An intimate cosy restaurant located on a quiet residential street. They served great pasta with lovely italian hospitality. Wonderful little local.

Only recently discovered 38 Chairs. Couldn't believe I have been missing out all this time. And to answer the un-spoken question, yes they literally do have 38 chairs.
My experience was very good. In my opinion, it is definitely one of the quality establishments in South Yarra, in the Chapel/High St region. The service is very personable (they were able to make adjustments to the menu for me, without fuss) and the food very good (focus is more on ingredient quality and flavour composition than presentation drama). Simple food done very well. Ie. Pan fried Scallops on chargrilled Mortadella.

They haven't been around very long...and its tiny - 38 chairs! This is what good italian food is all about - great ingredients that shine, carefully prepared, and a menu that incorporates seasonality .
The fit out is charming & intimate inspite of the building being very modern, concrete.
The service is attentive, they ask for your feedback, have a chat with you - which is lovely.
There are all the little touches - a yummy sourdough with a beautiful extra virgin olive oil - as soon as you sit down.
(They also sell a few of their special produce)
I had a duck ragu with gluten free rigatoni(the amazing thing - i would not have known it was gluten free) - it was outstanding. They also do traditional favourites like broccoli & pasta, which my friend said was delicious.
Dessert was divine, it was one of the specials - pannacotta.
If all Italian restaurants were like this, I would definitely be eating more Italian.

Approximate cost: $30-35 per person excl wine