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

ELA'S On the Water

4.6
4.6
6793 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 18 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 11:00–14:00 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 <br /><br />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

What 6,793 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
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Great for scenic views

  • 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.

6,793 Reviews
  1. Susan

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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?

  2. Dee

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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?

  3. Ellen

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    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?

  4. Mary

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    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.

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  5. Michele

    New York City

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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?

  6. Lajr

    Charleston

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    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

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  7. William

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice location. Service was excellent as was food. One of the best restaurants we have visited in the Hilton Head / Bluffton area. Great for a special occasion. We will definitely visit again n

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  8. Kathleen

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Holidays are not the time to dine out. I have been to this restaurant many times before, and it was outstanding. Today (Thanksgiving), the food is not at all outstanding.

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  9. Jonetta

    Coastal Georgia

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous views, best tasting food and service. Recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Christine

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cannot say enough good things about this place. 3rd visit, never disappointed. Food is outstanding & staff is eager to accommodate special requests. Attentive without hovering. A high-end experience in a casual & friendly environment. Great view from just about every table.

    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 6793 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 18 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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