A luxury rooftop dining spot in Santa Monica had to shut down last month after health inspectors discovered a pest issue on the site, authorities reported.
Elefante, known for its high-priced menu items like a $120 ribeye steak and $20 cocktails, closed its doors on January 20 due to the infestation, as noted by the Los Angeles County Department of Health.
During a regular inspection, inspectors found multiple violations—seven in total—including serious concerns about food safety and the presence of rodents and insects, which earned the restaurant a “B” grade.
The health department later confirmed that the issues were resolved, allowing the restaurant to reopen just two days after the inspection.
Elefante boasts stunning sea views from its rooftop and has a significant following on social media. However, the restaurant didn’t address the closure on any of its platforms.
On Reddit, some users noted that people whose reservations were canceled were told it was due to a “leak,” not the actual reason.
Others expressed outrage, questioning why a restaurant with such high prices would let things get to this point.
Comments included criticism, with one diner calling the situation “disgusting and unacceptable.” Another regretted not checking for issues before dining. Someone even made a lighthearted remark about elephants being afraid of mice.
Owned by Nick Mathers’ Wish You Were Here Group from Australia, Elefante has not responded to requests for comments.
It’s worth mentioning that numerous restaurants and markets in Los Angeles County closed recently due to health code violations, affecting both popular spots and historical establishments.
Most closures stem from pest issues, leading to temporary shutdowns—often lasting several days—until the matters are rectified, according to the county health department.
Casey’s Irish Pub, a mainstay in downtown LA for over 50 years, had to close for a week after inspectors found no sanitizing method in place before reopening on January 14.
In Bellflower, Chris & Pitts BBQ, which has been around since 1949, reopened on January 22 after addressing a pest problem.
Fugetsudo Bakery, a family-owned sweet shop in historic Little Tokyo since 1903, also temporarily shut down due to pests but was able to reopen on January 29.
Shinano, one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley, faced a five-day closure from January 21 to January 26 due to intruders.
A complete list of closures can be accessed on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s website.
