Il Lupino Prime at Opus Mall
Address: 1F, Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Quezon City
Brought to the metro by the same culinary visionaries behind Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Il Lupino Prime (affectionately translating to "little wolf") serves as the brand's upscale Italian alter-ego. While its New York steakhouse lineage might tempt you to immediately order a massive USDA Prime dry-aged T-bone, the kitchen operates as a full-scale trattoria with a deep appreciation for classical pasta and wood-fired craftsmanship. The space itself balances masculine, leather-accented elegance with an open, airy lounge vibe that feels premium without crossing into stuffy territory.
If you want to gauge the technical capability of an Italian kitchen, you start with the starch. The pasta execution here is a major highlight, characterized by precise al dente timing and sauces that refuse to skimp on punch. The Rigatoni all’Arrabbiata is an absolute must-order if you appreciate a clean, bold heat; the wide tubes of pasta trap a vibrant, garlic-heavy chili tomato sauce that delivers an immediate kick without muddying the acidity of the tomatoes. Their Pesto variant is equally deliberate, offering a bright, herbaceous, and deeply aromatic coating that relies on high-quality olive oil and sharp pecorino rather than turning into a heavy, cream-laden paste.
The pizza menu features a few unexpected curveballs that might cause traditionalists to raise an eyebrow. Putting broccoli on a pizza typically sounds like a culinary crime against Neapolitan tradition, but their Vegetarian Pizza configurations manage to pull it off. By pairing the slightly charred, bitter crunch of the broccoli florets with a rich, molten layer of fior di latte and a well-seasoned base, the kitchen turns a controversial vegetable topping into an excellent, texturally brilliant slice. The crust holds its structure well, maintaining a soft, tender center with just enough chew around the edges.
While skipping the steak at a restaurant birthed by the Wolfgang family feels counterintuitive, the Secondi menu holds its own massive rewards. The Rosemary Braised Short Ribs are an elite pivot for those who want a rich, meat-centric main without committing to a multi-kilogram steak platter. The short ribs are cooked down until they are completely tender, shearing away effortlessly under a fork. Infused with a heavy, aromatic reduction of fresh rosemary and natural pan juices, the dish is intensely savory, deeply comforting, and stands as one of the best executions of slow-braised beef in the area.
The Practical Verdict
Il Lupino Prime successfully steps out from the massive shadow of its steakhouse sibling by proving it understands the nuances of regional Italian comfort food. It sits firmly on the luxury side of the price spectrum—reflecting its imported ingredients and high-end Bridgetowne address—but the consistency of the kitchen justifies the premium. Whether you are splitting a controversial broccoli pie with friends or settling in for a rich plate of short ribs, it is a highly reliable upscale destination that handles carbs and slow-cooked meats with elite precision.
