Cosi Bar Ristorante

Consistently Excellent Service and Delicious Meal

I went with a business associate to an impromptu lunch at Cosi (68 Toorak Rd, South Yarra) recently. Everything about Cosi was great – fantastic ambience and surroundings (as always), service was thoughtful (host was very generous), responsive and smooth, the food sublime, explosive (Cosi still got it) and the rainbow of tastes beautifully crafted! I have been visiting Cosi since its inception back in 1996 and for a F&B venue to be operating for 25+ years is a testament to its management style and team, and of course the never ending imagination of its culinary and beverage creatives. On this occasion, it was a casual last minute lunch catch up which Cosi accommodated very kindly as they were fully booked (and they are always quite busy). When I got there, we were seated at a very much sought after table which was next to the fireplace!
For entree we had the Sydney Rock oysters, for mains we had the linguini marinara (which has always been my go-to main for the last 25 years and it still taste the same as it was 25 years ago!), and the famous simple Cosi salad which had a lot of punch for a salad dish! I have to say the little thoughtful things that anyone does for another is always very appreciated, and on this occasion, a side dish that I always have (a must have) that goes with my pasta is the chili oil with slices of chillies in it and they brought this out without me asking for it! This alone, style of detailed service no matter how trivial, very much sets an institution apart from another. I have to add that in all my global travels, the service industries who practice on refining the finer details and above all act on these observations for their regular clientele, will always have the edge over their competitors. We washed down our meals with a yummy Pinot noir (Curlewis Bellarine Peninsula region 2018). After several bottles later, and much thoughtful conversations, we left Cosi late in the evening and were already planning our next visit back.
Bravo Cosi! Keep up with your awesome service and incredible warm generous hospitality! I for one will always appreciate what you do for me and my guests and look forward to coming back soon! Grazie.

Had a lovely meal with friends from Scotland recently. Very friendly and attentive staff. Thank you!

Food was delicious and service was good. We just felt a little rushed even though we didn’t have to be rushed out

Staffed by attentive and charming waitstaff. Delicious, fresh Italian food in a cosy, bustling bistro setting. Highly recommend this old favourite brought back to life.

This and their sister restaurant Cuccinetta are both great examples of good Italian food and professional service. Love taking the grandkids for a gelato on Sunday afternoons as well.

Cosi has come leaps and bounds over the past few years and I consider it to be one of Melbourne's best Italian restaurants. The owners are lovely and very accomodating and the food is a perfect blend between homemade Italian and culinary excellence. Sure its not the cheapest but you get what you pay for. Looking forward to going back there soon.

For a few hours it felt like we were taken to italy, the food, the service and atmosphere was spot on and more. We enjoyed our dining experience and will definitely be back!

The service and food was excellent, the carbonara is to die for! Especially when washed down with a Piemonte Barbera. Perfecto!

I have to say, I came to this restaurant 13 years ago.
I was more then impressed! Simply OUTSTANDING!
Whatever the occasion - treat or reward yourself.
I went to another restaurant the next night and they failed miserably. Why? I had five different waiters looking after our table. No communication and was very disappointing. COSI - had your dedicated waiter and was truly professional. Thank you for making the night so special! ️

Delicious food. There was 6 of us and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal! The special Scallop Risotto was just perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Gnocchi divine. Attentive service.

Best Italian food in South Yarra. The service, ambiance, food and wine, it’s the whole package. They always make you feel like part of the family, with 5 star service to match. I return time and time again, never to be disappointed.

Amazing food, amazing service, amazing people. Highly recommend to dine here if you have not yet done so! And if you have pop in to see the new menu of amazing food.

Food was amazing as per usual. The chefs there haven’t forgotten how important it it to season the food, like most others have.
Always feel welcome and special when I dine there.

Excellent lunch, friendly waiter, good food and nice wines. Bit pricey but def worh the money. Highly recommended, try to sit outside!

We were looking for a place to eat in the area and stumbled upon Cosi. Upon walking in we noticed the cosy, warm and inviting atmosphere. Really enjoyed the food and staff service was top notch. Genuinely enjoyed the authentic experience and will be back for sure!

My girlfriend and I had a fantastic experience at Cosi'. We loved the food and the authentic Italian atmosphere. It felt like being in the BELLA VITA time in Italy, age 70/80s. We will go back.

Great little Italian bistro. A little pricey but the food, service and ambience is always top notch.

What a scene, cosi had been reinvented, with an Italian flavor that on the 1 hand is endearing but equally can feel a bit o.t. T! Having said that its fun& tasty

Thats the place I never get bored of. Me and my boyfriend we came here when they first reopened and since then we like to go once every one/two weeks. Food always impeccable, service even better. Everybody extremely nice - but Enrico is the one who makes the difference!

I found this restaurant by chance and chose it because of the tablecloths, it was busy at lunchtime and the authenticity of the Italian staff. I was not let down.
The food we had was excellent, the wine also (the Chianti was terrific) and the attentive service provided by Omar and his staff a revelation.
Apparently the restaurant was recently refurbished. The result is a tasteful establishment with smaller spaces within the larger room.
I’ll be going back when next in Melbourne and I wish Sydney had an equivalent.