Thirty Eight Chairs
A charming Melbourne eatery serving authentic Southern Italian classics in a cozy, intimate setting. Perfect for connecting over delicious, house-made...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Thirty Eight Chairs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Melbourne eatery serving authentic Southern Italian classics in a cozy, intimate setting. Perfect for connecting over delicious, house-made pasta.
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.
Explore Pasta Creations
Don't miss the in-house made pasta dishes; they are a consistent highlight for many diners.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
+61 3 9827 5553
Address
4 Bond St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Website
thirtyeightchairs.com.au/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Southern Italian Pasta
Savor house-made pasta dishes like rich duck ragu pappardelle and delicate lobster ravioli. Truly a taste of Italy.
Cozy & Intimate Atmosphere
Experience a charming, elbow-to-elbow ambiance reminiscent of a trattoria in Italy. It's perfect for connecting with friends.
Celebrity Sightings
This popular spot has hosted private dinners for notable figures, adding to its allure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.
Explore Pasta Creations
Don't miss the in-house made pasta dishes; they are a consistent highlight for many diners.
Bar Seating Option
Consider sitting at the bar for a more interactive experience with the bartenders.
Avoid Peak Times
To ensure a comfortable experience, consider dining during off-peak hours or making an early reservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.
Explore Pasta Creations
Don't miss the in-house made pasta dishes; they are a consistent highlight for many diners.
Bar Seating Option
Consider sitting at the bar for a more interactive experience with the bartenders.
Avoid Peak Times
To ensure a comfortable experience, consider dining during off-peak hours or making an early reservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thirty Eight Chairs is celebrated for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine and intimate, cozy atmosphere. Diners rave about the handmade pasta, particularly the gnocchi and ravioli, and the friendly, attentive service. While the small seating can feel tight, many find the shared experience adds to the charm. Some minor inconsistencies in gluten-free requests and average desserts have been noted.
"I have experienced these 5 versions of Barramundi fish in there SPECIALS. Each version has its unique flavor! Delicious! The small bread and other things are delicious as well. 👍👍👍"
ken liu
"Enjoyed a quick, early dinner without a reservation (but probably best to book given how popular it was!).
The staff were very accommodating, didn't rush us, and we were served quite promptly.
A varied menu with plenty of starters and sides from which to choose to go with our mains.
The lobster ravioli (daily special) was delicious, as was the tiramisu!"
clem poon
"ORDERED:
🍞 Warm ciabattina with homemade truffle butter ($2.00 per piece)
🍝 Special pasta of the day: Homemade Lobster & Royal prawn ravioli: Spanner crab meat, cherry tomato, bisque sauce ($55.00)
🥔 Roast potato ($15.00)
🍰 Tiramisu ($21.00)
I paid $85.00 here which included a mocktail!
REVIEW:
Let's kick it off with food:
1. My friend recommended that we start with the truffle butter. 🤎 You have the earthy umami flavour coming out which worked so well with the ciabattina. I also found it easier to tear the ciabattina up and then lather a generous amount of butter on top.
2. I loved Thirty Eight Chairs' special pasta. 🧡 The sauce was glossy, the cherry tomatoes were bursting with sweetness, and the spanner crab was delicious.
Spanner crab has a lighter flavour compared to heavier proteins, so being able to taste it along with the prawn was phenomenal.
As others have alluded to in reviews, the seating in this restaurant is tight. Nonetheless, we picked an earlier time (6.00pm) so we didn't have people squishing us on two sides.
Service was straightforward. I would've liked if they pro-actively offered/advised us to get another serving of ciabattina, instead of leaving us to split 2 pieces between 3 people.
I had to grab their attention across the room to get another piece. 🗣️
Overall, Thirty Eight Chairs is an easy environment to catch up with friends. Delicious pasta, straightforward service."
Jasmine (Jas.eats)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance as the restaurant is small and very popular.
The homemade pasta dishes, such as pappardelle and ravioli, are consistently praised. Reviewers also recommend the gnocchi and tiramisu.
The restaurant has a cozy, intimate, and vibrant atmosphere with closely spaced wooden tables, reminiscent of a hole-in-the-wall Italian trattoria.
While not explicitly detailed, many pasta dishes can likely be adapted. It's best to inquire with the staff about vegetarian and vegan options.
Due to its intimate size, it is best suited for couples or small groups. Larger groups may find the seating arrangement tight.
Gluten-free options are available upon request, though there have been instances where requests were missed, so confirming is advised.
Yes, sitting at the bar is an option and can offer a more interactive dining experience with the bartenders.
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The 21 Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne for 2024
Upon arrival, the close-knit tables are the first thing most diners notice at Thirty Eight Chairs one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Reminiscent of a hole-in-the-wall in Italy, the lack of personal space increases the chance you’ll get to know your dinner neighbours exponentially — and that’s part of the charm. Thirty Eight Chairs’ menu focuses on all the family classics — think hearty duck ragu layered on top of freshly made, al dente pappardelle; or grilled octopus served on a refreshing bed of capsicum and orange salad.
South Yarra, Melbourne 2023 | URBAN LIST MELBOURNE
We’d be remiss to skip the institution that is Thirty Eight Chairs from an article focused on South Yarra and for good reason, the Italian bistro has been a mainstay of dining in the region for quite some time. Nestled just a stone's throw from the bustling noise of Chapel Street, the cosy atmosphere and the food is always stellar. Think zucchini flowers, grilled octopus, gnocchi with gorgonzola dolce sauce and crispy leek.
22 Best Italian Restaurants In Melbourne
If you’re looking for a fantastic Italian meal, you can’t go wrong with Thirty Eight Chairs. This Melbourne institution is known for its delicious food and cosy atmosphere. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Chapel Street making it a fantastic choice for families looking to enjoy an Italian dinner out.
South Yarra’s Best Restaurants, for Nailing Lunch and Dinner
It’s a tiny spot, but the romantic, elbow-to-elbow ambience at Thirty Eight Chairs increases the chances of getting to know your neighbours – and maybe even sharing a bottle of wine with them. Pastas pay homage to all the family classics and are made from scratch.
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