Thirty Eight Chairs - Carlton North

It seems fitting that the next move for the “38 Chairs” owner, Gino Forlano, should be to the place where so many Italians have made their lives on arrival from Italy – Carlton!

However, it was important to Gino that the move be to an area of Carlton that reflects best what he values in hospitality – “simplicity, passion, respect and conversation”. So, when Gino made the decision to move his business northside, (his original restaurant is in Bond Street South Yarra), it was most important to him that the newest incarnation of Gino’s dream, was an extension of his lifelong values of family and friends sharing food together.

At this beautifully fitted out restaurant, there is space to move, a family friendly attitude (including free babyccinos) and sophisticated dining in the evenings for family, friends or lovers.

This restaurant has everything – a divine, light filled downstairs dining space, an upstairs venue space which holds up to 45 seated and 90 for cocktails, lovely streetside tables diagonally opposite the Curtain Square gardens and lots of parking available in its surrounds.

Rathdowne Street is the perfect location to enjoy the ambience and the diversity of Carlton North away from the rush – a chance to soak up the inner urban atmosphere, eat fresh and delicious Italian food and sit back, relax and wait to be looked after in true Italian style.

The cuisine is typical of its origins – ‘Cucina Napolitana’. The menu is designed by head chef Giuseppe Di Mauro (pictured) whose own origins are in the region of Campania with its surroundings of mountains, lakes and the sea.

“38 Chairs” Carlton North is another opportunity for Gino Forlano to showcase his loyalty to all that is Italian, his love of people and good food and his ability to synchronise these with flair and a genuine passion for what he does.