Europea group’s main restaurant, a gourmet jewel in the Canadian metropolis. Europea opened in 2002, in the heart of downtown Montreal. Voted best restaurant in 2008 and 2010, it has now been chosen as one of the Top 10 restaurants worldwide by Travellers’ Choice Award 2012 by Travel Adviser. Mr Jerome Ferrer, Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux, and Europea restaurant have gained both notoriety and prestige proposing a unique gourmet cuisine of exceptional quality using the best local products.
Reviews of Jérôme Ferrer Europea portray a dramatic, fine dining experience in Montreal where food is presented as art and the ambiance feels refined and welcoming. Echoed throughout is praise for attentive staff, behind the scenes kitchen access, and a tasting format that showcases creative plates and strong use of Quebec ingredients. Standout moments and dishes such as the lobster cappuccino and the Kobe beef are frequently celebrated, and the wine pairings are often praised as well. Yet opinions are mixed on flavor balance and consistency; some meals are described as spectacular and generous, while others are criticized for heaviness, overrich sauces, saltiness, or a lack of cohesion, as well as occasional service gaps or pacing issues. The move to a newer location is noted by some as improving atmosphere, while others feel the service can feel rushed or impersonal on busy nights. Overall the experience is seen as unforgettable and worth trying for a special occasion, with many agreeing that the restaurant earns its reputation, even if the value proposition depends on expectations for theater versus taste.
Food was amazing & huge portions; best lobster I ever had.
Service was lacking; not sure if it was because it was a busy Friday night or we didn't order alcohol.
We asked for flat water; they gave us sparkling water; we then asked for flat water again; they took the water away. 30 minutes later we asked for water again because they forgot about us.
I had a similar experience with green tea; they charged me 10$ for it but I never received it.
After having eaten at most 4-5 star $$$-$$$$ restaurants in Montreal, this restaurant's service is definitely below average among its competitors. The food quality & quantity is definitely worth the price.
We chose the 11-course tasting menu for dinner, priced at $235 per person. While the presentation of the dishes was elaborate, the flavors didn't quite meet expectations.
The meal started with several small appetizers, including hanging beef jerky & a variety of other dishes that didn't leave much of an impression. The only standout was the lobster cappuccino, which had a nice truffle aroma & a creamy texture.
Next came a brioche bread course, which felt unnecessary. The bread was fine but didn't add much to the meal & seemed to be included just to fill the course count.
The main courses featured snow crab scallops, veal, roasted lobster, & deer. The snow crab was underwhelming, offering just a tiny amount of meat. The veal, prepared as braised beef, lacked depth of flavor. The lobster, while okay, was overshadowed by an unpleasant smoky flavor from the presentation. The deer was difficult to finish, as its strong, gamey taste didn't pair well with the overly sweet sides.
For dessert, we had cotton candy, mini cream puffs, raspberry jelly, & an apple made from apple puree. While these were playful, they felt more appropriate for a casual setting than a fine dining experience. I would have preferred a more focused, thoughtfully crafted dessert.
Throughout the meal, many dishes were served with similar creamy sauces, making them taste quite alike. The restaurant also used smoky elements in the plating (like with the lobster), but unfortunately, the dishes didn't capture that smoky flavour well.
The service also left much to be desired. They were quick to serve & clear dishes, but their level of attention & care was inconsistent. It felt like they were merely going through the motions, almost as if reading from a script. At one point, a server asked how the meal was, & when I responded with'it was okay,' he seemed surprised & asked,'Just okay?' After I confirmed, he quickly moved on without any further engagement. This lack of genuine interest made it clear that the staff didn't really care about our feedback or experience.
In the end, while the menu was varied, I would have preferred fewer courses with more attention to flavor. The focus on presentation seemed to overshadow the taste, making the experience feel more about style than substance.
Ps. The servers were
Apr 5, 2025
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Don't go there if you want the veggie tasting menu. The menu they hand you is outdated, the quinoa was tasteless, the falafel dry (& also not very creative option). The ‚greeting from the kitchen' was lobster (as my partner had the non veggie option) - not very inclusive. Same price as the meat & fish tasting menu for some reason.
