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IL Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener Opens First Philippine Branch at Opus Mall

From the owners of Wolfgang's Steakhouse comes a new fine dining restaurant that offers a fresh and modern take on Italian cuisine. IL Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener opened its first Philippine location last November 27, 2024 at the Opus Mall in Quezon City. I love dining at Wolfgang's Steakhouse which is popular for their dry-aged steaks, so everyone was excited to visit this new premium dining destination in the city.

Peter Zwiener himself was present for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of IL Lupino Prime Manila last week. Accompanying him was his partner in Wolfgang's Steakhouse and IL Lupino Prime, restaurateur Raymund Magdaluyo who also owns and manages the Red Crab Group of restaurants plus several other new concepts.

You can find IL Lupino Prime at the ground floor of the upscale Opus Mall which also just recently opened this year. IL Lupino benefits from a high-profile location that reinforces its reputation as a premier luxury dining destination. Other popular restaurants that have recently opened here include Breakfast at Antonio's, Manam's, and ST. ALI Coffee.

IL Lupino literally means "Little Wolf" in Italian. 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.

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.

An extensive wine selection curated to complement the menu sets IL Lupino apart, delighting wine connoisseurs. The restaurant will offer over 200 different wine labels, half of which are Italian.

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.

During the private grand opening dinner, guests were able to sample some of the wines and cocktails available at IL Lupino Prime. The Negroni is a classic cocktail featuring a combination of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari.

The bar features several other signature cocktails, specially crafted to provide guests with a distinctive beverage experience. Get a glass of Aperol Spritz for a more authentic Italian dining experience.

The menu at IL Lupino presents an exceptional array of Italian dishes that seamlessly blend classic traditions with modern creativity, reflecting Chef Alessio’s Sardinian roots while offering a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine. Guests started with the Insalata Di Cavolo Nero, Formaggio di Capra, Acute Di Lime (P750), a fresh Kale salad that comes with goat cheese, cranberries, and lime ginger vinegar.

One standout appetizer was the Insalata Di Burrata E Pomodoro (P1380), a lovely Burrata and tomato salad with a delicate Italian cow's milk cheese made from Mozzarella and cream.

Another favorite that evening was the Polpettone Al Sugo Di Pomodoro (P750). This is a huge and juicy meatball served in a light tomato sauce.

Italy is famous for its pizza so IL Lupino Prime offers some authentic Italian style pizzas like the classic Margherita (P950). This comes with a combintion of Fior di latte mozzarella, Buffalo mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce with basil. The pizza crust is served slightly burnt, just how they really do it in Italy.

The Prosciutto Rucola E Parmigiano 36 Mesi (P1250) is a more premium pizza flavor with its San Daniele ham, Fior di latte mozzarella, arugula, and 36-month Parmesan cheese.

There are also some unique pasta on the menu at IL Lupino Prime. The Lasagna Di Spinaci (P950) is a house-made spinach lasagna with bolognese sauce, béchamel and Parmesan cheese. The lasagna slices are made with spinach which is something you don't find in other Italian restaurants here.

There's also the Bucatini Al Ragu Diagnello E Pecorino Sardo (P1300), a delectable bucatini pasta crowned with lamb ragu and pecorino Sardo cheese.

For those seeking hearty, flavorful dishes, you can savor the Ossobuco Alla Milanese (P3200), a fork-tender braised veal shank served with aromatic saffron risotto and a touch of gremolata. This meaty main dish can be happily shared by the family.

The highlight of the evening would be the Bistecca (P8990), an 850-grams USDA Prime T-Bone Steak expertly broiled at high heat and finished in a charcoal oven for unparalleled flavor. The steak will always be the centerpiece at any event so everyone was excited to try this gorgeous cut.

Some side dishes were also provided including the Spinaci In Padella Con Aglio (P450) which has sautéed spinach with garlic. They also served the Patate Arrosto Al Rosmarino E Aglio (P450) with its garlic rosemary roasted potatoes.

The steak was cooked medium to medium rare which is just how we like our beef. Since these are the owners of Wolfgang's Steakhouse, you can also be sure of the quality of the steaks at IL Lupino.

For desserts, you can get their classic Tiramisu (P560), an Italian dessert made with ladyfinger pastries and espresso then topped with cocoa powder. This one comes with really strong coffee flavors.

Better yet, try the Torta Di Ricotta (P675), a very rich and decadent Ricotta cheese cake topped with strawberry and syrup.

With its exceptional culinary offerings and stylish ambiance, Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener is poised to become a leading name in Italian dining and a centerpiece of the Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Group’s expansion in Asia. Congratulations to Peter Zwiener, Raymund Magdaluyo, and the rest of the owners for a fabulous grand opening dinner.

IL Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener

G/F Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City

8260-2450

www.illupinoprimeph.com