South End’s old Futo Buta digs are getting a carb‑heavy encore. Lady Funari, a new Italian pasta bar and café from Charlotte’s B‑Side Group, is slated to open this spring in the former ramen spot at 222 E. Bland St., bringing a warm, chef‑facing pasta counter and a European‑style patio that backs right onto the Rail Trail.
The 1,600‑square‑foot restaurant is expected to seat about 40 guests inside and another 40 outside. The team plans to start with dinner service only, then add lunch later on, with a menu built around housemade pastas and shareable seasonal plates, according to Axios Charlotte.
“Our pasta bar isn't a buffet or build‑your‑own experience,” B‑Side culinary director Vince Giancarlo told the outlet, explaining that the setup is “about watching chefs cook and plate in real time.” He added that the name Lady Funari is a tribute to his grandmother, Claire Theresa Funari, who sparked his lifelong love of pasta, as reported by Axios Charlotte.
Who’s behind the project
The concept comes from B‑Side Group, the local hospitality team already known for VINYL and the recently opened Mi Cariño. On B‑Side Group's website, Giancarlo is listed as culinary director, and the group describes its approach as centering on ingredient‑forward menus paired with detailed craft beverage programs.
A familiar South End storefront
Lady Funari will take over the South End storefront that housed Futo Buta for nearly a decade before the ramen favorite closed last year. The switch to a pasta concept was first reported after the group announced plans for the new restaurant late last year, and fresh renderings and program details this week show how the chef’s counter and Rail Trail‑facing patio will be incorporated into the space, per What Now Charlotte.
Charlotte diners can look forward to an intimate, watch‑the‑chefs setup and an Italian‑leaning beverage list that highlights vermouth, amaro and espresso. The team has not shared a firm opening date beyond “this spring,” but says it will release more details as construction and permitting move along.
