Took my father there recently on a whim. People are super nice, food is super, steak was a little cold, but nonetheless tasted like perfection.Few things:1. The Rib Eye was $165 dollars which we split so only one(1) entree, Gnocchi Appetizer and such..coffee at end.Bill was, with no Alcohol - - $292.00 before tip.So this is super high.....with a somewhat generous tip of $70.00, with a shared Steak and a few apps. Plus coffee. Total was, $362.2. Music was tad loud as place is small, so music echoes. Just maybe tone down the music and maybe switch to a soft/pop Sirius channel.Place is Aces if you like to spend $$$ as u won't be disappointed. The staff is A plus as they work together and seem to enjoy working there.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cowboy Ribeye, Gnocchi
Nadia Vettor
Great cozy Italian restaurant, makes me feel like home! Food is delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ivy colon
This place has been on my list for a very long time, and it has been nothing short of spectacular! I went once a few years back when they first opened, but I had to give it a second try for a birthday dinner!Everything was absolutely incredible, immaculate service, and some truly crazy appetizers! I had the fried chicken, and the focaccia, which were both phenomenal. I shared them with someone and we cleaned our plates!Also, had some crazy ravioli with fresh balsamic glaze on top! Not only was it delicious, but it was such a fantastic show, you can tell the pasta is handmade with love and care. For dinner, we had the Kansas City, and, of course the famous snake river skirt steak. I am anti-lemon, but when I tell you, I put a little of lemon with that olive oil it tasted like heaven!For dessert, I picked out a brownie, and they put a candle in it for my birthday, truly amazing experience I will absolutely be back to try the rest of this delicious menu!
This was hands down one of the best overall dining experiences I have had since pre-Covid.When you come in the place is warm, welcoming, and the lighting is perfect date night dim & you can still see your food. The music is a little on the loud side at first but you quickly pick up the vibe that it's a younger high-energy crowd based on a few things.The staff are obviously close & familiar, they're not "just coworkers" they're all friends and family working together like a band , perfectly in rhythm with each other. The clientele on a very busy Friday night is also ranging between mid 20s to mid 40s, so we're all able to enjoy high-energy & great food at the same time.Dan , Cole, & Chad had us feeling like we were visiting & meeting family for the first time at their home. Welcoming, friendly, engaging in conversation, sharing their stories and asking us about ours. All while providing some of the most observational service I've experienced in a very long time. Bussing plates & silverware off the table and placing fresh ones multiple times, refilling wine glasses (BYOB), providing a wine decanter, & bringing our orders like it was all practiced routine and effortless work while smiling , laughing , and chatting with us never skipping a beat.I can't say enough about how truly impressed I was with the friendly manner & extremely high quality service plus attention to detail I experienced here on a very busy Friday night, every table was filled, and more reservations were pouring in.Do not sleep on this place, if you're nearby and enjoy Roman Italian food make a reservation ASAP. If you're going down the shore, schedule ahead, and make it a stop along the way, definitely come here for a date night or a friends night out, the energy of this place is contagious.Now the food... If you enjoy in house fresh made daily pasta, locally sourced meats, eggs, milk, etc and appreciate highest quality imported Italian Parmesan, olive oil, prosciutto, etc. La Lupa brings the best of what's available locally to them here in NJ and the best of what's available from Italy to combine it with a love for food, flavor, and texture that will leave you wanting to come back every night and never feeling bloated or stuffed. I felt amazing the next day no different than when I visit Europe and notice how the food there not only is delicious but sits well and leaves me feeling good & healthy.I can't wait to come back and bring my whole family to experience it, luckily we don't have any small kids we're all over 30 and will be able to enjoy high quality wine'ing and dining without the hassle of needing a high hair in a small place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Aged Steak, Gnocchi
Caliber Construction NY & NJ
The food was absolutely amazingThe service even better!If you guys are looking for a really cool hangout spot with amazing food you guys have to go here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephen Mesiano
This place is probably one of the top 5 restaurants I’ve eaten at in my life. It’s truly phenomenal is every aspect of dining. They are clearly very serious about food and it was worth the drive out there. Literally wanted to try everything on the menu. Service was as if we were the only people in the restaurant. If you are a foodie it’s a must. Definitely lived up to the hype. Dying to go back.
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
Luis Mordan
One of my favorite places. Menu changes with the season and never disappoints.
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.
Alyssa Willis
Amazing food, atmosphere and service. Can’t wait to go back and try more off the menu!
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.
