Some of the best gulyas (goulash) I've had at a restaurant. Mom's was,of course, the best.. but European Taste was a close 2nd. It's a small, very intimate place. Which is great because you can smell, see, and hear your food being cooked. My only problem is I live 2 hours away, or I'd be here every other day!! Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.
Bianca Swift
A Perfect Taste of Romania in Richmond!
If you’re looking for authentic Romanian cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience, European Taste Romanian Restaurant is an absolute gem.
The heart and soul of this restaurant are its owners, Ligia and Andrei Sava, a hardworking and generous couple from Brașov, Romania. Their warmth and hospitality make you feel like part of an extended family. From the moment you walk in, you’re not just a guest—you’re introduced to everyone around and immediately welcomed into a close-knit, vibrant community. Conversations flow, connections are made, and friendships blossom. This is not just dining; it’s a heartfelt experience.
We enjoyed a feast of traditional Romanian dishes, starting with sarmale (cabbage rolls) and ardei umpluți (stuffed peppers)—both bursting with rich flavors and perfectly cooked. The mititei (Romanian sausages) were tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. For dessert, the cozonac (Romanian sweet bread) was a delightful way to end the meal, with its soft texture and subtle sweetness.
To top it off, we savored traditional Romanian drinks—vișinata (sour cherry liqueur) and țuica (plum brandy). Both were excellent and added a festive touch to the experience.
This isn’t your typical restaurant. It feels like being welcomed into Ligia and Andrei’s own home, where you leave not just satisfied but with long-lasting memories. Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or discovering Romanian culture for the first time, European Taste is a must-visit.
Thank you, Ligia and Andrei, for a fantastic meal and a truly special experience—we can’t wait to return!
Vlad Farcas
Awesome atmosphere! Great food and great people
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Romanian Sausage and Potatoes, Stuffed Cabbage, Hungarian Goulash
Rowan E
Fantastic homemade comfort food...nothing processed or pre-made. Food is absolutely delicious....Ligia's pastries (Cremesh especially) are heavenly!
Void Gamingv6
You must try the best mici ever (in menu they show up as Transylvanian sausages) - they are not at all what you think about an american sausage. They are exactly as in Romania.
Sarmale with polenta and sauer cream are delicious.
The Hungarian langos filled with lightly salty cheese (like a doughnut but way better) is phenomenal as well.
The owners are fantastic people !
You must try some of the home made cakes and sweets they have (Cremșnit, Pavlova etc): Divine !!!
What a cool restaurant (because of the owners) !
Will come back for sure !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Romanian Sausage and Potatoes, Desert Pastry, Chicken Paprikas, Stuffed Cabbage, Transylvanian Sausage, Chicken Shawarma, Hungarian Goulash, Tiramisu, Langosh
Matthew Battaglioli
We were going to go to the Irish pub next door but they were full so we went here instead and I'm glad we did. Way better than an Irish pub. The food was excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dalton Rocke
The food was delicious, the atmosphere was comfortable, and the owners were so welcoming!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Shuler
Absolutely delicious Romanian food! It felt like I was visiting with old friends. If I am ever in the area, I will for sure come back!!
The place is a little loud for my preference, but everything else makes up for it! The food was fantastic, and everyone was helpful and attentive. Adrian (Puiu?) is a character in a good way, and I will be back!
I had chicken soup and Spinakopita. My beloved had chicken paprikas. Delicious and filling! I'll tell you about the Cremesh later (it looked so good, I'm taking some to go!)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Puff Pastry with Meat, Desert Pastry, Hungarian Goulash
Gregory C
I will never forget how horrible this place was for as long as I live. The husband and wife were yelling and arguing the entire time we were there, screaming at each other, I thought it might get violent. The food was not good. The feta cheese was not fresh and tasted old. The wife I guess felt bad for how awful the food was and horribly they treated us, so she brought us a dessert as an apology. The dessert ended up on our bill! We never asked for it! This place is awful!
The response from the owners below is untruthful and dishonest. I can see why they have such horrible reviews.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dave Hardin
My wife had the best veal schnitzel she's had in ages and I finally got to try shawarma (even though it was a tough choice between that and stuffed peppers or goulash). I tried sour cherry Vișinată and am in love! I've been to Timișoara, but don't know how I missed out on Timisoreana Beer until now! Ligea and Sava are wonderful hosts. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patricia Weirich
Please do yourself a favor, and eat at this restaurant. Best european food i've ever tasted. The owners make you feel like you are at home. Very good Experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cristina Geambasu
I HIGHLY recommend this amazing place!! The food is fresh and absolutely delicious!! The ambiance is comfortable and cozy. The hostesses ( husband and wife) are THE BEST!! Both of them are extremely friendly, kind, professional and amazing at what they do!! My husband and I have been there numerous times and always have the most enjoyable and delightful time!!! If you want a taste of Europe and to experience the romanian hospitality, this is the right place to go and enjoy!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Puff Pastry with Meat, Home Made Soup, Cremesh, Stuffed Cabbage, Ridiculous Carmel Topped Walnut Crunch Tres Leches, Transylvanian Sausage, Langosh
Some of the best gulyas (goulash) I've had at a restaurant. Mom's was,of course, the best.. but European Taste was a close 2nd. It's a small, very intimate place. Which is great because you can smell, see, and hear your food being cooked. My only problem is I live 2 hours away, or I'd be here every other day!! Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.
