Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

Managed to get a seat even though it was quite crowded, which speaks to how popular this place is with locals. The classic Italian pasta was delicious—authentic and full of flavor. Finished off with a tiramisu that was perfectly creamy and not too sweet. Great spot if you're craving real Italian food!

No wonder, this is one of the best coffee in town. Been meaning to come here on my previous trip at Melbourne. Finally last week, managed to came here on my recent trip with my friends; we came here in the morning when we arrived, and came again on the last day before we went to airport. Loved the tiramisu, apple strudel and salami. Good service and friendly staff

My husband previously boasted about this restaurant and told me how nice it was! So I visited the restaurant during my stay in Melbourne on the last day of the trip. The coffee was nice but very strong, and the buttered bread, which was served first, had just the right amount of butter spread. If you are expecting freshly cooked Marinara spaghetti it is probably best to try it somewhere else as the sauce tastes like it has been cooked for a while and has strong seafood flavours. The portion was generous and the taste was good.

I know it's a Melbourne icon and I support the whole operation of it, I had spaghetti bolognese for lunch, which didn't really get me giddy inside. It was certainly rich in flavour, more sauce then spaghetti. The food arrival time is under 90 seconds. The service, vibe, atmosphere is certainly electric and memorable casting you back to a NY diner style feel.

Went to this restaurant because the locals recommended this resto. They sell coffee and variety of pasta. They didn’t have a printed menu (that’s unique), but the staff will explain to us and help us to choose what kind of food that the customers want to eat. The food portion is quite big in my opinion so you can order one and share with your companions. I tried bolognaise pasta and it tasted good.

A Melbourne institution and I see why! I was immediately transported back to Italy. The ambience is unpretentious and rustic. The food is authentic Italian! We got the home made gnocchi (one with Napolitana sauce the other with cream and mushrooms). Very authentic like my mum used to make! Oh and you gotta try their watermelon granita, so refreshing! . ! We met David, one of the owners who took the time to have a chat. Staff were friendly and efficient. Will be back!! Oh and all that for under $60?! Unheard of in Melbourne! Hubby and I have decided we need to work our way through the menu! We will be back!

THIS IS THE BEST PASTA YOU WILL EVER EAT. the food is so delicious and they give you a big serving and it’s true italian pasta. The vibe of the restaurant is kind of 50s and it’s so nice and sweet. The coffee was the best coffee i’ve ever tasted.

The vibe is chaotic yet comforting—think bustling waiters in crisp white shirts weaving through a crowd of theatregoers, office workers, and curious tourists. There’s no printed menu; instead, a wooden board hangs above the bar listing classics like spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, and ricotta ravioli. Want something off-script? Just ask, and they’ll likely whip it up with a side of charm or a playful eye-roll. The food is hearty and honest—nothing fancy, just the kind of pasta you’d expect from an Italian nonna’s kitchen. Pair it with their famous watermelon granita, a sweet, icy treat that cuts through the richness of the meal, and you’ve got a combo that’s hard to beat. Service is fast and no-nonsense—don’t expect coddling, but you’ll feel welcomed in a rough-around-the-edges kind of way. The staff, some of whom have been there for decades, know their regulars and treat newcomers like they might just become one. Pellegrini’s isn’t perfect. The stools aren’t the comfiest, and the narrow space can get cramped when it’s busy (which is often). The coffee snobs might argue it’s not the best in town, and the food won’t win any Michelin stars. But that’s not the point. This place thrives on its character—raw, unpolished, and stubbornly unchanged. It’s a slice of 1950s Italy smack in the middle of modern Melbourne, and that’s its magic. For a quick meal or a caffeine hit with a side of nostalgia, Pellegrini’s delivers. Just don’t come expecting a quiet chat—it’s loud, it’s alive, and it’s exactly as it should be!. I look forward to returning to try other dishes.

This is a very late review. 13 years ago in 2009 I and my wife we were backpack traveling and visited this place two times in one an half days, the food/drinks were good, but what made me remember this place so long is the hospitality of the staff, when he found out that we are leaving Australia soon he offered free cake/ice cream and a simple of some pasta, not just this, he also give us a discount and told all customers (not too packed on that'll day) "they are not coming back tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and next week, why don't I give them some discount", what a warming memory! Since then I have moved to US and visited Italy a couple of times, visited so many Italian restaurants/espresso bars, I still remember this place so well, today I'm looking my old blog and saw the pictures I took during that trip, why don't I just post an review and let everyone know this place has good food/drink, and nice staff. Hope I can visit this place sometime in the future!

