Review - Pellegrini's - $-$$$

Pellegrini's is a Melbourne institution and one of those places you either love or hate.

Me? I love it. It's old school and serves up no-frills, home-style Italian cooking.
Stalwarts will argue whether the best seats are near the kitchen or at the bar. Me? I like the bar.

On a blustery day, with a book to keep you company, it's the warmest place in Melbourne.
The coffee is fierce and sometimes so are the waiters, but when you step through the door approach it as a step back in time.
On different days there are different specials - Friday is for gnocchi, for example. Most mains will set you back about $13-$15 and are served with giant slices of white bread for mopping up leftover sauce.


There's no coca-cola and no vino here. But there are staff who roll their r's without sounding like prats and deliciously refreshing watermelon and lemon granitas.

Try and save some room for dessert and a short macchiato. And if you're short on time, before a show or a meeting, the service is fast and you can be in and out in 15 minutes.



Enjoy!