Peek Inside the Wharf’s Bright New Neapolitan Pizzeria

Wharf newcomer Lupo Marino is designed to conjure the feeling of dining in southern Italy, welcoming diners at a casual eatery that’s big on bright colors, seaside vistas, and plenty of breathing room.

“The whole concept it very light and airy,” restaurateur Med Lahlou (Station 4, Lupo Verde, Lupo Verde Osteria) says of his waterfront pizzeria. He tells Eater that every detail inside the 2,000-square-foot space — from the blue and white tile work on the 1,200-pound, wood-fired Marra Forni brick oven to the swirling grey pattern he paid extra to have painted on the floors (the original sky blue color just didn’t work) — is geared towards putting customers at ease.

The marble topped bar provides seating for eight, which leaves plenty of elbow room for those who stop in to grab a drink — expect a fair amount of sparkling wine (more on that in the next post) — or perhaps split a Neapolitan-style pizza. Another 10 chairs line the window-front ledge opposite the main bar. A communal table with room for 12 customers resides in the center of bar area. The open kitchen extends towards the main dining room; there’s a walk-up counter where Wharf residents or grab-and-go carb lovers who happen to be in the area will be able to buy freshly baked breads, select pastries, and gourmet coffee.

The remainder of the 68-seat restaurant, which was created by Areetoon Jayanan Architecture & Interior Design, is split between two seating areas in the main dining room. The front half of the room has a shared banquette and some two-tops flanked by a floor-to-ceiling display stocked with imported Italian goods. The middle section features standalone tables sandwiched between a fully retractable garage door that opens out onto Pearl Street and a vibrant image of Italian buildings creeping up the face of a mountain. At the far end of the establishment sits a set of shelves stocked with more imported offerings — as well as regional goodies such as Route 11’s spicy Chesapeake crab potato chips.

Stay tuned for additional details about the opening menu items.

Lupo Marino is projected to operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily to start. Lahlou says he may eventually remain open later on weekends depending on demand.

Status: Scheduled to open at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18. 40 Pearl Street SW; website.

Scroll down to view photos of the Wharf’s newest arrival:

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Rey Lopez/Eater DC

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