Very good Italian and very hip vibe. The pizza is terrific, hot out of the wood burning oven and the pasta, main courses are excellent. They use fine ingredients and the service is attentive and welcoming. Give this popular Italian a try soon. read more

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My husband and I dined last night at Lupa for the first time and it was a fabulous meal from beginning to end! From the minute we walked in, we knew we were going to love this restaurant. It has a warm and inviting feel and is decorated so beautifully. The owners were very friendly and welcoming and checked on us throughout the evening. Our server William was attentive and helped us with our decisions when ordering. The skirt steak we had melted in our melts. It was seasoned nicely and cooked perfectly. We also enjoyed the clam pizza and pasta with clams and calamari. Our brownie dessert with gelato topped off our meal. We look forward to going back to La Lupa again soon...I just made another reservation! read more

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Insanely creative dishes, ingredients so unique and blended together perfectly. Steak cooked to perfection every single time. Super small spot, reserve the countertop read more

Look, I get it. Gourmet meals. Tiny portions in a tight place. The atmosphere...... right. Could use better light at the table so I can see my food. Also, every time I took a bite, the gentleman ( there was the three of them roaming around) was right there to ask me for the 5th time how everything was. It was good but the chef came out and started going about some special concoction of a special sauce... table to table and his back side bending over in my face to talk to the patron . Overrated . Just a bit maybe read more

When a couple of weeks ago with my wife a date night. We started off with the rice balls, which are the best I've ever had, crunchy outside, and you could actually taste the cheese on the inside. then we had fried calamari which was tender and again, probably the tastiest I've ever had, we had a Caesar salad that was very good and then we had a margarita pizza which was good!! The service was good and the waiter was very well informed on what was on the menu and was very descriptive and excited about the specials! read more

Don't get what the hype is all about. In fact, I don't want to go out to dinner and sit literally on top of total strangers. They are trying to pack in as many people as possible, but the space is too tiny. It's also too dark. As for the food....eh read more

The food was prepared fantastic!! Cole the general manager and our wait was well versed in the food. the lobster tagateeli was to die for. the halibut special was very good. the app of fried chicken in honey cause was great. read more

Really wishing I had read ALL the reviews before bothering to give this establishment our business. 5 star reviews? Can't imagine! $28 for a skimpy, barely any clam, unmemorable, slightly burnt, barely any taste other than salt, piece of bread! (Clam pie!?) Restaurant is very cramped, very loud & BYOB at VERY high prices? So many other options in the area. Don't bother unless you love being over-charged & cramped! read more

La lupa - Clam pie? CLAM-LESS! Plus .... canned perhaps? - Desserts Near Me - Manalapan, New Jersey

Bad very loud music. Too dark to see or eat. Decent food but not worth the poor ambience.

Amazing food. Some of the best pasta I have ever had. The server was great and the manager was really cool as well. It was a bit loud in there but really cool vibes! read more

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Have you thought about who your dollars support when you choose which restaurants you visit? We do and we are proud to support our friends Dan, Mike and Chef Giorgio, the owners and operators of La Lupa in Manalapan, NJ. They think about it too and support local small businesses, so when you pay your check you're also supporting the local farmers and artisans that supply La Lupa. For example, Anthony of @zeraleaf grows these microgreens in Hamilton, NJ and the plates are made by @jonopandolfi in Union City, NJ. By consciously choosing to eat local you're feeding into and growing the small businesses that our friends, neighbors, and their families work so hard at every day. I also can confidently say that La Lupa is one of the best restaurants in the state. Chef Ceciarelli is supremely talented and an artist in his own right. This filet mignon tartar was truly perspective changing and illustrative of the dedication to flavor development that is at the core of Chef's cuisine. Hours of prep go in to Chef's dishes and he succeeds in introducing flavor profiles that challenge diners to question the norms and push their palates to new experiences. We have never had a beef tartar like this, with sous vide egg yolk, crispy shallots, togarashi, bonito, cilantro basil oil, and lime topped with micro Thai basil. The lime and fresh green flavors transformed this typically heavier dish into a bright summer time experience we relished despite the 90+ degree temps outside. Chef's creativity continued throughout the meal - our duck and halibut were dishes that we will not forget and will go back to order again before the end of summer! The flavors bursting from the expertly seasoned duck are unmatched. Chef marinated the breast for three days, then seared to a crispy skin perfection, and served over fennel purée and fennel confit, then finished with a pluot (an apricot and plum hybrid) reduction. Chef is inventive and this dish is a star. We also ordered the halibut, Chef brings in whole halibut daily, and in this dish he showcases some of New Jersey's best produce, summer sweet corn that is fire roasted in the wood burning pizza oven then tossed with salumi and shallot garlic confit and braised chanterelles and finished in another NJ summer staple, farm fresh tomato water. Chef's sear on the halibut is impeccable, light and crispy from the ripping hot carbon steel pan. This, and the heirloom tomato and bufala mozzarella salad are New Jersey summer at its best. Trust me, make a reservation as soon as you can find a table, and say hi to Dan, Mike and Chef! read more