I am starting to think the only way I want to explore a new place is with a local. ​I don't know how else I would have discovered Pellegrini's Bar. Nothing in my research bought this food destination. It is one of Melbourne's most iconic in a city that prides itself on coffee and fine food. ​ ​ ​This place claims to have both, and I can only talk about the food. Opened in 1954, Pellegrini's was opened by two Italian brothers. It was then sold to Nino Pangrazio and Sisto Malaspina in 1974. Sisto's son, David, bought Nino Pangrazio during the pandemic. ​ ​ ​Pellegrini's is small, and there is a lot of charm. There are just two counters with dinette stools and a small wooden menu that hangs from the ceiling. ​ ​ ​ ​The wait staff was magically bread fairies. I was handed one piece of soft bread to eat with my meal, and seem like every time I turned to talk to my dinner companions; there was more bread. The service was fast; no sooner than we ordered our food, it came out. ​ ​ ​They offered us granitas... fresh watermelon, orange, and lemon. It was refreshing, and I kept asking for more of it. ​ ​ ​The portion was massive! The sauce is thick and well-seasoned, and it heaps upon pasta or, in my case, risotto. ​There was so much seafood in my seafood risotto. I was almost overwhelmed...plenty of shrimp, mussels, and calamari. ​Tiramisu was heavenly if you love coffee. It gave a slight bitterness. ​ ​ ​When you visit, you learn why Pellegrini's was inducted into the Good Cafe Guide Hall of Fame and listed by the National Trust of Australia.

Visiting Melbourne for the first time in our life and were told by a former resident that we absolutely HAD to eat here. He warned us that it was very small, only two counters with dinette stools, and somewhat indifferent waiters, but assured us the food was well worth it. He was right. The food here is amazing Italian food. We had the canneloni, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, and the insalate. Outstanding. Don't get much authentic Italian food in west Texas, so this was a welcome treat. The place looks like a combination of the diner from "Seinfeld" and "The Godfather", but the food is the real deal. Don't really understand the negative reviews on here. (Maybe they were expecting The Ritz Carlton, not a real hole in the wall.) We say "check it out"! Am including a photo of the menu board because there isn't one on this site.

Needed a cup of coffee and a snack before we went to an afternoon show at Princess Theatre. The places near to the theatre just didn't take my fancy and so we turned the corner and stumbled on this place. The decor looked like 50s. The guys serving were a mix of ages from their 20s to 70s but all serving with energy and industry. If they weren't serving they were chatting to the customers. You sat at high chairs facing the bar or the wall. Many people were getting tucked into pasta. We really didn't have that amount of time so just when it for cappuccino and a cake...and sat watching the barrista and the outside world pass by in another time zone. Next time I am in Melbourne I will have to try the pasta.

Old school since 1954. If you are in to classic take me back in time restaurants then you should stop by here. I thought the food was a bit pricey for what you get but the place is great for the atmosphere. The one thing that shocked me were the employees speaking Italian to each other, that's when you know it's a dolce vita.

OK, it looks like a dump but the coffee is some of the best in Melbourne. Open 08:00 - 22:00 but hard to get in or get a seat in the PM. Have not tried the food as always backed up but even when busy pretty easy to get a coffee except Sundays of course.

The Godfather Bar haha :)!! Was down in Melbourne for the greek festival so before i went oppppaa with the Greek food i had to go Pazzo at the Italian bar :). Dad & cousin wanted great coffee us being from Sweden expectations are high, strong long blacks in Sydney is 7/11 coffees back home haha, dad got a flat white with a big scoop of Gelato on the side & cousin got a long black with a Ricotta cheese cake :D. Dad loved the flat white & he said the Gelato was really tasty! Cousin was happy with his long black, said its not as bitter as most coffee shops that serve long blacks .. they possibly try to hard ;). I was running on an Empty stomach so i had which i thought was an overly than usual big portion of Canneloni in a bowl compared to any other place I've been to & ordered that ... i aint complainin though lol!! 2 big rolls, plenty of cheesy tasty sauce .. i was huddled on my own with my bowl of canneloni, it was a heavenly 10 minute treat :D, all great things come to an end though .. The inside of this place was perfect low light & not blinding bright.. perfect to walk in & unwind on the double :). It's the closest to an American diner yet slightly narrower :), row of seats along the bar & another row on the opposite side & the kitchen at the back where the Magic cooking happens :D!! This place has been busy for 60 years for a reason, you could say Melbournians know where there is good coffee & good food :D!! When i was there it was newly wed couple having their wedding photos in the laneway with a black Mustang & was telling me he'd been going here all his life :). Then again there are a few that can't drink a coffee unless it has pretty chocolate sprinkled/milky pattern on top or eat the food if it isn't instagram worthy ;) lol. That what makes Australia great though haha, old school is still up the top with the rest :)!!

What a great find. I love this place. Old world charm, 60's diner decor. Charming staff. And home made foods. Fantastic. Coffee was the best I had in Melbourne. Make it a point to visit.

