ELA'S On the Water

4.7

6919 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 59 times today

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views
Charming

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 6,919 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 marina view and "impeccable service." The food is consistently praised for its quality, with standout dishes like the "short rib dinner" and "Lobster Ravioli." The atmosphere is enhanced by live piano music and a "nautical theme." Ideal for special occasions.

6,919 Reviews

J
John
Western NC24 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorites on Hilton Head. The salmon Rockefeller was amazing!
Is this helpful?
J
Jenifer VIP
Alabama15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great. Service, good, view, music, wine. Had oysters and calamari for apps. Calamari might have been the best I’ve ever had. Entrees were the scallops, grouper and lobster. Everything was top notch.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere! One of our favorite spots at Hilton Head! Steaks and seafood are top quality! Great spot for couples and friends! Live music too!
Is this helpful?
c
christinew VIP
Charleston41 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our dinner at Ella’s was wonderful. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! We had the shrimp appetizer, grouper for dinner and the hummingbird cake for dessert. Can’t wait to go back again!
Is this helpful?
JZ
JohnZ
New York City6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our second time at Ela’s and just as good as the first. Great service! I recommend the salmon Rockefeller.
Is this helpful?
t
tom VIP
Anchorage103 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful as always and fish perfectly blackened that was moist and flavorful.
Is this helpful?
R
Russell
New York State1 review
2.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
This will be the last time eating at Ela's , every year we eat there at least twice in the month we are at HHI. This was by far the worst everything that we have experienced in Hilton Head. The receptionist basically said we had to eat sit down at 7:30 p.m. and could not have a drink at the bar, five people. The waitress wanted to know what we wanted to eat before she even asked us if we wanted a drink while looking at the menu. When I ordered the Flounder, she said, "Am I sure I want that?" I asked if it was bad; she replied, "No, it was just very difficult to eat." So why was it on the menu? Five people did not enjoy their meal, and by 845 p.m., the restaurant was empty. Okay, I understand that—it was an early crowd, but basically, she stood over us, handing us the invoice. We paid and went downstairs, where we were told we could not get desert or a drink at the bar as they had already closed out. if you want to go home early- do not have reservations after a specific time. please do not punish the customers because they booked a 730 reservation. regardless if the food was good, we still would have been ok, but it was not.
Is this helpful?
a
anne VIP
Toronto11 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
If you want to see any hear the musician be sure to request a high top Great food and service Thanks!
Is this helpful?
S
Steve VIP
Philadelphia3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food. Service was perfect. Live music helped create a comfortable atmosphere. a really nice evening all around.
Is this helpful?
d
doug VIP
Charleston12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
always an excellent place to have a quality meal. Ambience is great. Service is always wonderful. Really enjoyed Ty--he was great. Honey lime shrimp very nice. Blackened snapper was outstanding. you can never go wrong with the experience at Ela's.
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 6919 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 59 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