Overview

This Italian trattoria caters to a young, attractive downtown crowd, but one that appreciates good food as much as a hip scene. It is co-owned by celebrity chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joe Bastianich, also partners in Esca and Babbo. The waiters at Lupa are knowledgeable about the food, and prices are surprisingly moderate. Signature dishes range from home-cured mortadella to excellent pasta. The front room is casual, and the back area romantic. The restaurant only takes a limited number of reservations, so be prepared to wait.