Cosi Bar Ristorante South Yarra - Italian Restaurant Since 1996
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This 29-Year-Old Italian Institution Lives Up To Its Reputation!
Lily Anna
202
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Cosi Bar Ristorante, nestled in the vibrant South Yarra neighborhood of Melbourne, is a true gem among Italian eateries. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and genuine Italian hospitality. The décor, with its white tablecloths, dim lighting, and classic black and white Italian cinema playing in the background, instantly transported me to the heart of Italy. The menu, which features an array of traditional Italian dishes, is a testament to Cosi's commitment to authenticity. I started with the Insalata Caprese, a refreshing combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with the perfect amount of olive oil. For my main course, I opted for the Spaghetti Carbonara, a classic dish executed to perfection. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the creamy sauce, infused with eggs, pancetta, and pecorino Romano cheese, was simply divine. To complement my meal, I selected a bottle of Pinot Blanc from Cosi's extensive wine list. The wine, with its smooth tannins and rich cherry flavors, perfectly paired with the savory flavors of my dishes. Throughout my dining experience, the service was impeccable. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure that I had a memorable evening. Their genuine hospitality and passion for Italian cuisine made me feel truly welcomed and valued. Desserts at Cosi are a must-try. I indulged in the Tiramisu, a decadent layered dessert of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect ending to my Italian feast. Cosi Bar Ristorante is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that transports you to the heart of Italy. The authentic cuisine, impeccable service, and warm atmosphere make it a dining destination that cannot be missed. Whether you're a seasoned Italian food aficionado or simply seeking a taste of La Dolce Vita, Cosi will undoubtedly captivate your senses and leave you longing for more. Thomas Reeh
Thomas Reeh
00
The dining experience at Cozi Restaurant in South Yarra was truly unparalleled, with just one noteworthy exception that I’ll get to later. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance exuded elegance and warmth, making for a perfect setting for an evening of enjoyment. The food was nothing short of outstanding. The chefs at Cozi seem to have mastered the art of culinary brilliance. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully plated, and packed with flavors that tantalized the palate. It was a gastronomic journey that left us completely satisfied yet eagerly looking forward to our next visit. As for the customer service, it was impeccable. The staff were courteous, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They made excellent recommendations, and their timing was perfect, never leaving us waiting but also never making us feel rushed. However, it is with a heavy heart that I must mention the restroom facilities. For such an upscale dining experience, the state of the restrooms was not just disappointing, but appalling. They were filthy and not at all up to the standards one would expect from a restaurant of Cozi’s caliber. It was a jarring contrast to the otherwise wonderful evening. Despite this flaw, the overall experience was delightful, and it would be unfair not to acknowledge the restaurant for all its merits. I do hope Cozi takes immediate action to address the restroom situation, as it is the only smudge on an otherwise pristine experience. Still, if you’re in South Yarra and are seeking an unparalleled dining experience, Cozi Restaurant should be at the top of your list. We had a wonderful evening and are already planning our next visit, in hopes that the restroom issue will be resolved by then. Five stars for the dining experience, but a point off for the restrooms.
Mitchell Hubble
00
Here’s a polished and coherent rephrasing of your review: ⸻ On our first night arriving in Melbourne, we visited a nearby restaurant that was bustling with customers. We brought two bottles of wine, assuming it was BYO, but were informed there was a corkage fee of $30 per bottle on weekends. While I felt the fee was a bit steep, we agreed to pay it as the wines on the menu were even pricier, even after factoring in the corkage. Unfortunately, the policy was quite rigid — even when I offered to purchase a bottle from the restaurant in exchange for waiving one of the fees, they wouldn’t make an exception. We started with the calamari, which I found rather bland and not to my taste. However, the grilled half-shell scallops were enjoyable. The beef carpaccio and charred eggplant were both excellent, and I particularly liked the meatballs and asparagus — the flavors complemented each other well. The highlight dishes were the lobster linguine and the risotto. While the linguine was a bit underwhelming — the sauce didn’t seem to fully infuse the pasta — the risotto was perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. The seafood pasta and the ragu with slow-cooked lamb shoulder were solid choices. The beef cotoletta served with rocket salad stood out as something a bit different and interesting. We finished our meal with tiramisu and cannoli — a sweet and satisfying end to the evening, made even better with a complimentary shot of orangecello.
Andrew Goh
00
Atmosphere was good, steak was awful, it took two hours for my main meal to come, why do I know it was two hours, because I moved my car twice. Unpleasant experience. And the steak I ordered should be medium. But it looks like the picture I showed. I asked staff is this medium cook? They says this how they cook medium. 🙄🙄🙄 To respond to your reply: Firstly, I found your comment about “language being the barrier” quite offensive. I know exactly what I ordered, and I expressed myself clearly. Secondly, you mentioned checking with the staff who claimed I ordered medium. Again, I am certain of what I said. If you choose to insist otherwise, there’s not much I can do about that. Thirdly, regarding the wait time, I’m confident it was around two hours, as I had to move my car twice due to the one-hour parking limit outside your restaurant. I raised this issue with the waiter immediately, and he explained that there was a private event happening at the back. He offered me a tiramisu to compensate, which only left me more confused. Does this mean guests at private events are your priority over regular customers? All the best with your business. If confusion and denial are your brand, you're right on track
mia z
00
The high ratings enticed us here as we were in the mood for some quality Italian food. Quickly seated with menus and choice of sparkling or still water, we soon ordered and settled back to wait. The little Arancini balls were crispy outside and oozed with melted cheese inside. The Polpete meatballs were accompanied by a strong cherry tomato Napoletana sauce and crostini. As we were sharing everything, they thoughtfully divided the Cavatelli into two bowls for us.💖 The creamy pasta with pork sausage ragu and broccoli was topped off by a generous amount of Pecorino cheese. The Gnocchi had a similar cherry tomato Napoletana sauce to the Polpete. Paired with the Gnocchi it was a touch too sour for me. A little chilli oil balanced this out. The serves were enormous and I was drowsy by the end of the Gnocchi. The place was fully booked and we were seated by the door, receiving a cold draught every time it opened. 😓 Otherwise the service was attentive and professional. The atmosphere is intimate with quiet conversations filling the room. I can understand the high ratings, but I'm rating from our imperfect but still good experience.
Joanne Lung
00
Nearby Attractions Of Cosi Bar Ristorante South Yarra - Italian Restaurant Since 1996
Fawkner Park
Village Cinemas Jam Factory
670 Chapel
The Como Centre
Guilfoyle's Volcano
Victoria Gardens
Lamb on Chapel
Frankie Salon South Yarra
Kebabsta
Rockley Gardens

