Lupi
5518 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Lupi Menu
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Visit below restaurant in La Jolla for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in La Jolla for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
5518 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla, CA, 92037 - Phone (858) 454-6421
- Website https://www.lupivinocucina.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Sheri K.
I was craving italian food and all my friends were raving about this place. So...after some careful yelping we decided to go for it. The venue is cool and there is an outside seating area! Super neat. We ordered several different dishes that were recommended by our awesome server, Romina!! She is from Italy and was so helpful, sweet, and attentive. I wish service could always be this super. Prices are what you'd expect from a place like this in la jolla but worth every penny!!! I will be back for sure and will ask specifically to be seated in Romina's section. Check this place out if you're craving italian. It doesn't get better than this :)
(5)Debasish D.
When you choose to go to a nice restaurant you go for a nice overall experience. Unfortunately, our overall experience was not good here. DOWNs: 1. The food menu is very limited 2. The service is extremely bad. The moment we arrived I had to ask more than once to give me some water to drink. While eating the food also we were not served water. We had to ask for it. And in the end also we had to ask for water. Many of us were taking water from each other !! Is this a fine dine restaurant in La Jolla ? 3. We were given a dessert that no one had ordered which the server eventually took back BUT added it to our final bill. 4. Lastly, the menu says 18% tip is a must which is fine but then why not include it in the bill given. Many of us paid different tips because we missed reading the 18% rule in the menu. And there was a great amount of confusion after we had paid. All of the confusion would have been avoided if our bills had the 18% tip written on it somewhere or simply mentioned to us BEFORE paying !!!!! UPs: 1. The desserts are good which is why I am giving 1 star. There are many other better Italian restaurants out there in San Diego in terms of a bigger food menu and better service. Try to skip this one if you can.
(1)Claire J.
I really really wanted to love Lupi but unfortunately my experience tonight left me very sad and disappointed. Let me preface by saying I had an extremely strong craving for pasta with a mushroom cream sauce tonight. I searched all over town and found what I was looking for on the Lupi menu and I even called ahead to confirm they had gluten free pasta, which they did. When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from everyone. Extremely wonderful polite staff and we even met the owner who is Venetian which for me was fantastic as my family is also Venetian. Even the chef who is Chilean came out (my boyfriend is Chilean) so really we had high hopes for our evening. Unfortunately the evening turned for me when it came time to order. I asked for the torteloni with the mushroom cream sauce but instead of the torteloni I asked to replace it with the gluten free pasta. Apparently this was impossible and could not be accommodated under any circumstances. When I asked what pasta sauce I could have with gluten free pasta I was told marinara..... Is this a joke? Am I five years old? Why in the world would an Italian woman go out to eat something so basic when she can easily cook it better in her own kitchen. The suggestion was borderline offensive. I spent many years of my childhood living in Roma so to be treated like some clueless girl who would actually order marinara at a restaurant really upset me. I ended up ordering the Vitelo Saltimboca which was extremely sub par. The veal just wasn't right and tasted like it was leftovers. To end on a good note my boyfriends squid ink pasta with mussels and clams was apparently amazing. I was jealous lol. I don't think I will be back.
(2)Rachel M.
Love this quaint Italian restaurant in Bird Rock. If you're looking for great ambiance and authentic pasta, look no further! Tortellini, Tortellini, Tortellini! Homemade pasta! This is my favorite dish!
(5)Michelle B.
Yum! Very happy that we finally had the chance to try Lupi, after many times of walking by this cute little place we decided to check it out last week. We were here on a Friday evening. I had read a few of the negative reviews on yelp and was prepared for bad service. Instead we encountered the complete opposite. We were immediately seated and helped by a nice server. We mentioned to our server that we had a living social deal and she nicely replied "great not a problem!". We ordered a bottle of wine and she brought us out some bread and olive oil while we waited. We sat outside which was nice and enjoyed a quiet a perfect romantic evening in Bird Rock. She gave us a number of recommedations based on her favorites. I decided to order the Pappardelle del Colosseo which came braised lamb and goat cheese. It was delicous, the lamb was cooked perfectly and I could tasted the quality of the in house made pappardelle. My bf had the lasagna, he loved it. We definitely plan to come back to Lupi!
(4)Cherée E.
I got takeout from Lupi's and was incredibly impressed. We shared the Insalata Lupi and I had the Bucatini all' Amtriciana, both were extremely delicious! Great textures and flavors. The serving sizes were perfect for leftovers. If in the area again, j would definitely return.
(5)Tiffany H.
I purchased a living social deal for Lupi and was excited to give it a try after seeing the yelp reviews and their menu with a list of home made pasta. My friend and I came here for dinner on a weekday and it was not crowded. We ordered an appetizer (mozzarella with tomato and basil) to share that was really good. My friend ordered the duck ravioli and I ordered fettuccine al pesto. I have to say my dish was better, but I did ask for more cheese and crushed pepper to make the dish more flavorful. I could tell the nice texture of the fresh home made pasta. The service was very nice, and the waitress was very funny and proud of all the dishes as she kept asking us to finish everything off the plates. Overall, it was a great experience. I am very glad that I found this cute spot for authentic italian home made pasta. :).
(4)Sally M.
My husband and I recently dined at Lupi for my birthday and I loved it! I'm surprised we haven't been here sooner, being that it is so close to home and it is dog friendly! We enjoyed dinner on their patio (with our dog) and were there just in time to order a couple of their happy hour appetizers. We ordered meatballs and the meat & cheese plate. At $5 each, I thought the quality and portion size were spot on. There were 2 large meatballs with a lot of sauce; very hearty. The meat and cheese plate was also really good; although they didn't tell us what the meats and cheeses were, I didn't care, it was so tasty! I had the basil martini to drink and that was nice and strong! Just the way I like it. For my entree, I had the gnocchetti di spinaci and my husband had the pappardelle del colosseo. I love gnocchi and this gnocchetti was outstanding. The gorgonzola made it smooth and creamy and I couldn't get enough of it; it was really delicious. My husband really enjoyed his pappardelle and the unique inclusion of goat cheese really makes the dish. I was surprised with some tiramisu for my birthday and even though I don't typically like coffee, I actually liked this tiramisu. The food was wonderful and it wasn't too pricey. Service was also great and it wasn't too busy on a Thursday evening. Note: if you do bring your dog, the patio isn't really enclosed, so people are walking by on the sidewalk (with other dogs) right next to you.
