Having lived on Wickford Road as a child, a couple of blocks from the Mallway in Upper Arlington, I always loved the look and feel of the area. When I discovered a restaurant was for sale, I jumped at the chance to help redevelop such a great location. There was so much untapped potential—lots of parking, historical flavor, and potential for special retail reminiscent of small city centers in places I had visited in Mexico, Spain, and Italy. The space also boasts a tremendous outdoor area, which I believe is one of the finest in the city.
We opened Lupo in 2018 as a traditional tapas concept with an Italian influence. Lupo, which is the Italian meaning of Lopez (my last name), represents my connection between Spanish and Italian cuisines interpreted through new world ingredients, creating a distinctive culinary style based on my experiences helping to create Tapatio back in 1992.
The Lupo concept continues to evolve with customer demand and our new chef Courtney Nielsen, as we explore a brand new menu focusing on New World cuisine. We let the ingredients dictate our evolving array of creations, utilizing seasonal and local elements to create a truly authentic experience through our creative interpretations of classic recipes. Patrick Gahn, the heart and soul of Lupo, is a cocktail visionary and neighborhood favorite who worked at La Tavola and has been with Lupo for many years before taking over as GM. He assembles an array of seasonal beverages to accompany a thoughtfully curated wine selection, with his changing cocktails serving as much of a draw as our changing menu.
This historical site is filled with childhood memories from the Mallway, while unleashing the possibilities of the present with an amazing outdoor eating space. We’ve created a warm neighborhood gathering place, filled with energy and light, providing the ultimate in food and beverage with our ever-changing seasonal food and cocktail menus. To accommodate a more intimate experience, ask about our historical bank vault used for private dining.
Join Our Mailing List
Join our mailing list for updates on events, special menu items, and more!