Took my father there recently on a whim. People are super nice, food is super, steak was a little cold, but nonetheless tasted like perfection.Few things:1. The Rib Eye was $165 dollars which we split so only one(1) entree, Gnocchi Appetizer and such..coffee at end.Bill was, with no Alcohol - - $292.00 before tip.So this is super high.....with a somewhat generous tip of $70.00, with a shared Steak and a few apps. Plus coffee. Total was, $362.2. Music was tad loud as place is small, so music echoes. Just maybe tone down the music and maybe switch to a soft/pop Sirius channel.Place is Aces if you like to spend $$$ as u won't be disappointed. The staff is A plus as they work together and seem to enjoy working there.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cowboy Ribeye, Gnocchi
Great cozy Italian restaurant, makes me feel like home! Food is delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has been on my list for a very long time, and it has been nothing short of spectacular! I went once a few years back when they first opened, but I had to give it a second try for a birthday dinner!Everything was absolutely incredible, immaculate service, and some truly crazy appetizers! I had the fried chicken, and the focaccia, which were both phenomenal. I shared them with someone and we cleaned our plates!Also, had some crazy ravioli with fresh balsamic glaze on top! Not only was it delicious, but it was such a fantastic show, you can tell the pasta is handmade with love and care. For dinner, we had the Kansas City, and, of course the famous snake river skirt steak. I am anti-lemon, but when I tell you, I put a little of lemon with that olive oil it tasted like heaven!For dessert, I picked out a brownie, and they put a candle in it for my birthday, truly amazing experience I will absolutely be back to try the rest of this delicious menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Brownie, Ravioli, Margarita Pizza, Gnocchi, Roasted Squash Tortelloni, Snake River Farms Skirt Steak, Focaccia, Olive Oil Cake
This was hands down one of the best overall dining experiences I have had since pre-Covid.When you come in the place is warm, welcoming, and the lighting is perfect date night dim & you can still see your food. The music is a little on the loud side at first but you quickly pick up the vibe that it's a younger high-energy crowd based on a few things.The staff are obviously close & familiar, they're not "just coworkers" they're all friends and family working together like a band , perfectly in rhythm with each other. The clientele on a very busy Friday night is also ranging between mid 20s to mid 40s, so we're all able to enjoy high-energy & great food at the same time.Dan , Cole, & Chad had us feeling like we were visiting & meeting family for the first time at their home. Welcoming, friendly, engaging in conversation, sharing their stories and asking us about ours. All while providing some of the most observational service I've experienced in a very long time. Bussing plates & silverware off the table and placing fresh ones multiple times, refilling wine glasses (BYOB), providing a wine decanter, & bringing our orders like it was all practiced routine and effortless work while smiling , laughing , and chatting with us never skipping a beat.I can't say enough about how truly impressed I was with the friendly manner & extremely high quality service plus attention to detail I experienced here on a very busy Friday night, every table was filled, and more reservations were pouring in.Do not sleep on this place, if you're nearby and enjoy Roman Italian food make a reservation ASAP. If you're going down the shore, schedule ahead, and make it a stop along the way, definitely come here for a date night or a friends night out, the energy of this place is contagious.Now the food... If you enjoy in house fresh made daily pasta, locally sourced meats, eggs, milk, etc and appreciate highest quality imported Italian Parmesan, olive oil, prosciutto, etc. La Lupa brings the best of what's available locally to them here in NJ and the best of what's available from Italy to combine it with a love for food, flavor, and texture that will leave you wanting to come back every night and never feeling bloated or stuffed. I felt amazing the next day no different than when I visit Europe and notice how the food there not only is delicious but sits well and leaves me feeling good & healthy.I can't wait to come back and bring my whole family to experience it, luckily we don't have any small kids we're all over 30 and will be able to enjoy high quality wine'ing and dining without the hassle of needing a high hair in a small place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Aged Steak, Gnocchi
The food was absolutely amazingThe service even better!If you guys are looking for a really cool hangout spot with amazing food you guys have to go here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is probably one of the top 5 restaurants I’ve eaten at in my life. It’s truly phenomenal is every aspect of dining. They are clearly very serious about food and it was worth the drive out there. Literally wanted to try everything on the menu. Service was as if we were the only people in the restaurant. If you are a foodie it’s a must. Definitely lived up to the hype. Dying to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Margarita Pizza, Gnocchi, Roasted Squash Tortelloni
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
One of my favorite places. Menu changes with the season and never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Margarita Pizza, Octopus, Olive Oil Cake, Snake River Farms Skirt Steak, Focaccia
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.
Amazing food, atmosphere and service. Can’t wait to go back and try more off the menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
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 .
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.