Finding a restaurant that lives up to the hype is more complicated than getting a reservation at Elephante Scottsdale on a Friday night. But here’s the thing: this place delivers on all the buzz you’ve heard.
I’ve been following the restaurant scene in Scottsdale for years, and when I heard that the Wish You Were Here Group was bringing their famous Santa Monica concept to our desert city, I knew we were in for something special. After several visits (yes, I go back multiple times before writing about a place), I can confidently say that Elephante Scottsdale isn’t just another trendy spot that’ll disappear in six months.
This coastal Italian gem opened in December 2024 at Scottsdale Fashion Square, and honestly, it’s been packed ever since. But don’t let that scare you off. I will share everything you need to know to perfect your experience here.
What Makes Elephante Scottsdale Special?
You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately think, “Okay, they really thought this through”? That’s Elephante Scottsdale in a nutshell. The restaurant channels the spirit and cuisine of coastal southern Italy, inspired by travels to Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands, and you can feel that Mediterranean magic the moment you step inside.
The concept isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, which I love. Instead, it focuses on doing one thing incredibly well: transporting you to the Italian coast without leaving Arizona. And trust me, in the middle of our desert landscape, that escape feels pretty magical.
The Atmosphere That Everyone’s Talking About
Walking into Elephante Scottsdale feels like stepping onto a movie set, and I mean that in the best way possible. The design is sophisticated yet approachable, with those gorgeous coastal vibes that make you want to order an Aperol Spritz even if you came in planning to get a coffee.
According to many visitors, the vibrant atmosphere, though “deafening,” adds to the fun. Now, I’ll be straight with you, this isn’t the place for an intimate, quiet date where you’re trying to have deep conversations. It’s energetic, buzzy, and full of life. Think more of a “celebration dinner with friends” than a “romantic anniversary meal.”
The people-watching here is absolutely incredible. Between the dreamy décor, the people-watching scene, and the exuberant coastal Italian cuisine, you’ll never forget this pachydermic playground in Scottsdale. It’s where you’ll spot local influencers, visiting celebrities, and just regular folks who want to feel a little fancy on a Tuesday night.
The Menu: What You Actually Need to Try
Let’s talk about the food, because that’s why we’re all here. The menu at Elephante Scottsdale focuses on coastal Italian cuisine, and they’ve nailed that fresh, light, but incredibly satisfying vibe that makes you feel like you’re dining somewhere much more exotic than a mall in Arizona.
Must-Try Dishes (Trust Me on These)
The Whipped Eggplant: I cannot stress this enough, order this. Patrons rave about the “acclaimed whipped eggplant,” and for good reason. It’s creamy and flavorful and comes with the perfect bread for dipping. I’ve watched tables of four polish this off in minutes.
Fresh Pasta: The pasta here is the real deal. Diners consistently praise the fresh pasta, and after trying several dishes, I understand why. Each pasta is made with care and has that perfect al dente texture that makes you remember why you love Italian food.
Seasonal Specials: Because the menu changes seasonally, there’s always something new to try. The chefs clearly know their stuff when highlighting the best ingredients available.
What About Pricing?
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it; this isn’t your neighborhood Italian joint where you can feed a family of four for $40. Elephante Scottsdale is positioned as an upscale dining experience, and the prices reflect that. Expect to spend around $30-50 per person for dinner without drinks, and that’s if you’re being somewhat conservative with your ordering.
But here’s the thing: the quality justifies the cost. The ingredients are clearly high-end, the preparation is spot-on, and the portions are reasonable for the price point. Plus, the experience you’re getting, the ambiance, service, and Instagram-worthy presentation all factor into that value equation.
The Reservation Game: How to Actually Get a Table
Spontaneity will get you nowhere at Élephante, and I learned this the hard way on my first attempted visit. Here’s what I wish someone had told me from the beginning:
Booking Strategies That Actually Work
Plan: Make reservations days in advance. During the busy season, weekend dinner reservations take a week, sometimes more.
Consider Off-Peak Times: Lunch reservations are generally easier to snag, and honestly, the lunch experience is as great as dinner with slightly better lighting for photos (yes, I’m thinking about your Instagram feed).
Bar Seating: If you can’t get a table, strategize thoughtfully to snag a bar stool. The bar area has energy, and you can watch the bartenders work their magic.
