The European

Spring Street’s enduring anchor delivers the ritual of an unhurried continental brasserie right across from Parliament House. Settle behind the double front doors amid dark wood and white linen, or grab a pavement table beneath the plane trees for a spot of civic theater. Regulars make a beeline for the steak tartare alongside whipped cod roe and crisp blinis, though a rare aged porterhouse au poivre with frites holds down the centre of the room. When pasta calls, the rich ragu and generous marinara arrive without fuss. The floor runs with quiet poise—floorstaff keep water glasses filled, while the sommelier maneuvers through an extensive cellar of French, Italian, and regional Victorian bottles to match plates of braised rabbit or tender ox tongue. Evenings round out quietly over warm creme brûlée or tiramisu.