(5)Scott G.
Was a bit disappointed the meal was fine as usual the service was good, but I was the only one having wine at the table so I order a particular wine off the the list by the glass. The waiter brings me the glass of wine and I ask to see the bottle and he brings the bottle which is not the wine I ordered when I point this out he says but it is Nebbiolo and I say it is not the one I ordered he says Nebbiolo is Nebbiolo then says would you know the difference. I said of course I would. I did not want to make a scene in front of my table but he was giving me a much cheaper wine than the one I ordered so I let it pass but was disappointed
(3)Kimberly W.
What a wonderful find in La Jolla! Food was excellent and staff very friendly. Many thanks to our server Dago, put smiles on our faces after our long day of touring San Diego. Chicken Piccata...omg....Carpaccio to die for. Definitely will be back here.
(4)Tom O.
We wanted a nice Italian restaurant but we weren't sure where to go. We drove by this place several times during our visit and decided to give it a try. Well I'm so glad we did. Lasagna was fantastic. Fettuccine with scallops and shrimp delicious. All the food was so fresh and the service was second to none. Definitely a place we will visit again. By the way, our waiter was excellent.
(5)Stephanie W.
I've been visiting Lupi since it opened, yet the ownership has changed and the food is very inconsistent. One night it's very good, the next night not good at all. The last experience I had I was dining alone and sat at the bar. The waitress was great, very kind and convinced me to have the filet with linguine special. I also ordered the burrata which was not what I expected. It had more of a firm, mozarella texture, not the creamy, melt in your mouth texture of good, homemade burrata. It was also topped with a piece of red bell pepper - strange. The linguine was cooked well but the filet was terrible. Very small overcooked strips of poorly seasoned meat. It was similar to what you would expect in a carne asada taco but with no flavor. A real disappointment to a dish that could have easily been delicious. Though my waitress was great, there was a waiter retrieving his drinks at the bar who had so much cologne on, I almost had to hold my breath each time he approached. And, I'm talking old-school Aramis - not what you want to smell while trying to enjoy a nice meal. I'm sorry, as much as I want to frequent this great location and dog-friendly patio, I just can't justify the unpredictability of the food and staff.
(2)Korina S.
We had a Groupon here so came for dinner and we were pleasantly surprised! The food was delicious. I got the ravioli and my boyfriend got the pesto pasta. Both were homemade and tasted really fresh. The service was good and you almost feel like you are at someones house vs a restaurant. They also have an outside area with heaters too. The tomato dipping sauce and bread to start was really yummy too!
(4)Billy E.
Great service and ambiance. We felt like we were in Italy and even had a pleasant Italian server which made it more authentic. The food was flavorful and hearty. We started off with the best bruschetta we had ever tasted. Our main courses followed the same suit. I had the lamp chops and my wife had the lobster ravioli. We were stuffed with plenty of food to spare. Our server kindly packaged our left-overs which made for a nice treat the next day. we ended it off with a delicious hazelnut chocolate cake. Wow.. was that good. during our meal the owner greeted us at our table and made sure everything was up to par. We we're extremely satisfied with the Lupi experience and we'll be back for sure.
(5)Evan K.
Love this place - So why the 3 stars when it is clearly a 4 star. CAUSE THEY TURNED US AWAY AT 9:15 on a SATURDAY NIGHT! They had two other tables inside and were trying to close up early. Just not cool. Done with my Kvetching. Romantic place, the food is great and the prices are right. The service has been great. Got the pesto and the hearty as hell lasagna. Pesto was amazing and they were willing to make it with different meats than listed. Very accommodating and I can't wait to go back. I just don't feel like eating dinner and 5:00.
(3)Tonya M.
Yummy in my tummy. Very cute and quaint restaurant. The food was delicious. We ordered the lasagna, which came with a meatball on top. Cooked to perfection. The sauce was not too oily (which I hate when Italian restaurants sometimes unnecessarily pour on food). Also, we had the tortelloni with mushroom cream sauce--super good. We were all completely satisfied. They have this delish, warm tomato dipping sauce that they bring with bread. They should charge for it, because it's that good. But they don't. The waitress recommended a great Chianti for our table which matched with our meal perfectly. She busted out with Italian pronunciations of the menu, despite our belief that she wasn't Italian (she may or may not have been, but either way -- super impressive).
(5)avalee c.
Our family and friends have been going to Lupi's since it opened. The food has always been excellent and the staff wonderful. We've noticed that when the co-owner is out of town the service isn't as good and the wait staff seem to be off their game. Now that the co-owner has retired the quality of the food has diminished considerably. I really hope the other owner will wise up and make sure the quality of the food doesn't go down.
(2)Hany G.
Hidden gem in Bird Rock. The food is delicious but what makes this place great is the owner. He's often there and is always so warm and welcoming to my entire family. Always makes my kids laugh and smile. Great local spot.
(5)Fred H.
Fantastic place, and we " out-of-towers "loved it. Great maitre-d who served us promptly, made excellent suggestions in a fine outdoor setting. We'll be back!
(5)Richard H.
We ate here Tuesday pm at 5. The waiter was really surly ie no smile no communication. Lasagna was good and we would return if not for the waiter
(1)Andrey N.
This place is awesome, if you want a cozy and intimate place with a home like feel, this is the place to go!! The staff is very attentive and the food, oh, the food is soooo good!!! I needed help leaving my seat, couldn't stop eating. Champino is very good, totally authentic! Must try for sea food lovers!!!
