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As a seasoned foodie always on the hunt for the next delicious adventure, I was delighted to go to LUPA, the newest haven for an exemplary gourmet experience in the heart of Bengaluru. Chef Chandra was inspired by his travels to Italy, and the restaurant’s name is a nod to the mythological she-wolf who raised Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The food, drinks, and furnishings of Lupa reflect this appreciation of all things Italian, Mediterranean, and European.
Upon entering the fine dining restaurant, I walked into a courtyard with a fountain in the centre that immediately evoked the Tuscan villa feel amidst the bustling city on MG Road. With its tall plants, wrought iron doors, and curved terracotta roof, Lupa is truly a work of art. The metro train whizzing by the overarching view only added to the unique charm of the restaurant, capturing the essence of Bengaluru while also reminding me of a slice of Tuscany. "I was absolutely clear that I wanted a courtyard and the sound of water. It's so peaceful and drowns out some of the traffic on MG Road," says Manu Chandra.
Image Credit: Lupa
Image Credit: Lupa
As I meandered through the winding staircase leading to an opera-style private dining room, I enjoyed a stunning view of the dining area and the restaurant in its entirety. The indoor dining area is a mix of subtle sophistication and comfort, with two signature open pantries—a mini gelato lab and a salumeria/small plates bar—offering fresh and decadent options crafted using innovative techniques. "5 litres of the mix can be churned into creamy gelato in under 3 minutes with this," says chef Chandra, pointing at the gelato machine. The raised bar, complete with a pure brass countertop and vintage mirror facade, opens to a deck outside the bar, nestled under the shade of a century-old tree. It’s the perfect spot for drinks and conversation. Right from the two-layered, semi-private outdoor deck with an interactive kitchen and live grill to the indoor dining area, every inch of the restaurant is adorned with passionate attention to detail.
Image Credit: Lupa
Another highlight of the restaurant was the Wine Cellar, a one-of-a-kind destination for wine enthusiasts. The cellar houses nearly 2,000 bottles of wine, hand-selected from around the world, offering guests the opportunity to indulge in their favourite tipples or try something new. From the love for all things Italian, showcased by Chef Chandra's inspiration from his travels to Italy, to the stunning escape from the ordinary, LUPA truly offers a feast for the senses.
Having had a tour of this beautiful place, I sat down for my long-awaited lunch. Before that, I ordered another of their signature cocktails called Melon Cheese & Ham. It is a gin-based cocktail that will tantalise your taste buds. The house-made melon cordial, dry vermouth, and Angostura bitters create a unique and juicy flavour that's elevated to new heights with the addition of the mozzarella foam and Parma ham crisp. It's like a sophisticated take on the classic ham and melon pairing, which was a refreshing change.
Image Credit: Lupa
On that note, I called it a day for eating with an elaborate lunch. And I would like to leave you with this: Lupa offers a stunning escape from the mundane with its timeless space that blends the grandeur of pre-modern times with the charming allure of old-world Europe. So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or not, if you’re in the mood for a romantic night out or a gathering with friends, Lupa is sure to exceed your expectations.
