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Interior - Caffe E Cucina, South Yarra, AU-VIC

Caffe E Cucina

4.8 (149)
$41 to $100
Italian
581 Chapel Street, South Yarra, AU-VIC 3141

Make a reservation

A photo of Caffe E Cucina restaurant

Caffe E Cucina

4.8
$41 to $100
Italian
South Yarra

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
Since 1988, Caffé e Cucina has defined authentic Italian dining and Melbourne’s famous café culture. Located on iconic Chapel Street in South Yarra, our legendary restaurant recreates the charm, warmth, and timeless elegance of classic dining in Rome, Florence, and Milan.

Step into an intimate atmosphere featuring cosy small tables, moody dim lighting, and world-class service. Our philosophy of "Produzione Artigianale" reflects a passion for Italian heritage and attention to detail. Every meal begins with freshly baked bread and top-quality extra virgin olive oil, paired with an extensive wine selection.

Enjoy traditional handcrafted pasta, authentic regional dishes, and genuine Italian flavours served by our warm staff. Whether you are searching for a romantic dinner in South Yarra or an iconic Melbourne dining experience, Caffé e Cucina transports you straight to Italy. Book your table today.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean, European
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Alessio Di Bari
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next event at Caffé e Cucina, Chapel Street's premier venue for private dining and group functions in South Yarra. Perfect for corporate dinners, birthdays, and special celebrations with tailored group dining options and fine wines.
  • Private party contact
    Katy Georgiou: 0403 286 280
  • Neighborhood
    South Yarra
  • Cross street
    Toorak Road and Chapel Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Close to South Yarra Station and Tram Stop on the corner of Toorak and Chapel for Tram 78 and 72.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

Experiences

  • ALL Week Pasta & Wine or Beer Lunch

    A$39.90 - A$59.90 per person

    1 - 8 people

    Nov 8, 2026 - Dec 6, 2026
    Pranzo @ Caffe e Cucina on Chapel St in South Yarra just got more enticing - choose one of our Signature Pasta Dishes, receive a complimentary glass of wine or beer on US. Tagliatelle Lamb Ragù $47.9 p/p, or Linguini di Mare baked in Parchment $59.9 p/p Paccheri tossed w/ Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes & Pistacchio Pesto $39.9 p/p - (GFO available) Available Everyday 12pm - 2:30pm.
    ALL Week Pasta & Wine or Beer Lunch Photo
  • Romeo & Juliet Balcony

    A$300.00 per party

    1 - 2 people

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our Intimate Romeo & Juliet balcony table overlooking Chapel Street. Perfect for romantic dinners, anniversaries, proposals and any special milestones. This exclusive balcony table seats two guests and is one of the most sought-after tables in the Melbourne Dining Scene. Please note: this experience requires a minimum spend of $300 per booking (food and beverage). Reservations are for a 2 hour duration, times 6-6:30pm to 8-8:30pm
    Romeo & Juliet Balcony Photo
  • Negroni's with Complimentary Olive Mediterranee

    1 - 8 people

    Nov 9, 2026 - Dec 6, 2026
    Your little piece of Italy just became even more Italian... Order a Negroni @ Caffe e Cucina on Chapel St, South Yarra, with Complimentary Olive Mediterranee & bread to enjoy as your Aperitivo. A great starter to an Authentic Italian Dining Experience - A Presto Offer details: Order a Negroni Complimentary Olive Mediterranee & bread with your Negroni Available All Week Long
    Negroni's with Complimentary Olive Mediterranee Photo

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Caffe E Cucina.

4.8

4.8
(149)
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Inner City South

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Caffe E Cucina is a beloved Melbourne institution, celebrated for its "authentic Italian fine dining" and "exceptional service." Guests rave about the "outstanding food," including the "fabulous risotto seafood" and "gnocchi." The atmosphere is "beguiling," offering a cozy, charming escape reminiscent of an Italian bistro.
149 Reviews
  1. James Gold

    Melbourne15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The waiters are amazing and food always excellent. A Melbourne institution. Love it.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Glenn

    Melbourne3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was excellent. Food was amazing. Whilst a tad pricey well worth the effort and will definitely go again.

