Pellegrini’s

A little step back in time. Perhaps the best way to describe a visit to Pellegrini’s café – a Melbourne institution if you believe what you read.

Well they don’t lie. Stepping through the door is tantamount to being transported to a 1950’s Roman Café experience, complete with the burly if not surly staff, the rich aroma of homemade pasta sauce, freshly made espresso and fleeting glimpses of "Momma" as she trundles back and forth between the kitchen and serving area. What the staff lack in friendliness is certainly made up for in prompt service with orders being dispatched across the long wooden bar at break neck speed. High-stooled diners devouring direct from the bar itself or from opposing counter top which runs the length of a mirrored wall.

As for the food, it tastes as close to "Mommas" as this non-Italian could ever imagine. Large portions of perfectly cooked pasta accompanied by some generously pre-buttered bread to mop up the left over sauce....it doesn't come much better than that. Well actually it does....a signature smooth coffee to finish it off and a satisfied patron is ready to face the rest of the day.
If it's fine dining with service to match you’re after then this isn't the place for you. If it's unpretentious hearty home cooked fare served among the hustle and bustle of a busy cafe then you won't be disappointed.

A new addition to the fave's list.