I have always walk past Pellegrinis, I have seen many wedding shots taken here hence I am always curious about this place. So we pop by for a coffee after lunch. The decor feels like its from the 70's or my parents living room when anything and everything goes up on the shelf. Dishes and dessert are served very simply. Scoop into a plain white bowl and a spoon. But nevertheless I was expecting great great coffee, they are afterall Italians, right? Either the barista was having a bad day or I am I the wrong place. I ordered a skinny cappuccino, and I don't taste milk but bitter liquid and I looked at my friend asking if I would e in trouble if I left with the cup still full? Reluctantly I drank 3/4 of the coffee and left.

A wonderful little joint, the oldest coffee joint in Melbourne also happens to be an amazing little spot for the best pasta and sauce in Melbourne! In Melbourne for a bucks show last week; father of the bride (Phil), brother in law of groom (Troy), sister of the groom (Lexie) and I head out for a spot of lunch - Troy recommends a coffee first at his fave in Melbourne. Pelligrini's is a tiny hole in the wall, with Bar and wall seating, it's been owned by the same guys for 32 years and then their father before them. Everything about this place seems genuine and authentic. There are people from all walks of life in the cafe having lunch - tradies, business people and tourists (like us). The pasta looks good... And by god it tastes good. I couldn't decide between the ravioli with tomato and pesto or the Bolognese so our server says "I'll do something special" AND BRINGS OUT BOTH! Now I know this place is special. I suppose the most interesting thing is - nothing is special but is at the same time. Our food is brought out almost immediately - the pasta is obviously cooked all day and kept fresh and Ready to go - it's not plated nicely there isn't nice cutlery or crockery - but it doesn't matter the food is wonderful gosh it's just sauce and pasta and ughhh amazing! The ravioli, pesto and bolognese are obviously made in restaurant including pasta) and the service is fantastic it's just like being at your Italian mates house. We ordered coffee and strudel while another host sneakily took our plates. It's true what they say - Pelligrinis really is the best coffee in Melbourne and the strudel exquisite again without the fancy crockery just a lovely dollop of double cream. It's the imperfections that make this place wonderful, the ugly crockery, the old fashion napkins, our order being added up in the hosts head, the cramped seating, heck even the absence of cake forks haha. This will be my go to for lunch every time I come back to Melbourne forever!

Decent Italian-style pizza, solid lattes that are not too bitter but just strong enough, old-school bar stools and casual vibe, and very friendly customer service makes this a good stop for both locals and travellers.

I regularly see people getting kicked out of this place. Not because there is a dress code or a minimum order but because the owners here hates two things, 1. Large groups, 2. Questions. A friend of mine once saw Russell Brand in hear wrapped in a duvet and looking worse for wear... I don't think he got kicked out. Twelve items on the wooden menu board which hasn't been dusted since 1957 and I wouldn't change a thing.

This place is a Melbourne institution, and a must-see for all tourists and new-comers to our fair city. A family-owned and run business, this tiny venue is sure to impress. The coffee is mind-blowing every time so long as you order properly. These Italians know their coffee and expect the same of you. I once asked for a latte and they gave me a cup of milk... It's a café latte. The food is the same, fantastically cheap and filling and 'done right.' But don't bother coming here if you are on a diet... Only heavy (but delicious) pastas are available.

Pellegrini is a rustic Italian 1950s dinner/espresso bar. The menu hangs high up on the wall on a wooden board, most of the people eat at the counter, I think there a some tables at the back. I ordered the spaghetti marinara and it was nice but the pasta was slightly over cooked and I wasn't impressed with the seafood, felt like the cheap frozen mix marinara you get at wollies. I think we get spoiled with the quality of the seafood we get in Western Australia. I understand why some people don't like the customer service at Pellegrinis, the waiters are loud, making jokes, and they practically throw the plate at the counter in front of you, personally didn't bother me and had fun chatting with the waiters, they were funny and friendly. If you want a fine dinning 5 star customer service this is probably not the place. For desert the creme caramel was silky smooth, perfect texture! What I really enjoyed was the character of the place, the atmosphere of an old fashion 1950s dinner Italian pasta bar, the dishes has definitely a home cooked feel to it.

Pellegrini's was the first place in our fine City of Melbourne to have an Espresso machine. This has given them more than enough time to get it just right. I came here with my family years ago and it was so busy that there weren't any tables, not even at the bar. This was no problem through as within a minuet we were taken into the kitchen and sat down with the Italian Mamma. What an honour it felt like to be in such an institution of Melbourne eating in the kitchen whilst mamma was cooking away. What came to our table was the most authentic spaghetti bolognaise that I have ever had in my life.

Jackie D speaks the truth. Hardly the kind of place to eat when you're on the diet, Pellegrini's is delicious, traditional, unpretentious, fun, and full of flavour. Its one of my favourite venues in the city because not only is the coffee delicious and the pasta satisfying, but its a great place to people watch. There is always activity along the strip and you get a great view out onto Burke Street. Tourists and locals come to this strip to try some of the excellent Italian food. Having dined and both Grossi and Pellegrini's I have to admit that both have their own unique charm and specialties. While Grossi is luxurious, Pellegrini's is full of attitude and carbs (expect monstrous piles of pasta). The staff are fantastic. They are proud of their heritage and love a chat about where they come from or the art to making the perfect cappuccino. Order a serve of lasagna (its enormous, creamy and rich), and a coffee and take a seat. The atmosphere is friendly, and the nights are long. Pellegrini's is always worthwhile.

