I was going on a job interview on a cold February Monday at 2:00 PM. To steel myself for the event, I went to Lupa at noon for lunch. The lunch was much more successful than the interview. I had a salad and a plate of ravioli washed down by a bottle of San Pelligrino. Each bite of the 8 ravioli was a taste sensation (yes, only 8, sigh!). I wanted to lick the plate but used the terrific bread to sop up every last molecule. The salad was not dripping with dressing (hey, this isn't Olive Garden) but every leaf was coated and the taste was amazing. I had their take on Italian ice cream, washed down with a good cup of coffee. I felt I was ready for anything!
Non-food interest: The room is small and very much like a place I went to in Venice - atmospheric without being cute. The staff is wonderfully attentive and professional but they know how to leave you alone as well. That means good training and good management. The prices are typical for a place this good in NYC - my 3 course lunch was $36 with tax and tip but no wine.
At dinner, they have a daily specials menu, so check their web site to see if you want what they are serving when you plan to go.
If you love Italian food, you should stop in and see how a great chef does it.
more