The Hottest New Restaurants in Phoenix Right Now, Winter 2025

"Élephante is about as Scottsdale as it gets — funny enough, because it comes by way of Los Angeles. The breezy California coastal vibe blends seamlessly into the desert setting, giving off a Tulum-meets-Santa Fe energy that’s Instagram-friendly without feeling contrived. As with much of the neighborhood, it’s stylish and a bit loud, but the focus doesn’t revolve solely around the scene. The menu, an offshoot of the original Santa Monica location, delivers dishes like big eye tuna tartare (Calabrian aioli, tangerine, carta di musica crackers) and a hamachi carpaccio enlivened by Meyer lemon and crispy capers. The whipped eggplant is a standout, served with puccia bread — rich, creamy, and absolutely worth its place on the table. Baked eggs here echo shakshouka but swap in vodka sauce. Sliding into Scottsdale’s competitive restaurant scene with ease, Élephante manages to feel both on-brand for the area and refreshingly unpretentious." - Mcconnell Quinn, Nikki Buchanan