Metro Manila’s dining landscape welcomes a remarkable addition to its burgeoning culinary landscape as Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener opens its first Philippine branch at Opus Mall, Quezon City.
Situated in Opus Mall, Il Lupino (“The Little Wolf”) introduces a modern and fresh approach to the high-end Italian dining scene in the Metro. It 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. At the heart of Il Lupino’s gourmet excellence is Chef Alessio Loddo, a Sardinian chef renowned for his expertise in launching and operating dining establishments. Together, they aim to redefine Italian dining by presenting a refined menu that balances tradition with contemporary innovation.
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 the Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Group’s expansion in Asia.
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A 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 Alessio’s Sardinian heritage, offering a fresh take on traditional Italian cuisine.
The dining experience starts 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 ruccola or rocket 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).
Il Lupino’s pasta features 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).
The current 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 And An Excellent Extensive Wine List
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 sautéed spinach. The meats here are the same high quality meats served at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. They are broiled the same way but finished grilled over charcoal for that smokier taste.
Diners can also explore other meat and seafood mains, such as Ossobuco alla Milanese (fork-tender braised veal shank served with saffron risotto and a touch of gremolata); Astice alla Griglia (Grilled Boston lobster); and Maialetto al Forno (Porceddu Sardo) (roasted suckling pig with potatoes). Other favorites include Bistecca, a USDA Prime T-Bone Steak expertly broiled at high heat and finished in a charcoal oven for unparalleled flavor; Stinco di Agnello ai Carciofi — succulent lamb shank with artichokes, olives, and cherry tomatoes; and Dentice all’Acqua Pazza — red snapper delicately simmered in a fragrant tomato, wine, lemon, and garlic broth.
Dessert offerings include the classic Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, gelato; and Cannoli Siciliani (a deep-fried pastry filled with ricotta, chocolate chips, candied fruit, and pistachio).
An extensive wine selection is available to complement the Il Lupino experience. The restaurant offers 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.
With its exceptional culinary offerings and stylish ambiance, Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener is poised to become a leading name in Italian dining.
Il Lupino is located on the Ground Floor of Opus Mall, Bridgetown, Quezon City. Visit www.illupinoprimeph.com to book or email reservations@illupinoprimeph.com.
Photos courtesy of Il Lupino.
