Lupo — Restaurant in Bury

Okay food, abysmal service.

2nd time here, first visit was good which is why we returned, however things seem quite bad now.

From the moment we arrived, we were left waiting without acknowledgment and had to flag down staff ourselves to get a table. We were seated at a flimsy, unstable table in the outdoor structure, which added to the discomfort. Throughout the meal, we had to actively seek out staff for anything we needed as they seemed inattentive and unapproachable.

Our starters arrived, but the server failed to bring cutlery. I had to go inside to ask for some, only to be met with a dismissive attitude as the server begrudgingly handed me the utensils. The table next to us also experienced poor service, as their mains were brought out while they were still eating their starters, leading to an awkward situation.

As for the food, I ordered the tuna pizza, which was disappointingly soggy. With the server preoccupied in the car park on his phone, there was no chance to address the issue. We decided to simply finish our meal and request the bill, which surprisingly included a service charge. Given the dismal service, I refused to pay it.

Overall, the dining experience was uncomfortable and far below expectations. Sadly, this visit has discouraged us from returning...

Really looked forward to visiting here after reviews and write ups. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the hype.

Service was incredibly slow, took over 45 mins for 2 pizzas to be made (worrying)

There is no drinks menu and they try to upsell a wine, stating everyone is drinking it...there's no wonder, they force it on you. No prices displayed.

Pizza finally arrived and was tasteless, it was missing the key topping. the reaction was as if I was in the wrong... I was offered a new pizza but declined given I waited 45 min for that one. Was told ok no problem then told by another member of staff it was being made... I cancelled it again. Upon payment I said I didn't have that pizza and was told I should pay as I eat one slice!? Then they pretended they couldn't understand me.

Starters are also bland and tasteless, we tried two of the croquette style starters. You only get one for £5+... Total rip off and literally no taste.

Would not recommend going here. It's on an industrial estate, prices are more than going to a nice restaurant in the city centre (and substantially more than Rudy's where you know it's going to be good quality). Service was poor and slow. Felt like we were being forced to buy the wines and additional starters.... Certainly would...

Disappointingly average after all the hype we had seen and heard. MCR Finest has not helped Lupo and it is quite clear having chatted to the server that they could not cope with the influx of customers, at the detriment of the food.

In terms of the restaurant itself, lovely traditional Osteria-style décor and atmosphere. Relatively small in size and quaint, bordering on snug: we were shoe-horned into the corner almost beside the till / counter itself.

The food was okay. My Arancini starter felt rushed: hot and crisp exterior but soon uncovered a cold Bolognese and un-melted cheese core. Could have been delicious if it had been fried for longer rather than hastily expedited from ticket-to-table. My main and the most popular dish on the menu, Shin Beef Ragu and Gnocchi was adequate. I was expecting big things based on the recommendation from the server but it definitely fell short. AT least this dish was served hot.

Service itself was lack-lustre also, failing to provide information and confidence-inspiring answers when questions on pretty common allergens.

I'm half tempted to give the place a second chance when the new-found buzz dies down, but equally I feel there is better homely Italian restaurants around Greater Manchester which wouldn't...