PAIRED WITH: 2020 Terre di Vita Catarratto (Sicily, Italy) + Campari soda
On a summery afternoon in the back streets of Surry Hills, the team behind Pellegrino 2000 is milling about waiting for aperitivo hour to begin. With elbows propped at the open window counter, where Campari-laced cocktails are stirred and wine glasses topped up, they might have been plucked straight from a piazza in Piedmont or Turin. The effortless Euro feel is becoming something of a trademark of trio Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson, who first teamed up at intimate French bistro Bistrot 916 in Potts Point.
The former Bar H site on the corner of Campbell and Foster streets was an ideal spot to recreate a classic Italian trattoria, says Pepperell, formerly of Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge and 10 William St. Today, as Pellegrino nears its first birthday, they’ve all gathered to enjoy the venerated tradition of aperitivo, with snacks by head chef Janina Allende and drinks by respected sommelier Tyson. “Our team is like our second family,” Pepperell says. “They’re the backbone of the restaurant.”
It was the finely calibrated combination of warm service and stellar food and drinks that earned Pellegrino 2000 first place in the NSW 2022 delicious. 100, with our reviewers charmed by its unaffected interpretation of Italian hospitality.
“Whether it be the friendly,
