869 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-569-2535

Web: www.luporestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @luporestaurant

Advice: They can accommodate large parties of 12 people in the Nook located in the main floor dining room or larger parties upstairs. Advance reservations are suggested. If you wish to pair wines with your meal ask Michael to either select for you or ask him for advice.

I loved the ambience of both the upstairs and downstairs dining rooms, my friend Thu and I had dinner at Lupo last week and were lucky to be seated downstairs close to the brick fireplace. This delightful turn of the century Heritage House, has a contemporary kitchen with Chef Julio Gonzalez Perini it the helm serving fresh reinventions of Italian classics in a cozy, neighborhood environment. We began our dinner with the wonderful Lupo Focacia ($5) which was an ideal size for sharing, From there we had the Winter Caprese Salad ($15) over dried tomato, pesto and saba; then for the appetizer we had the outstanding Tortelli ($15) (is a Ravioli but half moon shape), stuffed with lobster, Mascarpone and onion confit, served with a tomato coulis, and fennel butter. This dish was a daily special that should be on their daily menu (we hope they will add it).

The main course was next and again we were shared a couple entrees, the first was the tantalizing Braised Beef Short Ribs ($26) on bed of soft marscarpone and polenta; and since we both had to try the pizza we went with a simiple, Pizzetta -Margheretta ($10) crispy crust, tomato and basil, fior di latte.

. I always have to save room for dessert when I am in an Italian restaurant, so to end our meal we had the refreshing Meyer Lemon Tart ($8) with a hint of passion fruit,and lemon – yoghurt gelato along with the Chocolate and Raspberry Tear Drop Mousse ($9), a tear drop shaped chocolate shell, stuffed with raspberry flavoured chocolate mousse

The restaurant has an impressive wine list, delicious food, outstanding service and made me feel like being at home.

Review by: Richard Wolak