<p>The intestine is a key component of the barrier, absorption, and immune systems, contributing significantly to maintaining internal homeostasis and influencing disease progression. Its distinctive physiological functions arise from a complex interplay between its structure and microenvironment. Recent advancements in bioengineering technologies now enable the construction of in vitro intestinal models that faithfully recapitulate the organizational and functional characteristics of native tissue. This review examines the interface between in vitro models and native intestinal biology, offering insights into the replication of organ functions from a manufacturing perspective. We explore bioengineering strategies that enable the mapping of cross-scale structures and the creation of biomimetic environments essential for physiological performance. Furthermore, we discuss pragmatic optimization strategies for applying these models to both physiological and pathological studies, thereby enhancing their translational potential for drug development, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. In contrast to previous reviews, this work proposes an engineering-centered framework for linking structural fabrication strategies to functional performance across intestinal model types.</p>