Lupa Restaurant London Review: Roman Comfort Food in Highbury

March 6, 2026

On a quiet evening in Highbury, stepping into Lupa restaurant in London feels like walking into a friend’s trattoria in Rome. The venue opened in 2025 with a clear purpose: to bring Roman comfort food to North London. It’s the brainchild of local restaurateur Ed Templeton and actor-entrepreneur Theo James, who wanted a neighbourhood spot serving dishes they love and grew up eating. The kitchen is led by Naz Hassan, a chef with deep Italian experience and an instinct for bold flavours.

From the outside, this buttery-yellow corner venue is humble. Inside, however, the space is intimate and warm. The former Victorian corner shop now seats just 28, with handcrafted benches and olive tones that recall sun-washed Italian streets. Candlelight flickers on bespoke ceramics, drawing you into conversations that feel as important as the food itself.

The vibe at Lupa is relaxed and social. It’s about good wine, great pasta, and stories shared across the table. The drink list features Italian wines and clever cocktails. Think a potent fig-leaf martini or a balanced Negroni that pairs with the menu’s punchy flavours.

Lupa Restaurant London Menu

Lupa’s menu is Italian simplicity done brilliantly. The offerings celebrate Rome’s classic osterias but are calibrated for London diners. Start with crisp stuffed courgette flowers and mozzarella-filled arancini, indulgent bites that set the tone for what’s to come.

The primi showcase hand-rolled pasta. The carbonara is creamy and robust, a dish that demands you pause and savour each bite. The cacio e pepe hums with freshly cracked black pepper and silky cheese, a standout that keeps guests returning.

For mains, the kitchen’s porchetta is a triumph: slow-roasted, juicy and spiked with herbs, it’s the kind of second course that becomes the meal’s memory. Grilled lamb cutlets and seasonal vegetable dishes offer variety, proving Lupa’s kitchen is as capable with land as it is with pasta.

Desserts, too, are worth saving room for. The sweet finish feels authentic and home-made, rounding out a meal that bridges Roman tradition and London creativity.

In a city with no shortage of Italian eateries, Lupa stands out for its unabashed embrace of Roman comfort. The space may be small, but its flavours and hospitality are expansive. This place is an essential visit for lovers of Italian cuisine in London.