CAFE > Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, Melbourne

Perhaps Melbournes most famous cafe is Pellegrini’s in Bourke Street where it has been serving old school Italian food and espresso since 1954. When you enter the long room and sit at the bar or facing the mirrored wall you might think that the decor has not changed much since it opened. That is a huge part of its charm.

Much of that charm was instilled by the legendary owners Nino Pangrazio and (the late) Sisto Malaspina who were the face of Pellegrini’s from 1974 until 2018. Nino and Sisto bought the restaurant in 1974 from the original founders Leo and Vildo Pellegrini. The charm and hospitality that Nino and Sisto brought to every patron is carried on today by Sisto’s son David Malspina who runs the restaurant and makes sure that little changes.

According to legend Pellegrini’s had the very first espresso machine in Melbourne and for many people it is a place to stop for coffee early or coffee late. Don’t go expecting fancy latte art though, this is all about a good strong coffee give you a caffeine whack.

There are a range of simple but delicious pasta’s cooked in the back kitchen to order and if you become regular they might start to tell you about the daily specials, Friday is gnocchi day and you should always watch the cakes, the apple strudel and cheese cake are both excellent.

On a summers day nothing beats the watermelon granita. Yum