Thirty Eight Chairs – South Yarra – best Italian pasta
Located on Bond Street in South Yarra, Thirty Eight Chairs is a hidden gem offering a charming Italian dining experience. While slightly off the main hustle of Chapel Street, this restaurant still attracts a loyal crowd—and for good reason.

Highlights | Hidden on Bond Street, Thirty Eight Chairs offers stylish décor, exceptional Italian dishes like duck ragu pappardelle, and impeccable service. A must-visit gem! |
Cost | $49 for Pappardelle Duck Ragu in Napoli Sugo |
Location | 4 Bond Street, South Yarra VIC 3141 |
Website | http://www.thirtyeightchairs.com.au/ |
Ambience and Décor
The décor is sleek and modern, with a chic black theme that creates an intimate yet contemporary atmosphere. It feels effortlessly stylish, making it an excellent setting for a romantic dinner or an evening out with friends.

Menu Highlights
Thirty Eight Chairs boasts a menu that truly celebrates Italian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on pasta dishes. The menu in-house is even more extensive than the one online, offering surprises such as the specials menu for those seeking something new.
What We Ordered
To start, we chose the Arancini with porcini, truffle, and mushroom mousse ($20) and the Beef Carpaccio ($27). Both were exceptional. The arancini were perfectly crisp on the outside, with rich, earthy flavours that paired beautifully with the truffle and mushroom mousse. The beef carpaccio was a fresh, melt-in-the-mouth dish that set a high standard for the rest of the meal.
For the main course, I couldn’t resist trying their signature pasta, the Pappardelle Duck Ragu in Napoli Sugo ($49). This dish was a masterpiece. The pappardelle was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of bite, while the duck was tender and full of flavour. The Napoli sugo tied everything together with its balance of richness and subtlety. While the portion initially seemed modest, it turned out to be wonderfully filling and deeply satisfying.



Service
The service at Thirty Eight Chairs was impeccable. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Final Thoughts
Thirty Eight Chairs is a must-visit for lovers of authentic Italian food. The quality of the pasta alone makes it worth the trip, but the entire dining experience—from the stylish setting to the attentive service—elevates it to something truly special. Whether you’re in search of a cosy date night spot or a sophisticated venue for a group dinner, this restaurant is sure to impress.
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