New Italian-inspired Brunch at Serafina Sunset in WEHO
The skylight ceiling and open windows on the spiffy, comfy veranda provide panoramic views of the entire city on one side, mountains on the other.
(Gerry Furth-Sides)
Serafina Sunset now offers a new Italian-inspired week-end brunch menu. Brunch from 11:30 AM to 4 PM at the breezy, very social means Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (www.serafinasunset.com). The opening of Serafina Sunset, fall of 2016, was the first California installment of the popular New York City-based Italian eatery that originated on Madison Avenue.
The day we dined at Serafina Sunset brought with it a gloriously clear blue sky in the midst of weeks of wintry rain. The entertainment industry social hub also brought out families, couples and groups of guests of different ages this afternoon. They dotted the spacious, comfy outdoor veranda, ingeniously designed to make one or 100 guests feel just right. Inside, the bar and tables anticipated a night crowd.
PIZZA ALL’ UOVO Sliced tomatoes, Prosciutto di Parma, one egg & mozzarella ($18.50) from the Big Plate Menu served brunch and dinner.
Although the name Serafina has come to be equated with wood-oven cooking and the signature pizzas of the Manhattan chain, regional specialties lend the menu a creditable air.
Serafina Sunset, across from the old Tower Records, is in a neighborhood filled with late night party-goers and tourists — all visible as tour bus after tour bus passed by.
STEAK & FABULOUS EGGS Eggs any style served with grilled steak, French fries or mix greens ($29).
The straightforward, generously portioned Italian dishes we tried were nicely prepared with luscious, fresh ingredients. The poached eggs we requested with our Steak & Fabulous Eggs were done beautifully- just firm enough- and the addition of shaved carrots to the small salad adding a subtle sweet touch. When there was a problem, such as the under-cooked steak when we asked for it “on the rare side”, it was quickly taken care of with a smile.
The Serafina version of Cappuccino Corretto adds dashes of Pancracio chocolate vodka, Caffe Borghetti, Di Saronno Amaretto & macchiato ($16)
The service more than made up for this. I mentioned I loved sipping “caffe corretto” in Italy. I think our server was as happy as I was when he brought me a cappuccino, thoughtfully placing the shot of grappa on the side so I could sample it first.
//www.serafinasunset.com/serafina-sunset-la-italian-restaurant-brunch-menu/
Award-winner for his enhancement of restaurant service for half a century, Rayjean Fontaine added a festive spring touch to brunch.
There are big shoes to fill at this now more open, cavernous space, most recently inhabited by Yellowtail and Akira. The original was made up of more intimate rooms at the venerated family-run Mirabelle with its a half-century legacy. We have fond memories of private parties in their upstairs private room or on the side veranda, where we part of the group of lingering guests – many of them show business royalty – who wanted to leave.
The restaurant chain founded in 1995 by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato. Serafina’s signature upbeat, energetic atmosphere ran true from morning to night. After seven more locations opened in NYC, the brand expanded around the world. Alongside partners Mel B and Stephen Belafonte, Serafina Restaurant Group’s Assaf and Granato chose the Sunset Boulevard location because of its vibrant nightlife and the prime West Hollywood scene.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Serafina Sunset features a spacious outdoor dining area, a second floor terrace used for private parties or events, and a large bar in the middle of the space. The décor is light and airy with art from Mr. Brainwash displayed throughout the restaurant. A beautiful fire pit in the patio gives guests a cozy, comfortable vibe.
Locals and NYC transplants approve Serafina’s homemade pastas made with pesto, hillside cherry tomatoes, porcini mushrooms, caviar, truffles combined with signature sauces. Favorites include Paglia and Fieno, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio “Al Pacino” and Tagliolini Di “Cortina” Al Pollo. Additionally, guests can choose simple marinated meats, fish and vegetables like Branzino Al Cherry Tomatoes, Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Chicken Breast Paillard and Veal Scaloppine Al Limone. Serafina Sunset offers a variety of salads and vegan options including the immensely popular Vegetarian Platter made with spaghetti squash, mixed vegetables, pine nuts and tomato sauce. All of Serafina’s creative dishes come to life with the freshest locally grown produce and ingredients, while the delicious desserts and extensive wine list satisfy every craving.
The motto of the SERAFINA RESTAURANT GROUP is “Where Everyone Feels at Home.” They certainly seem to back this up.
Gerry Furth-Sides 
Barbara Hansen 
Chef-owner Alain Cohen 
Roberta Deen 
Jose Martinez 
Nivedita Basu 