My wife & I have eaten at hundreds of restaurants, including those under the Relais & Châteaux accreditation. These restaurants & hotels have many hoops to jump through to get this label, but I do not know if it's possible to lose it or if it needs recertification every year. This restaurant should be re- inspected as soon as possible. Our experience was not'haute cuisine,' I do not recommend wasting your money here. The service was very good, lots of dishes prepared tableside that provide a unique experience, but the food left little to be desired. (For reference, The beef carpaccio I had at Marcella in Montreal was better than any dish I had at this restaurant.) This review is not about portion size or experience, it's about food quality & flavor. A restaurant should not make mistakes when they change 350$+ per person. They also simply cannot make mistakes when they are supposed to represent Relais & Châteaux. This restaurant had a number of mistakes: Mistake #1: The dessert that was listed in the tasting menu did not exactly match what was served. If I'm supposed to have chocolate syrup, & you give me blueberry without explanation, that's a mistake. Mistake #2: The waiter forgot one of my drinks & I waited over 20 minutes, eventually having to remind them. Mistake #3: There are indeed flies flying around this restaurant, the reviews below are correct. Mistake #4: The toilet did not flush, & the hand dryer did not work. No signage posted. Mistake #5: The woman that brings you to pick your duck prize appears to be a customer service manager, but I can't confirm. When she asked how everything was going, we stated we were not thrilled about the food, & she replied "You are entitled to your own opinion, & there is nothing we can do for you." -- We were not expecting them to do anything for us, we simply gave feedback when you asked us how our meal was. Is that response part of a high quality experience? This was very unprofessional! Mistake #6: Sommelier was late with wine pairing, it was missed during the lobster cappuccino course. Mistake #7: Bringing a microwave tableside & using it as part of your dessert experience. Mistake #8: Throwing away 3/4 of a loaf of bread instead of asking us if we wanted to take it home, very wasteful. With so many other good restaurants in Montreal, this should not be on your list.
We had been eagerly anticipating a visit to Europea. For my 40th birthday celebration, we booked a reservation. We were warmly greeted by the hostess, whose friendly demeanor set a positive tone as she escorted us upstairs to our table. Initially, we didn't mind the warmth upstairs, but it became increasingly noticeable throughout the evening. The main waiter confirmed our selection tasting menu at half price. When asked about our alcohol preferences, we explained we do not drink it. He then suggested mocktails, & I requested a virgin amaretto sour, my usual choice. His response, "Ce n'est pas possible de faire un amaretto sour sans amaretto," came off with a noticeable attitude, leading me to forgo ordering any drinks. He mentioned that the first course would be served quickly, with a slower pace as the meal progressed. Unfortunately, the pace was so brisk that we had little opportunity to fully appreciate the delicate flavors of the chef's preparations. The beef jerky was good but did not stand out as particularly special / Seal-Stuffed Inuit Cushion: although the presentation was exquisite, the flavour was lacking./ Sage Leaf Crispy Melt was a highlight, offering a satisfying crunch & delicate flavours. / Crispy Pork Rinds & Arctic Char the components were not placed close together, & I had to clarify with the waiter which parts should be eaten as a taco, which seemed to irritate him./ 3rd course featured churned homemade butter & a selection of infused oils with bread. During his explanation, the waiter used the term "barrater" for butter which I inquired the meaning, his response was somewhat curt. In contrast, 2nd course was presented by a much more engaging & pleasant waiter. The truffle & Canadian lobster cappuccino, paired with a lemon crisp, was exceptional & my favourite part of the tasting menu. The cappuccino offered a vibrant lobster bisque flavour, & the lemon crisp perfectly balanced the dish. The homemade bread, served with various oils, was delightful. We requested to take the remaining three pieces of bread home / crab cake: candied lemon was barely noticeable, & the dish felt one-dimensional. / tuna tataki skewers & onion soup: while the tuna was of high quality, it lacked a zing that a touch of lemon could have provided. We were served a bowl with a whole grilled onion & soup inside the onion. I asked if the onion was meant to be eaten, & the waiter's eye roll & curt response made me feel awkward. / 6th course was described as veal & truffle with Black Angus beef tenderloin flambéed tableside, was prepared with cognac rather than brandy as described. The truffle mash outshone the main dish. A highlight of the evening was the interaction with the young, bubbly hostess who guided us through a delightful experience behind the black drapes. Profiterole filled with ice cream & whipped cream, topped with chocolate sauce was served. While it was enjoyable, it lacked a sour element to balance the richness. The maple cotton candy served on a tree, began to melt due to the heat. The maple nuts were unfortunately stale. I was asked to specify my tea choice instead of being given options, my husband received a single americano instead of a double. My husband requested a single bill as we were celebrating my 40th birthday. We noticed that the couple next to us had left without their ducky. My sister asked the waiter if she could have theirs. "Madame, il ne faut pas voler tout ce qu'il y a dans le restaurant, il faut revenir plusieurs fois." he answered. A simple no would have sufficed; how rude! I don't believe that our experience with the waitstaff should tarnish the restaurant's reputation. However, the staff does represent the restaurant in their interactions with customers. My visit for my 40th birthday left me feeling disappointed & disheartened. Note that the 20% tip we left should be directed to the hostess, whose exemplary service greatly salvaged our visit. Her high standard of service should be a model for all staff. The bread we took home wasn't ours, had to throw it.
