La lupa

126 Main St, Matawan
(732) 414-6995

Recent Reviews

MarshG

La Lupa consistently provides an excellent culinary experience. We love their take on nouveau Italian cuisine and the use of outstanding local or Italian imported products is first rate. It is a small restaurant and difficult to get a reservation so be persistent it is worth it. Also be prepared for a vibrant pulse --they enjoy their techno beat which will sometime overwhelm your ability to converse.

ZUKE

Arrived on time but our other guests were slightly late. Besides being offered water selection tried to order a quick bite of charcuterie. Denied. Can't order unless the entire party was there and will only take the entire order. a charge for bread Chef ! By the time the waiter arrived with the additions to the menu almost 40 minutes in. When he returned to take the order we asked for the Daily fresh Fish and was advised that the frozen scallops was substituted since their Fish Monger did not come that day. Go buy Fish. This brought down the very limited entrees from 4 to 3. 2 which were and over priced Tomahawk chop which costs less in the finest steak houses in NY and a Flank steak super over priced. It was explained that the meat would be cooked on a gimmicky Japanese special grill. Absolutely no difference than any other steak cooked anywhere. Finally the ordered is placed an hour in. As the apps came. All of which were very tasty. Pulpo great ! but not even an entire octopus leg. Small. Then a gnocchi which was severed as a Block of dough and no potato. Call it something else to what it resembles but that wasn't gnocchi. As the pizza was severed as out 2nd course it was explained that our pasta course would also be coming at the same time since there was a table time limit. The pizza a 12" had a 2" crust leaving only a small amount of ingredients to taste. Very tasty but small Then the pasted arrived on top of the pizza which the Chef would not split Ridiculous happens at any Italian place I've ever been to. Besides the limited list of entrees Chef also refused to split the double flank steak that was already sliced Like how difficult would it have been to slide half the meat onto another plate. NO you do it. Chef was interested in His convince not servicing his guest And hearing from the waiter I'm sorry since even he knew that was unacceptable. Food was great. Potions small and overpriced. Would never go back

Inputdrop

The food and service was great. Cool vibe inside, relatively dark but had nice Italian decor and interesting chandeliers. Tables were really close together, but the place is quite small. Ambient noise was fairly loud but could still speak to other members in my party. Appetizers were interesting concepts with great flavors you don't get at a lot of places. Portions were generous but not too much. The steak was cooked wonderfully and had a nice crust. The brussel sprouts were very tasty as well. Overall good experience and no complaints about anything other than the price. It's very unusual I go to a restaurant, love the service, love the food and feel like it wasn't worth the money. I'd go back for a special occasion, but I definitely feel there is better value found elsewhere.

NorbieW

The restaurant is very small,probably seats 40 max. That being said prepare to be sitting close to the other tables. It was very loud,they could have lowered the volume a bit so you can talk. The service was GREAT,the food was GREAT as well. We had a Pasta (HOMEMADE AND FRESH) with Scallops,was very good. We also had Skirt Steak was very good as well. I don't think it was worth $90 dollars,but was willing to try it. All in all we will go back again and try other things.

Foodlover

Although the food was delicious I probably would not go back just because my reservation was 8:30 and they didn't seat us until 9 o'clock. They need to do a better job at sticking to their reservation times. I obviously don't mind waiting a few but a half hour is ridiculous. I was ready to walk out but my husband convinced me otherwise since it was my birthday dinner.

I waited a good while to finally get a reservation that fit my schedule and it was so worth the wait . Everything from the appetizers to the desserts were outstanding. Our server was so attentive , friendly and helpful with explaining anything we had questions about and menu suggestions . We are already planning our next visit . I highly recommend making a reservation and definitely order the skirt steak .

CarolynF

My dining experience with my mother last evening was a huge disappointment. I had been waiting to try this restaurant for sometime. Although they had more than necessary restrictions to reservations, I still proceeded to take my mom for what I thought was going to be a lovely dining experience. Could not have been more the opposite. The dining room was dark, where you could barely see your nose in front of you. The music was extremely loud and impossible for conversation. The waiter was so positive that we were so fortunate to be dining there, that he he spoke, nonstop with his script, which was over the top and annoying. Our host was the prize, polite and very accommodating . The food, for the most part was fair The Caesar salad was chopped over acidic with almost burnt pieces of brioche crumbs, my pizza, which was very tasty, had a soggy bottom, which I wouldn't expect from an Italian brick oven. My mother's appetizer of fried chicken was the most unappealing visual dish I've ever seen. then you get around to the cost which was so exorbitant for what it was. Of course I will not be returning, so unless you're ready to spend a lot of money on a small, noisy dark sub par restaurant, I would rethink your reservations in the future .

The food was good, but very expensive. The place is very small, very dark, warm, and extremely loud. It is nice that they have a revolving menu with seasonal foods, which is great, but the best thing we ate was over $100. There is no place to wait, and wine was sitting in an ice bucket on the bench next to me. I probably would not go back to this restaurant even though the food was good, as a $250 meal is not worth it in such an uncomfortable space. They also rushed us out.

EdgardoC

Best restaurant that I have ever been, it's small but don't let that fool you. Everything is top quality, food, service, the place. It's definitely a must go if you haven't.

WILLJOB

Food was exceptional Service was exceptional Music a little loud Low lighting Overall an amazing experience, menu is creative and ingredients are very fresh, the staff was helpful guiding you through the menu and friendly. The general manager, Cole understands the importance of customer service. We loved our dinner and will be back!

Food was excellent especially the pastas. We had the gnocchi appetizer and bucatini. Ribeye was good but nothing extraordinary. Our server was fantastic, explained everything and was very friendly. I liked the vibe but it is very small with tables close together. We sat at 4 but when leaving people were waiting in the hallway. It's definitely expensive for a byob but would come back.

Had the pleasure of dining at La Lupa on Saturday February 25th. A small BYOB with phenomenal food and service. Fresh ingredients sourced from all over the world, this Italian Steakhouse is an absolute gem. Overall, fantastic food, excellent service and really cool vibe! Reservations are a must.

Small place but cozy. Great food and service. Anyone compares their steak to Texas Roadhouse is a dope. We recently went to Stricklands and Ember Eagle and this steak beats both. Keep up the good work

Ant126

The food was superb to say the least!!! my second time there they did not disappoint! The appetizers were insane absolutely delicious. The Margarita pizza delicious.! The Kentucky skirt steak tender absolutely on point! There, potatoes to die for!!

Patricia Z.

First time there and loved it! Place is a little small. But decorated beautifully. Service easy great. You need a reservation. Food was exceptional, a little pricey but worth it. We opened with a margarita pizza, the rice balls and a Caesar salad. Then cowboy ribeye for 2, a Wagyu steak, and bucatini pasta. The sides were great, cacio e pepe potatoes. Its byob. Definitely going back

Load More