My son and I have been talking about trying la lupa on several occasions. I wasn't aware that a reservation was necessary and upon arrival the host squeezed us in at a bar seat. Well, la lupa is absolutely delicious I have not stopped talking about it or dreaming about it since I left. Everything we ordered was delicious and mindfully made. Service was great, love the ambiance and the music. I can not wait to return to this hidden treasure! Thank you for a delicious experience! read more

Their atmosphere is vibrant and fun. Their music is a bit too loud for such a small space but it's good music. The food is unique and ingredients are fresh. Their scallops were very delicious. Most of their dishes are heavy so just be ready to eat a lot of calories. I wish there were more salad options and a few healthier appetizers. Their brussel sprouts are crispy and sweet. Their prices are a bit high but it is a more upscale place. THeir wood oven pizza and yakitori grill cause a somewhat smoky air in the space, so I would recommend more ventilation. The service is very attentive, your water will always be full. All of the servers help each other. read more

Haven't been here in a while, dk why , this was the most DELICIOUS meal I have had in months ... Lately every where I go is fair at best and extremely overpriced, for the food and the service.. Not here from the minute we walked in and our table was ready , to the most scrumptious appetizers, lightest and fluffiest focaccia., perfectly made and served entrees, and out of this world deserts to dream about ... amazing amazing experience... read more

Pizza was alright. A bit over rated and pricey in my opinion. Tried calling the establishment to find out the hours of operation and whether I could order take out. Phone rang for about 5 minutes with no one answering. Had to drive there to see if they were open and to order. Staff wasn't very friendly and polite. Wouldn't go back. read more

Amazing food and great ambience! The gnocchi appetizer is amazing and fried chicken yum!

This place is too expensive for a BYOB, and the potions are too small. The meals were tasty but come on skirt steak at market price?! What? read more

The restaurant is small and dark. We went for Mothers Day. The staff is excellent! The food is absolutely delicious!! I can't wait to go back! I Loved it!! read more

I took my wife to La Lupa to celebrate her promotion at work. They did not disappoint! The food was excellent! Dan, the owner, is a standup guy. He greeted us at our table and has such a pleasant demeanor. I would highly recommend this restaurant! read more

Best restaurant in the area! Everything was delicious from the appetizer to the steak to the olive oil cake! A must go

Food was amazing and so was the service! BUT.....place is very small and you are sitting on top of eat other. Also extremely loud. We could not hear each other at the table. read more

Very disappointed. Great reviews. Yelp reported no reservations required, walk in. When we arrived sign said Reservations Only. At least ten people inside restaurant waiting to be seated. There were six others outside, presumably also waiting. A review warned it was noisy. Between people talking and music with a very heavy bass, We turned and walked out. It was a Thursday. read more

Have heard great things about this restaurant since it opened somewhat recently. Made reservations 3 mos in advance to ensure a weekend (Saturday) for 5 people. It was worth the wait! The restaurant quality overall was 100/10. The service was impeccable. Our waiter chad was extremely professional/personable/knowledgeable and attentive to our needs/questions. The food was absolutely outstanding. Got a lot of everything and nothing disappointed us. They're skirt steak was definitely the best thing in my opinion but all the steaks like the cowboy(pictured) were cooked to perfection. This restaurant is BYOB. Overall menu pricing is high- use that information to plan a nice night out for an occasion or perfect for a date night. It is worth the costs. The only downside I could give this restaurant which would never take away a star but should be noted is that it is very small and loud inside- unusually small for a restaurant as nice as this one. Hopefully they will expand in some way or take over a new space in the future . read more