I had an amazing experience dining here recently. Ordered the Midi Gourmand menu & it was so worth it. Even when I had to add extras for the Grilled Lobster Tail. Service is impeccable & attentive. Since I do not drink alcohol they made for me a non alcoholic cocktail which was delish! Ended the meal with the dessert & a macchiato.
Can't complain about the service. Loved the second course, the soup which they called cappuccino something & the main courses(lobster / steak). Dessert didn't exceed my expectations, I left more than a half of it untouched. Well honestly, I wasn't that full after all 8 courses as in some other comments.
Jun 16, 2024
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A great culinary experience at this spot, I was a bit nostalgic of my hometown high level French cuisine & that place has it all. The staff is very friendly & highly skilled, products are worked & presented in a creative way ( the lobster bisque cappuccino was amazing) & everything is tasty the flavour of each dish is well balanced. They have a great wine selection to match your menu. The steak sauce flambée is prepared right in front of you & you will feel the heat.
Top-notch French restaurant in the heart of Montreal! If you're looking for a special experience, Europea consistently delights with some of the best food & wine in the world. The best ingredients available turned into art for the eyes & taste buds combined with great service is what drives me to come back. Some of the menu highlights included fresh mint tea, onion soup served in an onion, lobster cappuccino, & more paired with phenomenal wines; also, eye watering variety of desserts - my personal choice for best dessert was the maple cotton candy. The highlight of the wine pairing was a mistery wine served in black glass. It was of course outstanding in flavor but also unique in appearance.
One of the finest innovative tasting menu I've had. Came here on our first night in Montreal with a same-day reservation. The main dining room offered a direct view of the kitchen, & we liked its lounge-like ambiance. Shortly after being seated, we were bombarded with an assortment of amuse-bouche: Sea Lion Puffs, Scallop Crudo, & Onion Soup. The Sea Lion Puffs were particularly shocking. While the meat was slightly pungent, the novelty behind the puff was certainly commendable. Each dish that followed was also flawlessly executed. Far from mundane, every item on the menu either offered a fresh perspective or a creative twist, & the presentation was consistently impressive. Standout dishes included the lobster cappuccino, the signature calamari, & the roasted lobster tail. I was initially skeptical about the concept of savory coffee, but the lobster cappuccino turned out to be more akin to a lobster bisque with a hint of coffee to enhance its creamy richness. Both the calamari & the lobster tail had exquisitely soft textures, & it almost seemed like they have perfected the art of delicate poaching. The dessert course was an unforgettable finale to the tasting menu, perhaps the most memorable I've experienced. It began with a brief stroll to their upstairs "vault room", a space thoughtfully designed to stir up childhood nostalgia. Here, we were treated to an array of small bites such as meringue, brownies, & cookies. Following this initial treat, we returned to our table to indulge in two more rounds of desserts. Among these, the standout for me was the Calvados-flavored'Pomme d'amour.' The Lychee foam & lime zest added a sweet & zesty flavor, & I liked the touch of sparkling sugar, which added a pleasantly lingering aftertaste. Overall, a sublime dining experience that's worth every dollar. If you want a great introduction to an experimental tasting menu, I highly recommend giving them a try.
My wife & I had the pleasure of dining at Jerome Ferrer-Europea during our visit to Montreal for the world skating championship gala concert. After the show, we wandered into the restaurant without a reservation, but the customer service & host graciously accommodated us within minutes. What followed was nothing short of a culinary miracle. From the moment we stepped foot inside, we were greeted with exceptional service, delicious food, & engaging conversations with the attentive staff. The atmosphere was enchanting, creating the perfect backdrop for our evening. As connoisseurs of French cuisine, we were delighted to indulge in the restaurant's signature lobster cappuccino & the mouthwatering meat dishes. Every bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving an unforgettable impression on our taste buds. Having dined at numerous high-end, five-star restaurants around the world, we can confidently say that Jerome Ferrer-Europea stands out as one of the best. The attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, & the passion of the chefs are evident in every dish. This dining experience truly made our trip to Montreal special. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Jerome Ferrer-Europea & look forward to returning in the future. If you're seeking a remarkable culinary adventure, this restaurant is a must-visit.
Apr 2, 2024
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I had the pleasure of dining at Europea a few times in the past & had enjoyed the meals. This time I was invited for lunch. Looking at the menu beforehand, I was disappointed with the choices: only 2 of the 4 choices for entrees & main courses were included in the 45$ price. E xtra was required for the other 2. The menu mentioned « bouchées apéritives » as one of the 4 courses. Really? A handful of popcorn & a small quenelle of crab for 2 counted as a course? The lobster cappuccino is as good as before, though the portion is much smaller than I recall. The gravlax was good but the risotto was bizarre; it was sweet & had crunchy bits in it. However, there was a generous amount of lobster meat. Service is as good as before but the overall experience was not. It's a shame.
