Look, the Sunset Strip is basically a graveyard of "concepts" that didn't stick. You've seen them—glitzy openings that fade into the background within six months because they had no soul. But then there’s Lavo Ristorante. If you’ve spent any time in Vegas, you know the name. It’s synonymous with table-dancing and bottle service.
But Lavo brunch Los Angeles is a different beast entirely.
Honestly, people expect the chaos of the Las Vegas "Party Brunch" when they pull up to 9201 Sunset Blvd. They expect to be dodging flying napkins by noon. But the West Hollywood vibe is way more "Coastal Italian getaway" than "Sin City hangover." It’s airy. It’s green. There’s a massive tree growing right in the middle of the dining room that makes you feel like you've been transported to a terrace in Positano rather than a busy intersection in WeHo.
The Sunday Ritual: What to Actually Expect
Sunday brunch at Lavo isn't a 2:00 AM club night disguised as a meal. It's a structured, high-end experience that runs from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
The light hits the room through the retractable roof, and suddenly that $22 valet fee feels a little less painful. You’re there for the atmosphere, sure, but the food is doing some heavy lifting. Unlike places where the "brunch" is just an excuse to drink lukewarm mimosas, the kitchen here is focused on Italian classics with a California lean.
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Think zucchini blossom tortas and baked eggs swimming in spicy marinara. It's refined. It's also expensive. Let’s not pretend it isn't. You’re paying for the zip code and the silk-draped ceiling as much as the flour and water.
The Menu MVPs
You haven't really done Lavo if you don't order the Silk Handkerchiefs. It sounds like something you’d find at a boutique on Rodeo Drive, but it’s actually pasta. Wildly thin sheets of pasta tossed in a white bolognese that is so rich it basically requires a nap afterward.
Then there’s the 20-Layer Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake.
It’s an architectural feat. Is it too much? Yes. Is it $28? Probably. But if you’re sitting under a giant indoor tree on a Sunday afternoon, you’ve already committed to the bit. The cake is moist, the peanut butter is salty enough to cut the sugar, and it’s large enough to feed a small village (or at least four influencers).
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Breaking Down the Vibe Shift
The biggest misconception about Lavo brunch Los Angeles is the "party" aspect. In Vegas, Lavo is famous for the Saturday Party Brunch where the curtains close and the room turns into a nightclub.
In LA? It’s more of a "see and be seen" lounge.
You’ll see people in "West Hollywood casual"—which basically means a $500 linen shirt or a designer tracksuit. It’s chic. It’s loud enough to feel energetic, thanks to a DJ spinning house tracks that don’t quite drown out your conversation, but quiet enough that you can actually hear your friend recount their Saturday night mistakes.
Is the "Endless Brunch" Worth It?
Sometimes they run an "Endless Brunch" special—typically around $65 per person. This isn't a buffet where you stand in line for soggy bacon. It’s usually a curated flow of their "Greatest Hits."
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- The Pros: You get to try the Meatball (it’s a one-pound giant, literally), the pizzas, and the pasta without making a thousand decisions.
- The Cons: You will be incredibly full. Like, "unbutton your pants in the valet line" full.
If you’re a light eater, just go à la carte. Grab the Avocado Toast with black truffle—because obviously, it has truffle—and a Lavo-lini. The Lavo-lini is their take on a Bellini, and it’s dangerous because it tastes like juice but hits like a Sunset Strip cocktail should.
The Logistics (Because WeHo is Stressful)
Don't just show up. You won't get in.
Lavo is one of those places where the "Reservation Required" tag on Google isn't a suggestion. Book at least a week out if you want a prime Sunday slot. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate brunch for two, ask for a table on the edges. If you want to be in the middle of the "scene," the tables near the central tree are where the action is.
The Dress Code: They call it "Upscale Stylish." Basically, don't wear your gym clothes. Men should stick to nice jeans and a collared shirt or a high-end tee. Women usually go for sundresses or "classy-meets-edgy" sets. If you look like you’re ready for a photo shoot, you’re dressed correctly.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Book early: Use OpenTable or the Tao Group website. Sundays fill up by Wednesday.
- Valet is king: Parking on Sunset is a nightmare. Budget the $20–$25 for valet and save yourself the 30-minute search for a spot.
- Order the Garlic Bread: It’s seasoned with sesame and served with gorgonzola dolce. It is arguably better than the main courses.
- Check the Season: The "Party Brunch" style events (dancing on tables) are rare in the LA location and usually reserved for specific holiday takeovers or private events. Check their Instagram (@lavo) before you go if you’re expecting a rave.
- Hydrate: The cocktails are sweet and the sun is bright.
Lavo Los Angeles has managed to do something rare: they brought a massive brand to a cynical city and made it feel like it belongs. It’s a bit over-the-top, definitely pricey, and unapologetically "LA." But for a Sunday morning when you want to feel like a high-roller without the four-hour drive to Nevada, it hits the spot perfectly.