66 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000
Coffee brand – Vittoria (Brazil Rex)
Pellegrini’s is lost in time. While we stand by our comments about this place being like an old comfy jumper that you refuse to throw out, ultimately there is a fundamental failing with the coffee here. Bear in mind that this is just our opinion and experience and we encourage readers to make up their own mind.
It is, in our mind, a “coffee bar” meaning a quick visit to throw down a short coffee is it’s strength, not so much a place to sit down over a longer style coffee. The Cafe Latte’s and macchiato have been nothing short of disappointing. It is almost if they have been made with disdain. However, for some reason the espresso and ristretto are consistently awesome.
We do feel that their machine must be well maintained, to be able to pump out perfect pour after perfect pour. Although, we were a little horrified to see that the steamer was filthy, caked in burnt milk with no attempt to clean it, and the group heads were never once rinsed the whole time we were there (on all visits). With the burgeoning boom in small artisan cafes roasting their own beans, providing slick, customer focused service and having a genuine passion for their product we are afraid that this iconic venue is losing touch and is in danger of being alienated.
That would be a real shame.
Score Summary. NOTE: The first visit we ordered a long macchiato. No ristretto ordered 2nd visit.
Cafe Latte: 13.5, 14, 9Macchiato: 9.5, 14, 11.5
Espresso: 17, 17.5, 15.5
Ristretto: 18, -, 15
Overall Mean Score: 14.05. Recommended
( – ) indicates that no coffee of that style was ordered on that particular visit.
I couldn’t agree more with this review. The espresso is nothing short of outstanding whilst, as you put it, everything else is made with disdain. Which is a real disappointment
I still dig the lasagne however.
The place really has a strange attraction, you can’t help but visit if nearby, even knowing what to expect.
Yes, the latte’s are a disappointment. Recently visited again after a long absence and regretted it.
Sounds like another long absence is forthcoming?? If you can be bothered though, try an espresso there. Thanks for the comment.
I really only drink black coffees, so I have always thought their coffee was fantastic. But being Italian, they may have this disdain for milk coffees due to the fact those are usually for breakfast… and people are ordering them at night. Just my thought… could be way off.