Il Lupo — Restaurant in Derbyshire Dales

Average. We came with no expectation, by accident as we were driving by, because it was easy to get a table without booking and it seemed cosy. The space is large, with working fireplaces and lots of tables. It was incredibly cold despite the fireplaces though, especially in the bathrooms.

Service was nice at first, but it took a sour turn - our waiter dropped a ramekin with olive oil on one person in our party. It was an accident, but it could have been prevented if the waiter wasn't trying to fit everything from the table on his tray to take away all at once and things were already falling off and were unbalanced. Instead of an apology the waiter joked that next time he will give us a bigger table. I really didn't understand what it had to do with him dropping the oil? Our table was large and for the exact amount of people that were dining. There was plenty of space between us for him to easily move. Was he implying we were too fat for this table and it caused him to drop the oil? I don't know. Usually when a waiter drops something all over visitors trousers they at least apologise or offer something small, like a complimentary dessert, to smooth things over, but yeah, at least they apologise, but not at this place. We tried to laugh it off because the situation was uncomfortable, but the person who got the oil dropped on them looked unhappy and upset with the waiters attitude (rightfully so) and wasn't going along with his "bigger table" joke or smiling or saying "it's okay", and the waiter decided it's a perfect situation to have a mini tantrum over. He put a plate he already collected back on the table, dramatically threw his arms up and went to complain to another guy in the restaurant who then came to replace him for the rest of the night, serving us. That was so weird and unprofessional. I don't care if you are so Italian, I came here to eat, not to watch grown men having an attitude.

The food was okay. Some things were great - calamari, steak. With other things it was clear that the person who made them knows how to cook very well and they tasted good, but the quality of the ingredients was a let down to those dishes - pasta and ravioli we tried. With dishes that rely mostly on the ingredients I was disappointed - caprese consisted of papery unripe tomatoes on a bed of watery lettuce with a mozzarella that I might have as well bought at Tesco's. Portions were large though. Except the bread basket. It had about three small pieces of bread.

Overall it was okay, but unfortunately the tea we were served really murdered my experience at this place. I had mentioned above it was unbearably cold and I wanted to warm desperately so I asked for some tea. What I was served was just... undrinkable. It's hard to imagine someone in the UK can make tea-bag tea wrong, but apparently it can happen. The water in it was just disgusting and it was not even boiled well. I just think if the tap water in your establishment is that terrible, get a filter. Or just not offer tea at all. I didn't know how to get that awful taste out of my mouth. Put me off trying the desserts here. Not with...

Il Lupo in Bakewell is a delightful culinary treasure, offering an authentic Italian experience right in the heart of Derbyshire. This charming, family-run restaurant exudes warmth from the moment you walk in, with its cozy ambiance and welcoming staff making you feel like a cherished guest.

The menu is a testament to the richness of Italian cuisine, featuring a variety of traditional dishes prepared with love and skill. The pasta is outstanding—perfectly al dente and served with rich, flavorful sauces that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. The pizzas are a highlight, with a beautifully crisp, thin crust and a wonderful array of fresh toppings that make each bite a joy.

Il Lupo also impresses with its commitment to quality ingredients, many of which are locally sourced. This not only adds to the freshness of the dishes but also ties the restaurant to the local community in a meaningful way. The wine selection is carefully chosen to pair well with the menu, offering a nice mix of Italian favorites.

Dessert lovers will be thrilled with the offerings—especially the tiramisu, which is light, creamy, and the perfect sweet end to a meal.

Il Lupo is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor the flavors of Italy in a setting that feels both intimate and special. Whether you're a local or just visiting Bakewell, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good food and warm...

A labour of love. I’ve been frequenting Il Lupo for a number of years now and can proudly say it has become an icon of Baslow. It’s something I actively promote to all my friends, family and tourists in the area. First dates, lone dining to large parties, Il Lupo caters for everyone. I’ve taken almost all of my family, friends and dates here, and I can honestly say that everybody agrees this place is amazing. The snow melting warm hearted welcome you get here is second to none, the building is a symbol of history with stone walls and open fires roaring in the cooler months. I’d recommend an extra layer in winter. The walls are decorated with Italian history, of which every piece has a unique story. Usually starting off fairly quiet but quickly comes to life, and it’s easy to see why. The food at Il Lupo is quite honestly the best Italian food I’ve had, and it’s made with so much love, I’ve experienced the changes over the years and the menu has been tweaked to perfection, each dish carefully critiqued. Nothing is too much trouble for the front of house either, the team are fun, outgoing and have a great sense of humour. They’ll even take photos for you! If you’ve managed to read this review to the end then don’t hang around, get a table booked and see for yourself! You’ll never visit a chain Italian...