(5)Jack S.
Excellent special, great taste. Chicken breast, mozzarella, prosciutto, mushroom sauce.
(4)Liz S.
Lupi is a decent Italian restaurant. The fresh, warm bread is really good... I might have had a third piece but it was taken away when the entrees arrived (probably a good thing anyway). The tomato basil sauce that came with my gnocchi was really flavorful and delicious, but the gnocchi itself should have been lighter and fluffier. (I should have read some of the previous reviews.) The creme brulee and profiteroles for dessert were tasty. Looking back I think the bread and creme brulee were the best.
(3)Bruce F.
We've lived within a couple miles of Lupi for over two years and drive past it constantly. For one reason or anther, we seem always to end up in La Jolla Shores for Italian, since there are three pretty decent Italian places there on the same block. Really glad that we went the other direction tonight. It is Saturday evening, cold, windy and rainy, so not too many people out and about in La Jolla. Typically, Lupi would be busier, with diners on the front patio, but it was sort of slow this evening--less than half full during the busiest part of the evening. The owners greeted and seated us right away and the service was attentive without being overpowering. Lupi is unpretentious, comfortable, and relaxed. They have a small wine list featuring about a dozen inexpensive whites and reds. We paid $28 apiece for two bottles of zin. The food was likewise a good value--not cheap, but I'd say inexpensive by La Jolla standards. Best of all was how well every dish was prepared from our polenta and bruscetta appetizers to the pastas and seafood. Everyone in our party agreed that we'd be back to Lupi before heading to Avenida de la Playa again.
(5)K B.
My husband and I ate there this evening. Place is very charming, food was delicious, BUT the service was awful. Our waitress did not tell us about 1/2 of the specials. We overheard another waitress tell them to her table. The restaurant is too large, and to busy to have three servers.
(3)Evelyn T.
Just had a wonderful dinner and a fabulous dessert. Not only was the food and service great, there was live entertainment! It was a fun, delicious evening. The dessert was presented so beautifully, I took its picture and posted on Facebook. I'll go back SOON!
(5)Matt W.
Hello, Let me preface this by stating that I spent 10 years in the restaurant industry doing everything from kitchen work thru management. My two children and I ate at Lupi's this evening and while the food was good, the service was dreadful. We were one of two tables when we arrived at 6:30pm. The ambiance was pleasant and we were greeted promptly. However, the problem arose when the waitress spilled wine on my lap. Being in the business, I've done far worse and it wasn't a big deal. However, rather than continue with service as usual, we were abandoned as more tables showed up. The food was decent, but I felt it was over priced. I got a free refill for the wine spilt on my lap, but the $3 for my two year old's drink was rather exuberant. We had to get another server to give us change after waiting for over 10 minutes. The waitress knew our children were ready to leave, even commenting on the fact, yet made the pay period a 30 minute process. The bitter taste from the service offset the food! I will not return.
(2)Andrea C.
I don't really write reviews but after last night, I feel like I must. This restaurant is amazing. The location is great - in the heart of Bird Rock and the food was delicious. We tried the OssoBucco and the Filet and both were amazing, although the OssoBucco was definitely the favorite. But what really made the evening was the wonderful staff. They went out of their way to ensure that we had an enjoyable evening. During the warmer months the patio is dog friendly - they have a Yappy hour, but right now since it is a little colder they don't generally seat outside. My boyfriend called ahead and explained that we had a puppy that we didn't want to leave alone and they offered to set us up on the patio and boy did they deliver. Not only did they bring out a table for us, but they also had a heat lamp set up. The staff checked on us many times, helped us pick out a bottle of wine and were extremely friendly. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I've had such great service - on Valentine's Day too! I will definitely be back. The wine bar inside looked inviting and I can't wait to come and experience Yappy Hour!
(5)Sam P.
Mezo Mezo. Rav's with rock shrimp and lentil were good and provided a nice serving. Calamari and cannelini app was ok. My wife had the gnocci and substited sauce for plain red sauce which was exactly that... Plain... Priced appropriately and actually decent for La Jolla. We went at 5:00 on a Saturday and were the only ones there the whole time which seemed suspicious but we drove by two hours later and it was packed. Service was pleasant and just attentive enough.
(3)Kelly J.
The food was okay and the dessert was awesome. Not sure if I'll go back or not...
(4)Diego F.
Lupi has been our Favorite Restaurant for many years.Luigi's Italian Cusine is one of the Best from Southern California. Raffo and Luiggi run this Italian Ristorante and Bar in a smooth and professional manner.We really like Ale as our waitress.You must try the Caprese Salad with their home made bread.The Osso Buco is phenomenal.For the pasta lovers Luigi offers Home Made Mezzeluni Verde with a Porcini mushroom sauce.It is the Best Pasta I ever had!!!. Parking on the street is always easy.
(5)Kinga H.
Quaint little restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Love the sidewalk patio as well. The owner is very attentive and wants to ensure everyone has a great time while dining. The bread served tastes fresh and well who doesn't love free carbs?! The entrees are beautifully presented and delicious with the perfect blend of seasoning and ingredients. Well priced as well. Something for everyone from meat eaters, to seafood lovers, even those who love strictly veggies. ...still need to check out this awesome Yappy Hour with my little four legged friends
(4)Cassie G.
Just recently tried this restaurant and pleasantly surprised. They also have a full bar which is a plus in my book. Great food and great service!
(5)J F.
I wish I could love this neighborhood restaurant,the atmosphere is nice and the waiters very friendly. But...four of us dined there and three of us found the food really awful. Lupi-get a new chef and get some quality control!!! The salmon was inedible, the pasta with seafood featured a smidgen of fish and some over the hill, tough shellfish, the kind that makes you worry that you'll wake up a stomach ache. The chicken was barely there (come on-cheap with chicken?) and not good at all. Why doesn't the owner, who is Italian, take any pride in his product? Practically empty on a Saturday night, hmmm, I wonder why?
