The European in Derby

We came as two couples the room was cold and not very inviting as we did book another table over 4 weeks ago. We ordered the drinks and guess what they got those wrong. We all had starters after requesting for salt and pepper which was not even set out on our table. On the TURKEY ESCALOPES plate which two of us ordered for the main what looked and tasted like frozen peas and carrots. Portion size was only adequate at best. After not requesting for a dessert we had seen enough. I cannot remember such poor service poor food and poor value for money. Each couple paid £75 which was daylight robbery.

Visited here for Christmas meal with friends and the whole experience was like something out of Fawlty Towers. First of all no Sauvignon Blanc , when presented with wine lists to look for an alternative there were several wines crossed off (an indication of running down stock maybe). The wines that were on the list were offered as a sample but did not taste brilliant so had Prosecco instead. Waiting staff very attentive and polite but also we felt pressured when trying to find an alternative wine . The meal was very mediocre, my garlic mushrooms came on a bit of a soft cob rather than rustic bread. The chicken for the main was rubbery and peas were dried up and overcooked, the meal overall was tasteless and the restaurant was empty (not surprised to be honest). At one point the chef came wondering out making jokes and served the mains. The staff overtook the diners and were very polite but overall not a good experience. I got the impression that it is being run on a shoestring to be honest and £30 for 2 courses is reasonable I suppose if the food is half decent and presented as it should be.

Very good food and a great atmosphere.

This a great little venue and the staff are very attentive and friendly. There wasn’t many people in till later and so a quiet atmosphere. The starters were generous and delicious. Have to say the mains were a let down. The pink lamb was over cooked thin slices and chewy. The frozen veg portion just seemed to lack any effort. My wife had the duck, again, overcooked and very bland presentation. The desserts were really good. Good value overall. We will likely try again and just hope the mains are more refined with some attention to detail.

The food was great but the portion size was insulting given the price, especially as I ordered a vegetable dish. I understand you're paying for the ambience and the chef's skill set, but I've never paid so much money to leave still feeling hungry. My trip to the Derby Grill afterwards left me so much more satisfied, at a fraction of the cost.

Love visiting this restaurant. Simple, but tasty food and good service.

Very disappointing, as soon as you come up the stairs you would expect the smell of Italian food, the smell is off old and rotten. The food is over priced. I ordered a chicken and vegetables and these looked like they were frozen. The all thing is cheap and the atmosphere is really not nice. It’s extremely expensive for what’s on offer. However, the staff is nice and approachable.

Had a wonderful anniversary meal with friends in the always excellent European. Attentive and pleasant staff, great cuisine, the European is a real Derby gem.

We were in Derby for the weekend and this restaurant was recommended to us by the receptionist at our hotel. The dining room just oozed of character and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were most friendly and the food was just perfect.

We came because it was recommended, obviously won't be taking advice on food from this person. The starter of caprice salad and calamari were of the cheapest quality, the calamari was obviously from a cheap frozen bag. For the price we would expect it to be fresh it came with a sweet chilli dip too ( bottled kind) the main was garlic and chilli spaghetti that had no taste and was over boiled not in the slightest al dente, I'm thinking that visitors that come here have never been to Europe . I'm spanish and my friend is Italian This isn't how we cook. Spent over £90 for 2 course meal that was very disappointing

Visited as a couple on my wifes birthday and a great choice too.Nice location opposite Derby Cathedral this is a small,characterful restaurant with good ambience. Friendly helpful staff with a good menu available. We opted for starter and main with a bottle of Pinot Grigio.Excellent food tasty and well presented. Highly recommended.

We called on the off chance for lunch ,seated quickly ,now relax, it’s just so nice to have a pleasant meal without any loud voices telling everybody we’re they’ve been or how much it cost The meal was a set menu small choice but ok ,food was cooked to our liking ,thank you for your service

A nice place but over priced for what you get. The garlic bread looked like it was from the chill section at Asda.

In the U.K. we have thousands of “Italian” restaurants that aren’t really Italian. This place, however, is a REAL Italian place. Owned by Italians and with food cooked by Italians. Everything is authentic, and made just like they would be in the country. The gnocchi and parmigiana were outstanding. I’ll 100% be coming back to this place again and again!

