Lupo Verde Osteria Palisades on MacArthur isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a warm, welcoming space where neighbors share meals, celebrate milestones, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a holiday feast, or a catered event, the restaurant prides itself on making guests feel like family.

Born from a shared passion for authentic, rustic Southern Italian cuisine, owner Spring Valley resident Med Lahlou and Chef Domenico Apollaro bring decades of culinary expertise inspired by Italy’s southern regions -- Rome, Tuscany, and Sicily. Domenico, trained in Italy’s restaurant industry, recalls growing up in a small coastal town in Oenotria, "the land of the wine," where hospitality and fresh, simple ingredients were a way of life. He opened his first restaurant with his father at age 14 and then traveled the world to refine his culinary craft.

Med, a French native with Moroccan roots, owns five acclaimed Washington, DC restaurants: Lupo Verde, Lupo Marino, Lupo Verde Osteria Palisades, Lupo Pizzeria, and Tunnicliff's. His passion for food stems from his extensive travel growing up. After moving to DC at 16, Med began his restaurant career at Stoney’s in Logan Circle at age 21, becoming co-owner 10 years later, and eventually expanding his ventures to five restaurants today -- with another one on the way later this year. Slated for K Street, it will be lush with greenery, olive trees, and an open kitchen for a rustic, Mediterranean vibe.

Med and Domenico began working together after a chance meeting at U Street restaurant Ulah Bistro years ago. After testing their food concept, the vision for Lupo Verde Osteria became clear: to create a neighborhood spot that feels like an extension of the Italian family table. Lupo Verde Osteria opened on MacArthur Boulevard in 2018, where every detail, from handmade pasta, to imported items like high-quality olive oil, mozzarella, and parmesana, reflect their commitment to authenticity. “We import the finest ingredients directly from Italy to ensure every dish captures the true essence of our heritage," Domenico explains. “Everything we serve is handmade and from scratch."

Offerings include seasonal family meals for special occasions, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, with the latter featuring the traditional Italian Feast of Seven Fishes. Downstairs from the restaurant is Lupo's Alimentari, a boutique Italian market where customers can take home cheese boards, house-made meats like prosciutto, and a variety of fresh and dried pastas and homemade sauces and breads.

With its casual yet elegant design, Lupo Verde Osteria offers a space where guests can relax and savor the experience. Med and Domenico are also collaborating on a larger venue. 

At the core of Lupo Verde Osteria’s menu are authentic, rustic, handmade dishes that transport diners to Rome and Southern Italy. Crowd favorites include classic lasagna, stuffed pasta dishes like agnolotti, and delectable Roman-style fried artichokes. Seafood lovers delight in spaghetti with fresh seafood, swordfish and tuna crudos prepared in various styles. Desserts like Bomboloni, traditional Italian donuts, provide a sweet finish to the meal.

The chefs’ dedication to quality is evident in every bite. “Our fresh pasta is made in-house daily, and we let the ingredients shine,” Domenico explains. “We aim to keep everything authentic, healthy, and unprocessed, just like we do back home.”

Lupo Verde Osteria also offers daily specials: a three-course dinner on Mondays for $65, half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays, and three pastas for $25 on Wednesdays.

Lupo Verde Osteria has earned its place as a beloved neighborhood staple, blending Italian tradition with heartfelt hospitality. During the interview for this story, a Kent neighbor stopped by to take out Lupo's red sauce to serve on pasta at home with the kids. More than just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of food, family, and community. Whether you're enjoying an authentic meal or picking up a festive feast to-go, you’ll find a piece of Italy waiting for you there.

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Born from a shared passion for authentic, rustic Southern Italian cuisine, owner Spring Valley resident Med Lahlou and co-founder Domenico Apollaro bring decades of culinary expertise inspired by Italy’s southern regions -- Rome, Tuscany, and Sicily.