Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf May Be The Hardest Reservation To Get In Miami

Evan Funke has made his Miami debut with the grand opening of Mother Wolf in the luxurious Design District. Known for his celebrated restaurants Mother Wolf in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Funke in Beverly Hills, Felix in Venice, and Tre Dita in Chicago, Funke’s latest venture promises to bring the rich, soulful flavors of Roman cuisine to South Florida. This new dining destination aims to merge the ancient culinary traditions of Rome with contemporary luxury, creating an unparalleled dining experience that speaks to both Funke’s passion for authentic Italian flavors and Miami’s energy.

Mother Wolf Miami is not just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to the Eternal City itself. This location marks a significant collaboration between Chef Evan Funke and the renowned hospitality group Ten Five, introducing Funke’s culinary genius to the East Coast. Located on the corner of 39th and 2nd in the Design District, the restaurant is surrounded by high-end neighbors like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Dior, and Prada, making it a perfect fit for Miami’s most luxurious shopping destination.

Photo Credit: Michael Mundy

Unlike its sister locations in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mother Wolf Miami will feature a signature pasta lab, highlighting Funke’s mastery of pasta-making. This vibrant space will serve as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can witness firsthand the meticulous craft that goes into each dish, making it a unique feature of this premier dining destination.

“Chef Evan and I are thrilled to introduce Mother Wolf to the dynamic culinary landscape of Miami— the most vibrant and discerning city in the country at this moment,” said Dan Daley, Managing Partner of Ten Five. For Funke, this opening is an homage to Rome’s culinary traditions. “I’m excited to be bringing the mosaic of culinary traditions of Rome to Miami, a city that is overflowing with culture and endless experiences,” he added.

Designed by the esteemed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio with styling by Bernadette Blanc, Mother Wolf Miami seamlessly blends Roman influences with Miami’s iconic Art Deco architecture. The restaurant’s interior is a masterful combination of old-world charm and modern sophistication, featuring elements like Murano glass lighting, Italian terrazzo flooring, and intricate damask wall details that echo the opulence of ancient Rome.

Photo Credit: Michael Mundy

Upon entering, guests are greeted by the lush Salotto, adorned with a bespoke fountain wall and artwork inspired by Rome’s iconic fountains. The experience continues into a stunning bar area, where a 30-foot-long bar is adorned with custom antique mirrors and decorative artifacts, setting the stage for a night of indulgence. The dining area itself is a visual masterpiece, with open-air kitchens, red leather dining chairs, and tables crafted from Horus gold marble. The space exudes a sense of luxury while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to enjoy the flavors and culture of Rome.

Mother Wolf’s menu is a love letter to La Cucina Romana, centering on handmade pastas, crisp brick oven pizzas, and Chef Funke’s famous Focaccia. Signature dishes include classics like the Margherita and Diavola pizzas, as well as seafood specialties like Capesante alla Spiedo (grilled diver scallops) and Branzino alla Brace (whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass with fennel). Meat lovers will savor dishes like Tagliata di Manzo (Prime Ribeye Cap with wild arugula) and Costolette d’Agnello Fritto (fried lamb chops).

The wine program is equally impressive, boasting over 400 carefully curated labels, with a focus on Italy’s renowned wine-growing regions like Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sardinia. This selection highlights both traditional family producers and innovative new estates, emphasizing organic and sustainable practices. Standout offerings include the Di Montezemolo family’s Barolo from Piedmont and the Pala family’s Vermentino from Sardinia, chosen to perfectly complement the restaurant’s Roman flavors.

Photo Credit: Michael Mundy

The cocktail program at Mother Wolf is designed to be as immersive as the food, drawing inspiration from Roman history and culture. The menu features classic Italian aperitifs like the Aperol Spritz alongside inventive creations such as the ‘R&R,’ blending rye whiskey with Italian herbs and citrus. Signature cocktails like the ‘San Lorenzo’ with sage and black pepper gin primo, and the ‘Il Palatino’ with gin, cucumber, and lemon, offer a refreshing twist on traditional flavors.

This fall, we’re deeming Mother Wolf one of the hautest reservations to get.