(2)Richard C.
Eat here often as I live in the neighborhood. Authentic italian fare with nice dishes and good service. Osso bucco was superb and recently enjoyed a nice seabass in dijon sauce. Fun to sit outside on the patio in the evenings and watch the world pass by.
(4)Lauren D.
We went here early in the week for my birthday dinner with the folks and basically had the place to ourselves. The service was good, but i could understand how it could be less than stellar on a busy night. Erregardless, we had good wine and great food, and lovely atmosphere. A little on the pricey side, but there were good portions and the bread was very tasty. All in all, a great place off the beaten path.
(4)Andra G.
Fantastic! They *really* know their wine here. The food is excellent. Service is friendly and very personal. Probably the best place in Bird Rock (which has many good restaurants).
(5)Jemma D.
I have only eaten at this restaurant once, and that's definitely going to stay that way. A friend suggested that we go here for a group dinner, and, looking at the positive reviews, I felt encouraged. Sadly, I do not share the same zest that my fellow reviewers proudly advertise. Walking into the restaurant, it seemed quaint and promising. Unfortunately, that first impression would be the highlight of my night. Everything I had was mediocre at best. The bread that everyone else seems to rave about tasted like regular rolls served with cold butter. My dish (risotto con lenticchie) sounded great in theory but the flavor and texture of the bacon was completely masked by the grit of the lentils. If I hadn't actually seen the tiny ripped pieces of bacon on my plate, I would have thought that they assumed I was a vegetarian and discarded that ingredient. The service was OK. Granted, service varies greatly between waiters so I'm hoping my dull service was an inconsistency on their part. While she did take our orders and bring out the food promptly, it was very much a hit-and-run situations where she went through the motions of being a waiter without creating a welcoming experience. I will note, however, that there was another waiter working that night who seemed very attentive to his guests. The prices are not bad. Decent for what is to be considered as a "nice" restaurant in Bird Rock, though unfortunately I would have preferred to use my money to buy some groceries and cook my own Italian meal at home.
(2)wiz z.
You had me at "Yappy Hour"! We have dined here for over a decade, the owner is a stunningly handsome and charming Italian. It seems that he was/should have been in a commercial with Corinthian Leather somewhere. Their best dish is the one that is most difficult to come by: Rabbit. Seriously. Great. Inside is a very friendly upscale neighborhood bar: the Birdrock version of Cheers. Dog Friendly on the exterior patio.
(5)Paul B.
Great Italian food. Try the calamari.
(5)Michelle H.
Oh, Lupi! I really really wish I could have given you 5 stars tonight. Located minutes from the Pacific Ocean, you can easily take a lovely stroll and enjoy the ocean view before or after a delicious meal at Lupi. My boyfriend and I have been coming to this restaurant occasionally for a couple of years now. Based on our previous experiences, I would have given Lupi a 5 without question. The servers are normally very friendly and the food is quite excellent. They normally offer a mix of thin and crispy breadsticks as well as freshly baked bread (absolutely delicious)! Homemade pasta is the key to my heart; hence why we have come back to Lupi several times now. In the past, we have ordered the cannelloni (stuffed with veal, i believe), linguine fini alla luciana (linguine with calamari), ravioli stuffed with duck, and others. They have edited the menu so we were disappointed to see the cannelloni gone. While most of Lupi's dishes are excellent, I found their weakness tonight....the gnocchetti (smaller gnocchi). Overall, my gnocchetti simply wasn't prepared properly. They are supposed to be soft pillow-like potato dumplings. My gnocchi, however, was too mushy and easily stuck together or broke apart. We also had an early dinner (5pm) and arrived as soon as they opened. I would suggest NOT coming so early. The staff was not ready or as attentive as normal, even though we were the only customers in the restaurant. Nonetheless, I highly recommend Lupi. With homemade pasta and great prices for La Jolla, you can't go wrong (usually).
(4)Big P.
Some of the best Italian food in town as far as I'm concerned. Yes there are a couple places downtown/little italy that can compare but who wants to deal with all the hassle of downtown when you'd got an awesome neighborhood joint like Lupi serving the same world class fare. Gnocchi, ravioli, rabbit, pasta romana, carpaccio are all winners. They boast a full bar to boot and the patio on a nice night can't be beat.
(5)Evette V.
Pasta lovers rejoice!! Housemade noodles and creative sauces are being served here. Big, beautiful ravioli are filled with ricotta, arugula and spinach, then smothered in a heavenly sauce of lentils, white wine and olive oil. A few sauteed rock shrimp add to the dish's pleasing texture. Panzotti, cousins of the raviolo, are stuffed with mashed potatoes and roasted garlic and sauced with a savory tomato ragu speckled with homemade sausage. Also included in the menu are imported linguine with fresh clams, and risotto with wild mushrooms or prawns. Prices are gentle. Salads start at $5; pasta dishes are about $13; entrees range from $13 to $20 for filet mignon. The short wine list offers some interesting bottles and decent value. Service is efficient but, on one occasion, rather abrupt. Favorite Dish: Panko-breaded chicken breast, topped with tomato, mozzarella and arugula, is a winner.
(5)Julio G.
I think this place is decent, not amazing.
(3)Sarah C.
I hate giving two star ratings, especially for this place because I tried so hard to like it. First strike was the fact that all the servers completely ignored us when we walked in the door. No "Hey, I'll be there in a second." Zilch. Instead, we stood by the door for about five minutes before someone acknowledged our existence and showed us to a table without any apologies. That's okay. They might've been very busy. Completely understandable. We loved the bread that they brought out which was warm and crusty. We thought that we had made a snap judgment. However, after placing our order, no one ever checked back in with us or filled our water glasses. They dropped off our food with a quickness and I almost had to run after our server to get a water refill. My braised turkey leg ragu pasta tasted like a salt mine with undercooked pasta. To be honest, I couldn't see or taste a hint of turkey in my dish; only overly salty tomato sauce. My bf's dish was decent, but nothing to write home about since it was mushrooms with pancetta smothered in olive oil. Up until this point, I would have still rated Lupi's three stars if a family of Italians didn't walk in and get waited on by three servers as if they were royalty. It took us almost 20 minutes to get our check while we watched our server twitter around inside, putting tablecloths on tables in a near empty restaurant. I left hungry and wishing that I stopped by Jack-In-The-Box instead.
