The feel of dining in a cozy Italian restaurant in Soho is now available in Manalapan. La Lupa is the end of a 2.5 year journey for the business’s three co-owners. After endlessly searching for the perfect location, they finally found space available right in their hometown.
“It was the last place we were thinking it would be,” says co-owner Dan Fishman. Reminiscent of intimate NYC-style eateries, La Lupa seats just 35 guests at a time; which means that reservations are highly recommended. They do accept walk-ins, but patrons are advised to arrive early and expect a bit of a wait.
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Fine Italian Dining in a Casual Setting
Dan describes the food as “a modern take on regional Italian” at La Lupa. Meanwhile, the interior décor gives off a “rustic vibe” with an urban and city feel. For instance, the lighting becomes dark and the music gets louder after 7:00 pm, not unlike New York City restaurants. “It’s a casual setting but the food is fine dining,” Dan adds. Frequent guests will notice the team is constantly adding plants, lighting, and fresh flowers to enhance the space.
The menu at La Lupa changes every three to four weeks and highlights seasonal flavors and ingredients. For example, during peak season for ramps (a species of wild onion) they make a ramps pasta. Likewise, current favorites include the clam pie and Tuscan fried chicken starters. Handmade pastas are also a highlight, as they are made fresh in house. But Dan raves about the 36-ounce, 48-day dry-aged ribeye made on a charcoal grill from Japan. “You’ve never tasted anything like this,” he says.
La Lupa also makes their own desserts on-site. In particular, popular picks are the cookie skillet with vanilla gelato and the banana crème brulé. Click here to see the full menu.
About the Owners
Brothers Michael and Giorgio Ceciarelli have worked in restaurants most of their lives, as their father owns Solotrattoria in Freehold. (Where Dan has also worked). Giorgio, Executive Chef at La Lupa, previously worked at Pasquale Jones restaurant in New York City; in addition to positions at Il Nido in Marlboro. Meanwhile, Head Chef Brandon Carter spent the previous three years as the Head Chef at The Butcher’s Block.
Visit La Lupa at 123 NJ-33 East in Manalapan. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click here to give them a call.
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La Lupa FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
La Lupa offers vegetarian options yes.
They do not offer takeout, no.
No, they they do not offer delivery.
No, they are BYOB.
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
All Photos: © La Lupa
