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Gilson, South Yarra, AU-VIC

Gilson

4.4
4.4
267 Reviews
$40 and under
Italian
Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
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7:00 PM
Booked 48 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Breakfast, Pizzeria

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 pm
    Sat, Sun 7:30 am–11:00 am

  • Phone number

    (03) 9866 3120

  • Website

    http://www.gilsonrestaurant.com.au/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Andy Lockyear

  • Catering

    Gilson's main dining room can on occasion be exclusively hired for events.<br />Weddings, birthdays, corporate events, fashion showings, engagements.<br />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.

  • Private party contact

    info@gilsonrestaurant.com.au: (03) 9866 3120

  • 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 267 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Inner City South

    Hot Spot

  • Inner City South

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. J

    Jeffrey

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The food ambiance and service were very good. We had a great evening.

  2. A

    Arexa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Went there for lunch, food was delicious. Can’t wait to go back. The only thing which isn’t a complaint, they did take a while to bring our menus. Other than that, highly recommend.

  3. M

    Mungo

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Everything excellent from greeting to leaving, except the noise level which was, for us, too loud, the music and the other patrons just made it hard to have a conversation.

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great food , service etc a little too noisy ( music )

  5. SF

    ShaunF

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    It was an enjoyable evening. Unfortunately I reacted a little to the pasta meaning it is unlikely to be home made. I didn't ask this in advance so its my fault

  6. KB

    KaniezB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Booking was easy. Inside was noisy so we sat outdoors. Service was prompt and good. Food excellent!!

  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience3

    We were told we had 20 mins left on our table after our food just arrived and we were 1 hour into the booking

  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Get the lobster pasta!

  9. E

    Ellate

    Melbourne

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    Wasn’t worth the hype. Basic food, expected better.

  10. C

    Cath

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Always good food and service at Gilson. Good value for money

  11. a

    amotherofpearl

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our lunch was outstanding. Food was standout and suited both adults and kids

  12. SW

    StevieWalls

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Great space and ambience. Delicious food, good wine and great staff. We had a great time in there. Cacio e pepe was tasty AF.

  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Beautiful food, lovely outdoor atmosphere, great staff and service. Hard to fault this place on any of that, other than pricing (it’s a bit much for what you get, but I suspect it’s a location thing?). Inside was cluttered with seating and very loud so we requested outdoor at the last moment, and were happily accommodated. Definitely will return.

  14. CK

    CrystalK

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is just superb! We enjoyed the most delicious tomato fettuccine and prawn tagliatelle. The burrata was amazing also along with the wine. There is a great vibe in a there and a nice feel. Highly recommend.

  15. RL

    RogerL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Someone once told me the only time to eat greens is while you're waiting for your steak to cook. This held true for 38 years until I ate at Gilson. What a joy the greens were. Broccolini, brilliant. Zucchini, zesty. Tomatoes, totally tasty. But then the steak came out....and WOW, Juicy, cooked medium rare to perfection. Melt in your mouth Porterhouse that got even better with a big swill of Shiraz. Rockpool who? Steak this good makes me wish vegetarians could just give beef one more shot. This was a business meal and we have an intricate ratings system for our work lunches. This is the first resturant we've tried that has achieved 10/10 status. Not only was the food simply brilliant but the staff were amazing (I'm sorry I can't remember her name but she was wonderful; friendly and helpful!). The vibe is bang on and had it not been for a client meeting we had to go I would have settled in for the afternoon and sunk a few more bottles of vino. Bravo Gilson, bravo!

  16. DJ

    DianaJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely delicious food and amazing service. We will definitely be back!

  17. P

    Phoebe

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience2

    Staff kicked us off table at 8 despite having until 8.30 to stay on there as next group had arrived. Felt rushed and uncomfortable as we were finishing up. Don’t believe it was staffs fault but perhaps management expectation re managing turnover. Food was wonderful, variety fantastic, but hard to hear others.

  18. s

    sarahm

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was amazing! fantastic atmosphere, positive and friendly staff and incredible food - the lamb ragu and burratta were a real highlight! the drinks were fantastic aswell

  19. K

    Kddkkddk

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The best of South Yarra casual lunch.

  20. M

    Mary

    Melbourne

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    Staff were consistently rude. Not the first time so will not be back. Good good but overpriced

  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food, really great service and reasonable pricing :)

  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2022

    overall1food1service5ambience1

    Very disappointed with the food, l chose the pasta with ricotta and prawns which didn’t work together. The Tiramisu was heavy and not light and tasted strange, l don’t think used mascarpone cream. Service was great though.

