Restaurant
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
66 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
66 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
Take a counter stool at Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar for hearty, no-nonsense Italian comfort served straight out of Melbourne’s living coffee history. Neon glows overhead while waiters in crisp white shirts weave down the narrow timber bar, taking orders entirely from memory. Skip the printed menus for the vintage wooden board on the wall, pointing you toward heaping plates of spaghetti Napoli with parmesan, pesto ravioli, or ragu lasagna paired with crusty bread and butter. Longtime patrons drop in before a theater run or linger over conversations about trips abroad, trading stories over warm cups of cappuccino. It wraps up over slices of house tiramisu and a glass of icy watermelon granita.
- Vintage Italian Counter Charm: Linear bar-stool seating wraps along the kitchen pass, pairing vintage neon and 1950s heritage with rapid counter dining.
- Hearty Trattoria Classics: Generous plates of spaghetti Napoli, rich ragu lasagna, and pesto ravioli served with buttered bread at gentle prices.
- Sharp Memory Service: Quick, personable waiters take orders from memory beneath the wall's unchanged wooden menu board.
- Espresso & Watermelon Granita: Traditional espresso and velvety cappuccinos served alongside sweet house tiramisu and refreshing watermelon granita.
What's On at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
Why locals and visitors make Pellegrini's Espresso Bar their essential Melbourne stop
Iconic Italian Heritage & Espresso
Guests enjoy freshly prepared, classic Italian pasta alongside historic espresso that has defined Melbourne's dining culture for decades.
grab a bench seat by the counter and soak in the vibe of Melbourne's coffee culture.
Boulevardier Hearty Nonna-Style Comfort Food
Generous, comforting servings of traditional pasta and homemade sauces evoke the nostalgic warmth of an authentic home kitchen.
the pasta was like a WARM HUG FROM NONNA!!!
Dino Minicozzi Swift Pre-Theatre Dining
Diners get in and out rapidly with generous plates and house-poured drinks, making it an ideal stop before evening theater shows.
Went here for a quick dinner and drink before the play was exactly what we were looking for.
Flynn Enright Late-Night Comfort & Sustenance
The bar offers late-night comfort with warm cappuccinos and classic tiramisu following long commutes or interstate drives.
After a long drive from Adelaide we were looking for some late-night comfort food, and this place didn't disappoint.
Justin Were Warm Staff Banter & Travel Tips
Visitors connect through authentic banter with long-tenured staff who share local insights, warm welcomes, and travel advice.
Also the staff were welcoming and attentive, she gave us some tips for our upcoming Italy trip.
Yumiko Yoshimizu Welcoming Family Connection
Diners experience a welcoming sense of community where longtime staff treat newcomers and returning families like personal kin.
The team are very accomodating to their customers and we honestly felt really welcomed like family.
A Lee
Most popular items
Signature pasta classics and iconic house granita
Watermelon Granita
Pair it with their famous watermelon granita, a sweet, icy treat that cuts through the richness of the meal, and you’ve got a combo that’s hard to beat.
Chaz Spaghetti Carbonara
eating pasta (delicious carbonara)
Sinéad Travis Spaghetti Napoli
the freshly made spaghetti and napoli sauce with fresh parmasan cheese is just, there aren't words
James Bennett-Ackland Lasagna
the classic ragu lasagna was amazing.
Cindy C Rahardjo
Other favorites
Traditional Italian coffees and desserts
Tiramisu
I think the balance of mascarpone and coffee in the tiramisu was perfect, not overly sweet.
Elijah Goh Cappuccino
The cappuccino was nice and strong too but not bitter, and served very hot (nice in the winter)
Elijah Goh Espresso
silky espresso, and milk froth so perfect it deserves its own postcode.
Monica S Creme Caramel
best creme caramels
Emlyn Garvey
Beyond the menu
Distinctive hospitality touches and thoughtful service details observed by patrons
Order Memorization Without Notepads
Staff take your order entirely from memory without writing anything down on notepads, operating with impressive attentiveness and speed.
Complimentary Bread and Butter Service
Pasta dishes arrive accompanied by complimentary house-made bread and butter served right before your meal.
Signature Watermelon Granita Pairing
Alongside classic espresso and Italian pasta, guests can order the signature house-made refreshing watermelon granita to balance hearty dishes.
Personalized Travel Banter and Tips
Staff proactively engage patrons at the bar, sharing tailored travel recommendations and first impressions of Italy and Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you order without a printed menu?
Pellegrini's does not provide printed physical menus. Dishes are displayed on an unchanging vintage wooden board mounted above the bar, and the staff take your order entirely by memory. If you want something specific or off-menu, you can ask the staff directly.
What is the seating arrangement like?
Seating consists of close-set counter stools along the espresso bar and a small rear section near the kitchen, rather than traditional freestanding dining tables. It can feel tight when busy, and outdoor seats are also available out front.
What can you expect with portions and signature orders?
Pasta portions are generous and hearty, traditionally served with a side of bread and butter. Diners frequently pair their meal with Pellegrini's signature house-made watermelon granita or a classic espresso and dessert.
Can you make a reservation, and how long is the wait?
You can walk right in without booking, as reservations are not accepted. While lines can form during peak dining and theater rush hours, table turnover and service are quick.
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