At the gateway to Beverly Hills’ iconic commercial district, Funke offers up a theatrical ode to Italian craftsmanship with a dash of Californian flair. Born from the collective vision of real estate titan Kurt Rappaport and culinary virtuoso Evan Funke, the swanksville venue merges a reverence for Art Deco history with a contemporary design ethos, creating a dining experience as aesthetically arresting as it is gastronomically great.
Housed within a meticulously restored 1930s Deco building, Funke Beverly Hills is a labour of love shaped by architect Dan Brunn, FAIA, and interior designer Clint Nichols; the result a seamless harmony of personalities and expertise. “Egos were put aside,” Nichols notes, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the project. For Rappaport, Brunn’s innovative approach to hospitality design and Nichols’ fresh perspective were key to Funke’s singular identity.
At the heart of the space lies a jaw-dropping 20 foot tall pasta lab, a gleaming glass and chrome centrepiece that invites diners into the art of pasta making. For Evan Funke — renowned for his dedication to traditional Italian techniques at his beloved Felix Trattoria in Venice — this feature is both a natural evolution and a statement of intent. Described by Nichols as “the heart of the restaurant,” the pasta lab embodies Funke’s passion for craftsmanship and theatre.
The dining experience is elevated by bespoke touches: imported marbles, Loro Piana linens; midcentury-inspired banquettes that lend a tactile richness and recalls the Italian Modernism of Carlo Scarpa and Gio Ponti; and 205 handblown Murano glass pendants from Australian brand Articolo shine high above the two-storey dining room, evoking bubbles rising in champagne.
Upstairs, one of Los Angeles’s ‘prettiest rooftop’ awaits, crowned by a glowing Cristallo rose quartz bar. With vistas over the Hollywood Hills, lush greenery, and a continuation of Funke’s meticulous aesthetic, the rooftop is an intimate retreat above the city buzz.
From its pasta theatre to its Basquiat-adorned walls, Funke represents a celebration of artistry from both sides of the Atlantic, alongside the timeless allure of Italian cuisine, all brought to life through the creativity of Evan Funke and his collaborators.
@funke_la
@evanfunke
@dbarchitecture
Photography, Brandon Shigeta.
