Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar

What a pity. This place is supposed to be an institution but the food is terrible. Ordered a carbonara and it came out with ham strips. Sent it back and ordered a simple spaghetti bolognese. (You can’t get that wrong right?) sure enough it was terrible. It was swimming in a soup of oil and water, completely tasteless and so wet that the sauce wasn’t sticking to the pasta and running off each spaghetti strand. So disappointing. The waiter was very polite and seemed embarrassed to be serving these meals. The coffee at the end at least was good. Lift your game please. It’s not that hard to make a half decent pasta

This is a Melbourne icon, if you know, you know. Generations of Italian run this place and is as authentic as it gets! Old fashioned service and such a vibe. The prices are so great too. Don’t get put off by any negative reviews or the small line to get in. The line moves quickly and it’s so worth it. It’s famous for a reason.

I know it’s a Melbourne institution, but I still don’t rate the food. The experience is fantastic, however – love taking visitors to Melbourne here.

Prices seem to have gone up. We paid almost 50 for 2 pastas and the granita (which was delicious) they had going at weekday lunchtime.

This Melbourne institution ticked all the right boxes – delicious home cooked style food (I enjoyed my spaghetti bolognese heaps), great coffee, charming old school ambience and very reasonable prices. Staff are super friendly and good humoured. They make everyone feel very welcome and at home. A must visit.

Staff was very friendly, efficient, and fast. Food was incredibly delicious and each options were explained to us clearly. Definitely the spot for Italian food in Melbourne and the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Definitely worth the price! Will be back whenever I have the chance.