A warm welcome awaits those seeking an authentic Italian experience when they walk through the doors of Pellegrini Cucina Italiana. Laden with the culinary and evocative experiences of Puglia Italy, the eatery boasts genuine Italian cuisine and family-style hospitality. Woven deeply into the northern Colorado community, the restaurant’s popularity stretches beyond city limits, inviting diners to find culinary love beyond their local borders.
Chef Carlo Pellegrini’s roots run straight to the small portside city of Biscgelie in the southern Italian region of Puglia. He grew up learning the cuisine of the region and the cooking heritage of his family at the seaside restaurant of his aunt, giving him the foundation to bring true Italian fare to northern Colorado. Pellegrini Cucina is Carlo and his wife Jessica’s way of sharing their love for Italy and for each other. It reflects who they are, inviting guests into the warmth of their story while keeping their shared Italian experience alive.
Puglia’s abundant seafare, plentiful olive groves, and rich agriculture provide a colorful menu, requiring a native palate. Knowing that some traditional Italian flavors may not resonate as strongly here in northern Colorado, Carlo and Jessica thoughtfully shape their offerings to suit American, and more specifically, Coloradan tastes, making substitutions only when needed while still preserving an authentically Italian experience.
They are grateful for their guests who they consider family and attribute their loyalty of their patrons to their commitment as hosts to serving that genuine Italian experience. Moreover, Chef Carlo adds his own flavor and personable charm to the atmosphere, giving guests even something more to look forward to when dining at their favorite Italian spot.
When Pellegrini had to close suddenly because of a devastating fire, the restauranteurs experienced firsthand the loyalty of their guests when support showed up in the form of donations, the use of a neighboring kitchen, and the encouragement to re-open, stronger than ever, as northern Colorado was not willing to say goodbye to this Mediterranean gem. Seeing themselves through the challenges of COVID shortly after the fire by providing curbside delivery, the rebuilding progressed naturally from there to take-out dining, catering, and eventually sit-down cuisine again. They have even added a charming in-house Italian market to complete the ambiance of Puglia.
It is Carlo and Jessica’s desire that visitors will have a different experience of Italy and be curious about it. The magic of Puglia - its lightness, the joy of its residents, their humor, mannerisms, and distinct sensibility - is what guests will find when meeting Carlo, and they also hope guests will feel that same freshness of Puglia when entering the restaurant.
To enjoy the charm and appeal of Puglia without traveling abroad, visit Pellegrini Cucina Italiana for a cozy meal, savor their takeout, cater your next event with their exquisite cuisine, or delight someone with a taste of Italy from their market.
"The restaurant is an extension of our relationship and what we love." - Jessica Pellegrini