Fawkner Park
4.7
(1.4K)
Click for details

Village Cinemas Jam Factory
4.2
(755)
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670 Chapel
4.2
(676)
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The Como Centre
4.2
(462)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Cosi Bar Ristorante South Yarra - Italian Restaurant Since 1996
Kiwami Teppanyaki
Leonards House of Love
Top Paddock Cafe
Abacus Bar & Kitchen
Hecho en Mexico South Yarra
Prahran Market
Two Birds One Stone Cafe South Yarra
Stella Restaurant and Bar
A25 Pizzeria South Yarra
Chapelli's

Kiwami Teppanyaki
4.9
(1.2K)
Click for details

Leonards House of Love
4.6
(1.1K)
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Top Paddock Cafe
4.3
(1.1K)
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Abacus Bar & Kitchen
4.1
(911)
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Basic Info
Address
68 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Map
Phone
+61 3 9867 3999
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Website
cosirestaurant.com.au
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(532 reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
Description
Contemporary Italian dishes in a sleek, white-tablecloth establishment with a leafy courtyard.
attractions: Fawkner Park, Village Cinemas Jam Factory, 670 Chapel, The Como Centre, Guilfoyle's Volcano, Victoria Gardens, Lamb on Chapel, Frankie Salon South Yarra, Kebabsta, Rockley Gardens, restaurants: Kiwami Teppanyaki, Leonards House of Love, Top Paddock Cafe, Abacus Bar & Kitchen, Hecho en Mexico South Yarra, Prahran Market, Two Birds One Stone Cafe South Yarra, Stella Restaurant and Bar, A25 Pizzeria South Yarra, Chapelli's

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