A Perfect Taste of Romania in Richmond! If you’re looking for authentic Romanian cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience, European Taste Romanian Restaurant is an absolute gem. The heart and soul of this restaurant are its owners, Ligia and Andrei Sava, a hardworking and generous couple from Brașov, Romania. Their warmth and hospitality make you feel like part of an extended family. From the moment you walk in, you’re not just a guest—you’re introduced to everyone around and immediately welcomed into a close-knit, vibrant community. Conversations flow, connections are made, and friendships blossom. This is not just dining; it’s a heartfelt experience. We enjoyed a feast of traditional Romanian dishes, starting with sarmale (cabbage rolls) and ardei umpluți (stuffed peppers)—both bursting with rich flavors and perfectly cooked. The mititei (Romanian sausages) were tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. For dessert, the cozonac (Romanian sweet bread) was a delightful way to end the meal, with its soft texture and subtle sweetness. To top it off, we savored traditional Romanian drinks—vișinata (sour cherry liqueur) and țuica (plum brandy). Both were excellent and added a festive touch to the experience. This isn’t your typical restaurant. It feels like being welcomed into Ligia and Andrei’s own home, where you leave not just satisfied but with long-lasting memories. Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or discovering Romanian culture for the first time, European Taste is a must-visit. Thank you, Ligia and Andrei, for a fantastic meal and a truly special experience—we can’t wait to return!
Awesome atmosphere! Great food and great people
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Romanian Sausage and Potatoes, Stuffed Cabbage, Hungarian Goulash
Fantastic homemade comfort food...nothing processed or pre-made. Food is absolutely delicious....Ligia's pastries (Cremesh especially) are heavenly!
You must try the best mici ever (in menu they show up as Transylvanian sausages) - they are not at all what you think about an american sausage.
They are exactly as in Romania.
Sarmale with polenta and sauer cream are delicious.
The Hungarian langos filled with lightly salty cheese (like a doughnut but way better) is phenomenal as well.
The owners are fantastic people !
You must try some of the home made cakes and sweets they have (Cremșnit, Pavlova etc): Divine !!!
What a cool restaurant (because of the owners) !
Will come back for sure !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Romanian Sausage and Potatoes, Desert Pastry, Chicken Paprikas, Stuffed Cabbage, Transylvanian Sausage, Chicken Shawarma, Hungarian Goulash, Tiramisu, Langosh
We were going to go to the Irish pub next door but they were full so we went here instead and I'm glad we did. Way better than an Irish pub. The food was excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was delicious, the atmosphere was comfortable, and the owners were so welcoming!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delicious Romanian food! It felt like I was visiting with old friends. If I am ever in the area, I will for sure come back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Cabbage, Transylvanian Sausage
Delicious food and wonderful hosts! We were a larger group, and Mr. & Mrs. Sava accommodated us in a lovely way.
You will enjoy great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Desert Pastry, Stuffed Cabbage
Wonderful food and atmosphere. Will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The place is a little loud for my preference, but everything else makes up for it! The food was fantastic, and everyone was helpful and attentive. Adrian (Puiu?) is a character in a good way, and I will be back!
I had chicken soup and Spinakopita. My beloved had chicken paprikas. Delicious and filling! I'll tell you about the Cremesh later (it looked so good, I'm taking some to go!)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Puff Pastry with Meat, Desert Pastry, Hungarian Goulash
I will never forget how horrible this place was for as long as I live. The husband and wife were yelling and arguing the entire time we were there, screaming at each other, I thought it might get violent. The food was not good. The feta cheese was not fresh and tasted old. The wife I guess felt bad for how awful the food was and horribly they treated us, so she brought us a dessert as an apology. The dessert ended up on our bill! We never asked for it! This place is awful!
The response from the owners below is untruthful and dishonest. I can see why they have such horrible reviews.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
My wife had the best veal schnitzel she's had in ages and I finally got to try shawarma (even though it was a tough choice between that and stuffed peppers or goulash). I tried sour cherry Vișinată and am in love! I've been to Timișoara, but don't know how I missed out on Timisoreana Beer until now! Ligea and Sava are wonderful hosts. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Please do yourself a favor, and eat at this restaurant. Best european food i've ever tasted. The owners make you feel like you are at home. Very good
Experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I HIGHLY recommend this amazing place!! The food is fresh and absolutely delicious!! The ambiance is comfortable and cozy. The hostesses ( husband and wife) are THE BEST!! Both of them are extremely friendly, kind, professional and amazing at what they do!! My husband and I have been there numerous times and always have the most enjoyable and delightful time!!! If you want a taste of Europe and to experience the romanian hospitality, this is the right place to go and enjoy!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Puff Pastry with Meat, Home Made Soup, Cremesh, Stuffed Cabbage, Ridiculous Carmel Topped Walnut Crunch Tres Leches, Transylvanian Sausage, Langosh
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