Il Lupino Prime by Peter Zwiener has found its home in Quezon City’s new and posh
Opus Mall, bringing with it a fresh and sophisticated take on Italian cuisine. The
restaurant, which opened Nov. 27, is the first Il Lupino location in the Philippines and
adds a premium Italian option to Metro Manila's upscale dining scene. As part of the
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Group's continued expansion in Asia, Il Lupino combines the
traditional flavors of Italy with a modern, elevated twist.
The man behind this concept, restaurateur Peter Zwiener, sat down with Manila Bulletin
to share the story of the restaurant’s creation. "Il Lupino is named after my father,
Wolfgang Zwiener," Peter said. "When he was younger, in Italy, they called him ‘Il
Lupino,’ or ‘The Little Wolf.’ It was his love for Italian cuisine that inspired this journey.”
Wolfgang's culinary passion began at a young age when he studied cooking and
service. Over the years, his appreciation for Italian cuisine deepened, leading him to
travel to Italy, where he learned traditional cooking techniques from local families and
farms.
Peter has been doing business in the Philippines for nearly a decade, establishing a
strong presence in the local dining scene. In 2016, he brought the renowned Wolfgang’s
Steakhouse to Manila, introducing the country to the signature high-quality steaks and
exceptional service that the brand is famous for. His success with Wolfgang’s marked
the beginning of a lasting relationship with Filipino diners, and since then, he has
continued to expand his culinary ventures in the Philippines.
Peter continued, “I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my dad. Italian food was his
passion, and even though he was German, he embraced it as if it were his own. That’s
how I learned the flavors, the importance of authenticity.” Wolfgang’s early training and
immersion in Italian culture shaped the foundation of Il Lupino’s authentic approach.
The first Il Lupino was launched in Waikiki in 2010 as a trattoria and wine bar. “It had a
relaxed, beachside vibe,” Peter shared. As the concept grew, so did its refinement. The
second location in Tokyo’s Kita-Aoyama district brought a more elevated dining
experience, and was named Il Lupino Prime.
The heart of the menu
The menu at Il Lupino Prime in Manila is the product of Peter’s philosophy on Italian
cuisine and a collaboration with Chef Alessio Loddo, a Sardinian native with years of
experience creating high-end Italian dishes. The restaurant’s offerings reflect a blend of
tradition and innovation. As Peter described, “We wanted to bring the true flavors of Italy
without altering them to suit other tastes. We didn’t want to compromise on authenticity,
and Chef Alessio shares that vision completely.”
Signature dishes include Bucatini al Ragu Diagnello e Pecorino Sardo, a hearty pasta
dish crowned with tender lamb ragu and finished with the sharp richness of Pecorino
Sardo cheese. Another standout is Carpaccio di Rosso di Mazara, a fresh, delicate
Sicilian shrimp carpaccio drizzled with extra virgin olive oil—a nod to the simple yet bold
flavors of Southern Italy.
The Ossobuco alla Milanese, a signature veal shank, braised, is served with saffron
risotto, making it one of the most comforting dishes on the menu. For those craving a
more substantial option, the Stinco di Agnello ai Carciofi features a succulent lamb
shank braised with artichokes, olives, and cherry tomatoes—classic Italian ingredients
brought together in a hearty, flavorful dish.
Peter emphasized the commitment to authenticity, noting, “We don’t adapt our dishes to
local tastes. This is true Italian food—unchanged and unaltered.” The extensive wine
list, featuring over 200 labels, predominantly Italian, underscores the restaurant’s
devotion to presenting a genuine Italian dining experience.
“We’re very passionate about our wine selection. We want our guests to experience the
best of Italy, from the food to the wine. A great meal needs a great bottle of wine to
elevate it.” Il Lupino also features a curated selection of cocktails, designed to
complement the flavors of the food and provide a sophisticated drinking experience.
As for the restaurant’s design, Il Lupino balances upscale luxury with a welcoming
warmth. The restaurant’s design balances sophistication and comfort. The inviting bar
area, perfect for aperitifs or a casual evening, transitions into a main dining space
adorned with Italian-inspired décor and contemporary accents.
Peter looks to expand the Il Lupino brand further. “Manila is a great market for this
concept. The Filipino appetite for great food, especially when it comes to authenticity, is
growing,” he said. “We’ve learned a lot over the years and are excited to continue
sharing our love for Italian food with the Filipino people.”
