Pellegrino in Helsingborg

We have eaten our way through a great many good restaurants in Helsingborg – everything from Bosco to Regio and Sillen & Makrillen – so when we suddenly came across Pellegrino just behind the high street, it felt like finding a hidden treasure we simply cannot believe we had never discovered before. And yes – we love Italian food, so this is one we should have known about long ago.

The restaurant is on Norra Storgatan, slightly set back from the street, but as soon as you step inside, you know you have landed somewhere good. A handsome bar, an open kitchen and a head chef standing in the middle of it all making pasta from scratch – the place radiates calm confidence and passion.

We had only meant to have a quick lunch, but ended up with two courses, wine and dessert – and we are glad we did. The food was quite simply in a class of its own.

We started with their charcuterie board – no garnish, nothing pointless – just excellent delicacies from Emilia-Romagna. You can clearly tell the head chef knows what he is doing. We shared everything: some crisps, some olives and that board. A perfect start.

With the food we had an Italian white – Marco Felluga Friuli Bianco 2023 – which was a pleasant surprise. We rarely choose Italian white wine, but this one went perfectly with the food.

For the girls we ordered the tagliatelle al ragù – bolognese, in other words – and it was truly the best version we have ever had. There is no children’s menu, but you don’t need one when the food tastes like this. They cleared their plates. And that says it all.

Jes and I shared two dishes: freshly made ravioli with chanterelles, and gnocchi with lardo – where the lardo was flamed at the table. They are small details, but they really do make a difference when the food is served with that kind of attentiveness. The flavour? Absolutely fantastic. The pasta was silky soft, the filling well balanced, and the sauce was the finishing touch. It is some of the best pasta we have ever had. Full stop.

And of course we couldn’t resist dessert. We chose Marsala-roasted plums and marinated blackberries – both beautifully plated, light and genuinely delicious. A shot of espresso to finish – and we were sold.

The service was first-rate. Quick, smiling and professional without being slick. You feel welcome – and they have everything under control. It is clear that this place is run by people who both know how and want to.

We are already looking forward to going back – but next time it will be in the evening, when you can book a table. Lunch is walk-in only, and we were lucky to get a table when we dropped by on a whim. Next time we will book well in advance.