New to town and this place was recommended as the oldest and original coffee house in Melbourne. Had a long black and double espresso and they were amazing. The staff was super nice to me and even gave a piece of cake to my kids that joined me with hot chocolates. This is an amazing home town shop that I would recommend to everyone.

Stopped in after a rugby match, it was 11pm, fantastic old school cafe, heaping plates of delicious pasta and desserts and espresso drinks to die for. No alcohol, bar seating only. This place could be in NYC Little Italy. Love it!

Don't do it! What ever it was that made Pellegrini's great is now gone. Dead eyed waiters serving store bought pasta with a "one sauce fits all" for all dishes. The spaghetti bolognese I had was awash in the water it was boiled in and the sauce to pasta ratio was pathetic. My wife had the lasagne, the same sauce as my spaghetti, the pasta had been cooked to death and was a soggy mess. I was afraid to try the deserts. Don do it.

Best cheap Italian in the city! You won't get fresher pasta. We literally sat in the kitchen and had our pasta cooked in front of us. It's not fancy but it's an experience, delicious and friendly service! The coffee is great too and treat yourself to a dessert after

Simple. Delicious. Lovely. Traditional Italian pasta dishes at a very reasonable price. They also don't have a million things on the menu which means you have limited options but sometimes that works better than being spoilt for choice. I had the pesto carbonara which was great and an Italian orange juice type drink which was incredibly thirst quenching. Molto bene, grazie.

We wanted to love this cozy, old-school Italian spot but we just didn't feel quite right about how we were invoiced at the end of our meal. The food was carbalicious and the staff worked like clockwork to take our orders and get our food out, but we suspect that they may have overcharged us for being tourists. Maybe they did, maybe they didn't. Here's our experience: We ordered two seafood fettuccines, one spaghetti bolognaise, one rigatoni and an espresso. We dined in the back area where the chefs were cooking, and when we asked for our bill, the chef stated that our total came to $80. We asked for an itemized invoice to see the difference in pasta prices to split our bill evenly amongst friends, as seafood is normally more expensive than red meat sauce. However, the chef inaccurately recalled that we had two drinks and four entrees instead of one drink and four pastas. The price dropped to $76 when we clarified the charge. When we asked for an itemized receipt again, she told the bartender the price for our 4 pasta dishes before he issued a hand written invoice. Perhaps the bartender forgot the regular price for the pasta dishes (unlikely), or perhaps this was all just a miscommunication, but here's a tip for future diners - ask in advance for the pricing of the dishes you're ordering so that you're not confused/surprised at the end of your meal. The wooden menu board doesn't have any prices, so there was no way to verify if our suspicions were correct (or if we were just being too cautious!)

Pelle-greedy's Let's not get ahead of ourselves here... this is a tourist trap with utterly rude staff (locals I asked didn't even know the place). Their lack of pricing should have been a warning - still reeling with bill-shock after eating very bland pasta and average coffee - $49 for two basic pasta dishes and two coffees?? C'mon, make sure you get a price BEFORE you order - or better still AVOID all together. Much better and cheaper places all over Melbourne.

The crew at Pellegrini's are proud of their Italian food tradition and language, and are keen to educate the general public about them both - see the other reviews references to the 'latte thing' - yes, they really do it to everyone who makes that little slip up because I've seen it with my own eyes! For me, I don't think pastas and coffees at Pellegrini's are the best available, but I still go every now and then just to enjoy the atmosphere. The iconic sign on the side of the building stretching down the alleyway is a favourite backdrop of wedding photographers, and on every Saturday in spring you'll see bridal parties parading past to get their obligatory Pellegrini's snap done. The first time I saw the brides I was really confused. I thought "How is it possible that three separate couples met or went on their first dates at Pellegrini's and the just happen to be getting married on the same day?" I know realize that probably none of the couples getting wedding snaps at Pellegrini's ever had a date there. Why would they? It's loud and designed for fast service. If you want a romantic Italian meal, go to nearby Grossi Florentino. But if you want a little piece of Melbourne history, Pellegrini's is the place.

