Elephante, Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, US.
Elephante is an Italian restaurant in Santa Monica featuring three distinct bars positioned across a rooftop space with views of the shoreline and Pacific Ocean. The open layout integrates indoor and outdoor areas while maximizing the natural setting as a central design feature.
Nicholas Mathers founded Elephante as part of the Wish You Were Here Group, drawing inspiration from Southern Italy's coastal regions. The restaurant emerged from a collection of venues designed to bring Mediterranean influences into California's dining scene.
The restaurant blends design influences from North Africa and Southern Italy through natural wood surfaces, stone finishes, and Mediterranean decorative accents that create a warm, earthy setting.
The restaurant sits on 2nd Street and features spaces designed for different times of day, from daytime dining areas to evening sections. Making a reservation in advance is advisable, especially when planning to visit during specific brunch or dinner service windows.
The restaurant transforms throughout the day from a relaxed daytime gathering spot into an evening venue with DJ performances and dancing as the sun sets. This dual identity means each time of day offers a completely different experience.
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