Elephante Scottsdale - Your New Coastal Italian Escape
There's a fresh spot in Scottsdale that everyone's been talking about, bringing a little piece of the Southern Italian coast right to Arizona. This place, Elephante Scottsdale, is quickly becoming a favorite for people looking for a relaxed yet special meal out, offering a feeling that's quite different from what you might expect in the desert. It's the kind of place where the air feels light and the flavors are bright, just like a getaway to somewhere far away.
This new location is part of the same group that created the well-loved Elephante in Santa Monica, a spot known for its amazing views and lively feel. The idea behind it all comes from travels to the sunny islands off Italy's southern coast, like Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands, and that inspiration really shines through. You can feel it in the way the place looks and the kinds of dishes they offer, so it's almost like stepping into a different country.
It's situated right in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, a pretty easy spot to find, on the corner of Camelback Road and Marshall Way. This means it's super accessible for anyone wanting to experience what many are calling one of the most exciting new places to eat and hang out in the area. People have been looking forward to this opening for a while, and it seems to be living up to all the excitement, truly.
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind Elephante Scottsdale
- What Makes Elephante Scottsdale Special?
- A Taste of the Southern Italian Coast
- How Does Elephante Scottsdale Bring the Mediterranean to Arizona?
- The Elephante Scottsdale Experience
- Is Elephante Scottsdale the Right Spot for Your Next Gathering?
- Getting to Know Elephante Scottsdale
- Where Can You Find Elephante Scottsdale?
The Story Behind Elephante Scottsdale
The story of Elephante, and now Elephante Scottsdale, really starts with Nicholas Mathers and his "Wish You Were Here" group. His vision was to bring the feel and flavors of Italy's southern coast to people, drawing from his own trips to places like Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands. You know, those spots where the sun always seems to shine and life feels a little simpler. The first Elephante in Santa Monica quickly became a place people loved, known for its truly stunning ocean views and a feeling that just made you want to stay a while. It wasn't just about eating; it was about soaking in a complete experience, so it's almost like a mini-vacation.
That original spot in Santa Monica really set the standard. It offered a full experience for all your senses, with incredible sights and a wonderful atmosphere. The food there was truly excellent, with some dishes that really stood out, like their whipped eggplant. People often talk about how it felt like a lively rooftop gathering place, taking you straight to the southern Mediterranean without leaving Los Angeles. This success, and the clear desire for something similar, set the stage for Elephante Scottsdale, which aims to capture that same special feeling but with its own unique twist, very much like a continuation of a good story.
What Makes Elephante Scottsdale Special?
Elephante Scottsdale is pretty special because it manages to keep that light, open-air feeling that made the Santa Monica location so popular, even though it's in a different setting. The people behind it worked to make sure the place felt organic and breezy, just like the original, but they also gave it a fresh interpretation for Arizona. This means you get that signature Elephante style – easy elegance in everything from the food choices to how the place is put together. It's a spot where you can really relax, perhaps in dining areas that feel more like a comfortable lounge, just a little bit different from your typical restaurant.
What makes Elephante Scottsdale stand out, too, is its commitment to those coastal Southern Italian influences. It’s not just a general Italian place; it’s very specific about its inspiration. The food reflects this with modern, smaller dishes that draw from the Mediterranean, and the team here really does this kind of cooking well. Diners are often encouraged to share these plates, which makes for a more social and relaxed meal. The flavors in these dishes are often delightfully unexpected, providing a pleasant surprise with each bite, so it's almost an adventure for your taste buds.
A Taste of the Southern Italian Coast
When you sit down at Elephante Scottsdale, the food is a big part of the experience. The menu is all about those Southern Mediterranean flavors, presented in a modern way. Think about dishes that are lighter, often featuring fresh ingredients and bright tastes, much like what you'd find along the Italian coast. They focus on smaller plates, which means you can try a good variety of things and share them with others at your table. This approach really lets you sample a wider range of what they offer, and it adds to the communal feeling of a meal there, that is really nice.
The chefs here are known for creating dishes that have truly surprising and delicious tastes. It’s not just about simple ingredients; it’s about how they put them together to make something memorable. For example, if you consider the Santa Monica location, dishes like the whipped eggplant were a big hit, showing off how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. Elephante Scottsdale aims to bring that same level of inventive cooking and delightful flavors to its guests, ensuring each dish offers a little moment of joy. They really pay attention to those details, actually.
How Does Elephante Scottsdale Bring the Mediterranean to Arizona?
