Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Éléphante Scottsdale brings the sun-kissed vibes of coastal southern Italy to the Arizona desert. Opened in late 2024 by the Wish You Were Here Group, this restaurant draws inspiration from regions like Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands, offering a menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and sustainably sourced seafood and meats. The space itself is a visual feast, with indoor-outdoor seating, candlelit tables, and a breezy Mediterranean aesthetic that transports diners to the Italian Riviera. Whether you’re here for brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktails, the Éléphante Scottsdale menu is designed for sharing and savoring, blending traditional flavors with innovative twists.
The Éléphante Scottsdale Menu stands out for its focus on shareable plates, vibrant salads, and hearty mains that cater to a variety of palates, including vegetarian options. With prices ranging from affordable appetizers to indulgent entrees, it’s accessible yet upscale. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the offerings, highlighting must-try dishes that have garnered rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. From the signature whipped eggplant to the dramatic whole lobster piccata, prepare to discover why this spot has quickly become a culinary hotspot in Scottsdale.
Appetizers: Starting Your Meal with Coastal Flair
The appetizers section of the Éléphante Scottsdale menu sets the tone for a meal that’s all about bold, fresh flavors. These small plates are perfect for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience reminiscent of Italian aperitivo culture.
One standout is the Whipped Eggplant with Puccia ($16), a puffed bread made from fermented pizza dough that’s wood-fired to perfection. The eggplant dip is creamy, smoky, and subtly spiced with olive oil, making it an addictive starter. Reviewers often praise its stretchy texture and how it pairs beautifully with the puccia’s crisp exterior. Another must-try is the Mascarpone & Prosecco Arancini ($14), featuring caciocavallo cheese and melon passato. These fried rice balls are crispy on the outside and oozy inside, with a surprising prosecco infusion that adds a light, bubbly note.
For seafood lovers, the Big Eye Tuna Tartare ($20) is a highlight, mixed with Calabrian aioli and tangerine and served with carta di musica crackers. The sumac, fennel pollen, and Marcona almonds add crunch and earthiness, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and complex. The Grilled Octopus ($26) impresses with its tender texture, accompanied by hearts of palm, olives, capers, tangerine, and red onion—a medley that evokes the Mediterranean sea. Meat enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Meatballs ($18), made from pork and beef in a spicy tomato sauce topped with ricotta and parmigiano. They’re hearty yet refined, with a kick that lingers.
Other notables include the Fire Roasted Mushrooms with salmoriglio, lemon, and parsley, and the Castelvetrano Olives ($11) dusted with sumac and fennel pollen. These appetizers showcase the Éléphante Scottsdale Menu’s commitment to quality ingredients, with options for adding prosciutto ($8) or anchovies ($8) to elevate any dish.
Salads: Fresh and Vibrant Options
No Italian-inspired menu would be complete without crisp, flavorful salads, and the Éléphante Scottsdale Menu delivers with selections that balance lightness and indulgence.
The Gem Lettuce ($17) is a creative take on a Caesar, dressed in Caesar crème and Parmigiano breadcrumbs for a creamy, crunchy bite. The Insalata Verde ($16) features butter lettuce, avocado, and white balsamic vinaigrette, offering a simple yet elegant refreshment. For something more unique, try the Arugula Salad ($16) with poached pear, ricotta salata, and walnuts, or the White Radicchio ($15) with robiola vinaigrette, hazelnuts, and honey. These salads are substantial enough to stand alone but also complement heavier dishes, making them ideal for health-conscious diners or as palate cleansers.
Wood-Fired Pizzas: The Heart of the Menu
Éléphante’s wood-fired oven is the star of the show, producing pizzas that are thin, charred, and bursting with flavor. This section of the Éléphante Scottsdale menu draws from Puglia and beyond, using high-quality toppings on a fermented dough base.
The classic Margherita ($21) features house-made mozzarella, crushed tomato, and basil—simple perfection. For a twist, the Burrata Pizza ($24) amps it up with creamy burrata and basil. Vegetarians rave about the Mushroom Pizza ($23), loaded with cremini, maitake, and oyster mushrooms in lemon cream and Parmigiano Reggiano. The Soppressata ($26) brings heat with cured pork, crushed tomato, mozzarella, chili oil, and honey, creating a sweet-spicy balance. Don’t overlook the Bianco Pizza ($22), topped with taleggio, parmigiano reggiano, lemon, and hot honey for a white pie that’s tangy and addictive.