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  3. Ian

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 31, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service both exemplary! I was there at the opening, and as a former Chef myself it is still my go to for special occasions. I unreservedly recommend for lovers of traditional Italian fine dining and Italian waiters who excel at their art. The atmosphere is beguiling. Long may it remain a Melbourne institution, where so many others have failed.

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  4. Faye

    Melbourne11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 17, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A wonderful experience as always. The food was delicious & the staff were exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  5. William

    New South Wales2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always love our time in your establishment. From the moment we walk in till the moment we leave we are made to feel very special

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tim

    Melbourne4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had another fantastic evening. This is an iconic South Yarra restaurant. I’ve been eating here for years. Absolutely love this Italian place. Food is always consistently amazing. Service is authentic. I always love coming back to this place.

    Is this helpful?

  7. russell

    Melbourne32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We hadn’t been here for many years and we overwhelmed by how good it is now. Great upstairs room. Appealing menu especially the daily specials. Risotto seafood was fabulous as was cheesecake . Wine list is extensive but generally expensive. The D’alba Nebiolo was fabulous at $99. Very friendly, focused service although we didn’t get the salad we had ordered.

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  8. janie

    Melbourne2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I used yo be an almost weekly visitor to E Cufina back in the 90's it was my absolute fave and although I have changed it has not! Service, food verything was still as fabulous as it ever was, thank you for a delightful trip down memory lane. Even their famous Calamari is still the same! We loved it. Janie from St Kilda

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  9. Julie

    WA4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous experience. Food was delicious and service was flawless.

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  10. Maya

    London6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hidden gem! You can walk past & not notice this beautiful restaurant. It’s authentic and cozy with old Italian charm. Really feels like you could be in an Italian bistro in Rome. Food was outstanding and they even catered for us especially changing the specials menu for us! Staff go above & beyond which is few & far between these days. We absolutely loved it and will be back! Go! You won’t be disappointed!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean, European
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Alessio Di Bari
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next event at Caffé e Cucina, Chapel Street's premier venue for private dining and group functions in South Yarra. Perfect for corporate dinners, birthdays, and special celebrations with tailored group dining options and fine wines.
  • Private party contact
    Katy Georgiou: 0403 286 280
  • Neighborhood
    South Yarra
  • Cross street
    Toorak Road and Chapel Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Close to South Yarra Station and Tram Stop on the corner of Toorak and Chapel for Tram 78 and 72.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wine

FAQs

Casual dress, neat, comfortable clothing is appropriate and nothing formal is required.

Yes, Caffé e Cucina offers alfresco/outdoor seating, and guests have enjoyed dining outside on balmy Melbourne nights.

For a lively night out, Caffé e Cucina is at its best on Saturday evenings, guests describe a vibrant, energetic atmosphere; if you prefer something quieter and cosy, Monday lunchtime has been reported as a relaxed, comfortable lunch experience.

Yes, Caffé e Cucina is well suited to date night, with dim lighting, intimate small tables and attentive service that guests praise for memorable anniversaries and evenings out.

Caffé e Cucina feels like a small, dimly lit Italian trattoria, intimate tables, warm Italian hospitality and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere that transports guests to Italy, yet can buzz with conversation on busy nights.

Monday is a great pick, guests report excellent Monday lunches and dinners at Caffé e Cucina.

Yes, families are welcome: guests have returned with young children and celebrated family occasions (for example a grandson's graduation), and the restaurant's warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a comfortable choice for family visits.

Yes, Caffé e Cucina accepts private parties; guests mention private balcony dining and group functions as part of their visits.

Portions tend to be generous, guests frequently describe plates as large and shareable, with many parties happily sharing dishes.

Caffé e Cucina livens up on Saturday nights, guests describe the Saturday evening atmosphere as vibrant and full of energy, while the room can feel very quiet right when doors open around 5–5:30pm, with some parties finding few other diners at that time.

Caffé e Cucina spreads across a downstairs dining room and an upstairs area (including a Romeo-and-Juliet/private balcony), plus alfresco/outdoor seating on the street, and the venue accepts private parties.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. Inner City South
  5. South Yarra

Make a reservation

A photo of Caffe E Cucina restaurant

Caffe E Cucina

4.8
$41 to $100
Italian
South Yarra

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Experiences are available.
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