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Élephante
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Élephante
8.8
This buzzy rooftop Mediterranean hotspot channels coastal Italian vibes with its cactus garden, ocean views, and wood-fired dishes. Since 2018, it's been the see-and-be-seen destination for whipped eggplant spread, handmade pastas, and scene-y weekend brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Wood-Fired Pizza, Vodka Rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized rooftop with unbeatable ocean views and scene
Who should go: Instagram influencers, birthday groups, date nights
When to visit: Weekend brunch or sunset cocktails
What to order: Whipped eggplant, any pizza, vodka pasta
Insider tip: Arrive early for sunset seats in the ocean-view section
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in nearby structures $8-12, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual essential - think designer jeans, stylish tops, no athletic wear
Noise level: Loud - especially weekend nights, better for scene than conversation
Weekend wait: 90+ min without reservation, often not taking walk-ins
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min, reservations still recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent mezze selection, veggie pizzas, multiple pasta options
Vegan options: Limited - hummus, salads (request modifications), 1-2 entrées
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, GF pasta available for $3 upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - stunning views and buzzy atmosphere, but too loud for deep conversation. Better for 2nd-3rd dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely difficult, especially Thursday-Sunday. Try bar seating or arrive at 5pm sharp when they open. Reservations open 30 days out and fill within hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - no kids menu, very scene-y crowd, long waits. Better for ages 12+ who appreciate the food, avoid for young children.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched rooftop ocean views, see-and-be-seen scene, Instagram moments, group celebrations where atmosphere matters more than conversation
Skip if: You want intimate conversation, authentic Mediterranean without the hype, quick casual meal, or dining with young kids - try Cassia or Citrin instead
Élephante
8.6
This buzzing rooftop destination from restaurateur Nicholas Mathers transports guests to coastal Southern Italy with wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and panoramic ocean views. The Mediterranean-inspired space features three bars, natural stone finishes, and a cactus garden that creates an enchanting beach house atmosphere where tranquil afternoons seamlessly flow into vibrant evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Vodka Pasta with Calabrian Chili, Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized rooftop with unbeatable Pacific Ocean views
Who should go: Scene-seekers and sunset romantics
When to visit: Golden hour for magical sunset dining
What to order: Whipped eggplant, vodka pasta, sunset cocktails
Insider tip: Book weeks ahead for prime sunset tables
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, nearby public lots $10-20, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual - elevated beach chic, nice jeans with stylish top works
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation possible but gets louder after 8pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min walk-in wait, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min for prime patio tables, bar immediate
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, pastas, and appetizers clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, ask server for options
Gluten-free options: Some options - risotto, salads, but no GF pizza/pasta
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - stunning views provide conversation starters, buzzy atmosphere takes pressure off, multiple spaces to move between if needed
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely difficult at prime times - try bar seating or arriving at 5pm sharp when they open, weekday lunch more feasible
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids - rooftop setting and scene-focused vibe not ideal for children under 12, no kids menu
Best For
Better for: Unmatched ocean views and scene energy that beats other Italian spots like Gjelina or Felix
Skip if: You want authentic neighborhood Italian - choose Osteria Mozza or Bestia for food-first experience
Élephante
8.9
This buzzing rooftop sanctuary transports couples to the Italian coast with its Mediterranean-inspired small plates and stunning ocean views. The whipped eggplant with puccia bread and handmade pasta finished in the wood-fired oven create an unforgettable romantic atmosphere high above Santa Monica.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia, Wood-Fired Fusilli Pesto, Vodka Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: The only rooftop Italian restaurant in Santa Monica with panoramic ocean views.
Who should go: Couples seeking romance with a scene
When to visit: Sunset for magical golden hour dining
What to order: Whipped eggplant, any wood-fired pasta, cocktails
Insider tip: Request sunset room seating for best ocean views
Élephante
8.5
This buzzing rooftop destination channels coastal Southern Italy with wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean small plates, and stunning ocean views from multiple dining areas. The trendy atmosphere attracts a fashionable crowd for everything from power lunches to late-night cocktails, with a cactus garden and sunset room that transport diners to the Italian coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Rigatoni Verde with Mushroom Ragù, Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Rooftop ocean views with sophisticated coastal Italian cuisine
Who should go: Scene-seekers and sunset romantics
When to visit: Golden hour for unbeatable sunset views
What to order: Whipped eggplant, any wood-fired pizza, pavlova dessert
Insider tip: Request sunset room seating for best views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-parking in nearby structures $8-12, street parking extremely limited especially after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think elevated beachwear, nice jeans acceptable but lean towards dresses and button-downs
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation possible but gets louder after 8pm when DJ starts
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 1pm, 15-20 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, pastas, and small plates clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, pizza can be made vegan with cashew cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - cauliflower crust pizza available, several naturally GF small plates
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressive first dates - the sunset views provide natural conversation starters and the buzzy atmosphere takes pressure off. Just book ahead and request sunset room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends. Try weekday lunch or put your name down and grab drinks at the bar while waiting - they text when ready.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids - no kids menu and the scene-y vibe isn't ideal for families. Consider lunch visits if bringing children.
Best For
Better for: Superior ocean views and sunset experience compared to other Italian spots like Gjelina or Felix. More polished atmosphere than typical beachside dining.
Skip if: Want authentic, traditional Italian (try Bestia instead) or need a quiet, intimate setting (choose Capo or Giorgio Baldi)
Élephante
8.9
This buzzing rooftop destination serves coastal Italian cuisine with panoramic ocean views and transportive Mediterranean design. The wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas showcase California produce with Italian technique, while three bars pour creative cocktails inspired by the Southern Italian coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Burrata with Stone Fruit, Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Stunning rooftop Italian dining with 360-degree ocean views.
Who should go: Instagram enthusiasts and cocktail lovers seeking ambiance
When to visit: Sunset for golden hour rooftop magic
What to order: Burrata, wood-fired pizza, spicy rigatoni
Insider tip: Reserve rooftop tables weeks ahead for weekend sunsets
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in nearby structures $8-12, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual essential - think nice jeans with elevated tops, sundresses, no beachwear
Noise level: Lively buzz - manageable for dates but groups get loud, especially after 8pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 30 min
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 min before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, pastas, and appetizers clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 2-3 dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF pizza crust and several naturally GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the rooftop views provide natural conversation starters and the lighting is incredibly flattering after sunset. Just book ahead to avoid awkward wait times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for prime rooftop spots Thursday-Sunday. Bar seating sometimes available, or try weekday lunch. The wait list often closes by 7pm on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - the trendy crowd, late kitchen, and cocktail focus make it better for ages 12+. No kids menu, and strollers are tough on the rooftop.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for sunset views with cocktails - no other Santa Monica rooftop matches the ocean panorama and scene
Skip if: You want authentic, traditional Italian or intimate conversation - try Forma or Felix for quieter, more refined Italian instead