Pellegrinis Espresso Bar - Melbourne

This must be the worst pasta I ever had in a restaurant. Ordered bolognese pasta. Spaghetti was overcooked and the sauce was watery. No taste. Had the impression the pasta had been boiled ages ago. I could not eat half of it even though I was hungry. Tiramisu had no sugar at all and even tasted a bit bitter. Coffee was watery and disgusting. So disappointing. Also didn't like that you can't find out the price beforehand as there is no menu. It is not actually cheap. It was upsettingly bad experience. I know this place gets a lot of praise for continuing business since 1954 and I wanted to like this place too...but seriously do yourself a favour and avoid this place if you want good food.

Rock bottom meal. Plate of mixed pasta with frozen marinara mix and tasteless sauce. Had to cover it with cheese and chilli to eat part. Clearly they are trying to trade on their rep as a landmark culinary cafe. Just Yuck. Avoid and spend $10 more at any other place. Service was friendly and prompt though.

Simple Italian food, good value for money, with menu hanging from the ceiling. We had lasagna (a pity it missed béchamel sauce) and pasta. Great place where you can chat with the staff when sitting at the counter. The tiramisu, granita and coffee are excellent. A must see in Melbourne

A Melbourne culinary institution alive and well today. This café was established in 1954 by Leo and Vildo Pellegrini, brothers and migrants from Italy and hasn’t changed much since. It is a place to get delicious traditional Italian pasta in a nostalgic setting. Most pastas also come with half a butter crusty bread roll to mop up the sumptuous sauce. Make sure you get a refreshing Watermelon granita as well to top it off. If you have a group and ask nicely, you may even get a seat at Nonna’s kitchen table. This table is literally in the kitchen, and you are served straight from the pot/pan. They'll even cut up fresh chillis for you. Such a great experience. If you are ever in Melbourne, this place is a MUST visit, either for lunch or dinner. Do it after a theatre Matinee, or prior to going to an evening movie or footy at the G.

Unlike any Italian restaurant I’ve been to….quirky, authentic, very busy! But what a fun experience and the best pasta I’ve had in a long time….if you are expecting a quiet night don’t go, if you want a wonderful experience, make it Pellegrinis! Best pasta I’ve had since an Italian trip years ago.