ELA'S On the Water

4.7

6841 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 34 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
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 6,841 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Hilton Head
Great for outdoor dining
Hilton Head
Romantic
Hilton Head
Great for scenic views

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.

6,841 Reviews

H
Hank
Atlanta Metro
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Karen was our server and she was excellent. The cocktails, wine, and food were wonderful. The atmosphere is superb for a nice quiet dinner overlooking the Shelter Cove Marina. We will definitely return.
Is this helpful?
A
Angela
New York City
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Steaks were cooked perfectly. Our waitress was very attentive and our food came quickly. The restaurant was clean and had a really nice vibe. The view of the harbor was really nice as well. 10/10 would go back again.
Is this helpful?
M
Msrk
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very nice restaurant and the view was great. The primer rib was cooked perfect, seasoned just right. The red snapper with coconut/mashed potatoes was definitely different but was very good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Cleveland
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Not as good as it used to be. They need to update the menu and the space. Our server was just okay and so was the food. Crab cakes were not good.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen
Detroit
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time there and fell in love! Our waitress was such a gentle kind soul and very knowledgeable. The food came out in the blink of an eye and was superb! Definitely a must again!
Is this helpful?
J
JoLee
VIP
Raleigh
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was fabulous. All six of us raved about our entrees and appetizers. Our waitress was phenomenal. Very personable, helpful and knew what she was doing. We will come back whenever we are on the island.
Is this helpful?
M
Melissa
VIP
Charleston
52 reviews
4.0
52 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Prime rib was not very good, vegetables where over cooked..
Is this helpful?
H
Herbert
VIP
Charleston
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great from start to finish. Cocktails, appetizers, main courses, and dessert were all delicious. Our server, Karen, was delightful and helpful.
Is this helpful?
K
Kristin
VIP
Charleston
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, service and ambiance! A perfect NYE dinner! Can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
VIP
Atlanta Metro
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great brunch overlooking the marina! Server was fantastic!
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 4.7 stars by 6841 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

Area
Hilton Head
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?