Lupi & Iris is a sophisticated dining destination in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Adam Siegel. It offers cuisine inspired by the French and Italian Riviera.
Uniqueness & Concept
- Cuisine and Ambiance: The restaurant’s core concept is French and Italian Riviera-inspired cuisine, focusing on refined simplicity with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is noted for its elevated design and sophisticated, romantic setting.
- The Chef: It is helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Adam Siegel, whose vision for excellence in fine cuisine and service is central to the restaurant’s identity.
- Design and Experience: The stunning interior has been likened to fine dining restaurants in major cities like New York or Chicago. It features a massive, beautifully exposed open kitchen with an incredible wood-burning oven and grill, which is central to many dishes and adds an element of visual theater. Guests can even dine at a dedicated Chef’s Counter surrounding the kitchen.
- Name Origin: The name “Lupi & Iris” honors Chef Siegel’s father-in-law, Ron Lupi, reflecting a deep respect for family and the joy of gathering over great meals.
History & Recognition
- Opening: Lupi & Iris opened around May 2022.
- James Beard Recognition: The restaurant was a semifinalist for the James Beard Best New Restaurant Award in 2023, a significant national recognition shortly after its opening.
- Media Appearance: It was featured in Episode 1 of Season 21 of Bravo’s Top Chef, with Chef Adam Siegel appearing as a guest judge and the restaurant hosting the season’s first elimination challenge.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu features appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, and main courses, often prepared using the wood-fired oven and grill. Highlights have included:
- Appetizers:
- Pulpo a la Plancha: Char-Grilled Spanish octopus with Romesco sauce.
- Datiles Rellenos: Ham-wrapped dates with almonds and chorizo.
- Pasta:
- Trofie al Limone (or Spaghetti al Limone): Pasta tossed in a sauce of fresh ricotta, pecorino, and parmesan cheeses, finished with lemon, basil, and black pepper.
- Cavatelli con Ragu: Small pasta shells tossed in a pork and tomato ragu.
- Main Courses:
- Costoletta di Vitello (Roasted Veal Chop): Often wood-fired.
- Loup de Mer (Mediterranean Sea Bass): Cooked in parchment.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback often praises the:
- Stunning Interior and Design: Guests are “wowed” by the beautiful, classy atmosphere.
- Food Quality: Dishes are consistently described as delicious, tasty, and well-executed.
- Exceptional Service: The staff and bartenders are frequently noted as being professional, attentive, and providing a great customer experience.
- Acoustics: The restaurant’s sound-dampening ceiling is appreciated, allowing for normal conversation despite the large space.
Significant Events
Lupi & Iris regularly hosts special events, including:
- Wine Dinners: Featuring exclusive pairings with celebrated wineries like Tenuta Santa Maria or Lingua Franca.
- Chef Pairings: Collaborative dining events with other acclaimed Milwaukee chefs.
- Special Holiday Menus: Events for holidays like New Year’s Eve, featuring multi-course dinners and sometimes live music.
- Themed Dinners: Events such as “Ladies of Lupi & Iris” celebrating female chefs or “Bourbon & Bluegrass” dinners.
Restaurant Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 777 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
| Phone | (414) 293-9090 |
| Website | https://www.lupiandiris.com/ |