Weeknight Dining: Tuesday through Thursday nights are your best bet for easier reservations and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Pro Tips for Walk-Ins
I don’t typically recommend trying to walk in, but if you’re feeling adventurous:
- Show up right when they open or late in the evening
- Be flexible about bar seating vs. table seating
- Have a backup plan because you might be waiting a while
Aperitivo Hour: The Secret to Budget-Friendly Fun
Not everyone knows about Elephante’s NEW Aperitivo Hour, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday! This is one of the best times to experience the restaurant if you want great food and drinks without the full dinner price tag.
During aperitivo hour, you get:
- Discounted cocktails and wine
- Smaller plates are perfect for sharing
- The whole Elephante Scottsdale experience at a more accessible price point
- A slightly more relaxed atmosphere since it’s before the dinner rush
I’ve started meeting friends here during aperitivo hour instead of traditional happy hours at other places. The quality is so much higher, and honestly, those two hours fly by when you’re having fun.
The Drinks: More Than Just Instagram Props
Patrons rave about the “amazing” cocktails, and as someone who takes their cocktails seriously, I can confirm the hype is real. The bar program here is thoughtful and well-executed.
Cocktails Worth Ordering
The Italian-inspired cocktail menu features drinks that perfectly complement the food. My personal favorites include their Aperol-based creations and anything with fresh citrus. The bartenders clearly know what they’re doing and are happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.
Wine Selection: The wine list focuses on Italian bottles, which makes perfect sense given the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations; they’re well-trained and can suggest pairings that enhance your meal.
Service: The Good and the Real Talk
Patrons rave about the “great service”, and in my experiences, the staff has been knowledgeable and attentive. However, let’s be realistic about what service looks like at a high-energy, popular restaurant.
What to Expect
Knowledge: The servers know the menu well and can answer questions about ingredients and preparation methods.
Pacing: The kitchen and service staff have mastered the art of timing. Courses are delivered at appropriate intervals without feeling rushed or overly slow.
Energy: The service matches the restaurant’s vibe; it is friendly and professional but not stuffy.
Managing Expectations
Even the best restaurants can feel hectic during peak times (weekend evenings). The servers juggle multiple tables in a loud environment, so patience goes a long way. Being friendly and understanding usually results in even better service throughout the meal.
Location and Logistics: Everything Practical
Elephante Scottsdale is located in Scottsdale Fashion Square at 7014 E Camelback Rd, 601, Ste 601, Scottsdale, AZ 85251e.85251location is both a blessing and a curse—it’s convenient and easy to find, but parking during peak shopping and dining hours can be challenging.
Parking Tips
Fashion Square has plenty of parking, but here’s what I’ve learned:
- Arrive a few minutes early to find parking and walk to the restaurant
- Valet is available if you don’t mind paying for the convenience
- The parking situation is much easier during weekday lunches
Accessibility and Amenities
The restaurant takes reservations, offers delivery and take-out, and is wheelchair accessible. It also has gender-neutral restrooms and patio/outdoor dining options.
When to Visit: Timing Your Perfect Experience
The time you choose to visit Elephante Scottsdale makes or breaks your experience. Let me break down the different vibes you can expect:
Lunch Experience
Élephante Scottsdale is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Lunch has a more relaxed atmosphere, better photo lighting, and easier reservations. The menu is slightly more casual but still maintains that coastal Italian elegance.
Weekend Brunch
Weekend brunch is becoming increasingly popular, and I can see why. It’s the perfect way to experience the restaurant’s atmosphere during daytime hours, and the brunch menu offers unique items you won’t find during dinner service.
Dinner Service
This is when Elephante Scottsdale really comes alive. The energy is higher, the crowd is dressed up, and the full dinner menu is available. Dinner is the way to go if you want the complete Elephante Scottsdale experience.
Group Dining and Special Events
For prospective group dining & private events, you can email events@elephanteaz.com. This is particularly useful for:
- Birthday celebrations
- Business dinners
- Special occasions
- Large group bookings
The restaurant has private room options, perfect for events where you want the Elephante Scottsdale experience with more privacy and control over the atmosphere.
How Elephante Fits into Scottsdale’s Dining Scene
Scottsdale has always had great restaurants, but Elephante Scottsdale brings something different. It’s not trying to be another steakhouse or southwestern cuisine spot; it’s carving out its niche in the coastal Italian space and doing it well.
