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Mother Wolf
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Mother Wolf
8.8
Mother Wolf channels Roman trattoria cooking into a cinematic Hollywood dining room inside the historic Citizen News building. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a deep Italian wine list draw both industry power players and food-obsessed locals. The room hums with energy most nights, making it one of the buzziest reservations in 90028.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, Squash blossoms fritti
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-drama Roman cooking in a grand, buzzed-about Hollywood dining room.
Who should go: Pasta lovers planning celebratory nights out.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the room is packed.
What to order: Cacio e pepe, squash blossoms, a wood-fired pizza.
Insider tip: Book the earliest or latest seatings for a better chance at walk-up bar spots and a more relaxed pace.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at the Citizen News building; nearby garages on Selma and Vine run $8–$20. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated denim is fine, but most guests opt for polished outfits.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with a lively dining room—conversations are possible but require speaking up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at the bar for walk-ins; reservations often booked weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as the restaurant focuses on dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several pastas, pizzas, and vegetable antipasti are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable starters can be modified, but most core dishes rely on dairy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options—some antipasti and salads work, but pastas and pizzas are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want high energy and impressive ambiance. It’s more electric than intimate, so best for dates who enjoy a lively scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—arrive early (before 6pm) or late (after 9:30pm) to try for bar seating. Prime hours are nearly impossible for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle a loud, high-energy room. No dedicated kids’ menu and limited stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Handmade Roman pastas, dramatic ambiance, and buzzy, scene-forward dinners that feel celebratory.
Skip if: You need a quiet meal, want robust vegan options, or prefer spontaneous dining without planning ahead.
Mother Wolf
8.7
Mother Wolf, Evan Funke’s ode to Roman cooking, turns handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas into a full-scale production in the restored Citizen News building. Between the soaring room, serious wine list, and hard-to-get reservations, it’s a go-to for birthdays and industry celebrations that still feel genuinely food-obsessed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, Margherita or Roman-style pizza
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A high-drama Roman dining room where housemade pastas and pizzas headline big nights out.
Who should go: Pasta-obsessed diners planning birthdays or industry celebrations.
When to visit: Prime Friday and Saturday seatings when the room is fully buzzing.
What to order: Cacio e pepe, rigatoni all'Amatriciana, a wood-fired pizza to share.
Insider tip: If you can’t land a main dining room table, bar seats still offer the full menu and great views into the action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at the Citizen News building; street parking is limited and competitive on weekend evenings. Nearby paid lots along Selma and Wilcox usually have space but expect event-night surges.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Most guests lean dressy—think elevated denim, button-downs, dresses, or polished evening wear.
Noise level: High-energy. The room is loud during peak hours, but you can still hold a conversation at normal volume if seated closer to the perimeter.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, expect a long wait or no availability. Bar seats are first-come and may require a 30–60 minute wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but note that lunch service may be limited or seasonal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including salads, pizzas, and several pastas built around vegetables or cheese.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on cheese, eggs, or traditional pasta. Your best bet is salads or vegetable plates; ask for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some entrées and salads can be made gluten-free, but most signature pastas and pizzas cannot. Inform the server early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you're aiming for a high-impact, stylish first date. The room is dramatic and energetic, which helps if you want a lively backdrop rather than intimate quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s difficult during prime hours. Your best chance is arriving early for bar seats or checking for late cancellations on the reservation platforms.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The crowd skews adult, the noise level is high, and the menu is tailored to sophisticated diners. Older teens might enjoy it, but younger kids may be overwhelmed.
Best For
Better for: High-energy celebrations, standout Roman pastas, and a ‘destination dining’ feel that rivals LA’s most cinematic rooms.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner; you need extensive vegan or gluten-free options; or you prefer a more relaxed, neighborhood-style Italian meal.
Mother Wolf
8.6
Mother Wolf channels Roman trattoria cooking into a cinematic Hollywood dining room, pairing thin-crust pizzas and handmade pastas with a soundtrack-and-lighting package built for big nights out. The open kitchen, packed reservations book, and carefully paced service give it a polished, destination-feel without losing warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, Pappardelle al Cinghiale
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-energy Roman pastas and pizza in a dramatic, celebrity-favorite room.
Who should go: Groups and couples celebrating over Roman pasta and wine.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings with a reservation locked in.
What to order: Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, rigatoni all’Amatriciana, pappardelle al cinghiale.
Insider tip: Book bar seats if tables are sold out; the full menu still shines there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available along Wilcox or Selma, with limited metered street parking that fills quickly after 6pm. Nearby paid structures on Selma and Vine offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Dark jeans are fine with a polished top, but most guests opt for elevated evening wear given the scene-heavy dining room.
