LOCATION
On the waterfront at Balmain, ten minutes from the CBD across the Anzac Bridge. Infrequent ferry services available from Circular Quay but watertaxi service available at any time to Elliott Street Wharf.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
Pellegrini's Seafood Restaurant has come a long way since its rice pudding and meatloaf days when it used to be the kiosk for Cockatoo Island. Today, instead of serving up nosh to the men who worked in the naval boat building ship yard, Pellegrini's brings delightful dishes of seafood to the stylish crowds of Balmain and beyond. Positioned discreetly at the end of a laneway and upon the waters edge at Elliott Street Wharf, this restaurant enjoys some million dollar real estate. To be frank, the views over the glistening harbour are simply stunning and it's no wonder why many choose Pellegrini's to host their wedding, birthday parties and a variety of special occasions. Although Pellegrini's has lots to boast about, it hasn't lost an inch of its old-school charm by extending its original building which is over 100 years old.
The menu has become more progressive in recent years, incorporating refreshingly new flavours and straying slightly from a purely seafood affair. The smoked salmon and avocado salsa timbale with a light mayonnaise dressing is still an easy favourite for an entree, followed by a main course of grilled barramundi fillet coated with lemon myrtle and served with chat potatoes. The seafood platter for two comes brimming with crumbed and fresh fruit de la mer, and the braised beef and mushroom pie will keep any meat-lover at bay. Desserts are classic beauties such as Pavlova with seasonal fresh fruit, and the day and night chocolate mousse. While Pellegrini's remains true to its beginnings, it's easy to see that this restaurant has advanced in leaps and bounds to become the superb venue that it is today. Be sure to BYO as Pellegrini's is unlicensed and the nearest bottle shop is quite a hike away.
Annabel Wise, June 2008
DETAILS
This hidden gem is known by all the locals who keep this place as quiet as possible as it is a real 'find'. Whilst most restaurants on the water's edge are fairly pricey and quite glamorous this is the opposite, inexpensive and down to earth but in a smart casual way. The delightful Italian owners have been caring for their clientele for ten years, guaranteeing you will be well looked after.
FUNCTIONS
This is a wonderful place for a private function, weddings being their speciality. Accommodates up to eighty seated, with a beautiful terraced area for the bridal table or pre dinner drinks right on the water's edge.
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Water Taxis
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