Da Guido La Pasta — Restaurant in Melbourne

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Da Guido La Pasta on Lygon Street in Carlton, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional culinary experience that left me craving more. From the moment I stepped into the cozy Italian eatery, I was greeted with warmth and an inviting atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The first thing that struck me about Da Guido La Pasta was the impeccable service. The staff was not only friendly and attentive but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to explain each dish in detail, making recommendations based on personal preferences, and ensuring a tailored dining experience. Their passion for the cuisine was evident, and it added a special touch to the overall ambiance. Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the food! Da Guido La Pasta's commitment to authentic Italian flavors truly shines through in every dish. The menu boasts a variety of handmade pastas, and each one I tried was an absolute delight. From the silky-smooth tagliatelle with rich Bolognese sauce to the pillowy gnocchi topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, every bite transported me to the heart of Italy. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation was remarkable, showcasing the chef's skill and dedication to their craft. One standout dish that I must highlight is the homemade ravioli stuffed with truffle-infused ricotta. The combination of the delicate pasta, creamy filling, and earthy truffle flavours was simply heavenly. It was a true testament to the quality of ingredients used at Da Guido La Pasta. The menu also features a selection of antipasti, salads, and mouthwatering desserts. I couldn't resist trying the caprese salad, which featured ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. It was a perfect light starter that complemented the main course beautifully. To complete the dining experience, I indulged in a heavenly tiramisu. Each spoonful was a symphony of flavours, with the perfect balance of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It was the ideal ending to an extraordinary meal. In addition to the outstanding food and service, the ambiance of Da Guido La Pasta deserves praise. The cozy interior, adorned with rustic Italian decor, creates an intimate and charming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or a loved one, the restaurant provides a welcoming setting for any occasion. My experience at Da Guido La Pasta on Lygon Street was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I entered the restaurant to the last bite of tiramisu, I was treated to a culinary journey that celebrated the essence of Italian cuisine. The passion and dedication of the staff, the quality of the ingredients, and the overall ambiance combine to create a dining experience that will linger in my memory for years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend Da Guido La Pasta to anyone seeking an authentic taste of Italy in the...

ORDERED: 🧀​ Insalata Caprese: Buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil ($24.00) 🥓​ Carpaccio Arrosto: Roast beef carpaccio, procini mushroom, crispy polenta ($29.00)

🍝 Ravioli wagyu: ravioli filled with wagyu beef served with butter and rosemary sauce ($39.00) 🍝 Tagliolini al nero di seppia: black (squid ink) tagliolini with calamari ragu, fresh tomato and basil ($37.00)

🥧​ Crostata alle Pere e Mandorle: Almond and pear tart with Amaretti biscuits and cream ($15.00)

We spent $72.50pp here!

REVIEW: Service was slow but the vibes were very nice. Da Guido actually originates up near Venice, with the chefs trained in Italy as well. It's an open kitchen and no matter where you're sitting in the restaurant, you can see the person who's making your meal. Making the connection was awesome. Up from already populated Lygon St, Da Guido adds a classy option to the Italian restaurant line-ups.

Entrees were great. Buffalo mozzarella was soft, and so sweet and it was surprising that it didn't come with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar! But it didn't need it - it was perfect in its simplicity. Carpaccio was also interestingly wrapped up, instead of being spread out like I was used to. Also yummy and would order both if I were to come to Da Guido La Pasta again.

From the mains, although the ravioli dish was more expensive, my friend and I liked the tagliolini Al nero di seppia more! Both the pasta dishes were perfectly al dente, with a satisfying bite to both. Ravioli was plain to me. This is making me wonder whether ravioli as a whole is the pasta for me, when this isn't the first time I've had this thought 🥺. Tagliolini al nero had the good parts of a seafood pasta. The iconic fresh ocean sweetness but the calamari ragu was heavy enough to pass as mince meat. So great!

Disliked the dessert, although that's a personal preference. There were incredibly sour strawberry pieces (arguably to make the dessert more sweet) but it's the sour that makes me feel like pulling my face inwards. Left an aftertaste that made me question whether I really enjoyed my meal... so would definitely avoid. It's like cough medicine that's been soaked in that awful liquorice...

We (3 adults) walked-in on a Sunday night around 6:45pm. It was our first time to Da Guidi La Pasta. Seeing the great review on Google, we decided to give it a go.

Warm welcome by the staff, unfortunately indoor table was fully booked so he offered us outside table but he assured it will not be too cold as the staff will turn the outdoor heater on.

We were seated outside and one of the bar staff came out to set the table and brought sparkling water but didnt turn the heater nor he gave the menu. We had to go in to ask for a menu after 8-10 minutes and to ask for the heater to be switched on.

A waitress came out and attended us. She also offered us to moved inside upon table availability. We went in once table was available. We ordered the our meals and drinks.

I think they were a bit understaffed on the floor. Hence we waited quite a bit to have our starter to be served. calamari salad - way too salty for us three. Garlic bread, was okay. Tiramisu Martini was great.

Our mains took longer (17 mins+) to be served. Pork pancetta which unfortunately was too salty. Pasta was al dente on point though. Black squid ink linguine also too salty. Ravioli filled wagyu - was tad cold and quite lack of flavour. Had to scoop deep the sauce on each ravioli.

We were quite upset as the expectation was high given the great 4.6 stars from 1k+ reviews.

Overall, our meals weren’t so great. Perhaps it was not our lucky evening. We did let the waiter know after we finished our starter that the calamari salad was way too salty. He did acknowledged.

hopefully other guests wouldn’t experience the same and had better luck on their meals.

Their staff were all friendly and the chef said thank you upon...