ELA'S On the Water

4.6

6775 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Great for scenic views
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Featured in Bon Appetit and the winner of numerous Open Table awards, ELA'S On the Water is a shining star on the Hilton Head scene. Fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, artfully prepared by our culinary team of experts, compliment the extensive boutique wine selection. Located at Shelter Cove Harbour overlooking the marina and Broad Creek, ELA'S is known for the best water views on the island. A casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior, and nightly entertainment provided by local recording artists sets the perfect dining experience or location to host special events, private parties, or rehearsal dinners.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(843) 785-3030
Website
http://www.elasgrille.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
Second Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80pp Penthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp
Private party facilities
Best Water View Dining on Hilton HeadSecond Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80ppPenthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp

Location
One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Neighborhood
Hilton Head Island
Parking details
Enter Shelter Cove Harbour and follow Shelter Cove Lane to the private parking for guests. OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S For directions call our concierge at 843-785-3030
Public transit
OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S Palmetto Dunes - DunesBuggy - free shuttle to ELA's
Entertainment
Original Artist Productions, Classic Rock, Island Music John Wasem every Thursday & Friday from 7 - 11pmReid Richmond every Saturday from 7 - 11pmBill Peterson every Sunday 11 - 2pmDean St. Hillaire every Sunday 7 - 10pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 South Carolina Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Tuna Two Ways$16.00
Blackened w/ Wasame Salad & Tuna Pineapple w/ Ginger Tartare & Wontons
Mama's Fried Green Tomatoes$10.00
Light & Crispy w/ a Touch Of Creole Sauce. A Family Tradition
Lobster Nachos$13.00
Crispy Tortilla, Fresh Pico De Gallo, Crème Fraiche, Queso Fresco, Creamy Avocado
Charcuterie$24.00
A Rustic Display of Gourmet Cheeses & Assorted Meats, Nuts, Fresh Fruit, & Housemade Crostini For Two
Ela's Crab Stack$16.00
Jumbo Lump Crab, Avocado, Mango, Onion, Cucumber, Peppers
Oysters Rockefeller$14.00
Spinach, Bacon, Parmesan, & Herb Bread Crumbs
Ela's Calamari$13.00
Lightly Battered and Served w/ Wasabi & Spicy Remoulade
Roasted Carolina Beet Napoleon$10.00
Red & Gold beets w/ Lightly Fried Herb & Panko Encrusted Goat Cheese
Beef Carpaccio$13.00
Shaved Tenderloin & Pecorino w/ Baby Arugula, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, & Balsamic Reduction
Hand Selected Oysters
Fresh Oysters w/ ELA'S Cocktail Sauce & Horseradish. Available in doz / half doz
- Market Price
Tomato Basil Mussels$14.00
Fresh Tomatoes, Basil, Prince Edward Island Mussels
Honey Lime Shrimp$14.00
Lightly Fried & Tossed w/ Honey Lime Sriracha Aioli

Ela's Classics

Ahi Tuna Tartare$16.00
Marinated Ahi Tuna, Fresh Cucumber, Avocado Salad, Pickled Ginger
Classic Shrimp Cocktail$16.00
Southern Poached Shrimp, w/ ELA'S Cocktail Sauce

Ela's Crab Cakes

Ela's Crab Cakes
ELA's Crab Cakes Feature a Blend of Chef's Coastal Culinary Influence and the Nightingale Family's Southern Roots. A Plentiful Portion of Jumbo Lump Crab Meat is Hand Folded with ELA'S Southern Style Family Ingredients, Then Moderately Seasoned & Pan Seared Crisp. Offered as Both an Appetizer to Enhance Your Meal or as an Entree
- App$14.00
- Entree$32.00

Soups & Salads

Maine Lobster Bisque$11.00
Hand Crafted & Slow Cooked Daily
Seafood Gumbo$12.00
Traditional Creole Spices & Fresh Seafood
Kumato Caprese Salad$11.00
Fresh Mozzarella, Locally Sourced Kumato Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, White Balsamic Glaze, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pear Arugula Salad$11.00
Fresh Arugula w/ Pears, Wensleydale Cranberry Cheese, & Almonds Finished w/ a Pomegranate Acai Dressing
Ela's Caesar$10.00
Romaine Stalk w/ Traditional Caesar Dressing & Grana Padano
Steakhouse Wedge Salad$10.00
Roma Crunch, Creamy Blue Cheese, Bacon, Tomatoes, & Red Onions

Sides

Ela's Truffle Fries$10.00
Hand Cut Steak Fries$8.00
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$8.00
Seasonal Local Vegetables$8.00
Fresh Asparagus$8.00
Sauteed Wild Mushrooms$8.00
Wild Mushroom Risotto$12.00
Crab Risotto$14.00
Citrus Lobster Risotto$14.00

