Vittorio Assaf, a successful restaurateur, has had a significant impact on the restaurant world over the past few decades. Along with Fabio Granato, Assaf is the co-founder of the Serafina Restaurant Group, which was inspired by a harrowing experience at sea in 1994. They were lost in the ocean off New York when a sail snapped, leaving them stranded until they were found by a helicopter the next day. During this ordeal, they vowed to open a restaurant that would serve the best Italian pizza and pasta in the world, leading to the creation of the highly acclaimed Serafina Fabulous Pizza on the Upper East Side of New York City the following year.
In 2021, Vittorio Assaf’s personal life made headlines when his longtime wife, Charlotte Bonstrom, left him after having an affair with her twin sister’s ex-husband, Thierry Gillier. The couple, who had been married for over 20 years, shared two children together and were in the process of getting divorced at the time. After his split from Bonstrom, Assaf began dating model Nya Gatbel, although it is unclear when they broke up. During a week-long hospitalization in Italy, Gatbel was not by his side, indicating that their relationship had come to an end.
In April 2024, Vittorio Assaf found himself in the spotlight once again when photos of him with Aoki Lee Simmons, the youngest daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, began circulating online. The pictures showed the couple sharing a romantic getaway in St. Barts, despite their significant 44-year age difference. Assaf and Simmons were seen kissing and enjoying the clear blue waters together, with Assaf even taking photos of Simmons in a bikini as she posed for him. The unexpected relationship between the two garnered attention and sparked discussions surrounding their age gap.
Despite his personal life being in the public eye, Vittorio Assaf continues to focus on his successful career in the restaurant industry. From cooking with his grandmother as a child to co-founding the Serafina Restaurant Group with Fabio Granato, Assaf’s culinary journey has been an inspiring one. With restaurants across three continents, including dozens in the United States and other parts of the world, Assaf’s dedication to serving high-quality Italian cuisine has earned him acclaim and recognition in the industry.
While Vittorio Assaf’s past relationships have been tumultuous, including a highly publicized divorce from his wife and subsequent romance with model Nya Gatbel, his connection with Aoki Lee Simmons has brought a new level of attention to his personal life. Despite the scrutiny surrounding their age difference, Assaf and Simmons have been seen enjoying each other’s company and exploring new experiences together. As they navigate their relationship in the public eye, the couple’s bond has sparked curiosity and intrigue among fans and followers of both individuals.
As Vittorio Assaf’s relationship with Aoki Lee Simmons continues to be a topic of discussion, his impact on the restaurant world remains undeniable. The success of the Serafina Restaurant Group, which he co-founded with Fabio Granato, showcases his culinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit. As Assaf continues to expand his restaurant empire and innovate in the food industry, his personal life may also continue to attract attention and interest from those curious about his romantic endeavors. Despite the challenges he has faced in his personal life, Vittorio Assaf’s dedication to his craft and commitment to his career demonstrate his resilience and determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
