As summer is ramping up and the temperature continues to climb, whisperings of a ‘tropical vacation’ or ‘Mediterranean getaway’ start swirling in the air. When hopping on the next flight to the coast of Italy isn’t an option, enter Élephante Beach House, a new Mediterranean inspired rooftop restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica overlooking the ocean.
Dreamt up by designer and restaurateur Nick Mathers – known for fellow LA hotspots Eveleigh, Goldie’s and Little Ruby – Élephante Beach House is a culmination of his global travels brought to Southern California. We were invited for a sneak peak of the restaurant, to sample what’s to come on the food and drink menus, and experience the beauty of the Mediterranean in Los Angeles.
First Impressions
As we walked up to the unassuming facade, we were lead down a dark hallway and into an elevator to the rooftop. The doors opened onto a bright, whitewashed and rich wood scene that instantly transports you to the Mediterranean, Morocco or even Mexico. Filled with oversized baskets from Africa, rugs from Turkey and Morocco, and woven wooden light shades from Jalisco, the space feels like the most sophisticated yet laid back living room that suddenly has you planning your own remodel.
The front bar crafted mezcal cocktails for us to sip while we took in every detail around us. Custom blond wood and gray upholstered sofas and coffee tables lined one wall while opposite was the open-air, wrap-around balcony that seamlessly blends indoor and out.
The Pizza Program
The relentless attention to detail carries over to the carefully curated food and beverage menus. A bounty of housemade pastas, light salad and vegetable options, and a Neapolitan style pizza program (think authentic Italian – light and fluffy dough) occupy the lunch and dinner menu while the drink offerings consist of an impressive wine list and refreshing, hand crafted cocktail menu that will have you vacation ready with one sip. Plus, any restaurant that has a pizza program scores major bonus points in our book.
Coastal Celebrations
It goes without saying that Élephante would be an amazing venue for dinner parties, birthday parties, engagement parties and more – a beautiful caned partition easily creates a private event space for smaller parties while larger parties would benefit from a full buyout.
Officially open to the public on Monday, July 9th, experience the holiday destination that is Élephante Beach House for yourself.
Credits
Owner, Designer: Nick Mathers | Designer: Tara Bean | Designer: George Gorrow | Photography provided by The Venue Report and Élephante
