MANILA, Philippines — The Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Group has introduced a new upscale dining concept to Metro Manila called Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener, which opened on Thursday, November 28, at the ground level of OPUS Mall in Quezon City.
Il Lupino — which translates to “little wolf” in Italian — is a high-end trattoria and wine bar of authentic and premium Italian cuisine (with premium prices to match), brought in by global restaurateur Zwiener, who co-founded Manhattan’s Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in 2004 with his father Wolfgang Zwiener. Wolfgang was the former head waiter at the iconic Peter Luger Steakhouse in New York.
The Metro Manila branch reflects Il Lupino’s upscale menu — its elegant ambiance with dim mood lighting is highlighted by the sophisticated interiors and Italian-inspired decor. The atmosphere is fit for special occasions, business meetings, after-work cocktails, or intimate dinners and dates. The bar has plush sofas, a bar, 70 tables, and a wine room with over 1,000 bottles on display.
“Prime” was attached to the restaurant’s name as this branch is slightly more upscale than its global predecessors in Tokyo and Hawaii.
Sardinian chef Alessio Loddo is behind the menu — classic and modern Italian dishes made with high-quality ingredients, ranging from salads, appetizers, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas to premium cuts of meat, cold cuts, and fresh seafood.
The Affettati and Formaggi Misti (P2,300) is a curated selection of cold cuts and cheeses, including 36-month-aged Parmesan, the best gorgonzola, prosciutto, and salami, served with freshly-baked bread, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. For a lighter option, try the Insalata di Cavolo Nero (P750), a kale salad with goat cheese, cranberries, and lime ginger vinegar, or the Insalata di Burrata E Pomodoro (P1,380), a burrata and tomato salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
The pizza selection is made to order, with a thin and crisp-chewy crust — the simple Margherita (P950) is topped with tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, while the Prosciutto Rucola E Parmigiano (P1,250) adds San Daniele ham, arugula, and 36-month-aged Parmesan for a richer flavor.
For main courses, the Bistecca (P8,990) is a USDA Prime T-bone steak weighing 850 grams, grilled to the standards of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, while the Ossobuco Alla Milanese (P3,200) is a braised veal shank with saffron risotto and gremolata. The menu also features pasta dishes and sides like Patate Arrosto Al Rosmarino E Aglio (P450) — garlic rosemary roasted potatoes — and Spinaci in Padella Con Aglio (P450) — sautéed spinach with garlic.
Il Lupino Prime’s Tiramisu (P560) is heavy and bold on the espresso (just like in Italy), while the Torta Di Ricotta (P675) is a melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake that’s made with ricotta.
Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener is now open at Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City from 11 am to 10 pm. – Rappler.com
