October 3, 2023
Lupetto: A Culinary Journey Through Italy’s Heartland
Restaurateur Mark Barak has unveiled a culinary gem that promises to enchant your taste buds. Situated in the heart of NoMad, just a stone’s throw away from Madison Square Park, Lupetto is a stylish Italian steakhouse that pays homage to the rustic hearth cooking traditions of Italy.
The moment you step inside Lupetto, you’ll be transported to a timeless space designed by James Beard Award-winner Parts and Labor Design. Warm wood tones, sleek marble, artisanal tiles, and brass accents adorn the landmarked interior, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere that exudes sophistication. The stylish decor sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
But it’s not just the aesthetics that captivate; Lupetto’s menu, curated by Chef and partner Michael Berardino, is a celebration of wood-fired meats, house-made pastas, and Neapolitan-style pizza.
A Symphony of Flavors
Lupetto, which means “little wolf” in Italian, prowls through a menu brimming with tempting choices. Premium cuts like the 40 oz Bone-in Ribeye, Pork Porterhouse prepared ‘Porchetta’ style, and Lamb Saddle Chop beckon carnivores. If seafood is your preference, Wood-Roasted Oysters with strega hollandaise will make your taste buds dance. Meanwhile, pizza enthusiasts will relish the Pizza Alla Norma with eggplant and ricotta salata, and pasta aficionados can delight in the Crespelle with white bolognese or the Spaghetti al Limone with Meyer lemon and bronte pistachio.
Our Culinary Journey
For our culinary expedition at Lupetto, we embarked on a sensory adventure, starting with the drinks. The Lupetto Negroni, Vesper, and Venetian spritz set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Here’s what we ordered:
Antipasti
Burrata with a fig and hazelnut agrodolce: Creamy burrata paired perfectly with the sweetness of figs and the crunch of hazelnuts.
Baked eggplant parmesan: A delightful twist on a classic, the eggplant was baked to perfection, smothered in rich parmesan.
Charred octopus with a pepper relish: Tender and flavorful, the octopus was complemented by a zesty pepper relish.
La Griglia (From the Grill)
New York strip (50-day dry-aged, 14 oz): A carnivore’s dream, this steak was exquisitely aged and cooked to perfection.
Pork porterhouse (porchetta spiced): The porchetta spice added a unique flair to this succulent pork dish.
Sauces
Bone marrow wine reduction: An indulgent sauce that elevated the steaks to new heights.
Salsa verde: A zesty, herbal complement that worked wonders with the pork.
Paste (Pasta)
Spaghetti aglio e olio: Simple yet incredibly satisfying, this dish showcased the essence of Italian comfort food. Crespelle with a white bolognese, porcini, onion: A rich, creamy pasta dish that was pure indulgence.
Contorni (Sides)
Sweet potato with whipped ricotta and fennel pollen: A sweet and savory medley that tantalized the palate. Grilled summer squash with parmesan, aceto, mint, basil: The freshness of the mint and basil combined beautifully with the grilled squash.
Lupetto is a new culinary haven right in the heart of NoMad. The restaurant’s dedication to wood-fired cooking, premium ingredients, and impeccable presentation is evident in every dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to savor the flavors of Italy, Lupetto promises an unforgettable dining experience. So, unleash your inner wolf and embark on a culinary journey at Lupetto, where Italian traditions and innovation harmoniously coexist. And don’t forget to venture downstairs to the chic speakeasy-style bar, where the ambiance and cocktails transport you to a bygone era of glamour and intrigue, adding another layer of enchantment to your Lupetto experience.