(2)Lauren W.
Lupi's is one of our absolute favorite restaurants. We go there for everything from a low-key evening for pizza at the bar to a night to celebrate a big work achievement or just a great dinner out. The personal service, setting & authentic Italian food make it set apart from other Italian food destinations. My personal favorite dish: PAPPARDELLE BOLOGNESE (pasta ribbons with a ground beef sauce).
(5)Ashley S.
Sorry Lupi, I've been dreading this review update. We walked in and were ignored for a few minutes, as it seems to be for those who are not "valuable customers" and well known by the owner. Eventually the owner came and seated us. We were at the tiniest table known to mankind, it was horribly claustrophobic, literally a few inches from the table next to us (with 4 bouncy & loud children) and right next to the "waiter trail," where they all walked by to get to the rest of the tables. I was elbowed by waiters, they knocked my purse down repeatedly and when we finally got our wine... MY BF accidentally knocked it onto the lady next to us... he literally tapped it with his fork because we had NO SPACE it went tumbling onto her bag. I've never experienced such an embarrassing restaurant moment... that table should not have been where it was. Oh and DID I MENTION THAT THE WHOLE OTHER SIDE OF THE RESTAURANT WAS EMPTY??? We asked our waitress if we could be seated at a real table on the other side because of the wine problem and she agreed. She never apologized or made any mention of the ridiculous situation we were in. The owner went around to LITERALLY every single other table and greeted them, had a loud chat about how they were, made them feel welcome and happy... we were apparently not very important. We've been coming here for years, but only for take out. After this experience I refuse to come here, even for take out. I am appalled at the terrible customer service we experienced. The food is lovely, but I will not support a place that treats its customers badly. They favor their repeat customers and show anyone under 30 complete indifference. Oh and the bread was not fresh, there were no regular bread sticks just thick hard rolls. We had a pretty lack luster calamari appetizer too. After we were moved to the empty side of the restaurant it became clear why they were keeping it empty. We could hear the kitchen staff YELLING at each other in very angry tones. The owner would come over and start yelling at them in Italian then he would yell at the wait staff. He did not seem like a very nice person, but maybe that's culturally appropriate where he is from. He turned the charm on for his favorite customers (who couldn't hear him yelling at his staff) but seemed pretty rude to everyone else. It took approximately 55 minutes to get our entrees, by then we were just ready to leave. I kind of wish I hadn't come in that day, it ruined one of my favorite places for me... I miss Lupi!
(1)Steph H.
To me, everything about this place was average. I didn't hate it, didn't love it but definitely don't feel the need to come back and probably wouldn't come back. When we went the bread didn't taste fresh at all, and although the service wasn't "bad" I also wasn't overly impressed either. Overall though the atmosphere is nice in the restaurant and area.
(3)Kate D.
Lupi is DELICIOUS! It is truly authentic Italian food, I have yet to be disappointed with anything that I've tired off of the menu.
(4)jason h.
I love this place! My favorite neighborhood restaurant. Fantastic quality food prepared very well and a friendly staff. Sit at the bar for a more casual, yet no less enjoyable experience.
(5)Alberto C.
My friend who lives in San Diego took us to Lupi one night for dinner. Lupi is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the Bird Rock (a mostly residential area) neighborhood of La Jolla. Probably one of the better Italian restaurants that I've ever been to. It's authentic and their dishes are tasty and delicious. I ordered a pasta dish, which came with meatballs. The meatballs were prepared very nicely - just the perfect mix of spices and ingredients. My friend had a dish with mushroom sauce (I forget which one), and he said it was "to die for." The bread was also delicious. The staff was attentive, without overdoing it. It was a very casual dinner. It was not like one of those busy Italian places where there are people running all over the place, and the atmosphere busy. Definitely not like that at all. When in La Jolla again, I'd definitely stop in again for dinner.
(4)Tyrell M.
Kim and I needed a happy hour spot to waist 45 minutes. We are new to the Bird Rock area and are extremely excited about checking out our local eateries and watering holes. So, like good explorers we drove back and fourth through the roundabouts till we found Lupi. We chose Lupi for our wait because it was ascetically charming. From the curb, the little cucina looks as though it could be dropped in Italy and fit right in, with outdoor seating and Euro-style tables and umbrellas it really captures the feeling of an Italian street side eatery. On the inside, it's quaint Tuscan appeal is nice, but not overdone, we noted the really cool musical paintings on the wall that remind you that your still in the good Ol' USA. We arrived a little before opening time to find a couple staff preparing for the night ahead. They politely informed us that they would not open for about 45 minutes but wondered if they could help us. I explained we were just looking for a quick drink and they were happy to oblige us. We sat at the bar and had a glass of their house chardonnay, just what we were looking for. We did not have the chance to try any of their food as they kitchen was yet to open; however, their staff was extremely friendly and provided good company as we enjoyed their wine. The bartender boasted about their table bread and asked if we would like some, we declined as we had reservations elsewhere fast approaching. In conversation we learned perhaps the most interesting and appealing aspect of the little restaurant, the bartender explained that their sauces and most of their pastas are house made and that they age their meat in house as well. I have given this restaurant a 5-star rating only because the wine was good, staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was inviting. When we try their cuisine I will re-rate; though I am confident the stars will stick!
(5)Sue S.
The Birdrock area is finally turning into a place to go! Lupi and Beaumont's are both terrific, although the music at Beaumont's is not always a treat. Lupi has the best ever bread, the best ever stuffed 'shrooms and scampi. Their music is perfect, live but in the background, not overpowering your conversations. The staff was perfectly attentive yet not hovering and interrupting you in mid-bite or mid-sentence.
