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Funke
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Funke
8.9
Chef Evan Funke's pasta laboratory showcases handmade pasta crafted using 150-year-old Italian techniques in a glass-enclosed workspace. The three-story art deco space features a rooftop bar with sweeping Beverly Hills views and agnolotti so delicate they must be seen to be believed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti del Plin, Cacio e Pepe, Neapolitan Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Live pasta-making theater in a chrome and glass laboratory
Who should go: Pasta perfectionists and architecture enthusiasts
When to visit: Early dinner for the pasta show
What to order: Any handmade pasta, agnolotti, cacio e pepe
Insider tip: Bar Funke upstairs offers cocktails without reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Beverly Drive fills up by 6:30pm
Dress code: Upscale casual - dark jeans acceptable but lean dressy, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but energetic dining room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, weeks ahead for prime slots
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins possible at bar, 15-20 min for tables
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several handmade pasta options with vegetables, cheese-based sauces
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify 2-3 dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: No - specializes in traditional wheat pasta, limited alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the pasta theater provides built-in conversation starter, lighting is romantic but not too dim, and the rooftop bar offers a scene change option
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner - try the upstairs Bar Funke for cocktails and limited menu without reservation, or arrive at 5pm sharp for bar seats in main dining room
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 12+ who appreciate culinary experiences - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, long meal pace
Best For
Better for: Handmade pasta authenticity and theatrical dining experience - surpasses Osteria Mozza for pasta craft, more exciting than Bestia
Skip if: You want quick casual Italian or large portions - try Jon & Vinny's instead for relaxed vibes and bigger servings
Funke
8.8
Evan Funke's flagship pasta laboratory showcases handmade pasta crafted using centuries-old techniques behind glass walls. The three-story art deco building houses a rooftop bar with Beverly Hills views and serves bespoke pasta dishes learned from remote corners of Italy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti, Cacio e Pepe, Seasonal Vegetable Antipasti
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Glass-enclosed pasta laboratory with artisanal techniques
Who should go: Pasta perfectionists and culinary adventurers
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekend lunch
What to order: Agnolotti, daily pasta specials, antipasti
Insider tip: Watch the pasta makers through the glass laboratory
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Little Santa Monica after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think elevated date night, no athletic wear
Noise level: Lively but manageable - conversation-friendly despite the buzz
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, faster at the bar
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple house-made pasta options with vegetable-forward sauces
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 modified dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: No - pasta-focused menu makes this challenging
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the pasta-making theater provides conversation starters, lighting is flattering, and the upscale-but-not-stuffy vibe keeps things relaxed
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for prime times - book 2-3 weeks out for weekend dinner. Best walk-in odds: weekday lunch or bar seating after 9pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, but pasta dishes can work for adventurous young eaters
Best For
Better for: Pasta purists seeking authenticity over fusion - the handmade technique and rare regional shapes you won't find at Bestia or Jon & Vinny's
Skip if: You want quick casual Italian or large portions - head to Forma or Pizzana for more relaxed, family-style dining