Pellegrini’s is a Melbourne institution, and quite possibly not the first time MCR has paid its respects to this establishment that has been in successful operation in the CBD for decades.
The cafe has been photographed and featured in dozens of reviews and articles, most memorably when Christy Turlington was pictured here as part of an advertising campaign for The Age. Apparently Russell Crowe has also paid the cafe a visit.
They use a special Vittoria blend which provides a strong flavour, and serve customers in true Italian style – either seated at a stool or standing at the bar. It was a hot summer day when I visited recently and an iced watermelon crush was also available – lovely.
I had a chat with the owner, Paul, who started Pellegrini’s over 40 years ago after moving to Australia from southern Italy. Pretty impressive. Everything here is home made, from the cakes on display to the pasta that is served to you at the bar.
Pellegrini’s is a very special place for the city, not just for the great coffee but because it represents part of our heritage. I feel like I’m stepping back into a past life of Melbourne here, and I love it.
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so…..how was the coffee???????
Isnt it ALL about the coffee?????
I went here about 6 months ago was a bit disappointed in the coffee (and it was served in a Styrofoam cup!)
I don’t know about this. Pellegrini’s has a great atmosphere, but last time I visited the coffee was a huge disappointment, sad to say.
Gosh, a styrofoam cup? That is bad news.
It’s interesting to hear the feedback on this one. Personally, the day I visited the latte was pretty good – creamy milk and the coffee tasted fresh (albeit quite strong), though I certainly wouldn’t claim the quality is outstanding above other city establishments, and this is why I didn’t rate the cafe with any ‘beans’.
Perhaps the comments here just indicate the (in)consistency of the brew here.
Thanks for your response – we always appreciate a healthy debate!
Well I’ve been going to Pellegrini’s for more than 20 years, whenever I go to Melbourne (I live in Sydney). And I was there twice in Sep 2008. Still the best pasta in the world.
Having lived in Italy before, I can say that one cannot eat better pasta than at Pellegrini’s, not even in Italy.
The dessert choices are good too and the coffee is great. Highly recommended!
geat atmosphere great espresso!!!!
I live in Sydney I have been to Pellegrini’s twice and I can’t complain I had coffee and pasta, loved it, I’m coming again this weekend with friends, I hope I don’t get my coffee in styrofoam cups that will spoil it. see you soon Liz.
You city slickers need to get a life. Get out of the city even for an hour and experience real unpretentious life.
Told my 20 year old daughter about the cafe. She went there on a Saturday night she couldn’t believe the way these ‘old men’ were perving at her and her friends. They left quick smart they felt very invaded. Thumbs down.
We just had an APALLING coffee at this beloved Melbourne institution – the coffee was old and the milk was off! Also we ordered risotto and it turned out to be reheated boiled long-grain rice mixed with a can of tomatoes – no arborio rice, no garlic, no olive oil, no stock! And the cutlery hadn’t been washed. Something is seriously wrong these days at Pelligrini’s. So disappointing!
These guys have been on notice for a while. My sense is that they don’t care. We are looking at reviewing their bean rating.