ELA'S On the Water

4.6

6793 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

4 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 18 times today

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

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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

100 South Carolina Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Tuna Two WaysUS$16.00
Blackened w/ Wasame Salad & Tuna Pineapple w/ Ginger Tartare & Wontons
Mama's Fried Green TomatoesUS$10.00
Light & Crispy w/ a Touch Of Creole Sauce. A Family Tradition
Lobster NachosUS$13.00
Crispy Tortilla, Fresh Pico De Gallo, Crème Fraiche, Queso Fresco, Creamy Avocado
CharcuterieUS$24.00
A Rustic Display of Gourmet Cheeses & Assorted Meats, Nuts, Fresh Fruit, & Housemade Crostini For Two
Ela's Crab StackUS$16.00
Jumbo Lump Crab, Avocado, Mango, Onion, Cucumber, Peppers
Oysters RockefellerUS$14.00
Spinach, Bacon, Parmesan, & Herb Bread Crumbs
Ela's CalamariUS$13.00
Lightly Battered and Served w/ Wasabi & Spicy Remoulade
Roasted Carolina Beet NapoleonUS$10.00
Red & Gold beets w/ Lightly Fried Herb & Panko Encrusted Goat Cheese
Beef CarpaccioUS$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 MusselsUS$14.00
Fresh Tomatoes, Basil, Prince Edward Island Mussels
Honey Lime ShrimpUS$14.00
Lightly Fried & Tossed w/ Honey Lime Sriracha Aioli

Ela's Classics

Ahi Tuna TartareUS$16.00
Marinated Ahi Tuna, Fresh Cucumber, Avocado Salad, Pickled Ginger
Classic Shrimp CocktailUS$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
- AppUS$14.00
- EntreeUS$32.00

Soups & Salads

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

Sides

Ela's Truffle FriesUS$10.00
Hand Cut Steak FriesUS$8.00
Yukon Gold Mashed PotatoesUS$8.00
Seasonal Local VegetablesUS$8.00
Fresh AsparagusUS$8.00
Sauteed Wild MushroomsUS$8.00
Wild Mushroom RisottoUS$12.00
Crab RisottoUS$14.00
Citrus Lobster RisottoUS$14.00

By Land

Grilled Pork ChopUS$36.00
Bone-In Pork Chop Over White Truffle Risotto, w/ Asparagus, & Cabernet Demi Glace
Veal Osso Bucco RavioliUS$30.00
Saffron Infused Pasta w/ Sauteed Spinach in a White Wine Demi-Glace, Grilled Pears, & Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Vegetarian Pasta PrimaveraUS$28.00
Bucatini w/ Basil Pesto and Fresh Vegetables
Malbec Braised Short RibUS$32.00
Slow Roasted Daily w/ Aged Stone Ground Grits & Redeye Gravy w/ Grilled Asparagus
Surf & TurfUS$52.00
Grilled Organic Brasstown Ribeye and Maine Lobster Tail Served w/ Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes & Broccolini
Linz Filet MignonUS$44.00
Over Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes w/ Blistered Tomatoes & Spinach
Brasstown New York StripUS$40.00
Grassfed Organic NY Strip Served w/ Seasonal Vegetables and Crispy Onion Straws
Linz Black Angus Bone In RibeyeUS$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 ShrimpUS$12.00
Add Crab CakeUS$14.00
Add 6oz Lobster TailUS$18.00
Add BearnaiseUS$4.00
Add Black Truffle Cabernet Demi GlaceUS$6.00

By Sea

Pan Seared Diver ScallopsUS$36.00
Over Crab Risotto w/ Truffle Butter & Crispy Pancetta
Crispy Diamond Scored FlounderUS$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 BucatiniUS$34.00
Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, in a White Wine Scampi Sauce Over Bucatini Pasta
Pan Seared GrouperUS$35.00
Lobster Butter, Sienna Rice Medley, & Local Baby Vegetables
Blackened Yellowfin TunaUS$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 LobsterUS$40.00
Split Whole Lobster Tail and De-Shelled Claws Over Citrus Lobster Risotto
Low Country Shrimp & GritsUS$30.00
Local Stone Ground Grits & Smoked Gouda w/ Jumbo Shrimp Sauteed in Tasso Ham Gravy
Ela's Crab CakesUS$32.00
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes w/ Shallot Butter, Served w/ Sienna Rice Medley and Grilled Local Baby Vegetables
Salmon RockefellerUS$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 6,793 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

Diners' Choice Awards

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 a delightful dining experience with "amazing food" and "beautiful views" of the marina. Guests appreciate the "excellent service," and many highlight the romantic ambiance, perfect for special occasions. Despite occasional service hiccups, the location and culinary offerings make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