(4)Gabriel R.
Best spaghetti and meatballs i have ever had!
(5)Monique R.
Vino - Cucina - Bar (full bar by the way) An Italian restaurant located in Bird Rock which is absolutely amazing! Vivid reminders of Rome as you walk into this lovely establishment to greetings by the friendly owner. Upon arrival, sensational scents of garlic and the like fill your nose and salivation ensues. The menu has a variety of delicious options: meats, various sea creatures and most importantly includes vegetarian dishes. BONUS: they happily accommodate special orders, which makes me a very happy girl! Lupi's delectable sauces can give my Italian mother a run for her money...sorry mom. The homemade pastas are perfect. My favorite: gnocchetti prepared with a pomodoro sauce. Prices are very reasonable for food and drink with plentiful portions...including wine by the glass, gotta love that! FYI: Outside seating available on fair-weather days/nights. Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
(5)Rene A.
I like the owner- Raffo- a true Italian gentleman. I like the server- Alessandra- an attentive, great waitress and I really really like the authentic, homemade food. Pretty much everything is good here. You can sit inside or out- it's very casual. They know how to take care of you at this wonderful local spot.
(5)Susanne D.
My friends surprised me this week with an amazing party at Lupi they set up a beautiful long table on one side of the restaurant and the chef /owner created a menu that was incredibly delicious but also completely Gluten Free... it was so good all my non gluten free guests raved about it too. I had such a great time and it was my 1st time there but I will be returning for lots and lots more wonderful food.
(5)Brian J.
Great little place we found while on vacation. Food was amazing and service was second to none. Thanks to yelp for locating this place. We highly recommend it for anyone wanting extremely good italian food.
(5)Christine T.
I'm not a big fan of Italian nor 5-stars, so this is a pretty big deal. Came here for a friend's birthday dinner on a Friday night, and the service was outstanding. Our server was this little lady who seemed like our mom throughout the night, constantly filling up our waters/drinks and asking if we needed anything else. Live music and the restaurant was 3/4 full, not too crowded and not too empty. I ordered the capellini, which was angel hair pasta with tomatoes and basil, the pasta was so fresh and the food was super tasty for being that simple. I also tried their pizza (it's ginormous), ravioli, and their gnocchi (sp?). All their pasta is homemade and they have crazy-good warm bread with breadsticks too. For my friend's birthday, they even asked her what kind of dessert she wanted. Flourless chocolate cake here is to die for. The location is quite ideal for a small restaurant in Bird Rock with both indoor and outdoor seating. You'll never have to fight for parking and you won't need to complain about the service. Come here and you'll get loopy for Lupi's. Haha, I had to say it.
(5)M P.
Absolutely delicious. The tomato sauce is the best I've ever tasted. It covered our eggplant appetizer and my husband's ravioli. I had the gnocchi with 4 cheeses which was the most decadent, rich, delicious dish! I couldn't finish it, because I was worried about what all that cheese might do to my digestive system, but boy, did I want to. Everything is fresh, the service is great, and it's a nice place without being pretentious.
(5)F S.
The last time I ate at Lupi's was the first time I ever ate at Lupi's, and the time I ate at Lupi's before that was some ten years previous, when it wasn't Lupi's but Falcone's. Oh, if only Falcone's hadn't closed. We went to Lupi's because that damn La Jolla Boulevard has the median in the middle and we were too tired and lazy to drive to the circle and go back to La Basil Thai which is where we really wanted to go. But we figured, heck, we've driven by Lupi's all this time, wondering how close (or far) they rated to our beloved Falcone's. And we thought, given how absurdly expensive La Basil Thai is, maybe we ought to save some dough and try Lupi's instead. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, Lupi's is not Falcone's. With Falcone's, you could go in, and you knew the cook, you knew the manager, and the waitress had been there since restaurants were invented, and the same Luciano Pavarotti opera CD would play every single time we dined there. I would order the same bottle of wine, I'd get spaghetti and meatballs, admire the cheap paper placemats that had a map of Italy printed on them; everything was simple, fresh, tasty, and Luciano's singing in the background added the right ambiance to make the experience a delight. A real local's place for Birdrockers. Lupi's is not Falcone's. I guess I said that already. It's not Falcone's for the following reasons: 1) The bread was lackluster. 2) The vegetables tasted like they'd been cooking all day. 3) The FILETTO CON PEPE VERDE was so drenched in fat that the Surgeon General ought to slap a warning on it. 4) The PAPPARDELLE BOLOGNESE was tasty but lukewarm. 5) The restaurant ambiance was insane. The entire dinner they played urban contemporary music -- LOUD. I mean, come on! It's supposed to be an Italian restaurant, but it felt like it was trying to be nightclub downtown or something. Utterly spoiled the mood of the place. Luciano must be spinning in his grave. 6) Seventy four dollars! Pre-tip! Holy crap. And we thought La Basil Thai was expensive. Never again. Too expensive by a mile, and the foreground music (it's too loud to be called background music) is ridiculously poorly chosen. Still on the lookout for a decent, family-run locals place that serves Italian food the Falcone's way.
(2)Ashley E.
Now this is what I am talking about....INCREDIBLE SERVICE, INCREDIBLE FOOD...INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE. Went with two girls...where on a Friday night was def. packed. The owner sits you down where him, his cousin...basically family all work there. They offered helpful suggestions and advice. BROCHETTE - AMAZING...seriously...the best I think I have ever had. Fresh, tasty...party in the mouth. We each got completely different dishes...I got the pesto with chicken. Very heavy so great left overs...the others basic rav. with marinara and a shrimp / seafood special. That is the nice thing...THEY HAVE OPTIONS. Overall it was an amazing and enjoyable 3 hour dinner with two best friends that I will never forget. I would recommend bringing your own wine though...we were expecting a better wine list.
