The Gilded Bellini's Brunch at Ysabel

For me, a great brunch spot is one that is an escape from your day. It is the perfect combination of having a unique menu and an unforgettable atmosphere all in one. One thing I love even more? A place that is a best kept secret, and is known for being a one of a kind destination. It's exclusive, and whisks you away to a truly magical experience.

Where on earth could you possibly find a place that has all of these qualities in LA? Ysabel in West Hollywood of course! 

Located in the heart of the Fairfax district, it's been named one of West Hollywood's most happening brunch spots. 

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Karrueche Tran are just a few of the famous names that have dined here, but being a celeb favorite isn’t the only reason why both out of towners and locals are dying to score a reservation at Ysabel for brunch.

Ysabel has made a name for itself in LA for its unparalleled contemporary American fare and mixology-focused cocktails.  

I recently brunched there with my friend Candice and had the most beautiful brunching experience!

The sign-less building blends into its home of the Fairfax District, so anyone who is walking down the street might not expect what’s inside... But I am going to let you in on a little secret: that’s how you know it’s a good spot!

Upon entering is an arched entryway tunnel leading to the restaurant, giving every guest a very exclusive feel. 

 The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was completely in awe of how truly beautiful the space was, intricately decorated with touches of Parisian inspiration.

At Ysabel, you can expect to dine on a two-story patio with two bars on both sides of the restaurant, alongside a majestic marble staircase and twinkling illuminated trees. It's plain to see within only the first few moments of being here that Ysabel takes charming atmosphere to whole other level!  It’s truly got the best ambiance for a chic brunch with a group of friends, and is romantic enough for date night. 

I absolutely loved the restaurant's use of marble, both on their bars and on their dining tables.

We sat at a gorgeous table in the middle of the dining area, surrounded by twinkling trees, natural lighting, a bustling bar area and lots of brunch-happy guests. 

One of the things I was most excited for was the cocktails! Prior to brunching at Ysabel, I had seen the restaurant's Insta-worthy drinks all over social media. They're known for having some of the prettiest cocktails in LA. I couldn't wait to try one of my own.. and of course snap a ton of photos of it!

We opted to try a couple because we just couldn't decide which we wanted! I like to call it the brunching mentality!

We tried:

The Rita

El Tosoro Reposado, Chartreause, Cucumber, Lime & Lavender

The Charli

(Ysabel's most popular drink!): Vodka w/ Fresh Honeydew, Cucumber & Mint. Check out how to make it in my video above!

The Susannah

Absolut Elyx, Strawberries, Elderflower & Aged Balsamic

The Kali

 Château La Coste Rosé "Sangria," Chopin Vodka, Gifford Pomplemousse, Lemon, Rose Petals & Strawberries 

On to the food... the cocktails weren't the only pretty thing on the menu! I spoke with Alex, the general manager of Ysabel and he let us know that the Ysabel team does their best to have all organic ingredients in their dishes (something I truly appreciate). The presentation of their dishes are very clean, vibrant, and are visibly super fresh! 

I'll be the first to admit, I'm a bit of a salad snob! Putting together a great salad surprisingly isn't easy. If something tastes like it's missing, you can really tell. Good news - Ysabel's Little Gem Lettuce salad was simply perfect! With only a few ingredients, the medley of delicious flavors was the perfect marriage in creating a delectable salad. Made with fresh chicken breast, hazelnut, red wine vinaigrette (and I added avocado!), it was incredibly refreshing and tasted amazing along with my Rita cocktail!

Candice ordered the delicious Fish Tacos. Made with a hand pressed tortilla, cabbage slaw, and shishito remoulade, it was another dish that radiated freshness and passion. It's not your typical fish taco with its sophisticated presentation, but I love how unique it made the dish. I'd prefer a taco like this one any day! Not to mention, the colors of the tacos were absolutely gorgeous! 

Adjacent to the magical patio and through the restaurant's French doors was a dimly lit lounge area. I love that the restaurant offered another room to give guests a totally different vibe, but conveniently in the same place.

The plush, velvety couches, fire place and wallpaper with gilded decals certainly set the mood for the intimate space. I love the idea of this area for a night out. 

