Acclaimed pasta master, Evan Funke – of famed Mother Wolf in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Funke in Beverly Hills, Felix in Venice, and Tre Dita in Chicago – is set to bring his rich and soulful Roman cooking to Miami with the grand opening of Mother Wolf in the luxurious Design District on October 5th, 2024. The new dining destination is a tribute to the ancient culinary traditions of Rome, set against a backdrop that seamlessly merges old-world charm with modern opulence. Mother Wolf Miami, unlike the outposts in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, will feature a signature pasta lab for which Funke is known for. This vibrant space will be Miami’s premier dining experience, where the timeless and celebrated cuisine of Rome meet contemporary luxury.
Mother Wolf Miami is a partnership between two-time James Beard nominated Chef Evan Funke and renowned hospitality group, Ten Five, marking chef’s official introduction to the East Coast. Located on the corner of 39th and 2nd, the restaurant will fit seamlessly alongside neighboring designer retailers Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Dior, and Prada.
“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,” says Dan Daley, Managing Partner of Ten Five. With Rome as the singular inspiration, Mother Wolf is Chef Evan’s homage to the Eternal City. “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,” says Funke.
Conceptualized by revered London based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio with styling by Bernadette Blanc, Mother Wolf draws inspiration from the timeless style and craftsmanship of Rome, seamlessly blending Miami’s iconic art deco architecture with refined Italian design. The fresh and contemporary space is a tribute to the cultural legacies of both cities, enriched with whimsical touches such as Murano glass lighting, Italian terrazzo flooring, and intricate damask wall details. These elements converge in a color palette that echoes the sumptuous tones of ancient Rome, creating an ambiance of modern luxury that celebrates the rich histories and vibrant aesthetics of both Rome and Miami.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by the lush Salotto, where a bespoke fountain wall and custom artwork inspired by Rome’s iconic fountains set the tone for the luxurious experience ahead. Guests then transition into the bar area, where an opulent 30-foot-long bar stretches across the space. The bar is adorned with custom antique mirrors, decorative artifacts, and Italian terrazzo flooring, creating an ambiance that masterfully blends historic elegance with contemporary flair. The dining area offers a unique atmosphere where theater and leisurely dining collide. Power booths frame the open-air kitchen, allowing onlookers to witness Chef Evan’s dynamic cooking and the lively pizza bar in action. Timber-framed banquettes are adorned with leather cushions and backs upholstered in channeled brocade linen, complemented by striking red leather dining chairs. Tables crafted from Horus gold marble are intimately arranged atop a mid-toned oak parquet floor, illuminated by warm, glowing lamps, for a cozy and connected dining experience. The space is further enhanced by custom oversized, hand-blown Italian Murano glass chandeliers and sconces, set against a backdrop of brass and glazed ceramic details. Rich oak paneling and a custom-printed art-deco inspired fabric ceiling cast an inviting glow over the entire room, creating an environment that is both luxurious and welcoming while evoking a sense of upscale yet approachable glamour.
Mother Wolf invites you to experience the true flavors of La Cucina Romana with a menu centered around masterfully crafted handmade pastas, perfectly crisp brick oven pizzas, and Chef Evan’s famous Focaccia. The culinary offerings transport you to the streets of Rome, featuring dishes like the classic Margherita and the spicy Diavola pizza. The menu also boasts a wide selection of seafood, including Capesante alla Spiedo (grilled diver scallops), Branzino alla Brace (whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass with fennel), and Impepata di Cozze—steamed mussels in a specialty broth. Rounding out the experience are signature dishes like Tagliata di Manzo (Prime Ribeye Cap with wild arugula) and Costolette d’Agnello Fritto (fried lamb chops).
The wine program at Mother Wolf will feature over 400 carefully curated labels, with a focus on Italy’s renowned wine-growing regions, including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sardinia. This collection highlights both revered multi-generational family producers and emerging estates, with a particular emphasis on organic and sustainable practices. Among the distinguished offerings are the Di Montezemolo family’s Barolo from Piedmont, a true expression of the region’s rich history, and the Pala family’s Vermentino from Sardinia, known for its vibrant and distinctive character. Each bottle is chosen to complement the ancient Roman flavors celebrated in the cuisine.
Mother Wolf’s cocktail program is designed to tell a story, drawing inspiration from iconic Roman history, landmarks and flavors. The menu balances classic Italian aperitifs like the Aperol Spritz with innovative creations like the ‘R&R,’ which blends rye whiskey with Italian herbs and citrus. Signature drinks include the ‘San Lorenzo,’ featuring a vibrant blend of sage and black pepper gin primo, and the ‘Il Palatino,’ a refreshing mix of gin, cucumber, and lemon.
Mother Wolf will be open Tuesday – Sunday, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM, for more information please visit www.motherwolfmiami.com and follow on Instagram @MotherWolfMiami