(5)Jen L.
My husband and I love this place! We live locally in Bird Rock and it is the best restaurant in the area. The food is always outstanding and the service is top notch. It is a great place to take friends when they come to visit. If you go when its warm, they have a lovely patio out front to dine on. The prices are pretty comparable to other places, but they do occasionally have a fixed menu to chose from which is great. I would recommend checking it out if you're looking for a great place, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Garage L.
My family I were enjoying an afternoon in Bird Rock and decided to try Lupi's based on a friends recommendation. There were two tables aside from us but it took a loooong time before anyone asked us about or dinner order. When we did order our food took a while to prepare. Our appetizers were solid. (calamari, tuna carpacio) Our entrees however were average at best. The ravioli cream sauce was extremely heavy and oily. It was not subtle at all, and was definitely did not merit the 16 dollar price tag. The spinach tortellini was satisfactory, the home made pasta was fresh but a bit over cooked. The flavoring was one step above Campbell's mushroom soup. Our food though overpriced would have been forgivable had we not experienced terrible service. I ordered a glass of chardonnay shortly after our order, but did not receive my drink till about halfway through our meal. Our water was never refilled, nor did anyone come by to check in with us throughout our meal. Our check took forever to arrive after walking up and asking for it, and it took even longer for them to run my credit card. We are not the type of people that complain or make a big fuss, but a nice afternoon family meal that was supposed to be went south quickly from their lack of service. Usually we give a place a second chance, but do to the higher than average price tag, and second rate service, we will not bother. A restaurant that should have been charming, family oriented, with great food, missed the mark tonight.
(2)Nate O.
Excellent value. Casual and warm. Staff were kind and attentive, very good wine list. I will certainly be back!
(5)Luke W.
Very good food. Calamari app was delicious and devoured by our 9 & 12 yr olds. Save the sauce to dip your bread in. I had the sea bass special which was so tasty. Wines were very reasonable.
(4)Loxie G.
Best Romantic Italian by the coast. Just north of Pacific Beach, in the Bird Rock area. Great entree dishes. Very authentic romantic atmosphere.
(4)Kristi C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants to go to in Bird Rock/La Jolla. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. You started off with fresh, homemade breadsticks and bread that is amazing! The wine selection is stellar and I have always been pleased with every glass of wine I have tried. If you are unsure as to which wine to order, always ask the owner. He has excellent taste. The food here is stellar as well. I am on a strict vegan diet for now and they were very accommodating in making me a special dish that was full of flavor. I have been here before I was on a vegan diet and the fish dish or specials were always my favorite. They also have this eggplant appetizer dish that is simply amazing. The prices are fare and overall this is a must restaurant to try.
(5)athena b.
Went for dinner, a friend from work was moving, thought it would be a nice, quite place. We made a reservation for 13, but only 8 of us showed. It took awhile for our server to come to the table. Asked if we could have seprate checks (only 4 seperate checks) she pitched a fit and demanded that she wouldn't be doing 13 tickets. We all looked around at each other, and finally someone in the party said how would that be possible since we don't have 13 ppl, she just rolled her eyes and continued with the attitude. Food was a little slow coming from the kitchen, but was great. I later found out the owner was out of town, so I guess while the cats away the mice will play!
(3)Bryan G.
great service...wonderful atmosphere for a date. The wine selections were plentiful and the substitution they made on our cab was delicious. I had the linguini with filet and my date had it with shrimp. N skimping on portions and the homemade pasta was fantastic. I will def be back!
(5)Emily G.
I went to Lupi's on a Sunday afternoon when there wasn't a lot of people. The service was great, with the owner greeting us and making jokes while the waiters were very attentive if we needed water, change of cutlery or anything else. I ordered the "SALSSICIA E PEPERONATA" (sausage and peppers) as an appetizer, MANICOTTI ALLA ROMANA (spnich pasta filled with ricotta) and spagheti and meatballs. All 3 dishes were absolutely delicious. The spaghetti and meatball came with a fresh tomato sauce so you could really taste the tomatoes instead of the overly-sweet tomato sauces that you get elsehwere. This restaurant focuses on simple yet perfectly executed dishes. The pasta was al dente and all the flavors indicated that everything was made from scratch only 20mins before it got to your table. Its great when you can really taste every single ingredient on your plate. They definitely know how to keep a great restaurant around by ensuring great customer service, the freshest ingredients and perfectly made simple creations. I highly recommend it if you are craving some real italian cooking.
(4)Amy P.
My all time favorite Italian restaurant. I go there at least once a month to get my Italian fix. Who we are assuming is the owner is always out mingling. Last time we went we brought our son and they were GREAT with him. Everything about this place makes it a 5 star restaurant. If you go get the flour less chocolate cake. Its to die for!
(5)Cameron B.
Cute restaurant in Bird Rock. Allows dogs on the patio for Yappy Hour and the owner is really nice and inviting. The food is pretty damn good and will definetly be back.
(4)Heather W.
The food was good, and the servers were very attentive. Rich food, plentiful portions and a decent wine list. I'd rather stick closer to home and eat in Little Italy, but this is a good option for those in the PB/La Jolla areas.
(4)trevor s.
good. risotto was a bit wet. great ambiance though. we'll be back.
(3)Cristie R.
I drive by Lupi often and finally decided to try the food. It was absolutely AMAZING! But, I agree with the other reviews in the fact that the owner was very welcoming, friendly and concerned with every customer except us. In fact he never even stopped at our table to see how we liked the food. I seemed that we did not fit into the "Bird Rock Uppity" profile that he assimilated with therefore would not give us the time of day. On a better note, our younger waitress was very kind and let us taste a variety of wines before choosing the bottle we wanted for the table. I would go back for the food, but if I continue to get "vibed" while trying to enjoy a nice meal, I may not return.
(4)Kristen B.
