Cafe Lito — Restaurant in Penola

Is Cafe Lito a mirage? Are the positive reviews paid advertising? Questions I asked after getting a coffee from the Lito. Cafe Lito charges $4 for a hot beverage that isn’t coffee. False advertising. They don’t serve coffee. Ordered 2 strong takeaway coffees, the proprietor used a single shot filter for both cups (ie half shot each), he then ran the machine through the same filter twice more until the water ran clear. I was shocked - at that point it’s not coffee anymore, it’s dishwater. Maybe he is trying to save money on beans, and filling the cup with more hot water so that he can also save on milk? Whatever he’s doing, it’s bloody shameful. Ild happily come back to support a country business, if Mr Lito heeds this feedback and decides to make an honest coffee, locals and visitors alike will reward him with...

A cute cozy coffee shop with coffee, muffins, and sandwiches prepared by its owner, Lito. The place is relaxing; it makes you feel that it’s an extension of your lounge or kitchen at home.

The food is scrumptious! I love the extra flavour of the olive oil that he drizzled on top of our sandwiches. The coffee, no words at all. It’s like your little Italy! We have to commend his muffins, too! The Poppy Seed muffin is moist and light; not too sweet at all.

Above all, we appreciate the warmth of Lito as we entered his coffee shop! He is very accommodating and is very passionate about his craft.

A word of advice is that it could be hard for people with prams or wheelchair to get a seat inside. Not to worry as there is an outdoor seating as well.

A must visit cafe when...

Wanting a coffee, drove through the town, saw this cute little cafe seemed busy, figured that was our best bet. Walked in was greeted well, it was just the two people working father daughter duo. The father was busy making coffee and making small talk with the customers which is fine. His daughter done a great job with serving cakes and doing dishes, I’m sure she is more than capable taking coffee orders. The father was too busy talking and taking orders that the coffee suffered. I’ve never had to throw out a full cup of coffee before. Milk was burnt and coffee well all I could say was tasted like dirty dish water. He forgot the fundamentals of making coffee.. never...