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A Real GEM in Manalapan. I wanted to treat my nephew to dinner, and this was his #1 option. So, Let's get started. *Ambiance: A The ambiance was great. Despite the fact that it's a small restaurant, it was very nice, and the placement of the table size worked in the space to it wasn't cramped. I wish it was a little brighter in order to read the menu. *Service: A++ Our server was Mike. From the moment we sat down, and he introduced himself, we knew we had the right guy. He explained everything w/o missing a beat. He knew the specials, menu and was able to offer good options since this was our first time. His recommendations / suggestions were on point. I'm sure all of the waiters are great, but I hope we have him again when we return. *Food: A+++ -Focaccia bread: The bread was nice and toasty. Not too much cheese. Basically, it was EXCELLENT. -Tuscan Hot Honey Fried Chicken Thighs: I'm a huge chicken thigh person, so when he mentioned the chicken pieces were thighs, I was sold. I don't even like hot food, but just a little bit of honey drizzled on the chicken, and it elevated the dish. There was nothing burnt about it, but I do like my chicken on the lighter side. However, it was the moistest piece of chicken. -Funghi Pizza: (my entrée) I LOVE MUSHROOMS and I happen to be pretty familiar w/Two River Mushrooms, which are really tasty. I'm actually looking forward to the touring their farm. Anyway, once again, an EXCELLENT choice. I don't eat a lot of brick oven/stone oven pizza's (not sure of correct name), but that will change. If you had bet me that pizza was going to be my entrée I would have lost. It definitely won't be the last time I order this. -Rigatoni Carbonara: (my nephew's entrée) My nephew loves good food, and he especially loves pasta. So when he was encourage to get this dish, he was more than happy. He took is first bite and paused, looked at me and had the biggest smile. We both knew, once again, it was an EXCELLENT choice. -GNOCCHI: THE WINNER OF THE NIGHT. It was so DELICIOUS. The best I EVER had, hands down. You will not be disappointed if you got this dish, it's a WINNER for sure. -Cacio E Pepe Potatoes: These potatoes were very good. The fondu on the bottom of the bowl, just elevated them to the next level. -Olive Oil Cake: This was the first time I've ever had it and I wanted to try something different. WOW!!! It was the moistest cake I've ever had. My new favorite dessert, if I'm getting it from La Lupa of course. You can't go w/wrong when you pick this option. So DELIOUS!!! Overall, this place is a real GEM! I will be back again and again. Thanks Cole and Mike for making this the best meal I've had in a very long time. The food, service and ambiance was perfect. You're a 5-star restaurant, as far as I'm concerned and it's really nice to not have to travel into NY to experience such an AWESOME MEAL. Thanks and see you guys again real soon!!!!! One regret: we didn't think to get any pictures because we were just excited to taste each meal as it came out. It didn't even cross our minds. I won't forget next time though. :-) read more

This restaurant really hit every checkmark! The ambiance was fantastic, amazing playlist with dim lighting and unique decor. It felt so cozy and intimate. The food was outrageously delicious. Everything from the hot honey chicken, to the pizza, to pasta and finally cappuccinos were hands down phenomenal. Some of the best I've ever had. The service was also top notch. No one was grabbing your plates before you were finished, but the owners and wait staff did make sure to greet you at appropriate times and to make great suggestions or share more about what makes their food unique. We already have another reset set up because we are totally hooked! read more

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The restaurant is extremely small and you almost feel claustrophobic inside because everyone is on top of each other. The menu is very limited. The service is excellent and they are very attentive. But please remember that there are literally 10 tables in the entire restaurant. I understand that the ingredients are costly but the price of the food here is a little ridiculous for what you get. To someone else's point there are other restaurants in the area that are as good or better that are much more reasonable. Enjoyed the meal but I really didn't think it was worth the money. I wish them well! read more

WOW! How refreshing it is to find a restaurant like this locally. The food was exceptional - each and every appetizer, main course and dessert. Dietary restriction requests were graciously met. Everything was cooked and presented to perfection. Alcohol is BYOB; staff quickly took proper care of bottled wines. The only complaint is that due to the quick popularity of this gem, reservations are deservedly scarce. I hope the owners expand or relocate to a larger space. We are not big pizza eaters, but because the food was so good during our visit, we ordered the pizzas to go the following week. Again, indescribably delicious! I cannot recommend LaLupa highly enough; you won't be disappointed in anything on the menu. read more

This is Italian? Food is mediocre and drenched in low grade olive oil. Was excited at first but yet another restaurant/nightclub with no tradition. read more

