The Little Wolf Takes a Big Bite of the Local Italian Restaurant Scene with the Opening of Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener at Opus Mall

There are Italian restaurants, then there's Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. The newest dining concept from the Wolfgang's Steakhouse Group, this "little wolf" is out for a big bite of the local Italian restaurant scene with its elegant and refined renditions of classic and traditional Italian cuisine...

That lavish and flamboyant flair and tasteful style of the Zwieners, the successful family of restaurateurs behind one of the world's best steakhouses bannered by Wolfgang's Steakhouse brings their unique and distinctive stamp to an elevated Italian dining experience with the opening of Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener in Opus Mall. From the impeccable service to the sleek and sophisticated interiors and the extensive menu, the newest Italian restaurant in the metro intricately binds all the elements for a memorable dining experience in a perfectly seamless weave. Come inside Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener and experience Italian flavors gracefully redefined and elevated...

The new Opus Mall in Bridgetown Destination Estate is the perfect setting for Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. The newest name in Italian fine dining, "Il Lupino" means "little wolf" in Italian. And quite apt too as the wolf is revered in Italy as a sacred animal with its significant role behind the founding of Rome. Peter Zwiener, son of Wolfgang Zwiener of Wolfgang's Steakhouse fame, named his restaurant after the fond nickname given to his father. The name is also an homage to fine Italian cuisine expressed in exquisite dishes proudly bearing the legendary Zwiener name.  

Inside Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener, dark wood and earthy leather tones with accents of marble and glass combine for an elegant space exuding a balanced luxury with comforting warmth. The wide open design with its high ceiling completes an impressive first impression. 

Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener also offers private dining rooms for more intimate gatherings. A festive feast with family and friends or dinner for two, Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener has a table just for you. 

A massive glass enclosure showcases the fine dining Italian restaurant's impressive inventory of wines with over 200 labels. It's touches like this that sets Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener apart from the usual Italian restaurants in the metro. 

Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener and Wolfgang's Steakhouse Group Chef Alessio Loddo helms the kitchen drawing inspiration from his native Italian culinary roots. Nostalgic memories of his childhood in Italy and exposure to global flavors with his vast experience in prestigious hotel properties around the world have shaped and defined his culinary style. But true Italian flavors is Group Chef Alessio Loddo's own personal passion using only the finest ingredients imported from Italy with meticulous execution reflected in each dish served at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. 

But first, some soothing libations from the bar. After all, Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener is a bar too... 

...with their own wicked yet elegant repertoire of handcrafted cocktails for a refreshing tipple before or after a sumptuous Italian feast. And there's just no better way to start your Italian fine dining experience at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener... 

...than with the timeless Negroni (P 480). Bold vibrant notes with just a whisper of delectable bitter hints opens up the palate for an epic Italian feast ahead. 

A second round? Absolutely. This time, with my old reliable and always dependable go-to cocktail...

The Trieste Old-Fashioned (P 550) with its blend of rye whiskey, Mancino Kopi Vermouth, Créme de Cacao and chocolate bitters is a refreshing twist on a classic with the deep rounded notes of whiskey given more depth by the addition of chocolate hints finished with a bright burst of subtle and tart sweetness from the orange garnish. This one's a keeper. 

The Sicily Sour (P 400) with Luxardo Gin, limoncello, honey and lemon is one more libation you can't refuse at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. Light, smooth and easy, the Sicily Sour completes a refreshing round of libations before the first appetizer courses were served. 

Near the bar counter, a grand Berkel slicer loaded with prosciutto teases the eyes...

...with the first signature antipasti course at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. 

Antipasti Freddi

The Prosciutto, Melone (P 950) with premium San Daniele ham and sweet melon brings its contrasting play on sweet and salty notes to the palate. The deep savory notes of the prosciutto are perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the fresh melon for delectable bites best paired with cocktails or a glass of Italian wine. 

The Carpaccio di Manzo (P 1,200) with paper-thin slices of premium raw beef tenderloin topped with shaved slivers of 36-month Parmesan and drizzled with lemon juice and rucola pesto just melts in your mouth draping the palate with its lingering savory richness. 

Insalata

A fresh duo of salad courses were served next, starting with the Insalata di Burrata e Pomodoro (P 1,380), a traditional cheese and tomato salad. It's a dish that proves even the simplest of dishes are elevated with the freshest and finest ingredients delivering clean yet full flavors. The fresh tartness of the tomatoes are perfectly tempered by the creamy and silky smooth burrata for that elegantly balanced finish. 

The Insalata di Rucola, Pera, Gorgonzola, Noci, Balsamico (P 1,100) continues the medley of fresh flavors with its garden fresh harvest of crisp arugula, sweet pears, creamy Gorgonzola and walnuts lightly dressed in balsamico vinegar. Each distinct note comes together with each bite in a lavish play of contrasting yet balanced flavors and textures. It's been said many times before, freshness is flavor and the Insalata di Rucola clearly settles the case. 

Antipasti Caldi

A savory hot appetizer becomes a refreshing change of pace at the table with the Polpettone Al Sugo di Pomodoro (P 750), a massive meat ball slathered in a rich yet light tomato sauce topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Imagine a savory blend of pork, veal and beef in a 350 g meatball draped in a tart tomato sauce. That's right, that's one solid meatball. A juicy bite releases a savory richness followed by the comforting notes of the equally rich tomato sauce and sharp hints of the Parmesan. Perfect. 

Group Chef Alessio Loddo masterfully orchestrated his symphony of Italian flavors with each course served that day at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener... 