A favorite spot for a great dinner. My boyfriend always tries their specials. My BF's mother is loyal to the sea food pasta fruitti de mar type dish. My BF's dad swears the bolgonese is the best he's ever had. I, however, recently found the Costoletta pork chop and I am in love. Delicious sauce and perfectly steamed veggies. Food prep takes a while, so I suggest you go here when your looking to have a long leisurely dinner.
(5)Hannah B.
This is a great place to eat, friendly staff and delicious food add to the overwhelmingly genuine atmosphere. Consistently good!
(5)Joel K.
Lupi gets my vote for one of the better (if not the best) Italian restaurants in San Diego. My criteria is simple: you must make and serve homemade pastas and offer a good bottle of wine for less than $20. Well, Lupi delivers with an entire section of homemade pastas (including noodles and ravioli-type stuff). As for the wine, I have enjoyed both Sangiovese and Barberas for reasonable prices (only one of those for $20 but I can't recall which one). Adding to the charm are the fact that the restaurant is a neighborhood-type joint, the owner is actually Italian and he is there (all times except once). The homemade bread is also very good and always served warm.
(4)robyn s.
This is my favorite spot for a Friday night. The atmosphere is inviting, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious. I almost always order the house made pastas, they are fabulous! Perfect proportions and well balanced ingredients. If you want a special splurge, go for the spinach torteloni, for lighter fare the raviolis and for the traditionalist, you'll love the bolognese! Make it your Friday night place too!
(4)Sandra H.
Lupi is excellent and reminded us very much of a small family restaurant we ate at in Florence. The place is cozy and unpretentious, and the food is beautifully prepared. The homemade pasta is especially good. Highly recommended!
(5)Breffni B.
I honestly wish I didn't have to only give 2 stars. The food was amazing starting with a hot and delicious tomato sauce for dipping the fresh warm bread which were both better than many of the long standing wonderful Italian restaurants we love like Arrivederci's or Il Postino's. Their homemade pasta is divine. The burrata was really nice and the side we ordered was done well also. No, this boils down to the waiter. Unfortunately. They must have found this guy at the swap meet or maybe down in Mexico resort towns where the vendors hound tourists like the papparazi. The first fifteen minutes of this nearly empty restaurant experience was with the waiter doing a song and dance routine in an effort to win our affection. It was overbearing, laughing loudly at his own jokes, etc. etc. He wouldn't let us get a word in and we did have questions. Up front, which is the appropriate way to do it, I revealed a $15 for $30 coupon from Living Social. We love these as it allows us to eat at nice restaurants with a little discount and we always tip on the original price before coupon. Well at first he was indulgent and again went out of his way to tell is to put it away until the check came and that he would surely take care of us. When he came back to take our order he became very surly and overpowering. I'm a foodie and I'm not overreacting as I have had thousands of dining experiences local and abroad so I'm familiar with restaurant protocols. Not letting us speak, he went through the lengthy specials list even though we mentioned that we knew what we wanted right away. My wife is a nurse and we sometimes grab a light meal before she heads to work. Sometimes this involves ordering a salad and an entree and splitting, even if there's a split fee. Well our short, receding hairline, Mexican waiter (not being discriminatory, I'm Hispanic, just for identification purposes in case you go here for the amazing food) was not having our decisions for dinner. We wanted to split the burrata special, a side of spinach, and their signature pasta dish. He began to argue with me that they wouldn't make any money other than if we ordered at least two entrees and an appetizer. At first I appeased and asked for a few more minutes. But my wife was kinda set on her decisions and asked if I would ask about the fact that this "two entree" criteria was not on the coupon and that our order would come out to be as much money as if we ordered two entrees. Again, he became very forceful in his argument and even raised his voice. Sure sounded like he was making rules up all by himself. For the first time in my entire life, I felt compelled (in retrospect) to raise my voice as well. Eventually he relinquished and said that he wishes he could change the fact that the two entree minimum was on the coupon but that he can't change that. What!? After our food was served, lets just say we didn't see him around much for the rest of our visit. That whole experience made us both fairly upset and definitely diminished the entire visit even though the food was so fantastic. Nearby tables gave us some sympathetic looks of surprise and dismay. Does the owner know there's a guy in his or her restaurant behaving this way? Oh well, nice place just watch out for Cheech from "Cheech and Chong's" look alike guy.
(2)Angela P.
Was delighted to go here with a big group of people a few times and try many of their items. The pazzoti was very tasty and all of their hand crafted pasta was just amazing. While we had a big group of people their service was a little off, having to wait a very long time for refills or small items. Overall it is a very pleasant and delicious restaurant to visit.
(4)Mimi I.
We've been buying Groupons and Living Social left and right lately and our bellies are starting to show! We actually been to Lupi a couple of time. The first time the restaurant wasn't that busy. We got a table right away. The prices are decent for an Italian restaurant. After ordering the waitress brought out the warm bread and this tomato-basil and olive oil sauce to dip them in. Soo good! There was even this bread sticks that were a bit spicy but good. I ordered pasta with pesto dish. It was just ok. The pasta was a little overcooked and soft. I think I like the pesto pasta dish I make a home from scratch better. My bf had something else and he liked his dish. The waitress actually did a good job taking care of us since she was the only wait staff there and more patrons were coming in. We came a second time since we had another Groupon. This time the restaurant was busier. The waitress was friendly as before. She brought out the bread again. We really like the sauce that comes with it. I ordered the duck ravioli and bf had some clam dish. This time both dishes were good. We do like this place since the prices are reasonable. Food mostly good. Restaurant wasn't loud that we can eat in a pleasant environment without needing to shout to hear each other.
(4)Bruce H.
Our family has been coming to Lupi's for years. This is without question the best Italian Restaurant in San Diego. We love the staff and the food is always superb. There are so many items on the menu that have become favorites that it is very hard to decide on what to order. Lupi's has become the benchmark for us with respect to Italian food. Simply put, Lupi's is the best in all respects. Give it a try!
(5)