‘Insect infestation’ shuts down Santa Monica hot spot Elefante, where steaks go for $120: officials

A luxury rooftop restaurant with stunning views and pricey entrees closed last month after health inspectors discovered an “insect infestation” on the premises, according to officials.

Santa Monica hot spot Elephante, where a ribeye steak goes for $120 and fancy cocktails go for $20, was forced to close on Jan. 20 because of pests. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Health.

During a routine inspection of the upscale restaurant, officials said Seven violations were detectedIncluding “serious” violations of food condition and the presence of rodents or insects, the restaurant was given a “B” grade.

The restaurant was allowed to reopen two days later after the issues were addressed, according to the health department.

The shared Italian buggy features “amazing” ocean views from its deck, which he proudly shares More than 92,000 followers on Instagram. The restaurant did not mention the closure on its social media.

In a Reddit thread r/FoodLosAngeles, one poster claimed that Elephante told those who had their reservations canceled during the short lockdown that they were told there was a “water leak.”

Other commenters were angry that a restaurant with such exorbitant prices would allow such violations.

“This is disgusting and unacceptable considering what they are charging!” Said one of the last diner at the restaurant.

“I wish I had seen this before going yesterday…” another user lamented.

Another quipped: “It makes sense that elephants are afraid of mice.”

Elephante, which is owned by Australian restaurant tycoon Nick Mathers’ Wish You Were Here Group, did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Dozens of restaurants and markets in Los Angeles County are closing in the new year due to health violations — including some local foodie favorites and historic institutions.

Most of the closures were due to insect or rodent infestations, according to the county health department’s long list, forcing businesses to close, usually for a few days, until the problems were addressed.

Casey’s Irish Pub, a downtown Los Angeles staple for more than 50 years and host of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival, has closed for a week after inspectors found “no way to clean or sanitize.” It reopened on January 14.

Chris & Pitts BBQ in Bellflower, which was established 77 years ago in 1949, closed briefly as a result of a bug infestation before reopening on Jan. 22.

Fujitsu-do Bakery, a family-owned and operated confectionery that has been operating in the historic Little Tokyo district since 1903, also closed due to pests but reopened on January 29.

Shinano, located in Monterey Park, had to close for five days from Jan. 21-26 due to the infestation. It is one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley.

the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website Publishes a complete list of criminals.