The restaurant scene here needed something like this. This place feels special occasion-worthy but not intimidatingly formal, somewhere that brings a bit of coastal sophistication to our desert city.
What Makes a Visit Worth It?
After multiple visits, here’s what I think makes Elephante Scottsdale worth your time and money:
Consistency: The food quality has been consistently high every time I’ve been, but that’s not always a given with trendy restaurants.
Experience: This isn’t just about eating; it’s about the whole experience. The atmosphere, service, and food all create something memorable.
Instagram Factor: Let’s be honest, we all want our dining experiences to look good on social media. Elephante Scottsdale delivers on that front without sacrificing substance for style.
Date Night Upgrade: If you’re looking for somewhere special to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or just because you want to feel fancy, this hits the mark.
The Reality Check: What Could Be Better?
No restaurant is perfect, and I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention a few areas where your expectations should be managed:
Noise Level: This might not be your place if you’re sensitive to loud environments. The energy that makes it fun also makes it quite noisy during peak times.
Price Point: This isn’t casual dining pricing; some might feel the cost doesn’t match their personal value expectations.
Reservation Difficulty: Popularity can be frustrating when you just want to plan a last-minute dinner.
My Personal Verdict
After several visits across different times and days, I genuinely enjoy dining at Elephante Scottsdale. It’s not perfect, but it delivers on its promise of bringing coastal Italian sophistication to the desert. The food is consistently good, the atmosphere is energetic and fun, and the service is professional.
I recommend it for a quiet, romantic dinner. Probably not. I recommend it for a celebration, a fun night out with friends, or when you want to experience one of Scottsdale’s hottest new restaurants. Absolutely.
Final Tips for Your First Visit
Based on my experiences, here are my top recommendations:
- Make a reservation well in advance
- Try the whipped eggplant – seriously, don’t skip this
- Consider an aperitivo hour for a more budget-friendly experience
- Dress appropriately – this is an upscale casual to dressy casual kind of place
- Have realistic expectations about noise levels and energy
- Be patient during busy periods – good things are worth waiting for
Elephante Scottsdale has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in the Valley, and it’s earned that reputation. It’s bringing something fresh and exciting to our dining scene and is here to stay.
Whether you’re a longtime Scottsdale resident looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor wanting to experience the city’s culinary highlights, Elephante Scottsdale deserves a place on your list. Just remember to book ahead, come hungry, and be ready for a lively, delicious experience that’ll give you plenty to talk about long after you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I make a reservation at Elephante Scottsdale?
For weekend dinners, book at least 7-10 days in advance. Weekday lunches and aperitivo hour reservations are generally more leisurely to secure with 2-3 days’ notice.
What’s the dress code at Elephante Scottsdale?
The restaurant maintains an upscale casual to dressy casual atmosphere. Think nice jeans with a dressy top, cocktail dresses, or business casual attire. You’ll see everything from dressed-up date night looks to stylish casual outfits.
Does Elephante Scottsdale offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, the restaurant offers gluten-free options and can accommodate various dietary restrictions. It is best to mention any allergies or nutritional needs when making your reservation.
Is there parking available at the restaurant?
Elephante is located in Scottsdale Fashion Square, which offers ample parking. Valet service is also available for added convenience.
What’s the average cost per person at Elephante Scottsdale?
Expect to spend $40-70 per person for dinner, including drinks. Lunch and aperitivo hour offerings are more budget-friendly, typically $25-40 per person.
Do they take walk-ins?
While reservations are strongly recommended, they do accept walk-ins when space is available. Your best bet for walk-in seating is arriving right at opening or trying for bar seating.
What are the hours of operation?
The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Aperitivo hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check their website for current specific hours, as they may vary seasonally.
Is Elephante Scottsdale suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! The restaurant is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations. It also offers private dining options for larger groups and special events.
How loud is the restaurant?
Elephante has a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that can be loud during peak dining hours. If you prefer quieter dining experiences, consider lunch or early dinner reservations.
Can I make changes to my reservation?
Yes, but given how popular the restaurant is, it’s best to call as soon as possible if you need to modify your party size, date, or time. Last-minute changes can be challenging to accommodate during busy periods.