Noise level: Lively and energetic. Conversation is doable at closer table distances or the bar, but expect a cinematic buzz during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: Expect no availability without a reservation; walk-ins may face 60–90 minutes or be turned away entirely.
Weekday lunch: Mother Wolf does not operate a standard weekday lunch; early weekday dinners (5–6pm) have the shortest waits with a possible bar opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection. Several pastas, pizzas, and antipasti are naturally vegetarian or can be adjusted.
Vegan options: Limited but possible. A few vegetable-forward dishes work, but substitutions are restricted due to the Roman-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate. Some antipasti and entrées can accommodate gluten-free needs, but pasta and pizza options are limited without advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for high energy and a dramatic setting. The glam room and polished service make it memorable, though the lively volume means it’s better for dates who already know each other a bit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during prime hours. Your best bet is arriving right at opening or aiming for bar seats, which often free up even when the dining room is fully booked.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. While older kids or teens might enjoy the pasta and energy, the room is designed for adults, celebrations, and nightlife. No dedicated kids’ menu or space for strollers during peak service.
Best For
Better for: High-drama ambiance, handmade Roman pasta, and destination-night energy that outshines more casual Italian spots in Hollywood.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, have strict vegan or gluten-free requirements, or prefer intimate rooms over scene-forward dining.
Mother Wolf
8.8
Mother Wolf is Evan Funke’s glam homage to Roman cooking, pairing wood-fired pizzas and intricate pastas with a cinematic dining room that feels built for anniversaries and big nights out. The lighting, soundtrack, and crowd all lean romantic, especially for couples tucked into the plush booths or sharing plates at the marble bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-drama Roman cooking in a glamorous, dimly lit Hollywood dining room.
Who should go: Couples wanting glamorous, big-night-out Italian in Hollywood.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings, especially weekends, with a reservation.
What to order: Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, rigatoni all'Amatriciana, Margherita pizza.
Insider tip: Book bar seats if tables are sold out; the full menu is served there with great people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available near the entrance ($15–$20); street parking on Wilcox and neighboring blocks is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated outfits fit the room; polished jeans are fine but most guests dress up.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — you can hold a conversation, but the soundtrack and weekend crowd make it more vibrant than quiet.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins can face 45–75 minutes; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused service; early-evening weekday visits have the shortest waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — several pastas and pizzas can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be adapted but this is a dairy-forward kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some dishes avoid wheat, but pasta and pizza are not reliably offered in gluten-free formats.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dramatic lighting, high-energy room, and polished service create an impressive atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — arrive early (before 6pm) or aim for bar seating, which is first-come and offers the full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the vibe skews adult and celebratory; older teens may fit in, but it’s not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Romantic ambiance, high-end Roman pastas, and a cinematic Hollywood dining experience that feels celebratory.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, vegan-friendly menus, or a quick in-and-out Italian meal — the experience here is all about lingering.
Mother Wolf
8.8
Mother Wolf is chef Evan Funke’s Roman-inspired showpiece in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, where housemade pastas and wood-fired dishes anchor a high-energy dining room. The lasagna, alongside cacio e pepe and other Roman classics, draws both industry regulars and destination diners willing to plan ahead for reservations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna with slow-cooked ragù, Cacio e pepe, Rigatoni all'amatriciana
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Roman-style pastas and lasagna served in a cinematic, high-energy room.
Who should go: Date-night diners and pasta lovers seeking buzzy, upscale energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the dining room feels electric.
What to order: Lasagna, cacio e pepe, wood-fired Roman-style pizza.
Insider tip: Book bar seating if reservations are scarce; the full menu is available there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the Vinyl District (expect ~$15–$20). Street parking is scarce after 6pm and often restricted; nearby structures fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Jeans are fine if paired with dressy layers; many guests lean fashion-forward due to Hollywood’s industry crowd.
Noise level: Loud. The room is energetic and social—great for ambiance, not ideal for intimate whisper-level conversations.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, expect no availability or a 60–120 minute bar wait depending on event traffic.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is lighter; if open for lunch, waits are generally minimal with bar seats often available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several pastas and vegetable-forward antipasti work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited. Roman pasta tradition leans heavily on cheese and eggs; vegans may find only a few vegetable dishes suitable.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Most pastas contain gluten, though a few non-pasta mains and vegetable plates can accommodate gluten-free diners. No dedicated gluten-free pasta prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a high-energy, glamorous setting that feels like an event. It’s less ideal for quiet conversation but perfect when you want to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely during peak times. Your best chance is early weekday evenings or late-night bar seating, which offers the full menu and is often more flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The atmosphere is loud and adult-focused; suitable only for older kids who can handle upscale dining and longer meals.