By Land

Grilled Pork Chop$36.00
Bone-In Pork Chop Over White Truffle Risotto, w/ Asparagus, & Cabernet Demi Glace
Veal Osso Bucco Ravioli$30.00
Saffron Infused Pasta w/ Sauteed Spinach in a White Wine Demi-Glace, Grilled Pears, & Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Vegetarian Pasta Primavera$28.00
Bucatini w/ Basil Pesto and Fresh Vegetables
Malbec Braised Short Rib$32.00
Slow Roasted Daily w/ Aged Stone Ground Grits & Redeye Gravy w/ Grilled Asparagus
Surf & Turf$52.00
Grilled Organic Brasstown Ribeye and Maine Lobster Tail Served w/ Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes & Broccolini
Linz Filet Mignon$44.00
Over Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes w/ Blistered Tomatoes & Spinach
Brasstown New York Strip$40.00
Grassfed Organic NY Strip Served w/ Seasonal Vegetables and Crispy Onion Straws
Linz Black Angus Bone In Ribeye$50.00
Served w/ Wild Mushrooms, Steak Fries, Finished w/ Herb Butter

Preparation Options

Grilled
Blackened
Coffee Rubbed
Peppercorn Encrusted
Pittsburgh

Steak Enhancements

Add 4 Jumbo Shrimp$12.00
Add Crab Cake$14.00
Add 6oz Lobster Tail$18.00
Add Bearnaise$4.00
Add Black Truffle Cabernet Demi Glace$6.00

By Sea

Pan Seared Diver Scallops$36.00
Over Crab Risotto w/ Truffle Butter & Crispy Pancetta
Crispy Diamond Scored Flounder$32.00
Lightly Fried Locally-Sourced Fresh Whole Flounder Over Sienna Rice Medley and Local Baby Vegetables w/ a Sweet Thai Chili Glaze
Seafood Scampi Bucatini$34.00
Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, in a White Wine Scampi Sauce Over Bucatini Pasta
Pan Seared Grouper$35.00
Lobster Butter, Sienna Rice Medley, & Local Baby Vegetables
Blackened Yellowfin Tuna$34.00
Blackened & Served Rare w/ an Asian-Inspired Slaw w/ a Peanut* Ginger Dressing and Seaweed Salad & Finished w/ a Soy Ginger Sauce and Wasabi Aioli
Steamed Lobster$40.00
Split Whole Lobster Tail and De-Shelled Claws Over Citrus Lobster Risotto
Low Country Shrimp & Grits$30.00
Local Stone Ground Grits & Smoked Gouda w/ Jumbo Shrimp Sauteed in Tasso Ham Gravy
Ela's Crab Cakes$32.00
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes w/ Shallot Butter, Served w/ Sienna Rice Medley and Grilled Local Baby Vegetables
Salmon Rockefeller$34.00
Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon Stuffed w/ Spinach, Bacon, & Parmesan/ Topped w/ Jumbo Lump Crab & Served w/ Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus

What 6,775 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Carolina
Great for scenic views
Hilton Head
Great for outdoor dining
Hilton Head
Romantic
Hilton Head
Great for scenic views
Hilton Head
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

ELA'S On the Water offers "delicious food" with a stunning marina view, making it a favorite for many diners. The diverse menu includes highlights like "the best salmon" and excellent charcuterie boards. While service can vary, the restaurant's "beautiful ambiance" and consistent quality make it a top choice for both locals and visitors.

6,775 Reviews

J
Janice
Charleston
172 reviews
4.0
172 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service is always outstanding, atmosphere and views are inviting. Food, cocktails and wine list always very good. My husband loves the scored fish.
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
Charleston
14 reviews
3.0
14 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was very good. Server was inattentive; rarely saw her. Main course was delivered while my empty plate from prior course was still in front of me. That runner waited for me to clear my place so he could set down my main course. Our server was MIA. Ordered bottle of wine. Server delivered and poured first glass but NEVER returned to check or pour seconds. Not terrible but also not commensurate with expectations from Ela’s pricing.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Columbus
33 reviews
3.0
33 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Been visiting Ela's for at least 12 years when staying on HHI & this will likely be the last. The entrees (swordfish and scallops) were easily the worst meals of the week and not close to comparable in quality as competitors in the area. Oysters Rockefeller was good, but not enough to bring us back.
Is this helpful?
RH
RobertH
Charleston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was great from our waitress on 11/17 brunch. She was first one we met and was a great assistance with our selections and providing service. We have been coming to ELA,s for over 20 years and have had excellent food and service! Always had great staff and food. Thanks again for your great restaurant!
Is this helpful?
K
Karen
Philadelphia
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best meals we’ve had there!! Sooo good. Always great vibes and amazing vibes!!! 🥂🍸
Is this helpful?
K
Kim
Palm Springs
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and ambience. We really enjoyed it! Good variety as well across the menu
Is this helpful?
T
Topper
Nashville
148 reviews
vip
5.0
148 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We visit HHi twice a year for 2 weeks each time and Ela’s is always on our “Must eat there” list every time we visit. I always get the Diamond Scored Flounder which is my favorite meal on HHI. My wife chooses different things from the nice varied menu and, on our last visit, chose the crab cake appetizer, pear salad, and Maine Lobster soup. All were delicious and the service is always excellent. We reserve a window table where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery or harbor activity while dining. All this together makes for a lovely dining experience. As with all restaurants, the prices have increased over the past years, there are no discounts or offers, and it is now relatively expensive to have a nice meal even without ordering alcohol. The meal we had this time cost about $100 plus tip and it would be hard to dine there for less. In summary, it’s a great place to go for a wonderful dining experience but it will cost a minimum of $100 plus tip to dine there.
Is this helpful?
P
Patti
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent choice for on the water dining. Exceptional cuisine, staff friendly and attentive, grouper was amazing and the crab cakes exceptional. Romantic and casual
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, fabulous service and a lovely ambience. Highly recommend Ela’s.
Is this helpful?
M
Melvin
Charleston
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was excellent. Service was superb. The ambiance was relaxing-comfortable. We are looking forward to our next dinner😁
Is this helpful?

