Gilson

Name: Gilson
Address: 171 Domain Rd, South Yarra, AU-VIC, Australia, 3141
Telephone: (03) 9866 3120
Price range: $40 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (748)

$40 and under

Italian

171 Domain Rd, South Yarra, AU-VIC 3141

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 48 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Lively
Hot spot
Good for special occasions

Nestled within the Domain Road enclave in South Yarra with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens sits Gilson.

Gilson’s intimate dining room is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week and caters for large groups and private dining events.

Gilson offers an all day menu focusing on Italian cuisine and seasonal flavours.

A neighbourhood favourite due to its relaxed setting, friendly staff, fabulous drinks list and dishes such as the ‘avocado bruschetta’ for breakfast, the ‘Seafood Linguine' for lunch or dinner, and a 'tiramisu' for dessert.

Wood fired pizza is also available for lunch and dinner cooked in the custom built oven.

Gilson's brunch service is available for walk-ins with reservations available from midday.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$40 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Breakfast, Pizzeria
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 7:00 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(03) 9866 3120
Website
http://www.gilsonrestaurant.com.au/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Luca Ghirelli
Catering
Please contact our helpful events team info@gilsonrestaurant.com.au
Private party facilities
Our upstairs light filled private dining room overlooks the tree tops providing the perfect venue for your next seated or standing event.With its own private balcony and open fire place the space lends itself to events all year round. An intimate and flexible space. For details and enquiries visit our website.

Location
171 Domain Rd, South Yarra, AU-VIC 3141
Neighborhood
South Yarra
Cross street
Park Street and Anderson Street
Parking details
Street parking is available on Domain Road, Birdwood Avenue and Park St. Also available on surrounding streets.
Entertainment
Borrow our bocce set and play in the sunshine on the bocce court across the road.Gilson is located walking distance to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Moonlight Cinemas and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

$65pp Classics Group Shared Menu
A$65.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Bookings of 8+ feast on our favourite dishes from our antipasti, pizza and pasta menu. Reserve your spot now and let the fun begin. TO START - Antipasti & Wood fired flat bread MAIN - Selection of wood fired pizza & pasta SIDES - Iceberg, radicchio & herbs, fries Choose to add shared tiramisu on the day +$5pp Please Note: a 15% service charge is applied on weekends and a 20% service charge is applied on Public Holidays. This offering can be tailored to accomodate all dietary requirements.
$65pp Classics Shared Group Menu
Multiple dates available
Bookings of 8+ feast on our favourite dishes from our antipasti, pizza and pasta menu. Reserve your spot now and let the fun begin. TO START - Antipasti & Wood fired flat bread MAIN - Selection of wood fired pizza & pasta SIDES - Iceberg, radicchio & herbs, fries Choose to add shared tiramisu on the day +$5pp Please Note: a 15% service charge is applied on weekends and a 20% service charge is applied on Public Holidays. This offering can be tailored to accomodate all dietary requirements. Please make a note of dietaries at the time of booking.
$85pp Premium Shared Group Menu
Multiple dates available
Bookings of 8+ experience a feast of our flavour packed favourites with fun and relaxed dining. TO START - Wood fired flat bread, Antipasti, Calamari fritti MAIN - Cacio e Pepe, Pappardelle w. Lamb Ragu, Dry-aged Porterhouse SIDES - Iceberg, radicchio & herbs, Fries DESSERT - Tiramisu Please Note: a 15% service charge is applied on weekends and a 20% service charge is applied on Public Holidays. This offering can be tailored to accomodate all dietary requirements, please make a note of these at the time of booking.

Popular dishes

What 748 people are saying

Gilson reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Melbourne
Hot spot
Melbourne
Most Booked
Inner City South
Great for brunch
Inner City South
Hot spot
Inner City South
Great for outdoor dining
Inner City South
Lively
Inner City South
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Gilson offers a vibrant atmosphere with "delicious Italian food" and "great value for money." The restaurant is praised for its "excellent service" and "fun atmosphere," making it a popular choice for celebrations. While some reviews note inconsistencies in food quality and noise levels, the attentive staff and inviting environment are frequently highlighted.

748 Reviews

C
Chris VIP
Victoria2 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Unfortunately, Gilson is trading on its name. We have eaten here many times and have watched the quality decline over the years. Our Spaghettone Cacio e Pepe last night was inedible. It was just too salty. My wife and I both had one bite and pushed it away. We let the waiter know about the problem and were greeted with a shrug of the shoulders. This dish went back to the kitchen uneaten but certainly not removed from the bill. The kingfish was also dry and a little chewy, though the cucumber dressing that comes with it has potential. A pity that we won't be heading back to Gilson after many years. The room remains enticing but in the competitive Melbourne food scene there are just too many better options.
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K
Kelly
Melbourne5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We absolutely love Gilson. Fun atmosphere and the most delicious Italian food. Great value for money and can't wait to come back. The staff are so welcoming and helpful. A special shout out to Fay who goes above and beyond to make your dining experience memorable.
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S
Sofia
Melbourne25 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service, looking after all of us for a school parents group coffee morning as usual.
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M
Matilda
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I've never had a bad experience at Gilson! The food is incredible, the staff are on the ball and it's a fantastic spot to celebrate
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M
Melissa
Melbourne6 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Entrees & pizza were delicious. Pasta was just OK. Serving of Tiramisu was enormous! We dined on a Friday night & it was VERY noisy & cold. Unfortunately we were seated near the door & a cold blast was felt every time the door opened. Service was friendly & efficient.
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D
Daniel
Melbourne4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Gilsons what can one say but great job service excellent food excellent wine excellent so pleased with our dining experience thank you
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a
alice
Melbourne2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Family celebration- excellent attention from our wait staff.
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H
Heycox
Tasmania3 reviews
2.0
Dined on May 7, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
We had a very poor experience. The table was not available at the time we booked in advance. No apologies from the staff. They said you just have to wait at the bar. Then the bar service was very slow. Yes it gets worse. We then noticed a group of 3 guys turned up without a booking and were given a table straight away no problem. It makes you wonder why book and turn up on time. A shame the food and the service once we had sat down 40 minutes late was very good.
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E
Emily
New York City3 reviews
1.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was disappointing, and overpriced for what it was. Otherwise good service and ambience. Wouldn’t go back for the price.
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M
Mandy
Melbourne2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Great, food, service, atmosphere but noisy inside
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FAQs

Gilson offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9866 3120.

Gilson is rated 4.5 stars by 748 OpenTable diners.

Gilson does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.