I would drive to Derby just to go to this restaurant again. THE authentic Italian place with a beautiful view, nice staff and Parmigiana was soooo delicious 🤤

Went for a meal here for the first time. Looked a nice place. Pleasant staff. But very over priced for what you get.

Me and my wife went for lunch to this amazing restaurant having passed this for years and wondered if it was open being upstairs overlooking Derby Cathedral and iron gate ( the best part of Derby). We both had delicious mushroom soup to start ( best ever tasted ) off the set lunch menu followed by the wife had a spinach & ricotta tortellini in a delicate sauce and I had chicken in a Dijon sauce , both were excellent . The service and staff were very nice and we can’t wait to return

Booked for my partners birthday. On line said 3 course for £14.95 but ended up paying that price for 2 courses and paid extra for dessert. Food was ok . The chef needs to communicate with the waitress as she served me the fish instead of chicken . Doubt we will return.

Great European cuisine. absolutely loved it.

Friendly service, excellent Steak with an outstanding Sauce, the sides only normal standard! In any case to recommend.

Having previously visited The European once before more than 30 years ago I was very keen to visit again when a friend booked our table for 4 people for 6pm on a Saturday night. The menu is basically a mix of French and Italian dishes with a more than adequate choice on the menu. We ordered 2 lots of olives with bread and oils to cover the 4 of us, 4 all different starters and 4 all different main courses. Unfortunately the starters arrived but no mention of the olives, bread and oil. I mentioned to the waiter that we should have had these first to which he simply replied "yes I know" then walked off. They never arrived. When mentioned again to the lady who took the order when she served the main it was just passed off again as " I told them but they forgot" so I'll take them off the bill ? Anyway apart from not getting them the starters and mains were all very nice and we had no other issues. There are 2 or 3 fairly small rooms here and the building is very old and traditional, service was very friendly, apart from the missing dishes we did need to ask for 1 particular second drink twice but we were in no rush so not really a major issue. In all good choice of dishes, well presented tasty food, very chilled atmosphere so we will more than likely return, hopefully in less than another 30 years.

The wife and I spent the evening here. The service was fantastic the food was superb and the price was very reasonable. The restaurant itself is a lovely old building a little quirky but very intimate almost romantic. To find this place in the centre of Derby is a great find. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and meal.

Lovely meal the food is absolutely scrumptious. The staff are very efficient, friendly and welcoming. Would definitely recommend and will certainly go back again.

Doesn't look fantastic from the outside but don't be fooled, inside is exceptional! Lovely, chilled, romantic setting Food was fantastic, only criticism from us is only bottled beer, no draught selections! Hidden gem would highly recommend, prices are good as well

Caprese salad was under-seasoned Ambiance absolutely glorious

The food was exceptional. I had the chef’s pate, beef fillet and tiramisu (home made). The sauce for the steak was exceptional. The desert was light and tasty. Service exceptional. A real pleasure to visit this restaurant. .

We went after it was recommended to us. The food was ok but I was massively disappointed to be charged £2 for a splash of chilli oil for my pasta Dish. The whole evening seemed to based around how quickly they could take your order and get you out. We had only just sat down and the waitress was over asking if we were ready to order. Once we did pay the bill the waiter kept the change and when we asked for it back he looked disgusted with us

Top quality. The food was interesting and tasty. The staff attentive and friendly and we met the chef who is definitely Italian.

Phenomenal food, the steak sauce was an existential experience !!! The space is small in a very cozy way. The price is on the high side but the quality you're getting for it is absolutely worth it. Amongst the best food I've had in my life, the chef himself talked to us briefly cuz it was end of the night, lovely experience, best birthday ever!!!

Booked a table young lady had trouble finding our booking she was very sharp and I felt that I was a nuisance to her she took us to a table near a fireplace it was very cold with a cold draft blowing down the chimney we ordered a bottle of wine starter and main after 15 mins the starter arrived no wine we eventually ate our starter that was lovely after a short while a waiter came I told him we had finished our starter but still hadn’t go the wine so could he get us the bill we would not be bothering with the main, after a few minutes the sour faced lady arrived waving a bottle of wine I told her it was too late it should have been here 30 mins ago to which she snapped you haven’t been here 30 mins I paid her and left. The food there is great but the front of house is very poor I won’t go again I was very disappointed with the service

Food was incredible - and service was very good!

