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

ELA'S On the Water

4.6 (7133)
$30 and under
Seafood
One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 65 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

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What 7,133 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.
7,133 Reviews
  1. Lauren VIP

    Tampa / Central Florida West4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Didn’t know when table was booked however we had a great view to the Tuesday night fireworks display!

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  2. Sydney

    South Carolina5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    They accepted my reservation request to be seated near the window. Our food came quickly along with bread and sweetened whipped butter. The dessert menu was diverse and brought out in a tray for you to see. We tried the chocolate mousse cake and it was very chocolate. I loved my salmon, it was cooked to perfection. The lobster ravioli was so flavorful and rich, too.

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  3. Jeff VIP

    Nashville217 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Wonderful service and setting. Our food selections were not quite up to previous visits. Over cooked shrimp and under seasoned snapper. (Which was an alternative entree for the red fish special which they were out of by 7pm. )

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  4. Sandor

    Charlotte1 review

    2.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We reserved Ela’s on the water for my wife’s Birthday while vacationing on HHI. The advertising for Ela’s on the water leads you to believe it is a more upscale restaurant in the area. We arrived early by about 20 min but the hostess was able to seat us right away. Our server was at our table right away. Everything moved quickly. I still had half my streak the first time I was asked if they could take my plate. My wife and I did feel rushed. My wife had the Blackened yellow fin tuna. It was not as fresh as expected. I had the filet magnon. I ordered it cooked medium and it was medium. It did not seem seasoned much at all. All and all we were mostly underwhelmed by our dinning experience. Then to add insult to injury we had to pay for the processing of the over priced meal because we used a credit card. So instead of a nice meal in a nice restaurant for a happy occasion we left disappointed.

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  5. Mary

    Baltimore / Maryland1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and spectacular views. Our server was wonderful as well. The views over the water of Broad Creek and the Shelter Cove Marina don’t disappoint. Would highly recommend.

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  6. James

    Pittsburgh / Western PA12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always Spectacular. Tried the short ribs and were outstanding.

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  7. JOSEPH VIP

    Charlotte56 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delightful Father's Day Brunch. Our server was great, and the cuisine excellent. I had the Salmon BLT, and my wife enjoyed the grouper sandwich. The brunch menu features eggs benedict, avocado toast, French toast et. al. The mimosas were made with fresh squeezed OJ as well. We will return!

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  8. Terry VIP

    Houston7 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    First impression is the creaky, noisy and seemingly unsafe elevator. The interior is OK, and the marina views are nice. Our food was just average. Our server was nice but not very attentive. The food prices were well above average for similar fare and other local restaurants. We don't plan to return for a Sunday brunch.

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  9. Emeline

    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great view. Great food. Great Customer Service. We would return.

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  10. Jeffrey

    Dallas - Fort Worth30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wait staff were very good and attentive. The fried chicken and lobster bisque were excellent. Deserts are also worthwhile. the ambience is a stunning view of the harbor at Shelter Cove. A very nice special evening.

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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 7133 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 65 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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