ELA'S On the Water

4.7

6899 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 26, 2025

11:00 p.m.

Booked 33 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
Neighbourhood
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
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

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 6,899 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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

ELA'S On the Water offers a picturesque dining experience with "exceptional service" and "fantastic views" of the marina. Diners praise the "outstanding" seafood and diverse menu options. The ambiance is elegant yet cozy, perfect for special occasions. While some dishes could improve, the overall experience is "highly recommended."

6,899 Reviews

S
Sam
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service and food was great. We enjoyed sitting outside
Is this helpful?
K
Kenneth (ken)
Atlanta
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exceptional views, exceptional greeting, service and dinner experience. Will definitely do again!
Is this helpful?
B
Bridget
Alabama
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant, lovely staff. Unfortunately, the worst cut of ribeye I’ve ever had. So much fat! Way too overpriced for the quality of meat they serve. Other than the steak, everything else was great! I would still recommend this restaurant for the Ambiance and harbor view!
Is this helpful?
D
Diane
VIP
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Overall, a very enjoyable experience. Beautiful restaurant, great food and exceptional service.
Is this helpful?
M
Melody
Richmond
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really good food. Love love love the calamari, not your traditional but highly recommended. Braised short ribs were excellent but short on gravy. Stuffed salmon was lacking seasoning but cooked nicely. Still my favorite place to go! Looking for 5 stars next time!!
Is this helpful?
J
Judy
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first visit to Ella’s On The Water was fantastic! Beautiful place for dinner! Our meal was delicious and our service outstanding. Will definitely be back on our next visit to Hilton Head.
Is this helpful?
J
Jan
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, food, fantastic view of Marina. I highly recommend ELA’S On the Water. A must place to go every time we visit Hilton Head Island.
Is this helpful?
H
Hank
New York City
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite restaurants in Hilton Head for the last 10 years. Gets it right in all categories from ambiance, service, food and drink. Reasonably priced, great menu with choices in many categories. Never feel rushed and always leave satisfied. Also enjoy walking the meal off by taking time walking around the harbor taking in the shops and boats anchored .
Is this helpful?
D
DArryl
Unspecified
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My wife and I attended Sunday brunch, and we had a great experience overall. The staff was very complimentary and welcoming. The food was excellently prepared; however, my wife's meal had a minor issue, but the general manager compensated for it. While the wait time for the food was somewhat long, our waitress, Flo, was attentive and friendly, which made the experience more enjoyable. Will definitely attend again.
1 person found this helpful
D
DeeAnna
VIP
Charleston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food, service, and ambiance were perfect. Special birthday celebration.
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 6899 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 26, 2025

11:00 p.m.

Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

Neighbourhood
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
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

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

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?

Is ELA'S On the Water currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout