Vittorio Assaf: The Restaurateur Who Turned A Sea Adventure Into An Empire
Vittorio Assaf’s net worth has soared to hundreds of millions, thanks to his role as co-founder of the Serafina Restaurant Group. It’s a journey that began with an unexpected adventure at sea. Imagine being stranded in the middle of a bay, waves crashing around you, and winds howling at nearly 50 knots. For Vittorio, this wasn’t just a survival story—it was the spark that ignited a global dining sensation. In his own words, “When Italians are in distress, they talk about food.”
We were stuck in the middle of the bay, with waves passing over the boat, the wind howling, and the cold seeping in. But you know what Italians do in tough situations? We dream about food, love, or music. That day, it was pizza and pasta.
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Key Insights About Vittorio Assaf
- Vittorio Assaf co-founded the legendary Serafina Restaurant Group, which has become a global dining powerhouse.
- He launched Serafina on July 17, 1995, after surviving a harrowing experience at sea with his business partner, Fabio Granato.
- His marriage to Charlotte Bonstrom ended in 2021, and they share two children together.
Who Is Vittorio Assaf?
| Full Name | Vittorio Assaf |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Milan, Italy |
| Current Residence | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | Italian-American |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Charlotte Bonstrom |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Urbino, University of Milan |
| Profession | Restaurateur, Entrepreneur |
| Social Media |
How Vittorio Assaf Built His Wealth
If you’ve ever wondered how Vittorio Assaf amassed his fortune, here’s the scoop. According to reports from Atlanta Black Star and Digital Show Time, his net worth is estimated to be around $250 million. That’s not just pocket change! His wealth comes from his work as a restaurateur and entrepreneur, with the Serafina Restaurant Group being the crown jewel of his empire.
The Road to Success: Vittorio Assaf's Early Days
Vittorio’s journey wasn’t always about fine dining and global expansions. Back in the day, he worked as a stockbroker in Italy. But life had other plans. In a candid interview with The Hospitality Mentor on September 2, 2024, Vittorio revealed that his stockbroker job was commission-based, but when the market crashed, so did his career. Enter the opportunity of a lifetime: a friend invited him to New York to open a restaurant together. Without hesitation, Vittorio packed his bags and moved across the Atlantic.
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His first venture in the U.S. was Café Condotti, a restaurant that quickly became a hotspot in New York City. What made it special? The walls were adorned with paintings by none other than Andy Warhol himself. It was a turning point that set the stage for what was to come.
I had a friend who said, “Vittorio, come to New York and let’s open a restaurant together.” We took the leap, and it turned out to be a huge success. From there, we knew we were onto something big.
From Stranded Sailor to Restaurant Tycoon
Fast forward to 1994, and Vittorio found himself in a situation that could’ve been straight out of a movie. He and his business partner, Fabio Granato, were sailing when disaster struck. Their sailboat’s cable snapped in 50-knot winds, leaving them stranded in the bay for nine long hours. As the waves crashed around them, they dreamed of creating something extraordinary. That’s when the idea for Serafina was born.
“We shook hands and promised each other that if we survived, we’d reinvent Italian cuisine,” Vittorio recalled. And survive they did. On July 17, 1995, they officially founded Serafina Restaurant Group, opening their first location on the Upper East Side’s 79th Street. It wasn’t long before the restaurant became a sensation, leading to expansions across the globe.
Today, the Serafina Restaurant Group boasts an impressive portfolio, including Brasserie Cognac, Frinella, Tokugawa, and Serafina Venezia. With over 46 locations worldwide, the brand has made its mark in countries like Turkey, Israel, India, and Japan. Vittorio’s vision has truly taken flight.
Life Beyond Business: Vittorio Assaf’s Personal Life
Vittorio’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He was once married to Charlotte Bonstrom, but their marriage ended in 2021. According to the Daily Mail, Vittorio shared that Charlotte wanted to marry her brother-in-law, Thierry Gillier. It’s a story that highlights the ups and downs of love and life.
Charlotte and I decided to part ways. She’s moving on with her life, and I’m focusing on mine. That’s the way things go sometimes.
Meet Vittorio Assaf’s Kids
Despite his divorce, Vittorio remains close to his two children, Vittorio Jr. and Valentina, whom he shares with Charlotte. He often shares
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