Step into the charm of an old-world Italian espresso bar and caffè, where time seems to slow down, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.

The passionate brother and sister duo who brought Cape Town’s popular Lello’s Deli to life have opened a new espresso bar and caffè in De Waterkant, embracing the traditions and rich heritage of Italian coffee culture. Chiara and Danilo Turilli’s grandfather ‘Nonno Lello’ was the inspiration behind the brand that honours techniques and traditions passed down through generations.

“We want to bring the notion of ‘made in Italy’ to Cape Town,” says Chiara. “We only serve the traditional Italian coffee made with our very own roasted blend of beans – a wholehearted Italian roast created in honour of our grandfather. It’s a deep golden dark roast with hazelnut notes.”

All of the coffees are made the Italian way using a single shot of coffee. “We serve real cappuccino, which is about 125ml in total, making it all about having a coffee you can drink with pleasure and served at a temperature of around 60 degrees.” You can also opt for other coffee classics like espresso, macchiato, and Americano, but the big drawcard has to be Chiara’s version of Italian hot chocolate, a dark hazelnut crème that is lovingly poured into a silver goblet of gently frothed milk. “We want people to enjoy the moment and be part of making their drink,” she says.

The menu is sophisticated in its simplicity and exemplifies the Italian way of life.

“We’ve spent many sleepless nights creating our signature cornetti (Italian croissants),” Chiara says. They are filled with a rich pistachio crema. It was her vision to serve them in Cape Town after having worked in a bakery that made them in a small town called San Giusto just outside Torino. “We want to create the culture similar to Italy where people can have a perfectly tempered cappuccino and cornetto to start their day.”

For those with a penchant for savoury delights, you can look forward to Italian artichoke pies and an array of the famous Lello’s Schiacciata paninos. “We recently got back from Florence where we learnt how to perfect the bread. We now make a 48-hour fermented dough and serve it laden with delicious things like Porchetta, Mortadella, Sicilian marinated peppers or truffle ricotta and charred artichokes. Of course our counter isn’t complete without Mama Turilli’s apple cinnamon cake,” says Chiara with a wink.

The interior was designed by Yaniv Chen of Master Interiors who drew inspiration from historical French cafés with a Victorian throughline. “We’re honoured to have had someone as passionate as we are creating the interior for our new bambino.”

The cosy space exudes warmth, with classic décor and the gentle hum of conversation. It’s a place where people can gather to savour their morning rituals, engage in friendly banter, and appreciate the artistry of a perfectly pulled shot. And in this haven of caffeine and camaraderie, every visit captures the essence of Italy’s coffee heritage.

Find Lello’s Espresso Bar and Caffè at 5 Jarvis Street in De Waterkant. Trading hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm and Saturdays 8:30am to 4pm.

Hungry for more? Sign up for the weekly Eat Out newsletter and get delectable updates, restaurant reviews, and mouthwatering culinary inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!