Bringing the Mediterranean feel to Arizona means more than just the food; it's about the entire setting. Elephante Scottsdale has worked to create an atmosphere that mirrors the breezy, open-air feel of its coastal inspiration. The design of the place is meant to be effortlessly stylish, making you feel like you've stepped into a relaxed, yet refined, beach house. This means plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and design choices that evoke a sense of calm and escape. It’s a place where you can unwind and feel a world away, even in the middle of Scottsdale, you know?
Beyond the look and feel, the experience is rounded out by their drink selection, including their signature cocktail. This drink, which shares the restaurant's name, is a lively mix of passion fruit, lemon, almond orgeat, Montenegro, and Calabrian chili. What’s cool is that you get to pick the spirit you want to add to it, making it a bit personalized. This kind of thoughtful detail, from the unique drinks to the overall design, helps transport guests. It’s all part of how Elephante Scottsdale creates that Southern Mediterranean vibe, making it a spot that feels both familiar and exciting, very much like a good story.
The Elephante Scottsdale Experience
Stepping into Elephante Scottsdale is meant to be a full experience for your senses. Just like its sister location in Santa Monica, which is perched high up with truly stunning coastal views, the Scottsdale spot aims to offer a memorable setting. While it might not have ocean views, it recreates that open, inviting atmosphere. The idea is to provide a place where you can enjoy top-tier Italian-inspired food in a setting that feels both stylish and comfortable. It’s about creating a feeling of relaxed luxury, where every detail, from the lighting to the music, contributes to a pleasant time, so it's almost like a carefully composed piece of art.
The restaurant is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most talked-about places for upscale dining and nightlife in Arizona. This means it’s not just a dinner spot; it’s also a place where you can enjoy a lively evening out. The atmosphere tends to be quite energetic, especially later in the evening, making it a popular choice for those looking for a place with a good social scene. It combines excellent food with a vibrant social setting, making it a versatile spot for different kinds of outings, whether it’s a special meal or just a fun night out with friends, you know?
Is Elephante Scottsdale the Right Spot for Your Next Gathering?
If you're thinking about getting a group together for a meal or an event, Elephante Scottsdale is definitely set up to handle that. They have specific ways to book for larger parties, which is pretty common for places that get a lot of people. For groups that are a bit bigger, say 13 or more people, they consider those event bookings. This means you'd typically get in touch with them directly through email to make those arrangements, usually by sending a message to info@elephanteaz.com. It helps them plan better and make sure your group has a smooth and enjoyable time, very much like a well-organized party.
The relaxed yet refined atmosphere of Elephante Scottsdale makes it a good option for various kinds of get-togethers, from celebrations with friends to perhaps a more casual business dinner. The shared plates concept, for instance, naturally encourages interaction and conversation among your guests. Plus, the fact that it's seen as a hot spot for dining and nightlife means there's a good chance of a lively atmosphere, which can add to the fun of a group outing. So, if you're looking for a place that offers good food, a nice setting, and a bit of a social buzz, this spot could be a very good fit, actually.
Getting to Know Elephante Scottsdale
Elephante Scottsdale represents a significant opening for the dining scene in the area. It’s part of a group that has a clear vision for creating appealing dining experiences, drawing inspiration from beautiful coastal regions. The restaurant’s approach is about a simple elegance, which you can see in everything from the easy-to-approach menu to the way the place is put together. It’s designed to feel effortless, like something that just naturally fits, rather than being overly fussy or complicated. This focus on natural style helps create a welcoming and comfortable setting for anyone who visits, you know?
The excitement around Elephante Scottsdale has been quite high, with many people looking forward to its arrival. It’s been talked about as one of the most awaited new places to eat in the area for 2024. This kind of anticipation often comes from a place's reputation, and Elephante’s Santa Monica location certainly built a strong one. The Scottsdale spot aims to live up to that, offering a similar high-quality experience that combines great food with a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a place that seems to be making a real mark on the local dining landscape, truly.
Where Can You Find Elephante Scottsdale?
Finding Elephante Scottsdale is pretty straightforward. It’s located right in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, which is a well-known spot. Specifically, you can find it at 7014 East Camelback Road. If you’re looking for a landmark, it’s situated right on the corner of Camelback Road and Marshall Way. This makes it quite easy to get to, whether you're coming from nearby or from a bit further away. Being in such a central and accessible location means it’s convenient for anyone wanting to stop by for a meal or to enjoy the evening atmosphere, that is really helpful.
Its spot within the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall also means it’s part of a bigger area that often has things going on, like shopping and other activities. This can make a visit to Elephante Scottsdale part of a larger outing, perhaps after some shopping or before catching a movie. The location helps to make it a destination in itself, but also an easy addition to other plans you might have in the area. It’s a place that seems to fit right into the lifestyle of Scottsdale, offering a stylish escape that’s not too far out of the way, actually.
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