Inspired by the unique, chef-driven restaurants they frequented in the Bay Area in college, co-owners Jeffrey Faust and Woogene Lee created fundamental to be an intimate restaurant space that offers farmers market produce and modern dishes influenced by an array of international flavors.
Already a mainstay in Westwood with a spot on Zagat’s 30 under 30 list, Faust and Lee were drawn to downtowns new age renaissance and opened their second location on Grand Avenue in October 2017, right next to Whole Foods. Despite the bustling location, fundamental has a warm and welcoming neighborhood feel that manages to be both cozy and cosmopolitan, much like the menu. They collaborated on the interior design with Lucinda Pacé of Concept XL who integrated lush aesthetics, comfy banquettes with warm woods, and plenty of plants and greenery to create the bright, airy, and inviting atmosphere.
Breakfast and lunch offer more casual fare with favorites like the chicken sausage breakfast burrito and free-range fried chicken sandwich getting rave reviews, while dinner presents a more composed, seasonal menu. Curated by executive chef Andy Lee, dishes are internationally inspired and packed with flavor. Highlights include “Kung Pao” Sugar Snap Peas, Tuna Tostada and Short Rib Pappardelle, all meant to be shared.
Along with a compelling wine and beer list, fundamental DTLA recently launched their cocktail program, spearheaded by well-known mixologist Gabriella Mlynarczyk, and features innovative must-try’s like the Earl Grey Tea (goat milk washed scotch, honey, amaretto, peat) and the Matcha Tea (Pisco, peach calpico, sparkling sake, absinthe, salt) as well as riffs on classics. And for those who love a good happy hour, you can grab a signature fundamental burger or free-range kung pao chicken wings for $9, along with wine for $7, $5 beers, and cocktails such as old fashioneds and ivy gimlets for $9 from 4-6pm daily.
With a simple mission to create a place where friends can come together to enjoy great food and drinks, Faust and Lee have accomplished just that with fundamental. It is fresh, modern, inviting, and downright delicious, a welcome crowd-pleaser to the downtown food scene.
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