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Restaurant

38 South

131 Nepean Hwy, Seaford VIC 3198, Australia

Recommended by 46 people

Updated

Find 38 South

131 Nepean Hwy, Seaford VIC 3198, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9024 0138
HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 38 South

Steps from the Seaford foreshore, 38 South pairs beachside ease with sharp cafe classics, house-baked pastries, and an evening shift into dinner and drinks. Morning regulars drift in from the sand for flat whites, sourdough breakfasts, or mortadella-stuffed focaccia sandwiches. Out back, a sheltered timber deck gives diners and their dogs a quiet refuge away from the highway strip, with dedicated parking behind the venue keeping arrivals effortless. As the sun sets, the room flips into evening trade—serving seafood linguini, tender calamari, and cold beer on tap.

  • Dog-friendly sheltered deck: Covered outdoor decking offers a calm space for diners and their dogs away from Nepean Highway traffic.
  • Day-to-night service: Transitions from morning espresso and brunch classics into evening dinner plates, craft beers, and cocktails.
  • Convenient rear parking: Dedicated free parking spots behind the venue eliminate competitive beachfront street parking.
RestaurantCafeRestaurant

What's On at 38 South

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose 38 South

Discover why diners choose 38 South for beachside brunches, private milestones, and relaxed dining.

  • Quality Daytime Brunch & Coffee

    From house-made sausage rolls and spiced beans to standout flat whites, daytime menus provide dependable, high-standard dishes right after a stroll by the water.

    Ask about the home made items- special meals or amazing fennel- sausage rolls- and the superb cakes and slices!

    M Starr

  • Convenient Rear Parking Access

    Free dedicated customer parking spaces situated directly behind the building remove the stress of hunting for competitive beachside highway spots.

    Parking is super convenient with spaces behind the cafe.

    Rosalina Walsh

  • Welcoming Regular Treatment

    Warm hospitality ensures guests receive attentive, welcoming care that makes them feel immediately at home even during peak service hours.

    The staff are SO friendly and make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time.

    Katherine Borgula

  • Stress-Free Event Coordination

    Private events and milestone parties are fully handled from clear communication to complete setup, letting hosts completely relax.

    the set up they did for me was so amazing! I didn’t have to lift a single finger.

    Lauren Mckinney

  • Sheltered Dog-Friendly Decking

    A covered, private decking area off the highway welcomes dogs comfortably alongside their owners in sheltered dining comfort.

    Dog friendly areas in undercover and outside, off the Hwy. Warm and cool areas, private and covered decking area, not too loud, excellent.

    M Starr

  • Day-to-Night Dinner Transition

    Extending beyond standard afternoon cafe hours, the venue seamlessly transitions into evening dinner and drinks with a dedicated dinner menu.

    Even though it is more day time cafe, the food was up there with the best restaurants, oysters, pork belly, lamb and desert. I recommend to anyone to come when 38 South do an evening dinner.

    Phil Taphouse

Signature brunch staples and evening favourites praised by local diners

  • Induja eggs

    I adored the induja eggs which I hope will be inspiration for a new Melbourne Cafe staple. Perfect with feta, the spicy induja, two poached eggs.

    Catherine Jolliffe

  • 38South Spiced Beans

    I had the 38South Spiced Beans, and they were delicious.

    Kaz Bar

  • Seafood Linguine

    I had the Seafood Linguine, it was nothing less than spectacular

    Justin Kyatt

  • Calamari

    we had the feed me menu, the 5 dishes were fantastic, especially the Calamari so tender, the best we have ever had.

    Robert B

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality touches and personalised gestures observed at 38 South

  • Birthday Celebrations for Kids

    Owners and servers make an extra fuss over visiting children celebrating their birthdays to make their milestone special.

  • Hands-Off Function & Shower Setup

    Private event hosts enjoy complete setup and timeline management from owners Jim and Alena so they never have to lift a finger.

  • Home-Baked Holiday Surprises

    Team members delight regular company breakfast groups with unexpected gestures like home-baked Christmas cookies.

  • Dedicated Sheltered Dog Decking

    Guests walking off the beach can relax in dedicated, sheltered decking spaces designed specifically for dining comfortably with their dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome in dedicated undercover and outdoor decking areas set back from the highway.

Where can I park?

Parking is available in free spaces behind the cafe, as well as nearby street parking.

Should I make a reservation in advance?

Yes, reservations are accepted. Booking ahead is especially recommended for weekend breakfasts and busy summer periods, though walk-ins can also be seated as tables free up.

Are there vegetarian and dietary-friendly options available?

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian choices, and the kitchen accommodates dietary requirements including gluten-free and dairy-free adjustments.

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