A True Melbourne Icon Since 1954
Some places serve coffee. Others become part of a city’s history. Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar is one of those places.
Tucked away at the top end of Bourke Street, Pellegrini’s is more than just somewhere to grab a coffee or a plate of pasta. It’s a Melbourne institution, a little slice of Italy and a place where generations of locals have gathered, shared stories and enjoyed traditional Italian food.
With its famous red neon sign, old-fashioned counter seating, chequered floors and unmistakable Italian charm, stepping inside feels like travelling back in time.
And that’s exactly what makes it so special.
While Melbourne’s café scene continues to evolve, Pellegrini’s has remained wonderfully familiar for more than 70 years.
Long before Melbourne became internationally famous for its coffee culture, two Italian brothers were introducing the city to something new.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar opened in 1954, founded by brothers Leo and Vildo Pellegrini, who had previously worked at the nearby Florentino restaurant.
At a time when tea was still the preferred drink in many Australian households, the brothers introduced customers to authentic Italian espresso.
Pellegrini’s became one of Melbourne’s earliest espresso bars, helping lay the foundations for the city’s love affair with coffee.
What began as a meeting place for Melbourne’s growing Italian community soon attracted office workers, students, theatre-goers and visitors from all walks of life.
More than seven decades later, its place in Melbourne’s history is undeniable.
One of the things we love most about Pellegrini’s is that it hasn’t tried to reinvent itself.
There’s no fancy interior, elaborate food presentation or constantly changing menu designed around the latest trends.
Instead, you’ll find the same old-school charm that has made this little espresso bar famous for generations.
The long counter, red vinyl stools, mirrored walls and black-and-white chequered flooring are all part of the experience.
Inside, the atmosphere is lively, welcoming and wonderfully Italian.
Coffee cups clatter, conversations flow across the counter and plates of pasta make their way out of the kitchen.
It’s the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick espresso and end up staying much longer than planned.
Of course, what makes Pellegrini’s truly special isn’t just the building or the food. It’s the people.
In the 1970s, Italian migrants Sisto Malaspina and Nino Pangrazio took over the business, continuing its traditions and helping transform the café into one of Melbourne’s most beloved hospitality institutions.
For decades, Sisto became the familiar face of Pellegrini’s.
Known for his colourful scarves, warm personality and genuine love of people, he had a remarkable ability to make customers feel welcome.
Tragically, Sisto lost his life during the Bourke Street attack in November 2018. His passing was deeply felt across Melbourne, with an outpouring of tributes demonstrating just how much he meant to the city.
His legacy continues through the café and the Malaspina family.
Another familiar face was Rocco Eliche, who retired in September 2024 after an extraordinary 50 years of service.
Stories like these are what make Pellegrini’s so much more than an ordinary café. It’s a place built on friendships, family, tradition and genuine Melbourne hospitality.
When it comes to the food, Pellegrini’s has always kept things simple.
Think generous servings, comforting flavours and traditional Italian recipes that have stood the test of time.
You’ll find favourites such as spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, spinach and ricotta ravioli, minestrone soup and classic Italian desserts.
Of course, there’s also their famous espresso coffee and refreshing watermelon granita.
One of the charming things about Pellegrini’s is its old-fashioned approach to ordering. Rather than an elaborate printed menu, it’s often about chatting with the staff and discovering what’s available that day.
The food isn’t about fancy plating or creating the next viral dish.
It’s about honest, homemade-style Italian cooking, the kind that reminds you of a meal at Nonna’s house.
Now, we have to talk about dessert!
If there’s one thing we highly recommend trying at Pellegrini’s, it’s their crème caramel.
Beautifully smooth and creamy, with a delicious caramel sweetness, this classic dessert is an absolute favourite of ours.
There’s something special about enjoying a simple, old-fashioned dessert in a café that’s been serving Melbourne for more than seven decades.
No unnecessary extras or over-the-top presentation, just a delicious traditional dessert.
Trust us, save room for it!
Melbourne has no shortage of incredible cafés and restaurants, but some places capture the city’s personality in a way that newer venues simply can’t replicate.
Pellegrini’s is one of them.
It’s the history, the Italian heritage, the familiar faces and the conversations happening over cups of espresso.
It’s watching people from all walks of life come together at the same counter.
It’s also a reminder of the generations of migrants who helped shape Melbourne into the multicultural, food-loving city we know today.
For families, it’s a lovely opportunity to introduce the kids to a genuine piece of Melbourne history while enjoying a comforting plate of pasta or something sweet.
Whether you’ve lived in Melbourne your entire life or you’re visiting for the first time, Pellegrini’s deserves a spot on your Melbourne food bucket list.
Come for the coffee, stay for the pasta, soak up the atmosphere and don’t forget the crème caramel!
Because sometimes the best places in Melbourne aren’t the newest or fanciest.
They’re the ones that have been bringing people together for generations.
And Pellegrini’s is about as Melbourne as it gets. ❤️
Visiting Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
📍 Address: 66 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
☕ Cuisine: Traditional Italian food, espresso coffee and desserts
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8am – 9pm
- Friday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm
- Sunday: Closed
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly: Families are welcome, although seating is primarily along the traditional café counter.
Opening hours are subject to change. Check with the venue before visiting.
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