Élephante

"It would be easy to write off this rooftop haunt as just another trendy spot, but that would be a shame as the gorgeous space comes with some serious kitchen talent. The cactus garden is a lush perch, but ocean views from the sunset room, replete with natural word and stone, are unbeatable.Contemporary small plates infused with Southern Mediterranean influences is what this team does best, and diners would do well to share. Dishes deliver deliciously surprising flavors, as in a rich whipped eggplant spread served with olive oil in the center and fresh-baked puccia bread on the side. Rigatoni verde with mushroom ragù is best bookended by such textbook treats as a pavlova, topped with white chocolate mousse, vanilla bean ice cream, and fresh passion fruit." - Michelin Inspector

The Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants With Spectacular Views in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"Santa Monica’s outdoor rooftop restaurant Elephante may be the best option for ocean views without having to actually touch the sand. Heat lamps are strategically placed to warm diners as the cool ocean breeze blows through the space, with the smell of salt air. Though the cactus garden room is gorgeous, the sunset room has ocean-view seats. The menu reads Italian but leans Californian with wood-fired burrata pizzas, fusilli pasta, and grilled octopus." - Rebecca Roland

Best Los Angeles Restaurants for Your Wedding Day, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"There’s probably no more perfect wedding perch on the Westside than Elephante’s vibey restaurant and patio, which sits on a third-floor rooftop in Santa Monica. With sweeping oceanfront views, it’s easy to get caught up in the romance of the place. The easygoing menu channels the coast of Italy, serving dishes like whipped eggplant with puffy pita, pizzas, and grilled branzino. Elephante has different private event options for different party sizes, including a garden room and a balcony with an ocean view. Check out the restaurant’s events page for more details." - Nicole Adlman

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

The Best Phoenix Restaurants That Are Great for Big Groups | Eater Phoenix

"This brand-new, chicly outfitted hot spot in Scottsdale Fashion Square specializes in coastal Italian cuisine. Choose among menu options such as mascarpone and Prosecco arancini, burrata and caviar, signature whipped eggplant, pastas, pizzas, and diver scallops. As for atmosphere, a massive oak and teak wood bar, wooden furnishings, and rattan dividers invoke the coast of Sicily. A fold-away glass wall leads to a spacious outdoor dining patio, lush with plants. A variety of private and semi-private spaces are available; for groups of eight to 12, Élephante requires family-style dining with a prix-fixe menu. Groups of 13 or more are considered event bookings and should be reserved through the Private Events team." - Nikki Buchanan