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ELA'S On the Water, Hilton Head Island, SC

ELA'S On the Water

4.7
4.7
6926 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 64 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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 11:00–14:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (843) 785-3030
  • 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<br />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
  • Area
    Hilton Head
  • Parking details
    Enter Shelter Cove Harbour and follow Shelter Cove Lane to the private parking for guests.<br /><br />OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S <br /><br />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

Private dining

What 6,926 people are saying

ELA'S On the Water reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

NoiseModerate

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.

6,926 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time at ELA’S. Very nice service, food was delicious. We had a corner booth & could hear the live music at a perfect volume to still enjoy & conversation. Will go again

    Is this helpful?

  2. Pattie VIP

    St. Louis20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time visiting Ela's on the Water. Beautiful water view. Service was exceptional. Many varied food offering. We ordered Calamari. It was like eating Calamari Steaks. Delicious. Bread and butter warm and flavored with honey. Always good. Caesar Salad, one of the best. Lobster Ravioli and Diver Scallops did not disappoint. Both were excellent. Desserts looked wonderful but too full to partake. Large menu, food served in proper order with good timing, and it was hot as appropriate. Will return this vacation.

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  3. Fred VIP

    New York City44 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service. Food portions were generous. The food was well prepared and nicely presented.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely restaurant right in a marina Beautiful views. Service was excellent. Appetizers came quick and were delicious. I had the Beets with panko crusted goat cheese. Amazing. My husband had the wedge. Also very good. For entrees we had the crab cakes and rib eye My crab cakes looked beautiful but were mainly back fin with a piece or two of lump. Disappointing. The rib eye was very good. Cooked perfectly. We also ordered extra steak fries which are really fried potato wedges. Very good but not what we expected. We would go back. I should have gotten the grouper (special).

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  5. David

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of the finest seafood restaurants I've ever eaten in, anywhere. The food was spectacularly good, appetizers (calamari, fried green tomatoes), seafood gumbo, and main dishes for all. Service was fast but unrushed, helpful, and highly competent. The restaurant overlooks the water, tables are widely spaced, and the restaurant is quiet enough to enjoy conversation. I rarely bother to review restaurants, but I really felt obligated to share this gem with others!

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  6. Betsy

    Detroit8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, location and service! We love coming here!

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  7. John

    Western NC24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 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!

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  8. Jenifer VIP

    Alabama17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 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.

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  9. DawgsfromAthens VIP

    Georgia153 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We usually start our visit to HHI with brunch at Ela’s on Sunday. Look forward to it each time. Janice and I brought our guests with us this time. We ordered bloody Mary’s and mimosas to start while making our selections. Entrees included oyster Benedict, smoked salmon, crab cakes, and omelet special of the day. All well prepared and presented. Our waitress, Flo, was attentive and a pleasure to talk with. She’s the best. We took our time and were never rushed. Great way to begin our day.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 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?

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 6926 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 64 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for ELA'S On the Water

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

  • Area
    Hilton Head
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00–14:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–22:00
  • 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.<br /><br />OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S <br /><br />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
  • Phone number
    (843) 785-3030
  • Catering
    Second Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80pp<br />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
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