A Taste of the Mediterranean: Élephante Is Coming to Fashion Island

Santa Monica's celebrated coastal dining destination sets its sights on Newport Beach.

There is a certain allure to the Mediterranean. Sun-washed architecture, beautifully uncomplicated cuisine, and a dining culture that places as much importance on atmosphere as it does on the menu. Few California restaurants have captured this sensibility quite like Élephante, the Santa Monica destination known for its Italian-inspired cuisine, expressive interiors, and distinctly coastal point of view.

Now, the celebrated concept is poised to bring its signature experience to Fashion Island in Newport Beach, introducing another compelling name to Orange County's evolving culinary landscape.

The Élephante Experience

Élephante has cultivated a following for an experience that feels transportive without being overly formal. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean coastline, its identity is shaped by natural textures, warm tones, thoughtful design, and an approach to dining that favors simplicity executed beautifully.

The Santa Monica restaurant has become particularly recognizable for its vibrant social atmosphere and Italian-inspired menu, where handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and refreshing cocktails complement the setting.

It is a restaurant where the architecture, culinary offerings, and energy of the room are equally considered, creating an experience that extends well beyond the plate.

A Natural Fit for Newport Beach

With its open-air promenades, coastal proximity, and established collection of luxury retailers, Fashion Island offers a fitting setting for Élephante's Southern California expansion.

The Newport Beach shopping destination continues to evolve as a culinary address, welcoming concepts that offer more than a traditional restaurant experience. Recent additions such as Telefèric Barcelona have introduced new international influences, while the continued development of Fashion Island's dining offerings reflects a growing appetite for distinctive hospitality experiences.

Élephante's Mediterranean identity feels particularly well matched to the surrounding Newport Beach lifestyle, where indoor-outdoor architecture, an appreciation for design, and the influence of the Pacific are deeply woven into the local culture.

A New Chapter in Coastal Dining

The anticipated arrival of Élephante represents another exciting addition to Newport Beach's restaurant scene, further establishing the area as a destination for thoughtfully conceived culinary experiences.

For residents of Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, and neighboring coastal communities, the restaurant promises a new opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and flavors that have made its Santa Monica counterpart so recognizable.

Additional details regarding the Fashion Island location, opening timeline, and reservations have yet to be independently confirmed.

As Newport Beach continues to attract acclaimed hospitality concepts, Élephante is certainly one to watch.