Set at the top of Irongate in Derby, almost opposite the Cathedral is the European Restaurant, which is on the second floor above a hairdressers. We had a voucher to use (2 people, 3 courses £24), as we were meeting family earlier in the day in town it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a try. We were greeted as we entered the restaurant with a warm smile, which goes a long way and seated next to the window, which offers magnificent views of Derby Cathedral and it's surrounds, a great place to watch the world go by on a beautiful summer's day. The dining area had modern furnishings, and the walls were adorned with modern art, and a rather impressive looking mirror, the beams above reflecting the age of the building. Sadly we were the only diners, for the entire length of our lunch, such a shame, as it is such a peaceful, calm place and the food is great. It deserves to be much busier.
A nice touch to give us some bread to eat with chilli infused olive oil, while we perused the menu. Starters were all pretty standard dishes, my wife opted to skip this course, whilst I went for the Caesar Salad, flakes of parmesan adorned an ample bowl of crisp salad in a zingy dressing, a good start. Lots of choices on the mains, from classic like lasagne and spaghetti bolognaise to fish dishes, like salmon and sea bass. We both opted for chicken dishes for mains; mine dressed in tomatoes, chilli, garlic and pancetta, and my wife's in a light white wine sauce with prawns and mushrooms. Both beautiful cooked pieces of chicken, with the accompanying sauces enhancing the flavour of the chicken, rather than detracting from it; the accompanying new potatoes, sweetened carrots and broad beans complimented both dishes well too.
Feeling rather full at this point, was there enough room for dessert? Just about, a good mix of classic dishes like lemon cheesecake, Panna Cotta and Tiramisu.
I went for a chocolate pudding, with ice cream; great luxuriant flavour of the pudding, ice cream, strangely tasteless. All in all, a great meal, peaceful surroundings, and great food. Not trendy cuisine, just good food perfectly cooked. read more