T.The feeling of dining in a cozy Italian restaurant in Soho is now available at Manalapan. La Lupa is the end of his two and a half year journey for her three co-owners of the business. After endless searches for the perfect location, they finally found an available space in their hometown.
“It was the last place we had in mind,” says co-owner Dan Fishman. Reminiscent of his cozy New York style restaurant, La His Lupa seats only 35 people at a time. In short, he highly recommends reservations. Walk-ins are welcome, but patrons are encouraged to arrive early and wait a bit.
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Fine Italian dining in a casual setting
Dan describes La Lupa’s cuisine as “a modern take on regional Italian cuisine.” The interior, on the other hand, gives off a ‘rustic vibe’ with an urban, urban vibe. For example, lights are dimmed and music louder after 7pm, unlike restaurants in New York City. “The atmosphere is casual, but the food is fine dining,” adds Dan. Regular guests will notice that the team is constantly adding plants, lighting and fresh flowers to enhance the space.
La Lupa’s menu changes every three to four weeks, highlighting seasonal flavors and ingredients. For example, in the peak of the rumpus (a type of wild onion), make rumpus his pasta. As well, current favorites include the clam pie and Tuscan fried chicken starter. We are also proud of our fresh homemade pasta. But Dan raves about the Japanese charcoal-grilled, 36-ounce, 48-day dry-aged ribeye. “You’ve never tasted anything like this,” he says.
La Lupa also makes its own desserts on site. The vanilla gelato cookie skillet and banana creme brulee are especially popular. Click here to view the full menu.
About owner
Brothers Michael and Giorgio Cecciarelli have worked in restaurants most of their lives as their father owns Solo Trattoria in Freehold. (where Dan also worked). La Lupa Executive His Chef Giorgio previously worked at the Pasquale Jones restaurant in New York City. In addition to Marlborough’s position at Illnido. Head chef Brandon Carter, meanwhile, has been his head chef at The Butcher’s Block for the past three years.
Go to La Lupa at 123 NJ-33 East, Manalapan. (Click here to view on Google Maps.) For more information, click here to visit the website. Follow us on Instagram| Click here to call.
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La Lupa Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we accept reservations.
Yes, there are gluten-free options.
La Lupa offers vegetarian options.
They don’t offer takeout.
No, they don’t offer delivery.
No, it’s BYOB.
No kids menu.
All photos: © La Lupa