Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca — Restaurant in Vancouver

I’ve been here twice now. The food has been excellent both times, but my most recent visit is one to remember.

There was one particularly intoxicated customer who was being rather loud. Not something worth complaining about in its own right, but for an otherwise rather quiet restaurant, it was something of a nuisance. Later in the night though, she became particularly disruptive.

I went to use one of the two single person washroom stalls, and while in there, someone (who I’d soon find out was her) tried to get in. Of course, the door was locked. Instead of using the other, available bathroom stall though, she decided to loudly knock on the door to my stall. Despite me responding that it was occupied, she knocked louder a second time just 30 seconds later. And again, another 30 seconds after that, starts banging and kicking the door, while yelling at me to hurry up.

She waited, at most, about 3-4 minutes for me to leave; again, there was also another stall available to use, which staff pointed out to her. Just to rub things in a bit more, she swore at me as I was exiting the stall.

Now, this wasn’t a great experience. When I returned to my table (which mind you, is on the main floor, while the bathroom is on the 2nd floor) and explained to my girlfriend what happened, she said she had heard the banging from downstairs and was wondering what it was, and had seen some staff head upstairs to see what was happening.

Our waiter, Mo (apologies if I spelled that wrong) came over while we were discussing this and asked if everything was okay. I explained to him what had happened.

Without hesitation, he apologizes and says he’ll take care of it. He immediately goes over to the woman in question and speaks with her for a couple minutes. I don’t know what exactly was said, but she was much quieter the rest of the night.

Mo then came back to our table to apologize again and assure that the issue has been taken care of. Throughout the rest of the night, we received the best service I’ve seen at a restaurant. And to be clear, Lupo has incredible service in any case; very friendly waiters who know how to read a room, when appropriate times to interrupt are, and regular check-ins that don’t feel like too little or too much.

But Mo took things to a whole other level. I’m not exaggerating when I say that if we drank any of our water, it was immediately topped up. It felt like having a waiter who was personally assigned to our table alone. He continued to apologize a few more times throughout the night for the experience with the disruptive patron, and expressed that he hoped everything else was to our liking (and he cracked a few genuinely funny jokes throughout the night). He was always ahead of what was happening, and at no point in the night did I find myself wanting something I didn’t have; any time something crossed my mind, like having a plate cleared or getting a dessert menu, Mo was already doing it.

But the real shock of the night was getting the cheque. While I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a small discount, or perhaps one dish voided, I never would’ve expected what actually happened: he walked over with the bill for the table, $115… and it had been voided to $0.

He did this with absolutely no fanfare. Simply put the bill down, apologized again for the experience with the disruptive patron, explained that they were covering the entire bill as an apology, and wished us a good night.

I need to be very clear: I never asked for anything. All I did was explain what had happened. Mo took all the initiative in handling the patron, providing special care with our table service throughout the night, and having the bill covered.

Mo, if you’re reading this, take pride in your work - you’re exceptional at it, as is the entire staff. The food was, unsurprisingly, fantastic, but the service I received is a benchmark I’m not sure I’ll ever...

A Delightful Experience at Lupo Restaurant

Lupo Restaurant is a hidden gem that delivers a truly memorable dining experience. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re welcomed by a sense of warmth and hospitality that sets the tone for an exceptional evening. Nestled in a charming location, Lupo combines elegance and comfort in a way that makes you feel instantly at ease. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with soft lighting, tasteful décor, and just the right touch of rustic charm to make it feel like a home away from home.

The service at Lupo is nothing short of wonderful. From the friendly host who greeted us upon arrival to the attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff, every member of the team went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. It’s clear that the staff take pride in their work—they’re not just efficient, but genuinely warm and personable. They took time to explain the menu, offered thoughtful wine pairings, and checked in regularly without ever being intrusive. It’s the kind of seamless, gracious service that elevates a good meal into a great one.

Now, let’s talk about the food—because that alone is worth the visit. Every dish we tried was a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. The flavors were bold yet balanced, and the presentation was artful without being pretentious. From the starters to the mains and all the way through dessert, everything was crafted with care. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauces were rich, complex, and utterly delicious. The seasonal ingredients were fresh and vibrant, allowing each dish to truly shine.

The wine selection at Lupo also deserves special mention. The list features a thoughtful mix of local and international options, with something to suit every palate. Our server recommended a beautiful red that complemented our meal perfectly—it was smooth, well-rounded, and clearly chosen with care. It’s always a pleasure to dine somewhere that puts as much thought into the wine list as it does the food menu, and Lupo certainly excels in that regard.

What ties everything together at Lupo is the ambiance. There’s something so comforting about the space—it’s intimate without being cramped, stylish without being cold. The combination of warm lighting, comfortable seating, and subtle background music creates a setting that invites you to relax, linger, and truly savor your time there. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner for two or celebrating a special occasion with friends, the atmosphere adapts beautifully.

In short, Lupo Restaurant is a place that delivers on every level. With excellent food, outstanding service, a great wine list, and a cozy atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace, it’s the kind of spot that quickly becomes a favorite. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and make a reservation—you won’t be...

What. an. ambiance.

My best friend booked the private dining wine cellar for her thirtieth birthday a few days ago and it was just perfect.

Low ceiling, romantic lighting. Though the servers were ever present to squeeze around our chairs in the small room in search of wine for other patrons, they were entirely unobtrusive and did not once break the warm and intimate vibe.

I was not impressed by the food, but it wasn't a negative thing for me, either.

I started with the wagyu beef carpaccio which was an admitted lowlight as carpaccio is my favourite food and I was looking forward to it in particular. The meat itself was lovely but I've never been served a carpaccio without an herbed bread or crustini to place it on, or without a flavour component like a pickled caper. I found it very, very bland, but the quality was undeniable.

I then chose the ricotta Gnocci and.. also very, very bland. A very flat dish - a simple Chef Boyardee-esque tomato flavour. To be frank, I was very disappointed in it expecting some sort of complexity or herb element but at the same time I've been dieting and so the carb and cheese bomb still made my evening aha.

I finished off with the cheesecake and it was fine. I cannot even remember the flavour. White chocolate? Macadamia? Caramel? It was good, but immediately forgettable.

Saying that, though, as I looked around the table I saw various other beautiful dishes and I seemed to be the only one not impressed. I think I just happened to single out the blander items.

My partner was blown away by his meal. I cannot remember what he started with for some reason but he chose the sable fish special and was damn near moaning. I do not like fish, full stop, but I tried a bite and it was amazingly buttery and perfectly seasoned.

For his dessert he ended on the cheese platter and will not stop talking that goat cheese with the black top. I snuck more than a few bites from his platter - everything chosen was beautiful and decadent.

Now for the wine! The server took note of our favourite wines and recommended us two bottles. The first was on the nose, but the second was a revelation. He nailed our preferences, and it was gorgeous on its own and in reference to the previous bottle.

The server was great all around - a super attentive, classy gentlemen. My friend had an amazing time, raving about her meal, and I am extremely pleased with the...