Da Guido La Pasta is a place that draws you in with confidence rather than noise. From the first plate it is clear this is a kitchen that values patience, balance, and the quiet authority of knowing when to stop. The roast beef carpaccio arrives sliced to near translucence, tender and clean, its flavour deepened by porcini and marinated oyster mushrooms. It is restrained, earthy, and assured, the kind of dish that reminds you how powerful simplicity can be when executed properly. The barramundi fillet is cooked with admirable restraint. The flesh remains delicate and moist, complemented by a coconut and clams sauce that brings sweetness and salinity into careful harmony. Nothing shouts, nothing overwhelms, and the fish is allowed to remain the star. The gnocchi Genovese is a lesson in patience. The Wagyu is slow cooked with intent, preserving the fine, nuanced flavours of the meat rather than burying them under weight or excess. The onions melt into the sauce, the gnocchi absorb every element, and the dish delivers richness without heaviness, comfort without complacency. The signature ravioli leans confidently into indulgence. The Wagyu filling is deep and expressive, finished with rosemary and Parmigiano butter that perfumes the dish rather than dominating it. Black pepper cuts through with precision, keeping each bite lively and complete. The sides reinforce the care taken throughout. Broccolini is vibrant and pleasantly bitter, lifted by garlic and almonds, while the potato purée is luxuriously smooth, enriched with butter and smoked beef tallow, generous without apology. Da Guido La Pasta offers food that respects tradition while trusting technique. It is cooking that rewards attention, encourages return visits, and reminds you why Italian cuisine, when treated with seriousness and restraint, remains endlessly compelling.

I tried the carbonara and the squid ink linguine. The carbonara was just okay as the guanciale was a bit too salty, which made the dish feel unbalanced. On the other hand, the squid ink linguine was under-seasoned in my opinion. The meal ended up feeling like a bit of a rollercoaster of flavours, but not in the best way. That said, the restaurant itself is lovely. The space is cosy with a touch of luxury, making it a great spot for a date night. The customer service was excellent, and I felt genuinely welcomed from the moment I walked in. Despite the inconsistencies with the dishes, the atmosphere and service definitely stood out in a positive way.

I found it! The best Italian I’ve had since Italy. The team came together to give me the best tasting menu I could have asked for. Every mouthful was an exploration of simple flavours singing together harmoniously with thoughtful textures. I was in flavour heaven and my smile said it all. Consider a tender octopus with a perfect caramelised char on a bed of purple mash that combines the smoothness of potato with a subtle sweetness of beetroot in a pairing. Or the crispy tart bread pieces that rested on an herbed garlic butter base which melted into the slightly salted flavours of the beef bresaola which was balanced by the creamy straciattela and complimented by the sweet caramelised peaches in an emulsion. Perhaps the unexpected stand out for me was an off the menu item that was served to me as part of this tasting. A duck bottoni filled pasta. My God! This 8 hour slow cooked duck which had savoury notes of red Shiraz and perhaps bay leaf, sat on a beautiful duck jus reduction which brought unity to the dish. But wait. There was a drizzle of a cacio e pepe sauce which elevated it to high heaven. And if that wasn’t enough, tiny drops of honey took this dish to a resplendent place. The subtle sweet delicate notes came through softly and perfectly balanced. All the pasta dishes I had were perfectly al dente and silky smooth. After all the food I had (too much to disclose in this one review) and the wonderful deserts I tried, including a wonderful and explorative cheese platter featuring cheese from the bay of fire. I ended the night with a digestivo “Amaro del Capo” from Calabria. A must have to end the experience. Thank you for making my last night in Melbourne so memorable for this foodie. I’m ready to head back to Sydney with wonderful memories that I won’t forget any time soon. Will definitely come back to this gem! My compliments to the chef who put his heart into the feast. What talented hands. And the attentive team that made me feel so welcomed into their restaurant. The team is proud of what they do. And so they should be. Bravo.

Can I give 10 stars please!!! Travelling for work, my American colleague and I had heard Carlton was home to a great strip of restaurants, so we started looking for a standout Italian spot. Da Guido La Pasta kept coming up in reviews, and now we know why. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and seated on the terrace balcony, which gave the evening a relaxed, authentic feel. The service was exceptional, professional yet personal, with a team of genuine Italian staff who clearly care about the experience they’re offering. One of the partners took the time to share the story behind the restaurant and the little details that make it special. His pride and passion really came through. We shared everything we ordered; the Fagottini, spaghetti, and a rocket and pear salad, followed by a tiramisu for dessert. Each dish was outstanding, full of depth and flavour, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care and authenticity. The décor also deserves a mention. It’s a tasteful mix of traditional Italian charm with just the right amount of modern touch. Fresh and inviting, without losing its roots. This wasn’t just a great meal, it was a full experience. Da Guido La Pasta is a true gem in Carlton, and we’ll both be recommending it to anyone heading to Melbourne. P.s. try a margarita...or 2!!!

Era buonissimo! I had dinner there yesterday. The decor and atmosphere is great. It was full of people which is a good sign. A young male waiter with glasses was so nice and friendly. I ordered the octopus, it was cooked beautifully and tasted great. For main course I ordered the squid ink linguine, it is one of the best seafood pastas I’ve had, I ordered their house made bread to mop up the sauce- scarpetta! I will absolutely eat here next time I’m back in Melbs, grazie Mille!