212-982-5089
170 Thompson Street
Between Bleecker and Houston
Rating: Addictive
Cuisine: Italian
Entree Price: $18-25
Meals: Open daily noon to midnight.
Most addictive dish: orecciete with sausage and brocoli rabe
Review
Possibly the most addictive (and affordable) of Mario Batali's restaurants, there's no wonder why everyone puts Lupa in their standard rotation. So, everyone knows about it, and it's always packed. So what? The food is so good that you and gluttony will quickly become BFF's.
The restaurant itself is a warm respite in the heart of the west village. It doesn't get much more quaint than the front dining room at Lupa. Eating at the bar is definitely encouraged, and they have a wait list just for that area so you aren't fighting for a spot.
I recently took a group of work colleagues here, and one of the guys came over a few days later and said "I'm still thinking about how good that meal was." That's because it's hard to go wrong at Lupa. Everything is exceedingly fresh and original. I mean, how often do you see truffled scorzonera on a menu? I had to look that one up, but scorzonera is a neutral root vegetable that looks a lot like a stick - but somehow, the sorcerers at Lupa transform it into a delightfully fresh appetizer with truffle and balsamic oils. The specials are always amazing, and if they have the orecchiette, you must order it. I don't like brussels sprouts, but I get cravings for their brussel sprouts with olive oil and pecorino cheese unlike I've ever craved any green, leafy vegetable in my life. If you have some plain janes in your party, order the bavette. They will wonder how pasta with a little black pepper could be so sensual.
The cheese plate is a great way to round out your meal, but seasoned diners request a nimbus of the ricotta and honey. Light and rich at the same time, it's the final needle in the vein...until you come calling the next time.