These pizzas are shareable, with portions generous enough for two, and they pair wonderfully with the restaurant’s wine list.
Pastas: House-Made and Irresistible
The pasta offerings on the Éléphante Scottsdale menu highlight artisanal techniques, with shapes like canestri, cavatelli, and gemelli taking center stage.
A fan favorite is the Spicy Vodka ($26), likely a canestri pasta with Calabrian chili, basil, and parmigiano in a vodka sauce—creamy with a fiery edge. The Ragù Bianco ($27) features cavatelli with Italian sausage, pecorino, broccolini, and fennel pollen for an earthy, savory profile. Seafood shines in the Gemelli alla Scampi ($30), a squid ink pasta with chopped shrimp, tomato, chili, and rosé. For something green, the Fusilli Pesto ($22) uses cashew pesto and crispy shallots.
These pastas are al dente and portioned for sharing, embodying the coastal Italian ethos of fresh, bold simplicity.
Mains and Large Plates: Indulgent Entrees
For heartier fare, turn to the mains on the Éléphante Scottsdale Menu, where sustainably sourced proteins take the spotlight.
The Skirt Steak ($52) is a 10 oz prime cut with grilled allium and chimichurri, grilled to perfection. Seafood enthusiasts adore the Grilled Whole Lobster Piccata (market price, around $60-70 for 1.5lb), split and drizzled with lemon, brown butter, and capers – dramatic and delicious. The Branzino ($40) comes with salsa verde butter and sea beans, while the 20oz Dry Aged Bone-In Ribeye ($75) includes confit shallot, roasted garlic, and marsala jus. Other options like the Iberico Pork Pluma Tagliata and Panko Breaded Chop offer variety.
Sides such as Garlic Butter Spinach ($12) or Fire Roasted Mushrooms ($14) round out the meal.
Desserts: Sweet Endings
End on a high note with desserts from the Éléphante Scottsdale Menu, featuring soft-serve sundaes and seasonal treats.
Options include Vanilla Soft Serve with caramelized phyllo, pistachio caramel, and honeycomb; Prickly Pear and Lychee Sorbet or Chocolate Espresso Sponge with mascarpone mousse. These are light yet satisfying, perfect after a rich meal.
Cocktails and Beverages: Sip the Mediterranean
The cocktail menu at Éléphante Scottsdale is as vibrant as the food, with classics and signatures.
Draft options like Aperol Spritz and Clarified Paloma are refreshing. Signatures include the Élephante with layered flavors and the La Bambina with blue spirulina. Classics: Moscow Mule, Martini, Margarita. Punch bowls for groups add fun.
Wine focuses on Italian varietals, with bubbles for mimosas during brunch.
Brunch Specials: Weekend Delights
Available until 2:45 pm, brunch merges breakfast classics with Italian flair. Try Eggs Benedict & Rosti with Calabrian chili jam, or Soft Scramble with zucchini and avocado. Priced affordably, it’s a great entry to the menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Top Recommendations
From reviews, top picks include:
- Whipped Eggplant with Puccia: An iconic starter.
- Grilled Octopus: Perfectly cooked.
- Mushroom Pizza: A vegetarian standout.
- Spicy Vodka Pasta: Comfort with heat.
- Whole Lobster Piccata: A showstopper main. These embody the essence of the Éléphante Scottsdale menu.
Conclusion
The Éléphante Scottsdale Menu is a passport to coastal Italy, blending tradition with creativity. With its emphasis on quality and shareability, it’s ideal for any occasion. Visit soon to experience these must-try dishes firsthand.
FAQ
What are the hours for brunch at Éléphante Scottsdale?
Brunch is served daily until 2:45 pm, with specials like eggs Benedict and soft scrambles.
Is there a prix fixe option on the Éléphante Scottsdale menu?
Yes, a 3-course lunch for $40 per person, Monday-Friday from 12 pm-3pm, including starter, main, and dessert.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Absolutely, including salads, mushroom pizza, fusilli pesto, and whipped eggplant.
What is the signature cocktail?
The Élephante cocktail, with layered complementary flavors, or try the Aperol Spritz on draft.
Does Éléphante Scottsdale accommodate large groups?
Yes, but parties of 6+ incur a 20% gratuity, and punch bowls are great for sharing.
Is the menu seasonal?
Yes, it features seasonal ingredients and may change based on availability.