6,793 Reviews

S
Susan
St. Louis
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience! Service was great and food was amazing. Will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
D
Dee
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at ELA’S and really enjoyed it. I had the caprese salad which was delicious and then I asked if I could have the surf & turf with scallops vs lobster and they were happy to accommodate. I asked if I could get risotto vs mashed potatoes and they could but at an up charge. It was a $4 charge for mushroom risotto. I really don’t think it should have been extra unless I wanted crab or lobster risotto. My scallops were delicious and cooked perfectly and my ribeye was cooked a nice medium rare but it was a little tough. Skipped dessert because I was too full. Drinks and wine were also very good. The rest of my party enjoyed it very much. The ambiance was warm, cozy and offered outstanding waterfront views. I will definitely return.
Is this helpful?
E
Ellen
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful view and probably the best swordfish I’ve ever had
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Hawaii
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
If I had checked out the bathrooms before eating I would never had eaten there. Food was mediocre at best- may be known for their views but that’s it in my experience.
Is this helpful?
M
Michele
New York City
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our lobster and lobster risotto was the best meal ever. Andre, our waiter, was very attentive and professional. The ambience was wonderful, great view of the water.
Is this helpful?
L
Lajr
Charleston
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
We ordered the oysters and they never came. It was loud and very disappointing
Is this helpful?
W
William
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice location. Service was excellent as was food. One of the best restaurants we have visited in the Hilton Head / Bluffton area. Great for a special occasion. We will definitely visit again n
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen
Charleston
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Holidays are not the time to dine out. I have been to this restaurant many times before, and it was outstanding. Today (Thanksgiving), the food is not at all outstanding.
Is this helpful?
J
Jonetta
Coastal Georgia
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous views, best tasting food and service. Recommend.
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cannot say enough good things about this place. 3rd visit, never disappointed. Food is outstanding & staff is eager to accommodate special requests. Attentive without hovering. A high-end experience in a casual & friendly environment. Great view from just about every table.
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 6793 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

4 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 booking

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 WaysUS$16.00

Mama's Fried Green TomatoesUS$10.00

Lobster NachosUS$13.00

CharcuterieUS$24.00

Ela's Crab StackUS$16.00

Oysters RockefellerUS$14.00

Ela's CalamariUS$13.00

Roasted Carolina Beet NapoleonUS$10.00

Beef CarpaccioUS$13.00

Hand Selected Oysters

Tomato Basil MusselsUS$14.00

Honey Lime ShrimpUS$14.00

Ela's Classics

Ahi Tuna TartareUS$16.00

Classic Shrimp CocktailUS$16.00

Ela's Crab Cakes

Ela's Crab Cakes

Soups & Salads

Maine Lobster BisqueUS$11.00

Seafood GumboUS$12.00

Kumato Caprese SaladUS$11.00

Pear Arugula SaladUS$11.00

Ela's CaesarUS$10.00

Steakhouse Wedge SaladUS$10.00

Sides

Ela's Truffle FriesUS$10.00

Hand Cut Steak FriesUS$8.00

Yukon Gold Mashed PotatoesUS$8.00

Seasonal Local VegetablesUS$8.00

Fresh AsparagusUS$8.00

Sauteed Wild MushroomsUS$8.00

Wild Mushroom RisottoUS$12.00

Crab RisottoUS$14.00

Citrus Lobster RisottoUS$14.00

By Land

Grilled Pork ChopUS$36.00

Veal Osso Bucco RavioliUS$30.00

Vegetarian Pasta PrimaveraUS$28.00

Malbec Braised Short RibUS$32.00

Surf & TurfUS$52.00

Linz Filet MignonUS$44.00

Brasstown New York StripUS$40.00

Linz Black Angus Bone In RibeyeUS$50.00

Preparation Options

Grilled

Blackened

Coffee Rubbed

Peppercorn Encrusted

Pittsburgh

Steak Enhancements

Add 4 Jumbo ShrimpUS$12.00

Add Crab CakeUS$14.00

Add 6oz Lobster TailUS$18.00

Add BearnaiseUS$4.00

Add Black Truffle Cabernet Demi GlaceUS$6.00

By Sea

Pan Seared Diver ScallopsUS$36.00

Crispy Diamond Scored FlounderUS$32.00

Seafood Scampi BucatiniUS$34.00

Pan Seared GrouperUS$35.00

Blackened Yellowfin TunaUS$34.00

Steamed LobsterUS$40.00

Low Country Shrimp & GritsUS$30.00

Ela's Crab CakesUS$32.00

Salmon RockefellerUS$34.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

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

How is ELA'S On the Water restaurant rated?