Pellegrini's is an institution in Melbourne. It's the kind of restaurant almost every city has -- the authentic Italian diner. They do the basics here, nothing fancy. Expect carbonara, marinara, bolognaise, lasagna and the likes. I've eaten the lasagna (huge) and the marinara and they were both delicious. The other aspect of this place that rules is the coffee. They do that Italian (i.e. not bastardised Australian) espresso -- a no-frills necessity rather than all topped with froth art and shit. They reckon that Pellegrini himself brought the first ever espresso machine to Melbourne (they don't use it now), so they're fairly well entrenched in the coffee loving psyche of this city. The ambiance in here is pretty loud and it's always busy. They do wine by the glass and it's cheap and tasty (again with the no frills). They are so accustomed to being run off their feet here that they'll always meet you with good grace and they squeeze you in somewhere. After all, you gotta eat right? Pellegrini's will gladly facilitate that.

Pellegrini's is one of the main reasons why this end of Bourke Street is where I prefer to be. It has one of the most gorgeous shop fronts known to Melbourne and fully deserves its iconic status. It's one of many defining representations of what Italian migration to Melbourne has contributed to the soul of this city, and I am especially grateful to it when I'm proudly showing off my city to visitors. When you're not in the mood for fuss nor frill, and you simply want a good, hearty feed and no nonsense service, this is the perfect destination. Unsurprisingly, pastas are the specialty here, and you'll be fed a piled plateful of it. Presentation isn't important to them, it's served up the way mamma would do it at home and therefore it is all about quantity. Coffee means espresso. No more, no less. However, I would like to be there to witness someone ordering a soy flat white. That would be funny.

Ciao, Bella, come stai? A quick stop at Pellegrini's is a must for an ego boost - the amount of times you'll be called beautiful by a swarthy Italian man is definitely good for the soul. Enough has been said about the classic vibe of this institution, about it's authenticity and place in Melbourne's dining heritage. Sadly, I think Pellegrini's relies too heavily on it's history as the last couple of times I've dropped in I've found the food and coffee a bit on the average side. As a restaurant known for great pasta, for one of the best bolognese in town, they need to sharpen up the current recipe. But for pure escapism you can't beat Pellegrini's - it's easy to imagine you have left Bourke St for Naples, just for a moment. If you want tourism dining with a side of confidence boost be sure to drop in. If you want great pasta, continue down the road to Grossi Cellar Bar.

I don't understand how this qualify as a 1 $ place. The lasagna was $18 per plate and the watermelon drink was $3.50. It was probably the most expensive Italian food I have tasted thus far The meat lasagna tasted a little like puke with the cheese topping. Scrapping that away, it tasted better with the large meat bites The cakes and desserts were left on the shelves without any cover. Not sure if it would be friends with flies and summer insects

Pellegrini's is a Melbourne institution. Without a doubt, everyone needs to give it a try. Whether you're looking for a late night bowl of pasta, or a casual coffee and cake during the day, they have something for you! A long bar runs the length of the diner, with stools dotted along the front of it. And behind the bar, the mostly-Italian staff are always very eager to have a laugh and a chat. Many would say it's a bit run down, and a bit 'grubby'... and it is. Pellegrini's has been around since 1954 - and supposedly, it's hardly changed since then. For me, this adds to the atmosphere and the ambiance. Try the baked cheesecake, and get a Vienna coffee to match it :)

Where am I?Italy? Melbourne? Ital-Bourne? Wished I learnt some Italian before I walked in here!!!! Italian gentlemen behind long counter greeting you, speaking half Italian half English, they haven't even pull out a chair for you and already you feel the chivalry. We had to ask.... "....mm,... what's does that menu hanging off the ceiling actually say?" All I knew was "spaghetti" so that's what I ordered. My friend the brave said " what do you recommend ?" And was rewarded by a cannelloni dish. Wash them down with some watermelon granita, he asked us if we wanted coffee. I was scared off by the sign on the wall so I said " no. No thanks." Next time I will confidently say "CAFFEE latte please" haha haha Yes Pellegrini is good traditional pasta and coffee place. Come in for the historical feel, and a step into another era. Oh, we were also too scared to ask for prices hahah, the damage was $18 for pasta+granita. Not bad. Not bad.

"...ONE OF THE FIRST & STILL ONE OF THE BEST COFFEES IN MELBOURNE..HONESTLY..." I remember this place from my youth... Whenever we went to town, my father would always take us to PELLEGRINI'S in Bourke Street for lunch... In those days - the 70's and 80's - all of the back [now BECCO Restaurant] was the main part of the establishment.. and it was a powerhouse of an eatery..... I can still remember the lasagna, the osso bucco, the bread baskets, the soft drinks from Italy.. my parents sharing a bottle of Lambrusco.. the pale rainbow coloured gelato.. the lemon granita.. the 'Southern Italian' lingua of the male waiters - we loved it here.. yes, all 5 of us kids.. Nowadays, whilst no longer a main player in the Italian cuisine market, it still has an undeniable 'Glory Days' vibe about it.... and absolutely no 'BS' - so refreshing in this over-supplied market.. This afternoon, we stopped by for a coffee and cake.. having already had lunch elsewhere. I forgot that they still do filled panini, minestrone, home-style pasta dishes etc. Anyway, the place is just like I remembered it - artifacts are genuine here - it seems never to have changed.. The staff are also 'genuine artifacts' - the owner, aged 77, still works daily.. and has done so for 42 years.. so too, his wife.. and Paul - the coffee man, has been making coffee here for 38 years..!! You will not get a better coffee, not anywhere.... They're still vibrant, friendly, energetic and best of all - 'super professional'... This is a Melbourne institution which is cross-generational - a credit to it's long-standing owners and staff..!! Bravo..!! We had 2 x cappuccino [no rubbish scrawled into the froth], 2 x iced coffees [made with espresso & old-style gelato], 2 x slices home-made blueberry torta [pastry flavoured with aniseed], 2 x coffee creme caramels [just perfect].. COST $44 A priceless experience..... Visited on Saturday 17 October 2015 for a coffee with my family of four.