Very crowded, very loud, very expensive and very, very, very, VERY good! Incredibly excellent food and our new favorite restaurant. Eaten there several times both mid-week and weekends. Consistently terrific!! People and staff are super friendly and explain each dish to perfection. Always fun and wonderful. We always make our next reservation before we leave! Just delicious!!! read more

Went to La Lupa for the first time last night and it certainly did not disappoint. The Tuscan fried chicken as an appetizer was delicious - had a very unique flavor - the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a little spicy. The carbonara was light and airy with amazing flavor. The waygu was top notch and I'm still thinking about it right now! Paired with cacio e pepe potatoes - a must. We brought a bottle of wine and they offered to decant it for us which was a nice treat. We never had to refill our glasses as our waiter, Justin, was so attentive and kept making sure we weren't running low (We only wish we had brought 2 bottles of wine!) perhaps my favorite part was the spacing out between the plates as it really gave us time to enjoy. They were busy but it showed that they didn't want you to feel rushed. Will definitely be going back! read more

What a unique restaurant. Food was great, staff was friendly and professional, and the atmosphere was excellent. Highly recommend.

We enjoyed a couple of sensational dinners at La Lupa with some friends, who recommended this restaurant, that has been opened for around 6 months. It is a very small and noisy restaurant in a strip mall that was jam packed at 5 PM on a Sunday. The owners are very passionate about their food and use only the best ingredients. They frequently come around to every table during dinner to make sure everything is satisfactory. We enjoyed Berkshire pork; steamed halibut; pillowy soft Roman gnocchi; crispy and juicy fried chicken with hot honey; creamy white clam pizza; scallops; maple glazed delicata squash; baby artichokes; chitarra with uni and crab; baked chocolate chip cookie with chocolate gelato; and the most moist olive oil cake. I highly recommend this restaurant! It was well worth the over 1 hour trip. read more

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Great Italian restaurant with amazing food, great service and attentive staff.The atmosphere is like a city vibe .Excellent read more

I'm beyond disappointed as I had heard this restaurant was great. My app was the pulpo which was bland and overcooked. For dinner I ordered the clam pizza that my server raves about....I sent it back because the crust couldn't have been more undercooked. My waiter never even came by to check how the food came out so I had to flag down a bus boy.. when it came back it was still undercooked and very underwhelming. My husband ordered the pork chop which came out literally raw. Again, we had to send it back with the busboy because our waiter was nowhere to be found. It came back again still raw. We go out about 4 times a week to good restaurants and are never served raw pork. The waiter never came back to see if there was anything else he could get for us and I asked for a manager who came over and was about 20 Years old and handles himself as so. This place is loud, caters to people in their 20's who clearly don't know good gourmet food. Wait staff and management is deplorable...how on earth as a manager do you not ask a customer if they can bring them something else for dinner when they can't make it right.. yrt they offered nothing . Don't waste your time and money when there are so many other great places to go. This place caters to diners in their 20's who don't know good food. read more

My partner & I stumbled upon this place randomly on our way back to our side of jersey, we were hungry & googled the closest restaurant from where we were & WOW HOW HAPPY WERE WE to have found this hidden gem. First & foremost SERVICE ? 20/10, chad was an absolute dream, not only with his great attitude, but thorough knowledge of everything the menu had to offer along with an answer to any questions we had. The food was superb from the apps to our desert, it just kept getting better. Super content we decided to eat here & can't wait to come back ! read more

Had a 6:00 reservation on Sunday, at 6:30 we were still waiting for a table. The host and hostess seemed to be doing their best to avoid us, when I asked how much longer, I was told they weren't sure, maybe another 15-20 minutes. We ended up leaving. Super disappointing. read more

Always a great meal and service. Small and can get a bit loud but don't let that deter you.

Been here a couple of times now and it doesnt disappoint. Terrific food excellent service. Yes its a little loud and a little cramped but its worth these ....imo...minor inconveniences. If you havent gone.....listen to the hype....it lives up. read more

Excellent experience from beginning to end. Nice vibe, comfortable seating despite being a smaller restaurant. Not a huge menu, but unique dishes that have unique flavors. Not the same old parm and seafood dishes you can get anywhere. The Jersey corn pasta was cooked perfectly, if you like homemade Al dente pasta, this is the place. Can't wait to go back read more

Loud and cramped NYC style night club with loud music. Service was very good. The two steaks we had appeared to be treated with MSG or equivalent and salty and not the highest quality for the high price. If they ever get a larger place and we bring cotton balls to muffle the loud we might try it again. read more