the diversity of Spanish pastry traditions. What makes the experience even more exciting is learning about the specific regions from which each pastry originates. One standout favorite is the flor manchega, a visually stunning and crunchy pastry from La Mancha. It is made using a special iron mold that has been passed down through generations, adding a touch of tradition to the delectable treat.

Miss Sina: Vegan Bakery with German Flavors

Miss Sina, a vegan bakery in Marrickville, Sydney, is the brainchild of Sina Klug, who shares her German heritage through her delectable creations. At Miss Sina, everything is handmade from scratch, with a focus on using local and seasonal ingredients. While their menu includes French and Australian classics, the German pastries truly steal the show. One must-try treat is the franzbrötchen, a cinnamon-kissed cousin of the croissant. The menu also features a German-inspired cheese toastie with bacon, sauerkraut, and pickle, as well as Austrian chocolate cake sachertorte. Miss Sina has become so popular that they recently opened a second location in Surry Hills, making it even more accessible for Sydney locals and visitors alike.

Settimo: Amalfi Coast-Inspired Italian Cuisine

Settimo, located in the Westin Brisbane, is a culinary gem curated by renowned Italian chef Guy Grossi. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, Settimo offers a taste of Italy’s distinct Campanian dishes. With a spacious seating capacity of 150, the restaurant provides an immersive dining experience that takes you on a journey through different regions of Italy. The extensive wine and cocktail lists perfectly complement the authentic flavors of the dishes. Don’t miss out on the gnocchi alla Sorrentina, pasta al limone, or the array of antipasto-style starters. Settimo also embraces the communal warmth of Italian culture, featuring a wide selection of authentic Italian meats and cheeses on their menus. The commitment to sustainability is evident, with produce sourced from around the globe, including Fremantle octopus and Amalfi-made anchovy extract.

Conclusion

Although traveling to Europe may not be possible at the moment, you can still indulge in European-inspired dining experiences right here in Australia. Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane offer a range of establishments that showcase the flavors and ambiance of Europe. From La Colemena’s Spanish pastries to Miss Sina’s German treats and Settimo’s Italian delights, these dining experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Eastern Europe. So, open up your sunroof, let the invigorating burst of Tuscan-style rays in, and embark on a delightful intercontinental culinary adventure in Melbourne. With such authentic and diverse options available, you can satisfy your cravings for European cuisine without even leaving the country.