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Lupa Trattoria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lupa Trattoria
8.0
Neighborhood Roman-style trattoria with a cozy back patio and hearty, housemade pastas. The menu sticks to comforting red-sauce favorites with generous portions and friendly pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fettuccine Tartufate, Bucatini Amatriciana, Lasagna alla Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Back-patio trattoria vibes with homestyle Roman pasta classics.
Who should go: Families and pasta traditionalists
When to visit: Fri–Sun 5–7pm for easiest patio availability
What to order: Fettuccine Tartufate, Bucatini Amatriciana, tiramisù
Insider tip: Request the backyard patio when reserving—it’s quieter than the dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight on 24th Street after 6pm but easier a few blocks up the hill on Castro or Noe.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice shirt work fine; locals often come straight from the neighborhood.
Noise level: Moderate—pleasant chatter indoors but quieter on the patio, good for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample options like eggplant parmigiana, truffle fettuccine, and multiple salads.
Vegan options: Limited—can request dairy-free tomato-based pastas or simple sides.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free pasta available on request but prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially on the back patio at dusk—romantic lighting and unpretentious atmosphere make it feel cozy and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays; weekends and patio seats fill up fast, so booking ahead is recommended for groups or outdoor dining.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—friendly staff, pasta crowd-pleasers, and a casual vibe make it easy for families with kids aged 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back, hearty Italian comfort fare in a true neighborhood setting—ideal when you want familiar flavors without pretension.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale, modern Italian or a high-energy bar scene—this is more cozy trattoria than trend spot.
Lupa Trattoria
8.0
Cozy Roman trattoria favored for housemade pasta and straightforward, well-seasoned sauces. Warm service and a compact dining room keep it intimate for low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Bucatini all’Amatriciana, Tiramisù
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Roman-style pastas made in-house with classic, dialed sauces.
Who should go: Pasta traditionalists and cozy-room seekers
When to visit: Sun–Thu evenings for the calmest pace
What to order: Cacio e pepe, amatriciana, tiramisù
Insider tip: Request the fireplace table for the quietest corner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 24th Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 6pm, but typically manageable within a few minutes’ walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests dress slightly up for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly with a lively hum from the small dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, depending on the crowd.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner reservations recommended midweek for prime times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta and antipasti options without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable antipasti or can request pasta without cheese or butter.
Gluten-free options: Limited — can accommodate some dishes with advance notice but no dedicated gluten-free pasta.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy layout, warm service, and intimate lighting make it ideal for a first date where conversation matters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights before 7pm, but weekends are best booked ahead due to the small space.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the dining room is small and tailored to adults, though well-behaved older kids would be fine early in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Intimate pasta-focused dining with authentic Roman flavors and attentive staff.
Skip if: You’re looking for large-group seating, outdoor dining, or a broad modern Italian menu.