ELA'S On the Water

Name: ELA'S On the Water
Address: One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC, United States, 29928
Telephone: (843) 785-3030
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

6797 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

12 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 23 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
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, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 South Carolina Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

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

Ela's Classics

Ahi Tuna TartareUSD 16.00
Marinated Ahi Tuna, Fresh Cucumber, Avocado Salad, Pickled Ginger
Classic Shrimp CocktailUSD 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
- AppUSD 14.00
- EntreeUSD 32.00

Soups & Salads

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

Sides

Ela's Truffle FriesUSD 10.00
Hand Cut Steak FriesUSD 8.00
Yukon Gold Mashed PotatoesUSD 8.00
Seasonal Local VegetablesUSD 8.00
Fresh AsparagusUSD 8.00
Sauteed Wild MushroomsUSD 8.00
Wild Mushroom RisottoUSD 12.00
Crab RisottoUSD 14.00
Citrus Lobster RisottoUSD 14.00

By Land

Grilled Pork ChopUSD 36.00
Bone-In Pork Chop Over White Truffle Risotto, w/ Asparagus, & Cabernet Demi Glace
Veal Osso Bucco RavioliUSD 30.00
Saffron Infused Pasta w/ Sauteed Spinach in a White Wine Demi-Glace, Grilled Pears, & Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Vegetarian Pasta PrimaveraUSD 28.00
Bucatini w/ Basil Pesto and Fresh Vegetables
Malbec Braised Short RibUSD 32.00
Slow Roasted Daily w/ Aged Stone Ground Grits & Redeye Gravy w/ Grilled Asparagus
Surf & TurfUSD 52.00
Grilled Organic Brasstown Ribeye and Maine Lobster Tail Served w/ Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes & Broccolini
Linz Filet MignonUSD 44.00
Over Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes w/ Blistered Tomatoes & Spinach
Brasstown New York StripUSD 40.00
Grassfed Organic NY Strip Served w/ Seasonal Vegetables and Crispy Onion Straws
Linz Black Angus Bone In RibeyeUSD 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 ShrimpUSD 12.00
Add Crab CakeUSD 14.00
Add 6oz Lobster TailUSD 18.00
Add BearnaiseUSD 4.00
Add Black Truffle Cabernet Demi GlaceUSD 6.00

By Sea

Pan Seared Diver ScallopsUSD 36.00
Over Crab Risotto w/ Truffle Butter & Crispy Pancetta
Crispy Diamond Scored FlounderUSD 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 BucatiniUSD 34.00
Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, in a White Wine Scampi Sauce Over Bucatini Pasta
Pan Seared GrouperUSD 35.00
Lobster Butter, Sienna Rice Medley, & Local Baby Vegetables
Blackened Yellowfin TunaUSD 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 LobsterUSD 40.00
Split Whole Lobster Tail and De-Shelled Claws Over Citrus Lobster Risotto
Low Country Shrimp & GritsUSD 30.00
Local Stone Ground Grits & Smoked Gouda w/ Jumbo Shrimp Sauteed in Tasso Ham Gravy
Ela's Crab CakesUSD 32.00
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes w/ Shallot Butter, Served w/ Sienna Rice Medley and Grilled Local Baby Vegetables
Salmon RockefellerUSD 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 6,797 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
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Carolina
Great for outdoor dining
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.

6,797 Reviews

N
None
New York City
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was excellent. View of the marina is nice. Atmosphere is upscale and relaxing. Clean and comfortable dining room.
Is this helpful?
NT
NewToTheArea
Cincinnati
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
FABULOUS from start to finish!!! Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
B
Bianca
Greater Boston
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I never leave reviews but I just want to make sure that I leave a review for this beautiful and friendly restaurant. Our server Emilio, a Jamaican guy, was nothing short of kind, mannerable, funny while providing top tier service. Other hosts and what looked like maybe the manager or owner would come to check on us as well. Would certainly recommend!
Is this helpful?
D
Dale
Charleston
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful setting, good sized portions, excellent service, well prepared and presented seafood. Not SERG.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
St. Louis
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 3 December 2024
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 on 3 December 2024
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
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
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 on 30 November 2024
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 on 29 November 2024
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 on 28 November 2024
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?

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 6797 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

12 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 23 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
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, Takeaway, 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 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 WaysUSD 16.00

Mama's Fried Green TomatoesUSD 10.00

Lobster NachosUSD 13.00

CharcuterieUSD 24.00

Ela's Crab StackUSD 16.00

Oysters RockefellerUSD 14.00

Ela's CalamariUSD 13.00

Roasted Carolina Beet NapoleonUSD 10.00

Beef CarpaccioUSD 13.00

Hand Selected Oysters

Tomato Basil MusselsUSD 14.00

Honey Lime ShrimpUSD 14.00

Ela's Classics

Ahi Tuna TartareUSD 16.00

Classic Shrimp CocktailUSD 16.00

Ela's Crab Cakes

Ela's Crab Cakes

Soups & Salads

Maine Lobster BisqueUSD 11.00

Seafood GumboUSD 12.00

Kumato Caprese SaladUSD 11.00

Pear Arugula SaladUSD 11.00

Ela's CaesarUSD 10.00

Steakhouse Wedge SaladUSD 10.00

Sides

Ela's Truffle FriesUSD 10.00

Hand Cut Steak FriesUSD 8.00

Yukon Gold Mashed PotatoesUSD 8.00

Seasonal Local VegetablesUSD 8.00

Fresh AsparagusUSD 8.00

Sauteed Wild MushroomsUSD 8.00

Wild Mushroom RisottoUSD 12.00

Crab RisottoUSD 14.00

Citrus Lobster RisottoUSD 14.00

By Land

Grilled Pork ChopUSD 36.00

Veal Osso Bucco RavioliUSD 30.00

Vegetarian Pasta PrimaveraUSD 28.00

Malbec Braised Short RibUSD 32.00

Surf & TurfUSD 52.00

Linz Filet MignonUSD 44.00

Brasstown New York StripUSD 40.00

Linz Black Angus Bone In RibeyeUSD 50.00

Preparation Options

Grilled

Blackened

Coffee Rubbed

Peppercorn Encrusted

Pittsburgh

Steak Enhancements

Add 4 Jumbo ShrimpUSD 12.00

Add Crab CakeUSD 14.00

Add 6oz Lobster TailUSD 18.00

Add BearnaiseUSD 4.00

Add Black Truffle Cabernet Demi GlaceUSD 6.00

By Sea

Pan Seared Diver ScallopsUSD 36.00

Crispy Diamond Scored FlounderUSD 32.00

Seafood Scampi BucatiniUSD 34.00

Pan Seared GrouperUSD 35.00

Blackened Yellowfin TunaUSD 34.00

Steamed LobsterUSD 40.00

Low Country Shrimp & GritsUSD 30.00

Ela's Crab CakesUSD 32.00

Salmon RockefellerUSD 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?