What do you get when you mix a favourite neighbourhood hangout with an authentic Italian restaurant? Lupa Osteria in suburban Westville.
Named after the legendary Roman she-wolf who nurtured Romulus and Remus – the twin sons of Mars, abandoned on the orders of their cruel great-uncle, Amulius and rescued from the Tiber River – Lupa offers a warm and welcoming space, whether you’re enjoying a casual family dinner, entertaining corporate clients, or grabbing a pizza and craft beer at the bar. Here, the pasta is homemade and the pizza is wood-fired, and both are made with imported Italian flour. Ingredients are carefully sourced, prioritising local suppliers, with organic free-range chicken and top-quality veal – just as you’d expect from Nonna’s kitchen.
Founded in 2013 by Guy Cluver and head chef Chris Black, Lupa was inspired by a European holiday where Guy watched a bustling pizzeria rolling out pasta on the pavement. More than a decade later, Lupa Westville – the first successful franchise – has become a firm family favourite. In fact, we’ve toasted birthdays, celebrated graduations and ordered their pizzas more times than we can count.
Owner, Leon Roux suggested we start with a selection of antipasti: Crispy arancini (deep-fried risotto balls served on a bed of arrabbiata sauce), pretzel-dusted calamari with mustard mayo, Italian cigars, crispy pastry parcels filled with Parma ham, robiola cheese, three-cheese Italian nachos with a touch of chilli, and rich chicken livers in a creamy sauce with sliced chorizo. Delicious and packed with flavour!
For the main course, Lupa’s primo piatto boasts Italian classics, from traditional Bolognese to creamy Alfredo and gnocchi gorgonzola. But, our absolute favourite is their famous signature pasta – a dish as much about theatre as taste. At our table, fresh fettuccine with truffled mushrooms was added to a flaming Italian Parmesan wheel, mixed to creamy perfection and topped with crispy bacon. And, just when we thought it couldn’t get better, Leon suggested dessert…
The Dolce menu has something for everyone. Smooth gelato, classic tiramisu… Our final choice was the Cremino al Cioccolato, though. A decadent creation of dark chocolate, double toffee gelato and scorched Italian meringue. The trick? Get a bit of each layer in every spoonful. Perfection!
Ultimately, Lupa is a gathering place for good food, great company and memorable celebrations. Don’t just take our word for it – discover Lupa for yourself.
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