We arrived great atmosphere good service excellent wine starter and main meal then it all went wrong we asked for a dessert menu which the waitress brought for us then 30 minutes later after the waitress had passed us several times to serve other customers we decided to ask for the bill as it was apparent we had been forgotten we told the waitress who told us it wasn’t her fault as she had been in the other room we won’t be going again

Amazing food, can't believe its taken me this long to find this absolute gem! Will definitely be going again

Old school feel. Great staff, nice location, good food at a good price.

Found the European on trip advisor as being an Italian restaurant close to the hotel we were staying in and we were not disappointed the food was very good staff very efficient a Good place to eat in Derby

Great food and atmosphere. Hospitable service and present personnel. Best view on Derby Cathedral.

Not as great and authentic as I thought it would be after reading the reviews, very expensive for food that tasted it came out of a packet

Really liked this little restaurant! When walking in you don’t think it’s going to be great but definitely give it a chance! The food was great! Cozy dining. Really small but intimate. Would recommend!

The European is an elegant, upmarket restaurant in Cathedral Quarter Derby. It is also one of my favourite restaurants in Derby. The food is delicious, the service, friendly and convivial, and the environment classy and inviting. It is a place that is famous for its...

The European is one of my favorite restaurants. I live abroad now but whenever I go to visit family, we always book a table. The food is fantastic, with a wide range of appetizers, pasta dishes, and gorgeous mains. The service is fantastic, and the...

My brother and I have had lunch here four times over the past eighteen months. It’s the perfect place for our not-often-enough reunions! The best table is by the window overlooking Derby Cathedral. Situated upstairs in a lovely old building, The European is in the...

I have visited the European twice with my partner, with mixed experiences. The restaurant itself is nicely presented and has a relaxed atmosphere, which we liked. The staff were also friendly and attentive. Unfortunately though the quality of the food didn't live up to expectation,...

Met up with friends for lunch, none of us live locally to this restaurant. Very nice decor, nice to meet the chef, lovely food. Very clean restaurant.....definately recommend, good prices too.

I have to say that this restaurant truly is a hidden gem. I popped here for dinner on my own having looked at the menu, and was sat at a table with a beautiful view of Derby Abbey. The food itself tasted fresh and delicious;...

Have been going there for many years lovely atmosphere, lovely staff, lovely food

We returned to our favourite restaurant after shielding from Covid for 2 years. The food was wonderful, with each dish being delicious and well presented, and clearly prepared with skill and love. The service was warm and attentive. There was sadness for us in this...

A little confusion when we arrived and they had just finished a busy day and were not quite ready for evening service. Turned out OK the meal was good and the service too.

Just been to the European and was a bit sceptical after the latest review. However, everything was excellent. The food was thoroughly enjoyable, the room was small but comfortable and the staff pleasant and attentive. I will definitely be back and would definitely recommend it.

Top quality. Every dish perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. Attentive service. Reasonable prices too. Perfect.

Old school experience - staff really look after you, take their time to explain the different dishes and drinks. Food is exceptional, but reasonably priced. House wines are good, and in large bottles(!). Very cosy atmosphere and a great antidote to the manufactured hospitality of some of the chains I could mention. Highly recommended.

Lovely environment with great flavours. Waitress is very polite as well.

Don’t know what’s happened to this place but the food used to be amazing but now it’s below average. Such a shame as this was one of our favourite places but we haven’t been since before lockdowns.

Lovely place for Romantic Meal for two. Will definitely return . No draught beer but excellent wine list, bottled beer. Waitresses was on que and didn't have to ask for anything. Pasta dish was excellent, specials board as well.

After many lovely experiences, my eldest daughter had never been with us so I booked a table for 7 off us for her birthday, well what a disappointment the service was appalling we waited a while before we were asked if we wanted any drinks, after placing the food order which took a while to arrive only 5 off the 7 came out, we had to wait a while for the other 2 and everyone else had finished their starters before they arrived. A table behind us who had placed there order after us got their food before our mains, which when they arrived were only luke warm. Its a shame that such a lovely restaurant has turned into this terrible service. We weren't offered any discount or asked if there was anything they could do to rectify this problem. The waiting on staff were very rude, and made out they couldn't speak English until we were leaving then made some sarcastic comnents. Sorry but we won't be returning.

