The acclaimed Coastal Italian hotspot Élephante in Santa Monica can soon be enjoyed here in the Valley. Renowned, multi-concept hospitality company Wish You Were Here Group and Macerich, the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties, announced that the upscale, experiential dining concept is set to open a second location at the south wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square.
“We are thrilled to bring Élephante to Scottsdale, a city that boasts a stunning landscape and a thriving culinary scene,” said Nick Mathers, Founder of Wish You Were Here Group, in a statement. “With its vibrant community that appreciates elevated dining experiences, it’s a favorable market for restaurants, especially in Scottsdale Fashion Square. This year, we’re celebrating five years since Élephante opened its doors in Santa Monica, so we feel this is the perfect evolution of our brand. We have created an atmosphere that captures the essence of sophistication while preserving the organic, laid-back feel that defines our first location. With this unique blend, we invite guests to embark on a memorable journey that resonates with Scottsdale’s captivating charm.”
Spanning 12,000 square feet, the first location expansion for Élephante outside Los Angeles is designed to bring a multidimensional experience to the Scottsdale community. It will boast a lavish indoor-outdoor space, plus a sophisticated cocktail lounge that will be a unique feature exclusive to the Arizona location.
While maintaining the organic, breezy feel of the Santa Monica restaurant, Élepahante Scottsdale will draw inspiration from its desert surroundings with an ambiance featuring towering cacti, lush florals, natural travertine floors and bespoke furniture.
The expanded menu will include Élephante’s signature wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and famed whipped eggplant dip, as well as new offerings, such as a grill section with a curated selection of premium meats, consciously selected seafood and larger family-style dishes.
The beverage program will feature Élephante’s expertly-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine selection of over 1,200 labels.
Élephante’s new location is a part of Macerich’s current redevelopment project of Scottsdale Fashion Square’s south wing that will bring extended luxury to the area. The new restaurant and lounge will be located in a high-profile location on one side of the newly created porte cochère, where guests will have access to luxury valet service and other high-end amenities.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Wish You Were Here Group and Élephante to our top-performing Scottsdale Fashion Square,” said Macerich Senior Executive Vice President of Leasing Doug Healey, in a statement. “Unique, upscale experiential restaurant concepts like Élephante continue to differentiate Macerich’s A+ property in Arizona and further cement its place as one of the top luxury retail destinations in the entire country.”
