By Sophia Lalaounis By Sophia Lalaounis | October 8, 2024 | Food & Drink Feature,
Two-time James Beard nominated Evan Funke brings his celebrated Roman cuisine to Miami’s Design District with the grand debut of Mother Wolf Miami, offering a luxurious dining experience that blends old-world tradition with modern elegance.
Mother Wolf's dining room beautifully blends Roman elegance and Miami art deco. Photo courtesy of Michael Mundy
Mother Wolf Miami officially opened its doors on Oct. 5th bringing chef Evan Funke’s celebrated Roman cuisine to the heart of Miami’s Design District. Known for his acclaimed restaurants like Mother Wolf in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Felix in Venice, and Tre Dita in Chicago, Funke has now made his East Coast debut, in partnership with the renowned Ten Five Hospitality Group.
Mother Wolf Miami seamlessly blends into the district’s luxurious landscape, surrounded by fashion giants like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. Inside, the restaurant is an homage to Rome’s timeless culinary traditions, wrapped in an opulent design aesthetic that celebrates the cultural synergy between Rome’s historic charm and Miami’s art deco flair.
Dine amidst bespoke Roman artwork and intricate damask walls in its elegant dining room. Photo Courtesy of Michael Mundy
“Miami is such a vibrant city, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring the culinary traditions of Rome here,” Funke said, reflecting on the inspiration behind the restaurant. “Mother Wolf is a tribute to the Eternal City, and we’re thrilled to now be a part of Miami’s dynamic food scene.”
Unlike its counterparts in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mother Wolf Miami features a signature pasta lab, where guests can witness the mastery behind Funke’s handmade pasta creations. The open-air kitchen, framed by luxurious timber-framed banquettes and Horus gold marble tables, invites diners to immerse themselves in the full culinary experience. From the meticulously crafted pastas to the lively pizza bar, each dish reflects the soulful traditions of La Cucina Romana.
Experience a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary elegance in every corner. Photo courtesy of Michael Mundy
The menu showcases Funke’s dedication to the art of pasta-making, with standout dishes like Tagliolini al Limone, Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, and the indulgent Cacio e Pepe. Guests can also indulge in wood-fired pizzas, such as the classic Margherita and the fiery Diavola, or explore seafood offerings like Capesante alla Spiedo (grilled diver scallops) and Branzino alla Brace (whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass).
Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio with styling by Bernadette Blanc, Mother Wolf Miami draws inspiration from Rome’s timeless elegance, blending Murano glass lighting, intricate damask walls, and terrazzo flooring to create an atmosphere that marries old-world charm with contemporary luxury. From the moment guests step into the lush Salotto, with its bespoke fountain wall and custom Roman-inspired artwork, to the 30-foot-long bar lined with antique mirrors and Italian artifacts, the space evokes an upscale yet approachable glamour.
Sip cocktails in style at the 30-foot bar, surrounded by Italian artifacts and vintage mirrors. Photo courtesy of Michael Mundy
The restaurant’s wine list, curated with over 400 labels, focuses on Italy’s finest regions, including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sardinia, with an emphasis on organic and sustainable wines. Highlights include the Di Montezemolo Barolo from Piedmont and the vibrant Pala Vermentino from Sardinia. Complementing the culinary journey, the cocktail menu is equally impressive, drawing inspiration from Roman history and iconic landmarks. Signature drinks like the San Lorenzo, a blend of sage and black pepper gin, and the Il Palatino, a refreshing mix of gin, cucumber, and lemon, add a contemporary twist to classic Italian cocktails.
Mother Wolf Miami has already become a cornerstone of the city’s luxurious dining scene, offering a truly Roman experience with a modern Miami touch. Now open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30-11 p.m., it promises to be the city’s premier destination for high-end Italian cuisine. For reservations and more information, visit www.motherwolfmiami.com. 3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Michael Mundy; courtesy of Mother Wolf Miami