The story
From the Wish You Were Here Group, Élephante brings the spirit of coastal southern Italy to a rooftop in Santa Monica. Inspired by travels to Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands, the restaurant opened in Los Angeles in 2018 and has since earned a Michelin Recommended distinction. The space is designed to transport guests, offering stunning ocean views and dramatic sunsets that set the stage for a meal that feels like a brief escape.
The kitchen focuses on a seasonal menu of light coastal Italian cuisine. The brunch menu, available daily until 3pm, features dishes like Ricotta Pancakes with pistachio and whipped maple butter, a Breakfast Pizza with egg and guanciale, and a Prosciutto Scramble. The dinner menu highlights handmade pastas, including a Cacio E Pepe, Tagliatelle Tartufo with fresh truffle, and a Gemelli Scampi made with squid ink pasta. Pizzas range from a classic Margherita to a Wild Mushroom pie with cremini, maitake, and oyster mushrooms. Starters include Grilled Octopus with hearts of palm and olives, and a Big Eye Tuna Tartare with Calabrian aioli.
The restaurant is meticulously crafted with custom furniture and artisanal details that pay homage to Santa Monica. The rooftop setting, with its open-air seating and ocean breezes, creates a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The extensive wine program showcases regions across Italy, including limited vintage wines and proprietary private labels, while hand-crafted cocktails complement the contemporary cuisine. Whether for a leisurely brunch or an evening dinner, Élephante offers a dining experience that feels both grounded and transporting.
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