Gilson South Yarra

171 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
+61 3 9866 3120
$$$ Restaurant , Bistro , Breakfast restaurant , Cocktail bar , Italian restaurant , Takeout restaurant , Pizza restaurant
(926 Reviews)

Welcome to Gilson South Yarra, a culinary gem nestled at 171 Domain Rd, South Yarra, VIC. This vibrant restaurant impeccably marries contemporary Australian cuisine with influences from Italian dining, offering a tantalizing experience that captivates both the palate and the senses.

As you step into Gilson, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that combines elegance with relaxed charm, making it the perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The restaurant features a stunning private room adorned with a delightful balcony, ideal for intimate gatherings and celebrations. Guests consistently rave about the attentive and accommodating staff, ensuring your dining experience will be seamless and enjoyable.

At Gilson, the menu is a delightful exploration of flavors, beginning with their mouthwatering Antipasti. The Wood Fired Flatbread ($11) pairs perfectly with a selection of freshly shucked Oysters ($7 each) and the delicate Scallops ($8 each), lovingly prepared to excite your taste buds. For cheese aficionados, the Burrata ($18) is a creamy delight that melts in your mouth, while the array of cured meats, including Prosciutto ($14) and Salami ($11), offers a flavorful journey through artisanal Italian craftsmanship.

As your meal progresses, dive into their vibrant selection of Vegetables and Salads. The Asparagus with Bottarga ($20) is as colorful as it is delectable, showcasing seasonal produce at its best. The Niçoise with Grilled Tuna Fillet ($36) stands out as a hearty, satisfying dish that delights with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

If you're in the mood for pizza, Gilson’s takes on this classic will not disappoint. Opt for the timeless Margherita ($23) or indulge in their unique creations like Zucchini Flower with Fior Di Latte ($29) or Pepperoni with Chilli Honey ($28), providing a crispy, flavorful crust that captures the essence of Italian tradition while showcasing their innovative approach.

Recent patrons like Alana Colak and Jade Anisseh have expressed their admiration for the restaurant's organization and the attentive service that enhances special occasions. Alana celebrated her birthday, noting how every detail was expertly managed, while Jade praised the incredible team that made her private event seamless and enjoyable. Kerri Filler shared heartwarming experiences from hosting events with a support group, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to creating a welcoming environment.

No matter the occasion, be it a family gathering, a romantic dinner, or a celebratory event, Gilson South Yarra guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with flavorful dishes and exceptional service. Make sure to book ahead, as this beloved spot is popular among locals and visitors alike. Trust us, your palate will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

926 Reviews
Alana Colak

04 Oct 2025

I had my birthday dinner at Gilson South Yarra over a week ago in their private room. From the moment I booked, the communication was super organised — every little detail and selection was confirmed ahead of time, which made everything so easy. The private room itself was stunning, had a balcony which added such a nice touch. The staff were so accommodating and attentive all night, and I loved that you could connect your own music through their Sonos system using the iPad in the room — such a fun and personal detail. The food was amazing with perfect portion sizes, and everything came out beautifully. Overall, the whole experience felt effortless and really special. Couldn’t recommend Gilson enough for a birthday or any kind of celebration. - I can't remember the lovely staff member who came up to me at the end of the night, but she made the whole night very smooth sailing for me!

Lily Xu

22 Sep 2025

GILSON, SOUTH YARRA I’ve been meaning to come back to Gilson for a while as I went a few years ago and really enjoyed it! We celebrated my friends birthday here with an amazing dinner with good food and good vibes ANTIPASTI Oysters $7 each Wood-fired bread $14 Marinated Eggplant $9 Buratta $18 Truffle & Squid Ink Wagyu Salami $12 Kingfish, beetroot, cucumber $24 Tuna, Watermelon, Campari, goats curd $26 PASTA & MAINS & SIDES Linguine Vongole $40 Rib-Eye Steak (500g) $125 Gilson Chopped Salad $26 French Fries $12 DESSERT Pannacotta w/ peach $16 Chocolate Mousse $16 Out of Antipasti dishes my favourite were the wood fried bread, salami and King fish, that was super fresh and tasty! Unfortunately, I felt the burrata was a bit pricey at $18 since it was just served on its own… also I personally thought the tuna dish had a bit a weird texture and flavour pairing, but my friends liked the dish! The Linguine Vongole was surprisingly one of my fave dishes, it was such a simple pasta and the sauce consisted of just garlic, parsley and butter but probably the definition of “less is more”. The dish was very generous with the clams too. I requested the Rib-Eye Steak to me cooked medium-rare but I feel like it was a bit more on the medium side so it was a bit over-cooked. Overall it was nice but nothing special, I’ve had better steaks at other restaurants. The Gilson Chopped Salad was surprisingly really good too haha we don’t usually rave about salads but this salad has inspired us to eat and make more salads this year Dessert was okay but nothing special. The chocolate mousse was nice and rich and my favourite out of the two we ordered. The pannacotta was paired with a very sweet syrup which I felt too overpowering and had a floral taste too it which I didn’t like. Even though some things were a bit hit or miss, overall I still enjoyed most of the dishes we ordered, and I will definitely be back. The restaurant was so busy for a Tuesday night and all the outdoor seating is perfect for a summer night! @gilson_southyarra ⭐ 8/10 $420 ($105 pp)

Kerri Filler

13 Aug 2025

Cancer Chicks has been incredibly lucky to receive the ongoing support of the amazing team at Gilson Restaurant. This was our third event held in their beautiful private dining space, and once again, the food and warm hospitality were exceptional. The Gilson team goes above and beyond to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where our Cancer Chicks can relax, connect, and feel truly cared for. Cancer Chicks is a charity supporting young women aged 18–35 who are affected by cancer or chronic illness. Thanks to the generosity of businesses like Gilson and their incredible staff, we’re able to create meaningful, uplifting experiences that remind our girls they’re not alone. We’re so grateful to Gilson for helping us make a real difference.

The Gollys

31 Jul 2025

Are here recently with a group of four. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. My fave dish was the tuna Niçoise salad. The pasta with oil and garlic was also delicious. Everyone loved the lamb cutlets as well. Def would recommend and would def return. The tapas options are all really tasty as well. You prob need to book ahead. And arrive early to find a parking spot.

Jade Anisseh

29 Jul 2025

Had a private event not long ago. It was my first time at Gilson. The service from the moment I enquired to the moment my event finished was amazing! I was dealing with Shane via email, he was responsive and super helpful. On the day, our host was Lola. She was incredible!!! So so lovely, always on top of everything and the day couldn’t have run any smoother. The food was absolutely amazing! We all loved it. I will definitely do another event here without hesitation and be back simply just to dine in. Highly recommend!

Rob Rees MBE DL

14 Jul 2025

Delighted to be introduced here by my 18 year old daughter. I clearly up the average age on a Saturday warm Spring afternoon but was made to feel part of the lovely atmosphere of people enjoying just a drink or a pizza to full on antipasto, pastas and desserts. Some great wines and drinks lists including for those needing alcohol free. A great vibe and value. Yes a little loud music for an oldie like me when you have the background chatter but tbh that's more about me and not the wider vibe.

Mate Antolos

13 Jul 2025

Laid back but a place for all who want great food and steadfast service. Nestled amongst restaurants on Domain Road. Located conveniently near The Domain and Royal Botanical Gardens and a great reward after you have tackled The Tan

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