SERAFINA SUNSET
HOTSPOT & GOOD EATS ALONG SUNSET STRIP

This city loves a hot spot and in the case of Serafina Sunset, scandal in the form of a high-profile celebrity divorce as well as stellar eats, has really elevated the profile of a chic spot in demand to be seen on the Sunset Strip.

I’ve already written about Serafina’s truffle pizza, which is one of the best pies in Los Angeles, as well as its rich brunch bonanza, but dinner is the money shot at this swank spot. Serafina is 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 (currently in the midst of a messy divorce), has taken SoCal by storm.

Housed in the former Mirabelle Restaurant space on Sunset Boulevard, which was an L.A. landmark for 43 years, Serafina is definitely hot and happening and its killer pizzas should be a hit for years to come. Speaking of pizzas, let’s start with the Tartufo Nero—a dynamite pizza made with a bouquet of Italian cheese, white truffle oil and Italian black truffle. Hands down it’s one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. 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.

“It’s a decadent Italian style pizza with the best Italian ingredients,” says Serafina Sunset’s Pizza Chef Armando Novelli. “It was the first pizza that was ever put on the menu. It has thirty years of history of being successful and it’s just simply magical.”

My other favorite dish is the Spaghetti Al Ricci Di Mare—sea urchin spaghetti with a touch of white wine and garlic olive oil. Like the truffle pizza, this is another rich and decadent dish that delights. The flavors are absolutely fantastic.

Now that we got the must-have menu items out of the way, let’s start with other satisfying basics, like the Burrata with Prosciutto di Parma—impressive imported Italian burrata barese served with prosciutto di parma—and the Carpaccio di Feletto & Tartufi Neri—thin sliced prime filet mignon, warm Italian black truffle sauce and boiled potatoes. Both of these are very satisfying starter items.

If you’re looking for something not so rich and heavy, then the Branzino Al Pinot Grigio—grilled filet of branzino with rosemary roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables, lemon and Pinot Grigio sauce, is the way to go. This is a nice and light plate that really works.

While these particular menu choices pair very well with wine, if you’re looking for cocktails, I enjoyed the Old Fashioned with Larceny Bourbon, which was a little sweet but very tasty. Another lively libation is the Dark N Stormy with Zacapa rum, lemon juice and ginger beer. It’s a little different from the classic cocktail but it’s smooth and extremely nice.

And if you save room for dessert, I recommend the Torta di Cioccolato—in-house chocolate cake—freshly baked every day and the La Torta de Mele Verdi—apple pie cooked in Serafina’s wood burning oven. Neither of these will disappoint.

I like the inviting and relaxing feel at Serfina Sunset. It’s a chill spot with lovely fire pits that just screams have a good time. A nice setting, cool cocktails and fine fare make time spent at Serafina Sunset a much sought after good time.

Serafina Sunset is located at 8768 Sunset Boulevard. Open Daily. Call 310-659-9130.

Story & some Photography by: Jose Martinez

Some Photography courtesy of: Serafina Sunset