Table of Contents
Introduction & Origin
Lupa is a high-end restaurant and bar located on Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) in Bengaluru.
Lupa bangalore restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Manu Chandra and hospitality veteran Chetan Rampal, under their Bengaluru-based company Manu Chandra Enterprises.
The Lupa Bangalore owner is Chef Manu Chandra, one of India’s most respected chefs. The name “Lupa” is inspired by the mythological La Lupa (Italian for “the she-wolf”) — the she-wolf who, in Roman legend, raised Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
Lupa Bangalore Reviews – What People Say
Most Lupa Bangalore reviews highlight a few key points:
- Excellent food quality
- Unique flavours and presentation
- Friendly staff
- Beautiful interiors
- Slightly higher pricing but good value for a premium experience
- Guests often mention that dishes feel fresh, well-balanced, and made with top-quality ingredients.
Space & Ambience
Lupa occupies a sprawling 11,000 sq ft space.
The design is evocative of a Tuscan villa, combining old-world charm with refined European aesthetics: wrought iron grill work, curved terracotta roof tiles, marble fountains, glass panels, and lush landscaping.
There are multiple distinct zones:
- Courtyard: An open-air patio with a central Makrana marble fountain.
- Main dining: High-ceiling indoor area, cozy lounge-style seating by a brass-clad bar. l
- Bar deck: A reclaimed wooden deck ideal for groups, with a view of the interior and greenery.
- Pizzeria: Live kitchen for pizza, with a dedicated pizza master station.
- Private Dining Room (PDR): Overlooks the restaurant; intimate and exclusive.
- Wine Cellar: A below-ground, temperature-controlled cellar that houses about 2,000 bottles of wine. It also doubles as a private tasting space (by appointment).
- Salumeria: A dedicated cured-meats (charcuterie) and cheese section, where meats are sliced fresh using vintage Berkel slicers.
- Gelateria: A gelato lab that churns fresh gelato daily using a vintage Cattabriga machine from Rimini, Italy.
Cuisine & Menu
The Lupa Bangalore menu offers a variety of Italian and European dishes. The cuisine is trans-European in style with a strong emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and sustainability.
Their menu offers different dining formats: lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Key philosophy: “uncomplicate things” — comfort food, generous hospitality, and real European flavors presented in an approachable way.
Some standout dishes
- Chicken Liver Parfait paired with hibiscus & raspberry gel, mustard cress, and toast.
- Salt-baked Lamb Leg: slow-baked for hours, served with spiced hummus, roasted baby potatoes, creamed spinach, pita bread.
- Mustard & Chilli Marinated Sea Bass: roasted sea bass with tapioca risotto, roasted vegetables, basil cream, herb salad. Arroz de Pato: Portuguese-style duck rice cooked with aromatic duck stock, cured duck breast, chorizo, spices
- Oxtail Raviolo: served with runny yolk and bone-marrow broth for richness.
- Pasta & Pizza: Classical pastas (like cacio e pepe, corzetti) and pizzas (quattro formaggi, nduja & fennel, calabrese) are on rotation. Dessert: Their tiramisu is served “homestyle” in a large bowl, accompanied by espresso and biscotti.
The menu changes seasonally, to reflect local produce and evolving culinary inspiration.
Drinks & Bar
Lupa has a craft cocktail bar with innovative, thoughtfully designed cocktails.
Signature cocktails mentioned by LBB:
- Lupa-tini: vodka, dry vermouth, sous-vide limoncello, melon cordial, bitters, and a ham crisp.
- Notorious F.I.G.: infused bourbon with fig preserve, Campari, lime, orange bitters, thyme, cinnamon.
- Their wine program is serious — the wine cellar is a major highlight, with a curated selection and private tasting options.
Entertainment & Events
- Lupa is not just about food — it’s also an entertainment venue. There are regular live music performances, DJ nights, and themed events.
- Their “SWITCH Fridays” are particularly popular: a mix of live bands and DJ sets in a lounge-style environment.
- The space is frequently used for private events, fine-dining experiences, pop-ups, and curated culinary evenings.
Sustainability & Sourcing
- Lupa emphasizes sustainable sourcing and biodiversity in its food philosophy.
- According to a profile, about 90% of its ingredients are sourced locally in India, minimizing environmental impact and supporting regional producers.
- Their vegetarian/vegan offerings are substantial: roughly 40% of the menu is vegetarian, with some vegan options.
Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Design & Architecture: The scale and design of Lupa make it stand out among Bangalore’s restaurant scene — a Tuscan villa feel right in the city
- Wine Cellar: A rare feature — a 2,000-bottle underground cellar — for wine lovers and connoisseurs. l
- Gelato Lab: Freshly churned gelato with seasonal or rotating flavors in a dedicated space.
- Salumeria: House-cured meats, charcuterie, cheese — sliced fresh and served in a dedicated area.
- Live Entertainment: High-quality music and nightlife experience combined with fine dining.
- Hospitality Philosophy: Emphasis on generosity, comfort, and an “uncomplicated” yet refined dining experience.
- Chef’s Legacy: Manu Chandra’s return to a physical restaurant after his previous roles, bringing his culinary vision and depth.
Price Range & Practical Info
According to Swiggy Dineout, the approximate cost is around ₹2,000 for two (this may exclude alcohol).
On Zomato, another source says the average cost can be ₹6,000 for two, perhaps indicating a more premium or full-course experience. Opening hours:
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Mon–Sat)
- Dinner: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM (every day)
- Sunday Brunch: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Address: Ground Floor, Spencer’s Towers, No. 86, MG Road, Bengaluru – 560001.
How to Make a Lupa Bangalore Reservation
Since the restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends, many people look for Lupa Bangalore reservation options.
Bookings can be made through:
- Lupa’s official website
- Online dining apps
- Directly calling the restaurant
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekends or special events. You can book via their website or by calling +91 87923 84999 / +91 87923 85999.
- Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are recommended to avoid long waiting hours.
Critic & Media Reception
- Condé Nast Traveller India calls Lupa “a maximalist extravaganza,” praising its design, hospitality, and culinary ambition.
- LBB Bangalore highlights Lupa as “like walking into a Tuscan villa,” noting the 2,000-bottle cellar, the gelato lab, and the salumeria as standout features.
- According to Peaklife magazine, Lupa is significant in Bangalore’s nightlife: its “Switch” concept (live performances) and its detailed hospitality make it a landmark.
Varieties / Styles Within Lupa
While “varieties” doesn’t mean different outlets (Lupa is one single restaurant), there are varieties of experiences within Lupa itself:
| Experience Type | Description |
| Fine Dining | Elegant European-inspired dinner, multi-course, curated menu. |
| Casual / Bar | Bar deck, lounge seating, cocktails, tapas-style bites from the salumeria. |
| Wine Tasting | Private sessions in the wine cellar; wine pairing dinners. |
| Gelato Experience | Gelato lab, sundaes, seasonal gelato flavors. |
| Live Events / Music Nights | DJ nights, live bands, cultural events — especially on Fridays (Switch). |
| Private Events | PDR (private dining room), corporate events, special celebrations. |
Final Thoughts
Lupa Bangalore is more than just a restaurant—it is a full dining experience. From its beautifully crafted interiors to the creative menu designed by the Lupa Bangalore owner, every detail shows quality and passion. Whether you are looking for great Italian food, a stylish place for dinner, or simply browsing Lupa Bangalore photos to decide your next outing, this restaurant is definitely worth visiting.