Scottsdale's culinary scene just got a jet-set infusion with the opening of Élephante, a coastal Italian restaurant that promises to deliver a slice of the Mediterranean to Arizona. Housed in the erstwhile home of Crate & Barrel at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Élephante officially opened its doors on Wednesday, offering locals a taste of seaside Italy amidst the desert landscape.
The restaurant is the latest venture from the Wish You Were Here Group, known for creating buzzy dining spots across Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. The same brains behind the original Élephante in Santa Monica have crafted this new spot to exude a similarly modern, breezy feel. According to Phoenix New Times, the establishment features "modern, airy design and Mediterranean cuisine, including plenty of seafood," and boasts an innovative cocktail list with offerings like an espresso martini flight and mezcal drinks.
The kitchen is helmed by Chef Thomas Lim, prominent on the culinary stage for making the "30 Under 30" Zagat list a decade back. With both dinner service and plans for lunch and brunch in the future, guests can enjoy a range of dishes from wood-fired burrata and soppressata pizzas to house-made pasta and seafood delights. As per the announcement by AZ Big Media, expect to find original creations exclusive to the Scottsdale locale, like a dry-aged bone-in ribeye and an extended variety of dips for their famed Puccia bread.
Details of a concept within a concept emerged with the revelation of Bar Bambino, a "cozy cocktail lounge" set within Élephante, preparing to open on Dec. 7. This intimate space aims to keep the Mediterranean buzz going into the night with a curved bronze bar, a live DJ and a unique table-side cocktail cart service. The Wish You Were Here Group's founder, Nick Mathers, designed the space with a keen eye for detail, integrating local Arizona elements with the coastal vibe of southern Italy. "Our goal is to create an escape," he told the Phoenix New Times, ensuring every feature, from the food to the bespoke interior, complements the immersive Italian spirit.
For those with discerning tastes in libations, Élephante also presents a sophisticated wine program. Curated by Corporate Sommelier Gianmarco Duin, the restaurant offers wine from each Italian region, including vintages from top producers and proprietary labels tailored to the Scottsdale palate. Most importantly, he says, many wines will be available to taste says Duin, catering to all preferences with a thoughtful selection that's both accessible and acclaimed. With its doors now open, Élephante appears ready to set a new standard for coastal Italian fare in the heart of the Southwest.