Popped in on the off chance they had a free table and bless them they did We enjoyed very simple but well executed Italian fare I had tomato soup to start followed by the mushroom risotto, both positively delish Hubby troughed the goats cheese tart...

That was a first - never been verbally abused by waiting staff in a restaurant until now. Chef had walked out, so absolute chaos. Waited 2 hours for cold food in a cold room whilst the staff hid, then followed us out of the door shouting abuse. I'd maybe give this place a miss.

We waited over an hour for the starter, when it came they only brought one instead of 3. The table behind us left as it took so long. The main was an extra 40 minute wait and not even worth it! Small portion sizes and not anything special! The venue is nice - very old- but we won’t be returning.

Not been here for literally decades but I'm glad to say nothing has changed and the amazing night I once had was still to be had. Great staff, fantastic food that couldn't be faulted in anyway, not to mention the actual venue. Quiet, romantic, and intimate. Highly recommended.

Great food.. only a minor disappointment that we weren't made aware that it was a Christmas special menu. Still enjoyed it!

This restaurant is located on the first floor of an attractive historic building. The service was friendly and professional. I had duck and orange and my partner had a lamb dish. Both came with vegetable accompaniments which were included in the price. Both dishes were...

Recommended to me by a local and it didn't disappoint, my wife also thought it was excellent, no wonder they've been around for 30years 👍🍷

Great food and lovely atmosphere! Worth a visit.

I pre-booked a table of 20 at the European to celebrate my 30th with a group of friends. From making the booking, communicating with staff via email right through to the night it was a really easy, friendly process. We were made to feel really...

Long awaited family get together, really enjoyed our evening at The European. Wide selection of meals chosen all arrived in good time and were delicious. I had the lamb which was cooked to perfection- recommend that you book in advance as the European is clearly...

Just excellent a real discovery

Food was 5⭐ so was the host restaurant is bit dated we traveled up too alton towers and took this on Google reviews pleased we did as food was fresh and very tasty

This little restaurant is amazing! The seating is nice, amazing food and nice waiters. This was a great experience and I totally recommend it!

Tried it because of previous reviews, the service and food was excellent. Well worth a visit.

Waitress was friendly enough but messed up multiple parts of our order and needed reminding about items multiple times. Food was presented poorly drowning in sauce, and the flavours were not great. Maybe we came on a bad day, however from our experience I would...

Such an easy review to write, we had a lovely time at this super friendly Italian restaurant in central Derby. You do have to negotiate the stairs, however once inside and in the wonderful wrap around care of the staff, for which nothing is too...

Friday 18/6 /21. We ate here last night and I would like to offer some constructive criticism. First please please buy some decent wine glasses ( the ones we were given were dreadfully dated,poor quality and obviously very old). Second please purchase some form of...

Called in one Thursday lunchtime after visiting the Museum of Making. Lucky enough to be allocated a table next to the window. Perfect!

Staff were very pleasant looked as if they enjoyed their job. Food was delicious. Have been going to the European since they've been open

So good to be back at this wonderful restaurant. We went with friends and when our favourite starter (garlic mushrooms) wasn't on the menu we asked about it and straight away the waitress asked the chef if he could do it and low and behold...

Went on first night after lockdown, food and service excellent. There was concern over the fact that my wife left half of her meal, but that’s just her, she doesn’t eat a lot! Great to be back in this gem!🤓

Really outstanding experience. Took my mother here for a treat and she loved it. Top notch food, atmosphere

Very cosy and friendly place. Didn't have a reservation but they took us in. Food was great as well. Would go back if looking for italian food!

Perfect in every way 👍 went here and was not disappointed. Service from the staff 100% food perfect. They try very hard in such difficult circumstances hats of to the team.

We went here during eat out to help out as we wanted to try it. The service was mixed - we had one waitress who seated us who was fine and then we were pretty much ignored. We had to ask for our order to...

The photo does not represent the restaurant. No table cloth and cheap paper napkins last night. Food really not great and the two waitresses were not very friendly or attentive. Disappointed.