Stopped in for a long black. The blueberry pie was calling my name. Wow great tandem. People were ordering plates of pasta that looked amazing. Everyone was smiling so it had to be good.

Excellent authentic Italian espresso joint. Come for coffee and dessert. The staff is extremely helpful, friendly and efficient.

Wow what an experience I came in last Saturday at lunch time and the place was buzzing. A bit difficult to get a seat at the bar but that's only because this place is so popular. I ordered the rigatoni Pelligrini (meat sauce) and a plain water. The pasta was fantastic cooked al dente and a very tasty sauce with great depth, as someone with Italian descent I know a good pasta and a good sauce when I taste it. While I was eating my meal a seat became available at the bar so I promptly moved there. As I was sitting next to two ladies the host gave me a hard time about trying to smooth in on their company lol such is their personalities everything is said in jest and good spirits and we all had a good laugh. I'm not a big watermelon fan but I succumbed to ordering the granita as everyone was having one. I was pleasantly surprised and it was nice and refreshing. I finished with a macchiato and it was fantastic. $25 for the lot which in Melbourne really is par for the course I've heard a few whingers say that it was expensive but some people just want to complain about anything lol No wonder these guys and been inducted into the Melbourne Hall of Fame, they've been doing this for so long they have to be doing something right.. and they are. Definitely recommended and I'll go again next time in Melbourne as I'm just south of Sydney.

Good quailty 'home-cooked' italian. No menu - just pay attention when they rattle of what's on offer that night! No alcohol either but apparently if you're really nice, they might sometimes let you sneak in BYO. Naughty, naughty! Can't decide between the lasagne and cannelloni? No problem - get half and half'! And if you are sitting at the table in the kitchen you might well shed a few kilo's given how hot it can get in there! Service is OK but not amazing and you're certainly not encouraged to hang around once your food is finished - but I would head back to get a carb fix.

This is a gem Italian pasta bar! Family owned with all those charming old favourites like spag bol! It's bar style eatery is just so authentic, adorned with posters and memorabilia from way back when. It's a place for either a quick pre-theatre show, late night eat or just a plain old coffee! You are served with buttered bread with your pasta and it also goes nice with a granita of the day. While eating, the staff will be conversing in Italian which makes the experience even better. People often mistake it for a bar, it actually has no alcohol license but worth the visit if you have an empty stomach, they have LARGE portions!

A gorgeous authentic Italian coffee bar that's been here for as long as I can remember. Hipsters can go suck it, this is the real thing! I have only ever had coffee here, and espressos at that, but the food looks good too. I like the older Italian barista and staff, friendly and cheerful. It is always busy but you can always find a seat at the bar. Love it!

Think old style italian cafe/expresso bar coupled with friendly staff, good service and outstanding food. All that is missing from this venue is that when you walk out the door you are back in Melbourne and not in Italy like the experience makes you feel. I had been here many years ago with my mum and found my self at the top end of bourke feeling hungry. I tried the watermelon granita and all I can say is wow. The spaghetti bolognese was delicious and well portioned which was handy cos I was hungry.

A Melbourne institution and an experience. Many love it - its cheap, its quick, its interesting, its busy, its old fashion authentic home grown Italian. If you are looking for up market five star Italian dining forget it you will hate it. Hats off to the owners for sticking to their formula they have a passion for their style and set menu - their busy all the time and they love it.

So yeah. Just yeah. I was here. I left half a cafe latte on the bench. It was great sitting here. The ambience here was certainly entertaining. The decor and the staff still reflects the 1970s. Some people find it charming, which was evident by the absolutely packed space. And the numerous wedding photos I see happening here on a weekly basis. The coffee served was certainly from the 70s. Burning hot, bubbly and rather disappointing. The cakes did look amazing. Just like what Nono's makes. Which did make me wonder if the kitchen staff are under retirement age. If I go back it would be to try the food. Not the coffee.

