The Turilli family’s culinary legacy continues to flourish in Cape Town with their latest venture, Lello’s Caffè Espresso Bar, spearheaded by the sibling duo behind Lello’s Deli, Chiara and Danillo Turilli.
Building upon the success of Scarpetta, Ricky Turilli’s Italian restaurant, and Lello’s Deli, an artisanal food store, the third generation of the Turilli family has brought authentic Italian coffee culture to De Waterkant.
Also read: Famiglia, warmth and Italian gusto are at the heart of Lello’s Deli
Lello, short for Rafaello, pays homage to Ricky Turilli’s late father. Following the conclusion of the Second World War, Rafaello Turilli relocated to Cape Town alongside his brother. While he was trained as a mechanic, Nonno Lello possessed an innate talent and passion for the culinary arts.
Lello’s Deli and Scarpetta are testaments to his enduring legacy of passion and talent passed down through generations, which continues to thrive through Lello’s Caffè Espresso Bar.
At Lello’s Caffè, patrons are treated to a traditional Italian coffee prepared using a blend of roasted beans. The house blend is a deep, golden, dark roast infused with delightful hazelnut undertones.
In keeping with Italian tradition, each coffee at Lello’s is prepared using a single shot, epitomising the essence of simplicity and precision. Served at a pleasant temperature of around 60 degrees in delicate glass espresso tumblers, these coffees offer an authentic experience. Guests can enjoy classic coffee options like espresso, macchiato and Americano.
Lello’s menu has been carefully curated to reflect the Italian way of life: uncomplicated yet sophisticated. The renowned schiacciata paninis alone draw crowds.
Schiacciata paninis are made with a 48-hour fermented Italian focaccia-like bread from Florence’s historic city centre. They are prepared daily at the deli or served at the café from 11am until the last morsel finds its home. Each panini is generously filled with a medley of magnificent Italian ingredients, such as slow-cooked pork, mortadella from Bologna paired with fior di latte (fresh mozzarella) and caprese with truffle and charred artichokes.
For those seeking a sweet accompaniment to their espresso, Lello’s offers signature cornetti, each generously filled with pistachio crema.
Alternatively, one can indulge in a slice of apple cake, a creation that bears the teachings of Mama Turilli. Each slice bursts with abundant fresh apples and cinnamon sugar.
Step into Lello’s warm embrace, where the essence of Italy’s rich coffee heritage is infused and transports you to the heart of Italian culture.
Details
- Location: Bastille Maison Mara | 5 Jarvis Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm | Saturday, 8:30am to 4pm
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: @lellosdeli / Instagram
Cape {town} Etc discount: Escape the loadshedding blues with a pizza or pasta and a glass of wine at Obz Cafe for R159 (Valued at R330). Get it here.
Also read:
Ariel brings panache and passion to Italian dining in Sea Point
Picture: @lellosdeli / Instagram (Photograph taken by @justinmunitz)
