Hong Kong has no shortage of New York Italian restaurants, but let's all welcome the latest one to reach our shores: LUPA.
Opened by acclaimed Italian chef Mario Batali (known for his trademark orange Crocs) and his partner Joe Bastianich (whom you may recognise from the judging panel of MasterChef USA), LUPA will be part of the Dining Concepts restaurant group that includes Al Molo, Bistecca, Bombay Dreams, BLT Steak, Nahm, Olive, and more.
Click to check out the LifestyleAsia event gallery from the LUPA Hong Kong grand opening.
The buzz: New York celebrity chef Mario Batali and business partner Joe Bastianich have already conquered New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Singapore with a booming restaurant and culinary empire. Now, they've set their sights on Hong Kong with the opening of LUPA.
The look: Located on the third floor of the new LHT Tower on Queen's Road Central, LUPA is a giant when it comes to Hong Kong restaurants, boasting over 5,500 square feet (510 square metres) of dining area and a 2,500 square foot (232 square metre) terrace for al fresco dining.
PR speak: "Chef Mario Batali and Chef Zach Allen’s uniquely-styled Italian cuisine, matched with the extraordinary interior design, a stylish al fresco terrace and an urban chic ambience, make LUPA the ideal solution for intimate dining, corporate dinners, private events and cocktail functions in the heart of Central."
Food and drink: Executive chef Zach Allen, who's been working with Batali for over 10 years, will be leading the kitchen team at LUPA in Hong Kong. Expect New York classics such as escarole walnut and pecorino salad, ricotta gnocchi with sweet fennel sausage, crispy duck with salsify and saba and apician spiced dates with mascarpone.
The menu will also include a handpicked selection of Italian wines from Batali and Bastianich's personal catalogue with over 40 wines served by the glass.
Lupa, 3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong, +852 2796 6500
