SERAFINA SUNSET
BRUNCH BONANZA ON THE SUNSET STRIP

Los Angeles is never shy of celebrity-driven hot spots where the food delights and the décor is star-studded and loaded with chic swag. Such a spot is Serafina Sunset—a popular New York City restaurant from the lauded Serafina Restaurant Group. Founded by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, the duo has opened several successful restaurants in NYC and Serafina Sunset, which also includes co-owners Mel B of Spice Girls fame and Stephen Belafonte, is a SoCal hit.

A posh place on the Strip, Serafina Sunset is a great weeknight dinner spot as well as a go-to place for weekend brunch. Housed in the former Mirabelle Restaurant space on Sunset Boulevard, which was an LA institution for 43 years, Serafina is definitely hot and happening and its killer pizzas should be a hit for years to come.

During our recent visit for Sunday brunch, we sat outside overlooking the famed Sunset Strip as Serafina’s patio is an ideal location to soak in the sun; day drink and indulge in a good meal. We started our boozy brunch with the Bloody Mary Di Sardi made with Tito’s Vodka and homemade Serafina Bloody Mary mix.  This drink is solid and spicy and a brunch winner.

Likewise, La Prima made with Patron Reposado, Tatcher’s organic blood orange liqueur, blueberries and mint is so easy to drink and very refreshing. Think of this cocktail as a good Paloma.

If you’re looking for a good starter dish, the Avocado Toast with hand mashed avocado, tomatoes, two poached eggs, asparagus, red pepper flakes, and Sicilian sea salt is the way to go. This is just a pleasing way to start brunch.

But let’s not mince words and get straight to the good stuff. At Serafina Sunset it’s the pizzas that rule the roost. In fact, the story goes that when Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato started Serafina, they wanted to create the perfect pizza and with the Tartufo Nero, basically a truffle pizza, prepared with a bouquet of Italian cheeses, white truffle oil and Italian black truffle they’ve crafted one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had—with or without meat. But then again, the combination of bread, butter, cheese and rich truffles seems foolproof. At nearly $30 a pop, it’s pricey but it’s so rich that you should treat yourself this well once in a while.

Another solid pizza actually on the brunch menu is the Pizza All’ Uovo with sliced tomatoes, Prosciutto di Parma, one egg and mozzarella. It’s delicious, light and heavenly. Some might think these pizzas can be too heavy for brunch but I like a good, long boozy brunch and these delectable pizzas are the way to go.

If you’re looking for more standard brunch fare, there’s the Egg White Frittata with Swiss cheese and fine fresh herbs, light tomato sauce and sautéed greens, as well as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes served with fresh raspberries, maple syrup and lemon confit. Unfortunately, I found the pancakes to be bland and dry and the frittata to be bland and blah. I say stick with the pizzas, which are some of the best in town.

If you’re looking for other spot-on cocktails, the Dark N Stormy with Zacapa rum, lemon juice and ginger beer is a little different from the classic recipe but it’s smooth and goes down nice. And the Classic Old Fashioned made with Larceny Bourbon is a little sweet but very good.

What I like about Serafina Sunset, especially for brunch, is that it’s a chill spot perfect to relax and setup shop for a long and lazy meal. Day drink with some pleasing cocktails and your weekend brunch will be a bonanza of a hit.

Serafina Sunset is located at 8768 Sunset Boulevard. Open Daily. Brunch is offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 4pm. Call 310-659-9130.

Story & some Photography by: Jose Martinez

Some Photography courtesy of: Serafina Sunset