The gorgeous area doesn't stop at the indoor room and the outdoor patio. There is another beautiful section that is completely outside, which is infamously known for it's grand staircase decorated with chic pillows and lots of big potted plants. If you're brunching at Ysabel, you'll probably notice every so often guests taking photos on them. They make for the most perfect photo app! It's a great mingling area too. 

Another intimate space was located near the steps with additional chairs. All the more reason to order a drink and luxuriously lounge!

Ysabel is the definition of a hidden gem. It's no wonder why the celebs love it so much, since it's got the privacy, the atmosphere, and an impeccable menu that is unparalleled! Ysabel is certainly a new favorite of mine and I would recommend it to both locals and out of towners because it is genuinely a place boasts so much character and charm. It's The Gilded Bellini approved, and is a brunch spot that you'll always look forward to. When you're surrounded by so much beauty, how can you not love Ysabel? 

The Gilded Bellini at Cecconi's West Hollywood

2 words: Power Brunch. 1 place: Cecconi’s.

Located in the heart of West Hollywood on Melrose Avenue and Robertson Boulevard, Cecconi’s is one of the most well known restaurants in Los Angeles for hosting top award-season parties. Celebs, producers, executives, and trendy LA locals dine at Cecconi’s for its classy, intimate and fabulous atmosphere – not to mention its incredible Venetian-inspired food and drink.

If you happen to be in West Hollywood, a meal at Cecconi’s is a total must. The restaurant may boast Hollywood parties, but I am here to do a little boasting for them – Cecconi’s brunch is one that you simply cannot miss.

My friend Kellie and I booked a res for brunch at Cecconi’s for my mini birthday celebration. I wanted to ring in my 24th birthday with some casual glamour, and I knew that was exactly what I would get here!

The restaurant is hidden from the street from a tall hedge outside privacy, and walking towards the front door you just may find yourself walking past a valet’d Bentley or custom-designed Rolls Royce… at least we did! We walked in and the restaurant was filled with many fabulous people. Every seat in the house was filled! (P.S. That’s how you know from the start that you chose the right place).

Immediately I was stunned at the restaurant’s gorgeous interior.  The dining room is super spacious with doors that open from the indoor portion of the space to the outdoor terrace with a retractable roof. The natural lighting that shined in illuminated the architecture of the space. I love how the use of marble is so prominent in nearly every area, from the floors to the bar. 

We sat at one of the best tables in the house – in the middle of the terrace, but close enough to the French doors to get the full Cecconi’s dining experience.

The staff was incredibly friendly the moment we walked in, and from the start our server Ralph gave us great recommendations for a delicious brunch.

I started off with a glass of rosé and Kellie got a mimosa, which was served in a very untraditional glass for some OJ and bubbly. Love.

I was really torn between several dishes on the menu, but decided to go with the scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and toast. I’m usually a pretty cautious whenever ordering salmon, but fortunately this salmon was smoked to perfection! The toast paired perfectly with the salmon and the eggs as well, and wasn’t greasy with butter which I was thrilled about! The eggs and salmon were placed just so on the toast, centered on the ivory plate making the dish simplistic, yet still very visually appealing... and mouth-watering might I add!

Kellie ordered the ricotta hotcakes, which came drizzled with blueberry compote and dusted with powdered sugar.  I gave this dish a try and to be honest, there are few words to describe how delectable it is! The hotcakes are super light and the blueberry compote adds a sweet touch, each bite melting in your mouth. Uh-May-Zing. This is an ultimate must-have if you’re brunching at Cecconi’s!

We also ordered a gorgeous fresh fruit platter that included some of my favorites: tart berries and tangy pineapple slices.

Each dish was presented in a very effortlessly chic, simple and pretty way.

Everything about Cecconi’s and the brunch experience I had was everything I had hoped for – the restaurant is certainly worth the hype, and is a West Hollywood staple for a reason! You’re guaranteed to be surrounded by the trendy WeHo scene here, yet still are able to experience the exclusivity of the restaurant at the same time. Since the Cecconi’s team is so accommodating to every guest, you really are able to get a certain exclusiveness that many restaurants lack. 

Fabulous, classy, glamourous... Bright atmosphere... Impeccable service & food. Come to Cecconi's and you'll be the one who feels like a star.

Cecconi's West Hollywood

8764 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 432-2000

Photography by: Patrick Muniz