Do not come here if you don't speak French. They treat you very poorly, very cold, speak rudely & when coming down the stairs from the dessert room, I was shoved to the side by the waitress. We did the 10 course menu. Food was not amazing for such an expensive restaurant. The small lobster cappuccino was the highlight of the night, the venison tasted AWFUL & they focused more on theatrics (lots of smoke & dry ice) versus the quality & taste of food. Atmosphere was clean but the staff again treated you very poorly once they know you speak only English. Would not come again.
Where to even start reviewing this restaurant? We dined at the original restaurant in 2013 & had the best meal I had ever had until this one. We had the 8 course tasting menu & it's hard to say which is more exceptional - the service & presentation or the food. The whole experience is just over the top wonderful & the food was superb & perfect in every way. From lobster cappuccino to crab cakes to Montreal ice & then the special visit to the "store" - it was just beyond words. Just go!
My husband & I had walked past this restaurant & thought the menu sounded delicious so I made a reservation for the next night. Our service was excellent, I was just a little taken aback by the food. The French onion soup was served table side along a with an egg yolk & wine mixture that was then poured into the soup. The taste was not what we were used to when thinking of a classic French onion soup. I ordered the grilled lobster & risotto main dish, to my surprise, my risotto wasn’t a creamy chicken stock & Parmesan dish, it was a weird runny mix of cream & some sort of berry fruit. Bizarre combination. This restaurant just wasn’t for us.
We received a very warm welcome from the staff upon arriving & walked into a beautiful & luxurious setting. As soon as we sat down, snacks quickly came & they were all delicious. I really liked the steamed mussels, & raw scallops. But I wished they would've come in two separate batches instead of all at once. Imagine 6-8 dishes explained to you, some hot some cold, all requiring your attention while you try to remember the ingredients that went into it. It was too overwhelming of a start. Their signature Lobster Cappuccino was great. The next courses, crab cakes & foie gras dumpling were okay, but left much to be desired. The main course for me was the biggest fault. My filet mignon arrived looking very pale brown & overcooked. Looked like oxidized meat. I've could've easily cooked a better steak at home. Just the eye of the meat had some pink, but if you cut into it, most of the meat was brown. It was probably sitting on the pass for a bit too long. The steak also lacked flavour. Maybe I just got a bad piece of meat. It just gave me the sense that the kitchen lacked cooking expertise & finesse. Maybe it's all smoke & mirrors with no substance. The chef clearly loves the theatrics of a modern fine dining experience, borrowing tricks from Alinea & El Bulli. The mash potatoes that came with the steak had a pungent truffle aroma that didn't really work. At some point the chef needs to realize he can't just throw truffle oil on everything. Overall, I think this place has potential to be one of the better restaurants in Montreal, but it needs to focus on the cooking. As for desserts, I enjoyed the crepe dish. Hopefully, in a few years, the chef can refresh his menu & liven it up a little.
An absolute experience! Very amusing in the way each serving was presented. A work of art. That being said...there seems to be a lot of ficus on food presentation rather than taste. My favorite was the lobster chowder served with the lobster tail at the same time. If you want be impressed & entertained by artful & one of a kind presentation then this restaurant is a must. But if you are expecting to have an absolute adventure with your taste buds then spending that amount of $ might make you ponder whether you got your money's worth. However, service was Excellent & very fast & organized. Not a minute was wasted. A Valentines dinner which will never be forgotten.
2. cooking was like kids playing dough. please stop using nuts on all the journey foods, snow crab, king crab, foie Gras, lobster, steak, cake, cookies. not everyone loves NUTS sprinkled all the dishes.
3. Pastry part are too large. You may feed 3 people with pastry.
4. I was denied to ask how the steak is cooked. The server said "our chef cooks Medium for filet mignon, so you can't choose."
what kind of restaurant are you running?
5. chef gift is given to 1 per person on a white people table, but for color people like me....we were given 1 only even though we asked one more but denied by the server again.
Firstly, the food was insane. The service was impeccable.
Europea is NOW my #3 tasting menu of all time & some dishes were pure perfection.
Ambiance, taste & elegance are paramount.
We had the 10 course meal but I'd recommend the 8 for the simple reason of too much by the end. While tasting menus are smaller portions, the richness of the bisque, crab broth, foie gras, lobster, steak & crab cake were extremely filling.
Specialty cocktail of cognac & champagne was lovely, our waitress Anais was funny, cute & full of personality that made our night amazing!
Great tour of the restaurant & surprised at the end, but by only critique is that between the secret sugar shack, the ice cream, sweet vending machine, then the chocolate box, cotton candy, macaroons & pops & finally crepe suzette...wayyyy to much sugar at the end. It took away from the brilliance of the menú.
I will definitely be back but will skip the final diabetes delight to fully enjoy the menu.
MICHELIN