You've never really experienced Melbourne unless you've paid a visit to Pellegrini's. The food here is simple, hearty and cheerful. The biggest draw however is the store itself - it exudes a buzz and atmosphere that is unlike anything else in either Melbourne or Sydney because of its history and the decor... a reminder of the great contributions of Italian migrants in shaping the great food and coffee culture in our country. You can totally picture Robert De Niro hanging out here when he's having a break from the pretentiousness of his own Nobu restaurant and its surroundings on the other side of town or Al Pacino secretly kicking back with an espresso in between shootings of Vittoria Coffee commercials. There are no menus, just a wooden plaque overhead with the names of the pasta dishes they serve and a small refrigerated counter with cakes that compliment the espresso. If there ever was a time capsule that happened to be a cafe, Pellegrini's is it. Definitely worth a visit for anyone who are new to Melbourne. For those who are planning on eating at Pellegrini's for the first time, remember that there are no set prices for the food - the bill's total is at the discretion of the waiter serving you. It has a limited number of seats (which are all on benches), so don't bring a large group expecting to be able to talk to or even sit next to one another.

Pellegrini's, a Melbourne icon, puts a big smile on my face. It's easy to fall in love with Pellegrini's as it exudes so much charm and nostalgia. Classico! Often misunderstood in a sea of nouveau cafes and restaurants, Pellegrini's is unique. It feels like 'real' Melbourne with its history and standing. I've been there a few times and love it. Where else can you go for such quality banter, home cooking and strong coffee? I tried entering Pellegrini's very early one morning and couldn't get in the door. That's right! The owner (I think it was), came and unlocked the door and showed me in! That was cool. First the coffee. I asked for a latte (in one size glass) and was poured something with an extremely dark colour - telling me this one is as strong as steel. I love a strong coffee. I asked the barista whether this was a triple shot? "No" he said, "nothing to do with shots. It's about the blend and the way it's made. If the shots are no good the coffee is no good - so what's the point of shots?" You gotta love that philosophy. I then asked whether the Pellegrini's blend was a particularly strong blend? "Yes!" the barista said. Pellegrini's use Vittoria coffee. I then saw the picture of Al Pacino (the Vittoria representative) on the wall. Underneath it said "We know coffee." This was macho coffee territory. In fact I could imagine Al Pacino in Pellegrini's knocking back a strong coffee or two and delivering a few macho quips. Then the barista went on to show me the way Pellegrini's coffee is made. "See this", he said pointing to my coffee. "See the colour is dark", he said, running his finger down the glass. "See I put not as much milk in the coffee. Less milk makes it stronger." I had to smile as I love a creamy latte - but I had to again recognise the philosophy of Pellegrini's. Nouveau coffee establishments may come and go but Pellegrini's belts out it's no nonsense strong coffee for decade after decade. Nothing flowery or cute here! I cheekily asked about the coffee machine - whether it was the original - and of course it isn't. "We've had a few over the years", the barista said. This latest one is apparently eight years old - almost new in Pellegrini's lifetime. Ordering breakfast was also classic. I asked about the menu and the barista told me they do a simple breakfast and something about bacon and eggs. So I said "I'll have the bacon and eggs then." The barista looked at me and said, "No, something simple, we don't do bacon and eggs!" I smiled. That's cool. What do you suggest? He recommended a salami and cheese toasted sandwich. That was fine by me! I loved this home cooked breakfast. It was perfecto! Really it was a salami and cheese melt. I dived in to this large piece of Italian thick bread with large slices of salami with generous amount of cheese (mozzarella?) melted all over. Simple, but sensational. With the strong coffee it was a great start to the day. Might not get a hat but loads of respect! Plenty of regulars grace Pellegrini's in the mornings. Some of them speak to the barista in Italian. I can only make out a few words like "bongiorno!" and "ciao"! A hilarious conversation took place between the barista and a lady customer in Italian. I kept hearing a word in English, interspersed in the conversation, which caught my attention. The barista and the owner nearby realised I must be wondering what was being said! The commotion and laughter and interaction between staff and customers that ensued was highly amusing. I doubt whether this delightful cameo would have ever taken place in a nouveau café? Nostalgia everywhere! Love the long bar area with the iconic stools, and the mirrors along the other wall (also with iconic stools). Love the memorabilia on the shelves with celebrities posing with Pellegrini's. Pellegrini's is a classic Italian espresso bar in Melbourne. Sometimes misunderstood you need to appreciate it for what it is rather than what it isn't! They do pasta and delightful Italian treats well... I still have smile on my face! Ciao! Ciao! And Pellegrini's really knows coffee!

