Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
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Pellegrini's Espresso Bar is an Italian café at 66 Bourke Street, near Crossley Street in Melbourne’s theatre district.
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Why go
- Its 2014 recognition by the National Trust of Australia.
- The heritage-listed curved neon Espresso Bar sign, which once pointed toward a now-closed rear area on Crossley Street.
- 1950s decor with mirrored walls, red vinyl stools and a long marble counter.
Opening hours
Today08:00 – 23:30Show all
Monday08:00 – 23:30
Tuesday08:00 – 23:30
Wednesday08:00 – 23:30
Thursday08:00 – 23:30
Friday08:00 – 23:30
Saturday08:00 – 23:30
Sunday08:00 – 20:00
Good to know
LunchDinnerBrunchLate NightTakeout
Drinks to try
- Coffee made in the classic Italian style on the imported espresso machine used since the café opened.
- Watermelon granita.
Dishes to try
- Spaghetti bolognese
- Lasagne
- Ravioli
- Minestrone
Atmosphere
- The café has counter seating for coffee or pasta.
- Originally a gathering place for Melbourne's Italian migrant community, the café later drew theatre-goers, taxi drivers, intellectuals and tourists.
Good for
- solo Counter seating for a coffee or pasta suits a solo stop.
Shorts
History
Pellegrini's was among the first cafés to bring authentic Italian espresso to Melbourne's city centre, helping start the city's coffee culture.
- 1954Italian migrant brothers Leo and Vildo Pellegrini opened the café after working at Florentino's.
- 1958The café expanded from its original small premises.
- 1974The Pellegrini brothers sold the café to fellow Italian migrants Nino Pangrazio and Sisto Malaspina.
- November 2018Co-owner Sisto Malaspina was killed in the Melbourne stabbing attack.
- 2020A memorial table bearing Malaspina's portrait was placed outside. His wife Vicki and son David bought Pangrazio's share, and David manages the café.
Show all
- September 2024Long-time staff member Rocco Eliche retired after 50 years of service.
Sources: Pellegrini's Espresso Bar - Wikipedia · checked 29 Sep 2026
Where
66 Bourke St, Melbourne
- Phone
- +61 3 9662 1885
Questions and answers
What are Pellegrini's Espresso Bar's opening hours?
Monday to Saturday, 08:00–23:30; Sunday, 08:00–20:00.
Can I book a table at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar?
No. The café does not take bookings.
Which meals are served at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar?
Brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night meals.
What regional Italian cuisines are served at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar?
The café serves Southern Italian food, including Neapolitan and Campanian cuisine.
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