FAQs

ELA'S On the Water offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 785-3030.

ELA'S On the Water is rated 4.6 stars by 6775 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

Neighborhood
Hilton Head Island
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Enter Shelter Cove Harbour and follow Shelter Cove Lane to the private parking for guests. OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S For directions call our concierge at 843-785-3030
Public transit
OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S Palmetto Dunes - DunesBuggy - free shuttle to ELA's
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Original Artist Productions, Classic Rock, Island Music John Wasem every Thursday & Friday from 7 - 11pmReid Richmond every Saturday from 7 - 11pmBill Peterson every Sunday 11 - 2pmDean St. Hillaire every Sunday 7 - 10pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.elasgrille.com/
Phone number
(843) 785-3030
Catering
Second Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80pp Penthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp
Private party facilities
Best Water View Dining on Hilton HeadSecond Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80ppPenthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp

Featured in

100 South Carolina Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

ELA'S On the Water

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 South Carolina Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Salmon Rockefeller

Ela's Calamari

Ela's Crab Cakes

Appetizers

Tuna Two Ways$16.00

Mama's Fried Green Tomatoes$10.00

Lobster Nachos$13.00

Charcuterie$24.00

Ela's Crab Stack$16.00

Oysters Rockefeller$14.00

Ela's Calamari$13.00

Roasted Carolina Beet Napoleon$10.00

Beef Carpaccio$13.00

Hand Selected Oysters

Tomato Basil Mussels$14.00

Honey Lime Shrimp$14.00

Ela's Classics

Ahi Tuna Tartare$16.00

Classic Shrimp Cocktail$16.00

Ela's Crab Cakes

Ela's Crab Cakes

Soups & Salads

Maine Lobster Bisque$11.00

Seafood Gumbo$12.00

Kumato Caprese Salad$11.00

Pear Arugula Salad$11.00

Ela's Caesar$10.00

Steakhouse Wedge Salad$10.00

Sides

Ela's Truffle Fries$10.00

Hand Cut Steak Fries$8.00

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes$8.00

Seasonal Local Vegetables$8.00

Fresh Asparagus$8.00

Sauteed Wild Mushrooms$8.00

Wild Mushroom Risotto$12.00

Crab Risotto$14.00

Citrus Lobster Risotto$14.00

By Land

Grilled Pork Chop$36.00

Veal Osso Bucco Ravioli$30.00

Vegetarian Pasta Primavera$28.00

Malbec Braised Short Rib$32.00

Surf & Turf$52.00

Linz Filet Mignon$44.00

Brasstown New York Strip$40.00

Linz Black Angus Bone In Ribeye$50.00

Preparation Options

Grilled

Blackened

Coffee Rubbed

Peppercorn Encrusted

Pittsburgh

Steak Enhancements

Add 4 Jumbo Shrimp$12.00

Add Crab Cake$14.00

Add 6oz Lobster Tail$18.00

Add Bearnaise$4.00

Add Black Truffle Cabernet Demi Glace$6.00

By Sea

Pan Seared Diver Scallops$36.00

Crispy Diamond Scored Flounder$32.00

Seafood Scampi Bucatini$34.00

Pan Seared Grouper$35.00

Blackened Yellowfin Tuna$34.00

Steamed Lobster$40.00

Low Country Shrimp & Grits$30.00

Ela's Crab Cakes$32.00

Salmon Rockefeller$34.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does ELA'S On the Water offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is ELA'S On the Water restaurant rated?