Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
This venue is a finalist in the icons category in Good Food’s Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2025.
Italian$
Is there a more iconic cafe than this charming 1950s capsule? The menu and decor have hardly changed, from the generous serves of saucy pastas to the red leather barstools and heritage-listed neon sign. Perch at the bar to watch white-shirted waitstaff slap down strong coffee, home-style cakes and slushy granitas – dispatching diners direct to mid-century Italy.
Must-order: There’s no written menu (besides a faded wooden board), but the lasagne (still the original recipe) and icy watermelon granita are crowd favourites.
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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/pellegrini-s-espresso-bar-20250602-p5m45c.html