Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

If you're Australian-Italian like myself, then this place will put you straight back into your childhood adventures at Nonna's house. Whilst some reviews will exclaim that the atmosphere and food may not live up to the "Melbourne" standard, what they seem to overlook is that Pellegrini's is not trying to keep up.

What you will get is simple authentic Italian style home cooking. These are the exact recipes immigrants in the 60's brought over with them, predominantly from southern Italy. The food's characteristics center around being heavy, wholesome and tasty but in the simplest form.

It's fair to say that this place is the perfect spot if you want to experience what it's like in an Italian home, but an Australian-Italian home at that.

Worst cafe in Melbourne: (
Old barista is greedy and unkind.
He denied to tap the card, only ask cash.
After explaining I used card before, he allows me to tap my card.
Flatwhite is not very bad but so so.

Delicious old school Italian espresso bar! Got the Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatball and spaghetti marinara. Staff are all very friendly! Must try in Melbourne!

Pellegrini's is like a live old movie set. You walk in and immediately feel as though you've travelled through time. I was always greeted with ciao bella! Which I loved. The food for me, the Chef Kiss. Comforting and authentic, the BEST kind. Everyone should try a bowl of pasta at Pellegrini's.

NOTE: I ONLY write reviews for experiences I really enjoyed and sometimes even cherish.

The homeliest, most delicious and most intimate Italian restaurant on this side of Italy. Heaven for me is sitting in a corner at Pellegrini's and enjoying a granita and a lasagna, while perusing a book from the Paperback nextdoor.

Travel back in time to Nana's place and have her make you a home made pasta right in front of you in the back dining room. A room that hasn't been renovated in decades. Then come out to the bar and have a simple cake and coffee proper Italian style. Just lovely!
BTW there is no menu, just ask for what you want:)

A Melbourne institution that is still the best place in the city for pasta, granita and coffee. RIP Sisto, you will forever be in our hearts.

Love this little Italian gem. Authentic with very welcoming staff and delicious food. The prices are also very reasonable. If you're looking for quality Italian in a quant, inviting location that'll hit the spot, this is for you.

It was OK. I do find the whole mid-20th century European cafeteria motif appealing. And that's what you're getting here, a quick and easy cafeteria meal. You're not getting Nonna's home cooking.
The lasagna came out super fast but it was rather bland tasting and a bit mushy. The watermelon granita drink was great though. I'd probably only eat there again if I needed a very quick meal. It's got more charm than most other fast food places.

I cannot remember when I had my first spaghetti bolognese and lemon granita at Pelligrinis (1960s or 1970s with my father). But I will never forget the place or the space. Such sad news to hear, on the Day of Remembrance 11.11.18, of the death of the man behind the bar

The most authentic Italian restaurant in Melbourne - an icon! Thank you Sisto for your wonderful hospitality. I’ve been eating and bringing friends to you for years. Love your pasta, watemelon granita and of course your presence and warmth. RIP Sisto - you will always be remembered

At Pellegrini's today as a Red Cross volunteer, they are amazing people and and trying to cope with a terrible loss it was a privlidge to be part of it.

A truly magnificent place. Lots of love to the Malaspina family for their loss. Sisto was an exceptional, beautiful, wonderful man

This is the most amazing place. So authentic - I felt like I was in Italy. The Grenada is beautiful along with real authentic pasta. I loved seeing the history on the walls through photos of all the years. This place really made my mums birthday. Now I know why it has been talked about for years and years. The service was very friendly. I loved it!

The best place in the whole of Melbourne. My girlfriend's family have been coming here for over 40 years and there was not one moment they did not enjoy at this beautiful place. Thank you so much Sisto for leaving a timeless legacy – may you rest in peace.

A wonderful cafe. Vale Mr Malasapina.

I had a cappuccino there just a few months back. Mr Malasapina was working the register. For a minute I thought I'd left my wallet at home & Mr Malasapina told me not to worry about paying for the coffee (lucky I did have it and pay!). I will remember his warm smile. A lovely man.

It was so very quiet out of respect for Sisto and staff. But as always the coffee was fantastic as were the staff. Standing room only. A very surreal feeling.

The best restaurant ever! So friendly and the food so good! Felt like I was in Italy again. Love this place. Sisto, you ll be missed so much xoxo

Expect the best of best! Authentic Italian! I had pesto pene and espresso shot afterward, you feel you are in heart of Rome!

If you’re hunting for good pasta look no further than Pellegrini’s.

All pastas we’ve got from there have been good, the sauces are full of flavour and the pasta is solid.

The granita is the must try of this place.