A taste of Eastern Europe on the city's East Side
By Jennifer Grathwol
Special to Metromix
January 9, 2009
Restaurant Europa
Address: 30519 Pinetree Rd., Pepper Pike, OH, 44124
Phone: 216-591-1273
Overall User Rating:
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 4-10 p.m. Saturday; 4-9 p.m. Sunday; Bar open later
Though Restaurant Europa opened only a few months ago, the restaurant’s European-trained chefs bring more than 20 years of experience to the table. With exotic and traditional Russian dishes, and more than enough vodka to wash it all down, Restaurant Europa brings a taste of Eastern Europe to the East Side. They even provide the fur hats—seriously.
Food: Even if you can’t afford a trip to Moscow, you can still send your taste buds on a vacation with the exotic and authentic dishes on Restaurant Europa’s extensive menu. Start with a big bowl of bright red borscht ($5) or if you’re playing it safe, stick with the fresh French onion soup ($5). For a light lunch or appetizer, add a salad of sliced tomatoes and homemade mozzarella cheese topped with a tasty basil pesto sauce ($8.50). The tender, perfectly-seasoned rosemary chicken ($14.50) is second only to the authentic chicken kiev. No matter what you choose, you’re in good hands with Restaurant Europa’s classically-trained chefs.
Drinks: In addition to a full bar with wines to complement every flavor on the menu, Restaurant Europa boasts a truly unique experience with the ice-cold vodka room. Our server enlightened us on the old idea that in Russia, people drink vodka to stay warm. Hovering at a chilly 38 degrees, the vodka room houses more than 30 types of vodka that are served to vodka room visitors in a shot glass made out of ice. Bonus: There are fur coats and hats for visitors to don before entering the vodka room, which makes for some great photo opportunities.
Atmosphere: The warm and inviting atmosphere at Restaurant Europa is only enhanced by the charming violin music played live every night after 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday are the nights to go if you want to see a traditional Russian band in action.
Insider Tips: For the vodka room, our server recommended the Russian Standard—a vodka that’s popular with the restaurant’s Russian customers. It’s not as expensive as you might expect ($6.50 a shot) and you get a discount if you take the shot in the vodka room (about half the price of the drink).
Bottom Line: Vodka room and all, Restaurant Europa is family friendly and fairly priced. Try something new—the knowledgeable staff can help you choose an entrée if they all sound foreign.