Primi

...with a exquisite pair of pasta dishes starting with the Pappardelle Tartufo (P 1,150) with house-made flat and wide pappardelle noodles in a thick and smooth truffle cream sauce. The pronounced deep and earthy hints of the truffle comes through with each bite...

...for a rustic and hearty touch to an epic feast at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. But Group Chef Alessio Loddo isn't done just yet. 

The impressive Astice Con Calameretti (P 4,800) with soft yet firm calamari-shaped pasta on succulent lobster is a stunning showpiece of a dish. And it tastes exactly as it looks with its bold briny and indulgent succulent sweetness lingering long on the palate. 

The Astice Con Calameretti is just the kind of dish you'd expect from Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener, elegant and lavish first feeding the eyes before the palate with fresh, rich yet clean flavors masterfully executed by Group Chef Alessio Loddo's culinary team.  And there's more...

Pizza

Of course you'll find pizza on the menu, but Group Chef Alessio Loddo takes it a notch higher with his over the top rendition of Sette Formaggi (P 1,100) with not four but seven Italian cheeses on a rustic and charred blistered crust. Count it, starting with the Ubriaco Cheese, Pecorino Sardo, Buffala, Parmiggiano 36-months, Asiago, Gorgonzola dolce and Provolone Cheese on a crisp crust layered with creamy Bechamel sauce. The blend of cheeses deliver an unrestrained richness unlike any for an indulgent and lavish take on the classic formaggi pizza. 

The Bismarck (P 1,100) with creamy Bechamel, Fior di latte Mozzarella, San Daniele ham and egg is another inspired rendition with the richness of the premium ham made even richer by the Bechamel, Mozzarella and egg on a crisp crust. Fully loaded with premium ingredients, enjoy another slice of Group Chef Alessio Loddo's flavorful Italy. 

Carne

The meat of the matter highlights the next phase of the dining experience at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener with the Ossobuco Alla Milanese (P 3,200), a classic Italian dish of braised veal shank served with saffron risotto and gremolata. Fork-tender and fall-off-the-bone, the braised veal almost melts in your mouth draping the palate with its lingering richness balanced by the tartness of the tomato-based sauce. The saffron risotto and gremolata completes the savory dish. 

Bistecca Alla Griglia

It's not a Zwiener restaurant concept without savory slabs of meat fresh off the fiery grills, and Group Chef Alessio Loddo honors the family's legacy with the premium selection of grilled options at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener with the Scottadito or grilled lamb chops. Richly seasoned with deep and bold smoky hints, the rustic simplicity of the dish underscores its elegant flavors. Keeping it simple when it matters defines this dish with its pure and unrestrained burst of richness with each tender bite. 

The Costata di Manzo (P 8,900) showcases the Zwiener family's mastery with meat with the 900g USDA Prime Ribeye Steak at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. Beautifully charred edges romanced by the flames over a succulent juicy pink center provides a visual clue on the savory flavors of a perfectly grilled slab of prime ribeye. 

A pinch of salt is all you need to enjoy the pure, uncluttered and real flavors of the Costata di Manzo with each bite draping the palate with its intense beefy flavors and subtle smoky notes. The Bistecca Alla Griglia selections at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener are a nod to the Zwiener family's enduring tradition of excellent and world-class steaks. Other option on the menu include the Bistecca (P 8,990) or USDA Prime T-Bone Steak (850g),  the Controfiletto (P 5,750) or USDA Prime Sirloin Steak (600g) and Filetto di Manzo (P 3,900) or USDA Prime Beef Tenderloin Steak (300g). 

Pair your savory steaks with the Cavolfiore All Forno Con Parmigiano (P 450) or roasted cauliflower with Parmesan. The pronounced smoky hints are tempered by the mild and gentle whisper of sweetness from the cauliflower to complement the savory notes of the grilled specialties at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. Other equally tempting sides include the Patate Arrosto Al Rosemarino E Aglio (P 450) or garlic rosemary roasted potatoes, the Melanzane Al Peperoncino (P 450) or roasted eggplant with chili and garlic oil and Spinaci in Padella Con Aglio (P 450) or sautéed spinach garlic. 

Dolci

A proper Italian feast requires an indulgent finale to complete the dining experience. Follow Clemenza's lead and "take the cannoli" at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. The Cannoli Siciliani (P 650) proves Clemenza was right all along with the deep-fried pastry shell filled to the brim with Ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, fruited candy and pistachios. The contrasting play on textures teases the palate while the silky smooth Ricotta filling seals the deal. 

The Torta di Ricotta (P 450) or Ricotta cheesecake presents yet another decadent dessert option topped with fresh berries and a side of cream...

...while the classic Tiramisu (P 450) brings pure indulgence with each spoonful. From starters to mains and desserts, Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener presents a luxurious and elegantly redefined take on rustic and hearty Italian cuisine in that signature Zwiener style. As Opus Mall in Bridgetown Destination Estate emerges as the next top dining and shopping hotspot in the metro, new restaurants like Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener should be high up on your list. 

There's a lot going for the newest Italian restaurant. For one it has the Zwiener name attached to it and second, a passionate Italian chef at the helm of the kitchen at Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. Italian cuisine remains close to the local diner's evolving and shifting palate enduring food trends that come and go like the changing seasons. Tradition with an elegantly refined expression of Italian flavors is always a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene, and Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener has all the elements for a memorable dining experience. 

Il Lupino Prime Manila by Peter Zwiener is located at 1F, Opus Mall, Bridgetown Destination Estate, Quezon City. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/illupinoprimemanila and https://www.instagram.com/illupinoprime_manila/ for more information and updates or call 8260 2450 for inquiries and reservations.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, check out these social media accounts for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.