Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  6      Value  10     

I stopped ordering lasagne in Australia years - actually decades - ago. I ordered one at Pellegrini's last Saturday and a week later, I'm still dreaming about it. Love this place, love the non-service, the 1980s decor (decor may not be the right word), the Italian-testosterone-fuelled banter at the counter. It is unique, and I suspect a spit-and-polish would ruin it. The only thing that could've improved it: a glass of red with my lasagne. Oh, and the recipe would've been good too.

Apr 10, 2011 

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  4      Ambience  2      Service  3      Value  1     

I ordered a Lasagna which obviously was the wrong choice. It was served as a indistinguishable mesh with cheap Parmesan on top. The pasta was soggy and the sauce void of any herbs or spices. I can prepare a better lasagna at home where I don't have to endure the atmosphere of this smelly place. I also had some melon drink, but that was nothing to write home about.

Oct 19, 2010 

4.3 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  4      Service  4      Value  5     

I read a lot of good reviews before going here and was really disappointed, I don't know what the fuss is about. The pasta and parmesan weren't fresh, although the bolognaise sauce was tasty it was spoilt by the 'fake' parmesan. If you're in a rush, you can fill your tummy and be back out within 15 minutes, but other than that I don't see the appeal.

Sep 22, 2010 

5.3 Average

Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  1      Drinks  2     

Don't ever try the risotto. It's not risotto. It's long grain rice with an assortment of veges like carrot, potato and pea with half a can of crushed tomato as the sauce. There is no chicken stock, no parmesan, no mushroom. It's disgusting. On the other hand the lasagne was ok, not exciting but ok. $30 for 2 meals and one disappointing coffee is not expensive, but the food sure was.

Never would I dine there again. Sure the service may seem a little abrupt but I liked being treated like one of the soup nazi's customers (from Seinfeld). The ambience is the thing that redeems this place, it really does feel like you have been transported back in time to some Roman eatery.

Feb 17, 2010 

4.5 Below Average

Ambience  9      Service  2      Value  5      Drinks  2     

Been here a couple of times and its supposed to be an institution in Melbourne. My last time there it took about 5 minutes to be acknowledged and this was delivered with much arrogance. The spaghetti bolognaise was ok, home style cooking, but I've had better at home. I was looking forward to an excellent take-away coffee to finish but was heavily disappointed with what was a disgraceful serve from a place with such a reputation.

Nov 13, 2009 

6.8 Recommended

Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8      Drinks  4     

Their pasta selection would have satisfied the hungry student a long time ago but its at least 30-40 years outdated. Pastas are always mushy and there is hardly any meat in the lasagna and other pastas. The white sauce and tomato sauce both taste like they came from cans. Its ultimately more suitable for after a night out at the bar and when no one gives a damn about the quality of the food anymore. But what should we expect?

Desserts wise, good to see some old creme caramel and the odd tarts to go with the afternoon tea or for a late dessert crave, although the quality and presentations a bit on the rough side. Would you really recommend this so called Melbourne institute, to overseas travellers?

One thing I really need to complain here is the coffee. Sometimes it is so bitter and over extracted, with the portafilter not even rinsed and contaminating the next shot, grind isn't tamped either. On occasions I've failed to finish the coffee, not even a quarter of it. Luckily enough if you order a latte at least the milk has been stretched to a smooth consistency but its too hot, and its the base espresso shot which they cannot get right. Not Vittoria coffees' fault at all, but the coffee makers who should know better.

Its funny how Melbourne now has dozens of top cafes and coffees with much more sophistication, yet, this place is still so valued somehow. The world has evolved and improved guys. I would be ashamed to show this to any overseas visitors. Even Degraves Espresso keep updating themselves and is getting better.

May 16, 2009 

7.8 Recommended

Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8      Drinks  7     

Good home style italian pasta and cheap.

Nov 10, 2008 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10      Drinks  9     

What a great place for a quick, cheap but excellent tasting plate of pasta. A good espresso that hit the spot.

Sep 08, 2008 

10 Highly Recommended

Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10      Drinks  10     

The cake was incredible - never had anything quite like it before

Feb 02, 2008 

2 Not Recommended

Ambience  4      Service  2      Value  1      Drinks  1     

Now the person who reviewed an espresso bar without having a coffee should be ashamed. I was in Melbourne in January 2008. Two of us tried their coffee, and both lattes were bitter to the point of filth. What came out of the barista's group would have been more than comfortable on an oilfield. It's hard enough to find a good coffee where I live, let alone travelling to the coffee capital and having to pay money for this most foul tasting brew. It made position three in my top ten worst coffee's around the globe. Readers, be very afraid of the person who recommends this place as one of Melbourne's best.

Jan 27, 2008