It was not easy getting a reservation, now I understand why. This place is R-E-A-L-L-Y GOOD.
I was surprised at how spacious it was, they have three floors, which includes a roof top deck. My wife and I arrived early to have a cocktail and explore, expect to pay $25/drink. As a dirty martini lover, they came up short, first they don't stock Ketel One vodka, only Belvedere. So much for variety being the spice of life. Second, they don't have blue cheese stuffed olives. So, while I slugged my way through an inferior dirty martini, my wife quite liked her Sicilia, which was sweet and thirst quenching, her ideal recipe for a mixed drink.
There are three bars, so don't feel like you need to immediately throw yourself into the watering hole at the front door. The action is on the rooftop where they have a D.J., heat lamps, and a killer view. I highly recommend starting your adventure with a drink and checking out the rooftop. Another cool feature is the pasta room, which is set in a controlled environment behind the host station. You can watch as they hand make artisan style pastas.
Upon arriving, you will notice that the building has a subtle Art Deco elegance bathed in a white finish with a tasteful neon red sign. The interior has charm, with high ceilings and a prevailing clean white motif. The web page talks of imported stones including Crema Del Monte and Verde Imperiale marbles and Loro Piana linen wall coverings, which all add to the subtle Italian charm. A good barometer for a classy restaurant is always the barroom, and they did not disappoint, it was clean and stylish.
The restaurant played great music all night long, which really pumps in the bathroom, it keeps the vibe fun, which might be too loud for some. Our table continually referenced the song that was playing, because we were feeling it all night long. As an example, Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry, instant fun.
Kudos to friendly service at the front host stand by Micah, who promptly got us seated. Our server, Max C, was worth the price of admission. He was thorough with his recommendations and 'on it' in every way, he elevated our experience. The other individual tending to our table was quick to fill our water and clear the plates so we could enjoy the offerings from Chef Evan. The various runners did a nice job with food pacing and re-explaining what everything was as it got served. Service was top notch.
There were NO misses with our food choices, which was thanks in large part to Max and his recommendations.
Sfincione in bianco - (A grade) a delicious, fluffy focaccia bread.
Fiori di Zucca - (A grade) squash blossoms, fried to perfection and stuffed with a delectable cheese.
Gamberi in Salsa Verde - (A grade) prawns are seasoned and served with a split tail. Server, Max insisted the entire crustacean could be consumed, so I tried one from head to tail, and he was right, slightly crunchy but good.
Busiate - (A grade) the artisan pasta is made with passion; you can taste the difference. This comes out with a green pistachio pesto and basil leaves.
Ziti alla Genovese - (A grade) this is a hearty pasta dish with a meaty red sauce, the ziti was delicious.
Tagliata di manzo - (A grade) this is a showstopper, reportedly, the centerpiece of another Chef Evan restaurant in Chicago. Tender pieces of prime rib eye cap, and patate e rucola, it was delicious, I wish it had more prime rib, which was cooked medium/rare, and oh so tasty.
Mini donuts & dipping sauce - (A grade) this is just what it sounds like. They had some unique sauces that added a different, yet delightful taste.
Funke is all that, why not 5 stars you ask? Maybe I'm being too tough, but the martini situation was off-putting, in particular, the lack of hand stuffed blue cheese olives, a favorite appetizer of mine. Another contributor is the 4% wellness fee buried at the bottom of the check. Getting past all that, the rest of my experience was exceptional, definitely a memorable night for my group. #BRAVO
They have valet parking ($15), so don't panic, look for the parking signs around the side/back of the building just off Santa Monica Blvd. read more