We are regulars to derby and since lockdown havent stayed for a while, so we booked the european for last night ( friday). We got a lovely table right by the window with lovely cathedral views . We went for the special haloumi starter and...

This is the second time we have visited since lockdown restrictions were lifted. Food and service were as good as ever. Steps have been taken to ensure the restaurant is COVID safe with sanitiser & name/number registration on entry, staff wearing masks/visors and bare tables...

The European is continuing Eat Out to Help Out in September. They offer a great little lunch menu which is superb value, with a la carte also available too. Located in historic Irongate almost opposite the Cathedral in one of Derby's oldest buildings with a...

Beautiful menu and food. Great service provided in the hidden gem in Catherdal Quarter. Happy to see them busy and working great alongside the help out to eat out scheme. Will Definitely return.

We loved our first trip to the European. The food was delicious and the service was great. Couldn't fault it! Definitely worth making the most of the great food while the Eat out to Help out deal is on too.

Lovely Italian meal at the European. Lots of choice, authentic Italian, great staff! Recently redecorated and very stylish, the food lives upto the decor. Will define return.

Lovely ambience, great service and wonderful food. shame about the drunk client

Been going here for over 40 years! Always good and waiter(Mama mia) a Derby character!!

Fast service but nowhere near as romantic as I expected

I enjoyed my second visit her on Monday 3rd February. Surprisingly busy as Derby City center was nearly empty. Charming waiter who is probably the proprietor, A beautifull simple tasty meal. If i lived here i would be a regular visitor.

Nourriture italienne authentique fait par de vrai italien. A réessayer

Booked for lunch with a friend. Lovely quiet surroundings with lovely window view, couldn't quite see cathedral from our table. Excellent service waiter very attentive and helpful. Food was delicious! Would definitely go again.

This restaurant is looking very tired and the fabric seats all appeared dirty on the tops. The menu is very uninspiring although the food tasted nice it was nothing I couldn’t make at home. Staff were friendly but I sadly won’t be rushing back.

Very pleasant dinner, prompt and efficient service, staff polite and helpful. Pork escapes with fennel and ginger excellent!

Lovely ambience, and the view out to the illuminated Cathedral adds considerably to the setting. Service was very good, quick and efficient, polite and helpful. Good first courses, chicken parfait and tomato and mozzarella salad both enjoyed. Mains (chicken in garlic and pork escalopes in fennel and ginger; risotto and fusilli bolognaise) varied between excellent (chicken, pork); good (fusilli) and ordinary(risotto), but the dessert of the day helped to end on a good note. Will be back, as overall a very pleasant evening.

I’d Booked for a pre Christmas catch up with a friend, the meal and service were excellent, it was a shame the table behind us had a couple of drunks Who insisted to shout and burb. If spoilt our meal but Roz knows who they are!

Situated on Irongate almost opposite the Cathedral, the European is located in one of Derby's most quaint and historic buildings over 2 floors above a shop, and has a nice traditional feel, thankfully without the excessive noise and bustle of many of it's competitorsThe menu offers a wide range of dishes, some Italian staples and other less common regional fare, quite a number of dishes are vegetarian. The wine list has a decent range of mainly Italian wines at fair prices,plus a range of spirits and a few beers too.Our food was very nicely presented, perfectly cooked with good flavours. Our group of 12 were looked after very well, and as ever we enjoyed the company of Giacomo the long standing waiter. Prices are very good all things considered.

Been thinking of going here for a while.....couldn't get a table in Wetherspoons...so walked up the road and eventually found the entrance after nearly going into the hairdressers. More windy staircases then through a door and back in time in this Tardis of a place. Lovely meal and wine with a pleasant chat to the proprietor and head waiter at the end.Will return with friends.

Great great food. Wonderful service.

Four of us went to the European on 13th December for a Christmas lunch. 3 had garlic mushrooms in a stilton sauce that were delicious and one had prawns also delicious. 3 then had the turkey dinner, two thick slices of turkey in a red wine gravy, a pig in blankets, stuffing, roast potato and plenty of veg, new potatoes, beans and carrots, one had roast pork with the same as the above. The wine was really good and very resonably priced. The table was pretty complete with crackers. Altogether a wonderful lunch. We will be back at our next get together in February.