Thirty Eight Chairs - Carlton North

Inspired by regional fare from Campania where the mountains, valleys and coast meet, Thirty Eight Chairs Carlton North is Italian hospitality at its finest. This space on Rathdowne Street is the third branch from the team headed up by owner Gino Forlano, whose passion for Italian culture, cuisine and values is infectious. The menu is distinctly Cucina Napolitana, designed by head chef Giuseppe Di Mauro and all about seasonal, fresh and rich ingredients. Essentially, Melbourne’s Thirty Eight Chairs Carlton North is a no-frills space with a keen focus on delicious food – not fussy, not fancy, just seriously tasty. So head there for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a reservation in your pocket.

Thirty Eight Chairs Carlton North’s space is a unique blend of Melbourne and Italian dining culture all rolled into one. On the street level you’ll find a light-filled dining room, alfresco dining on the footpath where you can dine while enjoying the view of the Curtain Square Gardens, and an upstairs area ideal for relaxing with a cocktail or two. This is a chic restaurant with a family-friendly attitude that welcomes everyone, whether you’re dining with your special someone, the kiddies or your group of friends.

If you’re visiting Thirty Eight Chairs Carlton North for dinner, we recommend starting with several dishes from the primi piatti menu (translating to first plates). We love the slow-cooked octopus with pickled cauliflowers and the cured wagyu beef carpaccio served with white truffle mayo and crostini bread. Then, keep an eye out for the long macaroni topped with slow-cooked duck ragu, mushrooms and shaved pecorino or the orecchiette with asparagus, scampi, bread crumbs, garlic and chilli. Melbourne’s Thirty Eight Chairs Carlton North also offers alternating daily specials which are always worth a look, and a delicious breakfast menu to boot – with Italian coffee, of course. So book yourself in and head to Rathdowne Street for a treat you definitely deserve. Buon Appetito!