After visiting the gym for the first time in many blue moons, I was not only tired but ravenous. I thought it would make for a good opportunity to visit Pellegrini's as it has not only been on my list of places to try for some time but I thought the indulging upon heavy Italian food could be forgiven after the sacrifices that I made on the cross trainer in honour of the sweat that was shed. Just north of Grossi Florentino and not far from Gingerboy on the corner of Bourke Street and Crossley Street on the Hill of Content, you will find the unassuming Pellegrini's. A Italian stalwart of the neighbourhood for years, you are not greeted by a host or hostess per se but by very busy staff making coffees and working the bar in a bustling small but quaint space. You essentially have three choices when you come to this place: order something to takeaway (food and/or drink) find a seat at the main bar where you have some space to dine or take a stool at the plank opposite against the wall where you will have half the space and will be sitting side-saddle like a lady from the Victorian era when you eat. Every seat is sought after by the starved and dehydrated but it was with luck that we were able to secure two seats at the end of the proper bar. A wooden board hangs from the ceiling that advertises what is available. We ordered the meat lasagna special and two granitas to start. Within about 30 seconds you are given a plate with buttered bread and about one minute later, the lasagne appeared. The first thing that came into my head after I had a taste was it was home cooking and something that you would expect in some laneway in Tuscany or from the kitchen of Tony Soprano's mother. Commands and requests flew through the air in Italian from the bar back to the kitchen and whilst sipping the granita and later an espresso (to give me the strength needed to see Les Miserables) you have a chance to admire the memorabilia. The staff have service down to that of a well-oiled machine and when the $44 bill came, I was a bit shocked that it was so inexpensive. Certainly good value for money with a quaint and almost quirky ambiance where you are almost fooled that you are no longer in the Melbourne CBD. I thought such characters found at this place could only be found in an episode of The Sopranos, but I was wrong. It was good fun and it certainly gave me the strength needed to get through Les Miserables (which wasn't such a chore really) so now I can sing the song for Pellegrini's - cheap and cheerful indeed.

I've been here twice in my life. Hope I never make that mistake again. People call it a Melbourne institution. A place that hasn't changed in over 60 years. They may have been good 60 years ago but things change. We learn, we grow and we evolve. You would be blind to believe that the way we treat food in all its stages, from growing to eating, hasn't changed in the last 60 years. Food is a never ending evolution and to not grow and change with it, is pure ignorance and denial. For me, this place represents the worst in people's ability to not have an individual opinion, and the worst aspects of food and beverage service. The worst coffee in my life was from here. Tasted like an ashtray and burnt toast. The risotto was the worst I've ever had. Watery rice, couple chunks of tomato and a few peas. Service was rude and extremely short. It saddens me to think of all the businesses around there that make the effort to produce quality food. All the tourists that see that as the epitome of Melbourne coffee and food culture. Melbourne has some of the best food and coffee in the world and we need to shift focus towards that, not stay stuck in the past.

Didn't like it . First it doesn't look that clean. I understand it a old and sellant to keep it that way but still. Second you are not really welcome properly. Just a : what you want ?. Thirdly and the worst , they don't give you a bill, you just pay and they will announce you the price . And at 20 dollars it is not cheap per dish, which are on top average ! So if you want good Italian, walk 20 meters more and go to SPQR, you won't be disappointed

Latte had no milk, flat white had coffee grounds in it, felt intimidated. Better places for coffee.

This place and the waiters club personify the real Melbourne. They welcome share tips and tips on servicing your Ferrari. Ask for a lasagne, a fruit cup and a short black and you won't go wrong and one more thing off the Melbourne bucket list will be ticked. If you get there at lunch hour be prepared to wait for a spot. Next door is a great bookshop to browse - the paper back. Sad to see the Slavic cloth trader finally close up after Many years . My favourite spot is by the the espresso machine and having gone there for many years they call me "the professor" because I used to read a book as I eat. I thought that was rubbish until I met one of the brothers once at an overseas airport and he greeted me "ahh the professor" wonderful

Old school Italian! Seated at a bar the focus is a quick filling pasta, gnocchi or pizza. Espresso or a granita? Tiramisu or high baked NY style cheesecake? Simple decision. Simple home cooked Nonna style - no fuss, speedy, fantastic value. Close your eyes and you could be on any back street of Rome circa 1965. I needed vegies so ordered a delicious heart warming and nourishing bowl of minestrone then lost my Brownie points by indulging in a featherlight tiramisu!!

Please don't make the cardinal sin in a holy pace like Pellegrinis. If you are after a latte, order it as 'cafe' latte and not just "Can I have a latte please?" because latte alone just means milk. Never have I wanted to curl up immediately under the bar. But Sisto's been at it for a while he knows what I meant but I just couldn't shake the feeling of utter embarrassment. I suppose due to my faux pas I received a frosty reception thereafter. I found the coffee very strong for my liking but the cheese toast hit the spot. It was deathly quiet on the Monday morning I was there and the regulars seemed to just be nursing their coffees. I'd say go for the ambience it truly is unique in a time forgot the space way where you'd be mistaken to think you were immediately transported back to the forties maybe. Also the rustic home style Italian food. It's all very real here at Pellegrinis. Because of this I would rate Pellegrinis as a Melbourne cafe icon that's withstood the true test of time.