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MELBOURNE | Pentolina is a small Italian trattoria just off Little Collins Street that specialises in simple Italian food done well, and we were recently invited to visit. It’s a family run spot, with owners Matt and Juila Piccone the brains behind the venue. Prior to opening Pentolina, Matt spent 19 years as barista at at Melbourne institution Pellegrini’s, while Julia’s background is in law and policy.
Prior to moving to Melbourne, Peter lived in Sydney, where his dad Peter emigrated from Puglia, Italy in 1960. In 1994 Peter opened a pasta bar, Picone’s Pasta Pronta, but unfortunately he passed away a few years later. Matt sold the family business and moved to Melbourne, and Pentolina pays tribute to Matt’s father.
The space is reminiscent of a Roman trattoria, with design studio Biasol making good use of terrazzo floors, weathered concrete, and natural light. Combined with the long salmon marble bench and retro red stools, Pentolina feels traditional yet modern.
Pasta is the focus here, and the egg-free pasta is made fresh on site each day. All pasta dishes are served with fresh ciabatta from Impasto Forno Antico, and gluten-free pasta is available on request. There are around 16 different pasts dishes on the menu, which are based on family recipes, and Matt’s own creations. ‘Dad’s Spaghetti Vongole’ is a highlight, with perfectly al dente vongole deliciously combining with clams, parsley, garlic, white wine deliciously. ‘Matt’s Spaghetti Bolognaise’ is another highlight – a simple ragù with beef, eggplant, zucchini, vermouth tossed into pappardelle. It’s the kind of thing that even if you’re full you just keep eating as it’s that satisfying and delicious.
For non-pasta options, think calamari dusted in flour and fried, served with lemon, and a Caprese salad of buffalo mozzarella, tomato, Evoo extra virgin olive oil and basil. One of our favourites is a swordfish ceviche type dish that’s new to the menu and tastes of spring.
In true Italian style Pentolina is the kind of place you can come to for a drink or two and a snack, even if you don’t want a full dinner. It’s a selection of local and Italian bottled wines and beers, Italian wine and beer on tap, spirits, liqueurs and cocktails. There’s a wine to match with every dish, and the cocktails, which put twists on the classics, are well worth trying. Try ‘The Nobleman’, Pentolina’s take on the classic negroni, with Campari, sweet vermouth, gin, orange and cinnamon. The ‘Lavender Spritz’, a combination of VOK Parfait Amour, lavender bitters, and prosecco, is also delicious.
From the moment you walk through the door until the time you leave, the down to earth, family ethos of Pentonlina is apparent. The genuine passion of the staff, the delicious, home-style food, and the general ambiance of the space all combine to create a place that’s well worth visiting.
Pentolina
2/377 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9606 0642
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sat: 11:00pm to 10:00pm