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

ELA'S On the Water

4.6 (7154)
$30 and under
Seafood
One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 83 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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.

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
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    Hilton Head Island
  • 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, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 7,154 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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Great for scenic views

  • Hilton Head

    Great for brunch

  • 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 "amazing food" and "superb service" with stunning views of the marina. Diners rave about the "beautiful location" and "wonderful atmosphere," making it a top choice for special occasions. The "varied menu" and "attentive staff" ensure a memorable dining experience, though parking can be challenging.
7,154 Reviews
  1. Frank

    New York City2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We had the filet mignon (excellent) diver scallops with crab risotto (excellent) and seared tuna (just ok the tuna was prepared well but the ginger sauce was bland). Bread basket with hush puppies was a nice surprise. The honey lime shrimp app was aggressively salty and lacked a punchy honey lime flavor. We had both that and the fried green tomatoes and while the sauces were different they were hard to distinguish. We come to HHI every year and not sure would make sure to return vs trying a different option next year. So everything was well prepared, but for the price, i expected a better flavor/punch.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Devin

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hands down one of the best dining experiences we've had on Hilton Head Island! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was top-notch. Every single dish was packed with flavor, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. You can truly taste the quality and care that goes into every bite. Whether you’re a seafood lover, steak fan, or just appreciate well-crafted cuisine—this place delivers.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mark

    Minneapolis - St. Paul6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It's warm in the restaurant. Could do a better job woth AC. Service is nice and food was very good

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review

    1.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Served me something different than what I ordered and were not willing to correct it or address it in any manner

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nancy

    East Tennessee4 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Our service was subpar. Waitress couldn’t be bothered to mention the specials, seemed uninterested in actually servicing the table, and overall didn’t provide even the smallest amount of service. The food was relatively bland, the exception of the crab cakes — very flavorful. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed and would not recommend based on our experience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lisa VIP

    Atlanta27 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our table had a beautiful view of the creek and marshlands. Love the ambience, but the food was extremely disappointing. 4 scallops and half a cup of crab risotto (no crab taste) for $44 was not a deal. My son left hungry . Crabcake tasted like processed deviled crab stuffing. Children’s chicken Alfredo was very good. The mussels and wedge salad were good. Wait staff was very attentive upon arrival, but intervals of visit kept getting longer. The kids and I ended up going back to the condo and left the men at the table. We were serving dessert before my husband and Son could join us. They stated they had been waiting for the check the whole time. We live in Shelter Cove and I don’t feel like we will return. Very disappointing to have a neighboring restaurant that was not good food especially for the price. 

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kathleen

    Asheville / Western North Carolina1 review

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Beautiful location...excellent service from Vanessa! We had the scallops and the grouper. Both meals were excellent...presentation was beautiful. Desserts were outstanding!! Too many to choose from. Everything was good but I did find it was a little over priced .

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kim

    Charlotte4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was amazing, but the interior could use some work. Upstairs was hot, paint on walls was falling off, furniture dirty… for a place that tries to give “fine dining” seems like management would pay attention to the details that are typical of a fine dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Louis

    Philadelphia County11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thanks to André for excellent service. My party especially loved the braised ribs and the crab cakes.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Rick VIP

    Denver / Colorado20 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Our waiter just wanted to flip the table, we were rushed, very disappointed

    1 person found 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 7154 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Hilton Head
  5. Hilton Head Island

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 83 times today
Google Map for ELA'S On the Water

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    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.<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, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • 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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