Best For
Better for: Signature Roman pasta technique, a cinematic dining room, and a ‘night-out’ aura that competitors can’t match. Ideal for special occasions or industry-adjacent nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, vegan/gluten-free pasta options, or something budget-friendly. Choose alternatives if you prefer intimate trattoria-style dining over high-energy glamour.
Mother Wolf
8.3
Chef Evan Funke’s Roman-inspired dining room channels big-city glamour with wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and antipasti served in a dramatic Art Deco space. Meals can swing from very good to excellent, but the room’s energy and the kitchen’s high points make it one of Hollywood’s splashier Italian experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Pizza Margherita, Rigatoni all'Amatriciana
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Big, Roman-inspired flavors in a high-drama dining room that feels like old Hollywood.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting a buzzy, scene-heavy Italian night.
When to visit: Later evening for full energy; early slots for a calmer feel.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, a wood-fired pizza, Rigatoni all'Amatriciana.
Insider tip: Bar seats are easier to snag and perfect for sharing a few plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on-site and fills quickly; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—most guests opt for elevated outfits given the room’s scene-heavy energy.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with a buzzy, high-energy soundtrack; conversation is possible at close range but not ideal for intimate chats.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation—45 to 75 minutes depending on peak periods.
Weekday lunch: Lunch isn’t offered; early weekday dinner slots are the easiest to secure.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very good selection—several pastas, pizzas, salads, and antipasti are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adjusted, but core pastas and pizzas rely on cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta or pizza dough; some antipasti and salads work, but options are limited for strict GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you're aiming for a high-energy, glamorous setting. The room is lively and stylish, ideal for an impressive night out—though the noise level may not suit a quieter, more intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait. Bar seating is your best bet for walk-ins and often opens faster than the main dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The atmosphere skews adult, trendy, and loud. Older teens who appreciate the food and scene might enjoy it, but it’s not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: A splashy, Hollywood-glam Italian night with standout pastas, dramatic ambiance, and scene-driven energy.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, gluten-free pasta or pizza, or a laid-back neighborhood Italian spot.
Mother Wolf
8.9
Mother Wolf is Evan Funke’s Roman-inspired dining room where tonnarelli cacio e pepe, wood-fired pizzas, and aperitivo cocktails play out in a grand, always-booked Hollywood space. Two dedicated private dining rooms let groups tuck into the same pasta-and-pizza spread away from the main dining room’s buzz while still feeling plugged into the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fiori di Zucca (stuffed squash blossoms), Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, La Mortazza Pizzette
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A Roman-inspired hotspot with dedicated private rooms for pasta- and pizza-fueled celebrations.
Who should go: Groups wanting high-energy Italian in a polished setting.
When to visit: Prime evening reservations when the room and bar are buzzing.
What to order: Fiori di Zucca, Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, La Mortazza.
Insider tip: Ask about the private dining menus that mirror the main room’s greatest hits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at the Hollywood location for a fee; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm. Nearby paid garages along Hollywood Blvd are the most reliable fallback.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual. Most guests lean stylish—dark denim, button-downs, dresses—appropriate for a high-energy Hollywood hotspot.
Noise level: Lively, especially in the main dining room. Private dining rooms have a more controlled atmosphere where conversation is easier.
Weekend wait: Plan well ahead—walk-ins often face 60-90 minutes or are turned away entirely. Private dining must be booked in advance.
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service; early weekday dinner seatings are your best bet with manageable waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—several antipasti, vegetable-forward pastas, and pizzas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable starters work, but most pastas and pizzas rely on cheese or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Limited—pizzas are not gluten-free and pasta options are restrictive; salads and select antipasti are your safest choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a high-energy, sceney atmosphere. It’s glamorous, buzzy, and visually impressive, though the main room can be loud. The private dining rooms offer a more intimate alternative.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Not recommended. Prime hours are booked weeks in advance, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Arriving very early on a weekday offers the best chance but is still not guaranteed.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the room is loud, tables are close together, and the vibe skews adult and nightlife-adjacent. Teens comfortable in upscale environments will be fine.
Best For
Better for: High-energy Italian dining with standout pastas, classic Roman dishes, and private rooms that keep you close to the Hollywood buzz. Ideal for celebrations, industry dinners, and stylish nights out.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need robust vegan or gluten-free menus, or prefer a casual, low-key trattoria vibe.