  23. g

    goodfood

    Chicago

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed our visit to Gilson’s. The food—chopped salad, fresh fish of the day, and pepperoni pizza—was excellent; the fish was perfectly cooked. The crowd was clearly having a good time in a nice casual setting. The service was attentive, but not intrusive; we were never rushed even though the restaurant was crowded. We will go back again.

  24. AD

    AnisaD

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2022

    overall2food4service3ambience2

    We'd definitely be back, but only for takeaway :)

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Victoria

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We have seen Gilson on instagram and thought we would give it a go. Parking was ridiculous in the area, so definitely allow enough time when travelling into South Yarra. There was a line out the door, with one staff member helping people to their seats. Venue was nice inside and wait staff were pretty good. We ordered to start - calamari, wood fired base, burrata and fries. All well portioned, well seasoned and great sharing plates. For main We ordered - steak, fish and prawn pasta. The steaks were slightly on the tough side, pasta needed salt BUT fish was perfect. Dessert, we ordered the panna cotta, sticky date pudding and Tiramisu. Of the three, the pudding was a stand out. They were very busy but overall, not a bad experience. Just need to work on some of the food.

  26. NM

    NicholasM

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience2

    Please do something about the flies inside. It’s almost to the point of disgusting.

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    The venue is nice and the food was okay. The service was lovely and overall it was a nice night!

  28. SI

    StephanieI

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    It's more of a social place rather than going out to eat nice food. Staff are terrible, food was awful.

  29. B

    Brett

    Melbourne

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2

    Table was not ready at booked time and we were handballed between staff trying to find us a place to sit. When we were seated, the table had clearly not been cleaned as there were butter smears, salt and pepper all over the surface. None of the staff were wearing masks and the whole venue just seemed a bit grubby. Staff were not particularly friendly, but the food was fine.

  30. N

    Natalie

    Melbourne

    9 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    I will never dine here again. The noise levels sat between 85-90 when measured on my decibel app. It was almost impossible to hear the person next to you, let alone across from you. The food was mediocre at best and overpriced. Service was appalling, we had to flag down someone each time. To top of off they charged us for an extra wine we didn’t order. I won’t ever be returning! Save your money and go elsewhere for a far better experience.

  31. m

    maddies

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great italian food! very traditional, brought my mum from NSW and she loved it! service was fabulous!

  32. JC

    JonathanC

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Caterered for my mother's 88th birthday amongst a busy lunch period

  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    Lovely venue, delicious food with reasonable price. The only downside was that it was hard to make eye contact with staff to ask to attend our table. The hall staff could have been looking out a bit more.

  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Poor service and slow on food!

  35. S

    Steph

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Beautiful food, lovely ambiance (almost too loud), great service, BEAUTIFUL FOOD ONE MORE TIME.

  36. CS

    CristinaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Gilson delivered again! I came for lunch with a girlfriend whom lives on the otherside of town and she had never been, she loved it!!! Whereas George and myself are regulars and just love the food and ambience, absolutely perfect!!!

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2022

    overall2food5service2ambience3

    Service extremely arrogant

  38. JC

    JohnC

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The chopped salad with chicken is one of the best lunch dishes in Melbourne :)

  39. SC

    SarahC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Bueatiful staff and food. So accomodating and an absolute pleasure to dine

  40. CR

    CherylynR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Fabulous authentic food and great wine list. Relaxed, easy vibe 😊

FAQs

Gilson does offer delivery in partnership with Deliveroo. Gilson also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9866 3120.

Gilson is rated 4.4 stars by 267 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM
Booked 48 times today
Google Map for Gilson

171 Domain Rd South Yarra, AU-VIC 3141

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Park Street and Anderson Street

  • Neighborhood

    South Yarra

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 pm
    Sat, Sun 7:30 am–11:00 am

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Breakfast, Pizzeria

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street parking is available on Domain Road, Birdwood Avenue and Park St. Also available on surrounding streets.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Andy Lockyear

  • 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

  • Website

    http://www.gilsonrestaurant.com.au/

  • Phone number

    (03) 9866 3120

  • Catering

    Gilson's main dining room can on occasion be exclusively hired for events.<br />Weddings, birthdays, corporate events, fashion showings, engagements.<br />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.

  • Private party contact

    info@gilsonrestaurant.com.au: (03) 9866 3120

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