Metro Manila’s dining landscape welcomes a remarkable addition this November 2024 as Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener opens its first Philippine branch at Opus Mall, Quezon City. Il Lupino (“The Little Wolf”) introduces a modern and fresh approach to the high-end Italian dining scene in the metro.
Photo: Il Lupino Prime
At the heart of Il Lupino’s gourmet excellence is a collaboration between restaurateur Peter Zwiener and Chef Alessio Loddo, a Sardinian chef renowned for his expertise in launching and operating premier dining establishments. Together, they aim to redefine Italian dining by presenting a refined menu that balances tradition with contemporary innovation.
Unique Take on Traditional Italian Cuisine
The menu at Il Lupino showcases an exceptional range of Italian dishes that blend classic and modern elements. Signature dishes reflect Chef Alessio’s Sardinian heritage, offering a fresh take on traditional Italian cuisine.
Start your dining experience with a selection of salads, soups, and antipasti, featuring fresh and bold flavors with prime ingredients sourced directly from Italy. Notable offerings include Carpaccio di Mazzo (thinly-sliced raw beef tenderloin with 36-months aged parmesan cheese, lemon juice, cocktail sauce, and rucola pesto); Polpo alla Griglia con Patate (grilled octopus with potatoes); Torre di Mara (seafood tower); Insalata di Rucola (arugula salad with pears, gorgonzola, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar); and Zuppa D’Orzo e Polpette (orzo soup with meatballs).
Photo: Il Lupino Prime
Filipino pasta and pizza lovers will appreciate Il Lupino’s curated selection. Its pasta lineup, featuring fresh, handmade options, include Trofie, Speck Pomodorini e Pesto Genovese (trofie pasta with speck ham, cherry tomato, and fresh pesto Genovese); Linguine alle Vongole Veraci (linguini pasta with clams in white wine sauce); and Risotto al Funghi Porcini (porcini risotto).
Photo: Il Lupino Prime
The pizza selection features Margherita; Prosciutto Rucola e Parmigiano 36 Mesi (pizza with San Daniele ham, arugula, and 36-month aged parmesan); and Sette Formaggi (seven-cheese pizza).
Top-Quality Steaks, Extensive Wine List
For the main courses, guests can indulge in top-quality USDA Prime steaks, expertly grilled at high temperature to enhance the meat’s flavor, and accompanied by a selection of delectable sides such as garlic rosemary potatoes, oven-baked stuffed tomatoes, and sauteed spinach.
Photo: Il Lupino Prime
Diners can also explore other meat and seafood mains, such as Ossobuco alla Milanese (braised veal shank served with saffron risotto and gremolata); Astice alla Griglia (Grilled Boston lobster); and Maialetto al Forno (Porceddu Sardo) (roasted suckling pig with potatoes).
To conclude the meal, guests can choose from an array of delectable desserts, including classic Tiramisu; Panna Cotta; assorted gelato; and Cannoli Siciliani (deep-fried pastry filled with ricotta, chocolate chips, candied fruit, and pistachio).
An extensive wine selection curated to complement the menu sets Il Lupino apart, delighting wine connoisseurs. The restaurant will offer 150 different wine labels, half of which are Italian. Additionally, the bar features a variety of signature cocktails, specially crafted to provide guests with a distinctive beverage experience.
A Space with Warmth and Elegance
Il Lupino’s design perfectly balances upscale elegance and welcoming warmth. A bright and inviting bar area greets guests, perfect for enjoying wine or cocktails. The main dining room boasts thoughtful lighting and comfortable seating, creating an ideal space to savor the restaurant’s offerings. Italian-inspired décor and contemporary touches enhance the dining experience, making it a great venue for any occasion.
Peter and Wolfgang Zwiener
Situated in the prestigious Opus Mall, Il Lupino benefits from a high-profile location that reinforces its reputation as a premier luxury dining destination. The accessibility and allure of this venue further enhance its appeal, solidifying its position within the upscale dining scene in Metro Manila.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Il Lupino opened its doors to introduce the metro’s top lifestyle media personalities, offering a first look at the restaurant and its menu. It held an exclusive preview on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and officially opened to the public on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
This concept is the latest culinary masterpiece from the acclaimed father-son duo Wolfgang and Peter Zwiener, celebrated for bringing top-tier steaks to discerning diners through their iconic Wolfgang’s Steakhouse brand. It draws inspiration from its origins in Tokyo and Waikiki, Hawaii, artfully merging fresh sophistication with the warmth of authentic Italian dining.
With its exceptional culinary offerings and stylish ambiance, Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener is poised to become a leading name in Italian cuisine and a centerpiece of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Group’s expansion in Asia.
