ELA'S on the Water

4.1 ( 1116 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM See Hours
$50–100
1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States
+1 843-785-3030

ELA'S on the Water, nestled at 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC, offers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite seafood and stunning waterfront views. Patrons have praised the restaurant for its vibrant atmosphere, helpful staff, and a versatile menu highlighting both seafood and steak options.

Reviewers like Nancy Mlinarik emphasize the consistency of quality, with every dish from appetizers to desserts impressing diners. Bruce Beck's romantic anniversary dinner was enhanced by the charming harbor scenery, while Zengale Rodriguez celebrated the fresh ingredients showcased in dishes like the praised lobster bisque. The attentive service, exemplified by servers like Moshi and Emtilio, adds a welcomed personal touch to each meal.

For those seeking a lively dining experience, fan xiuping shared about the vibrant environment, complete with live music, making it a perfect spot for families and friends alike. The homemade desserts, particularly the array of cakes, receive notable mentions, securing ELA'S on the Water’s reputation as a culinary gem. Between the remarkable food, impeccable service, and breathtaking views, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone on Hilton Head Island.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great wine list
    • Has live music
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
    • Trendy
    • Upmarket
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Brunch reservations recommended
    • Lunch reservations recommended
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For ELA'S on the Water

Nancy Mlinarik
Jun 15,2025
We ate there earlier in the week and it was so good that we went a second time. Moshi waited on us both times and was a breath of fresh air. The food was amazing!!! The steaks, the seafood, the appetizers - there were 3 of us over two meals and every single thing we ate was top notch. Definitely top of the list for next year!!! This is a must do
Bruce Beck
Jun 3,2025
Had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Ella's. Service and food was top notch! Great atmosphere nearby the harbor. They have both indoor and outdoor seating..nice views!
fan xiuping
May 17,2025
ELA’s on the water always need a reservation ! When I called on Easter Sunday, they told me they are always very busy! The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seatings. Luckily the bar has full menu. Around 6 pm,I was able to grab a seat on the bar and order dinner there. The atmosphere was clam and live music was playing. People are friendly! The restaurant got filled up quickly with family and groups. There is a good selection of food on the menu including variety of seafood and meat options. The dessert menu includes six different cakes including carrot cake, strawberry cake and cheese cake. They were all homemade and look yummy ! With an order of steak and strawberry cake, my bill was 75. Overall, an excellent place to enjoy a nice fancy dinner with family or friend.
Zengale Rodriguez
Apr 17,2025
Nicely located overlooking the marina. Karen, our server was very good. The food was amazing. The pear salad was very good and fresh. The lobster bisque was the best I ever had. We sat outside and could enjoy the sunset hour while having a nice glass of wine. I absolutely recommend this place and will return
#Inspirational Nurse_RN Tiara
Apr 13,2025
Looking a intimate date night this is a must. The atmosphere was perfect for an intimate dinner the restaurant was on the marina, beautiful views of the water, they played live music they offer full bar service the drinks was out of this world the menu options was perfect for the setting they have upstairs and downstairs and outdoor sitting prices was well worth it the staff was amazing no long waits fast service our server was emtlio he was funny and amazing and very passionate about what he do he make sure you get what you want the portion was perfect the oysters was amazing. We had the Rockefeller ones. Definitely recommend. I had the cheesecake for dessert. It was perfect. There was penalty of free parking perfect location
Nicole Marie, MFA
Apr 11,2025
Incredible family Easter Dinner at Ella's! The food is fresh, delicious, and the service is exceptional. We enjoyed the peaceful Marina views at Sunset. The drinks are Mixology perfection! Highly recommended.
JD Chez
Apr 8,2025
We had a table of eight (8) for dinner and our server Karen was so helpful, courteous and professional. She and the staff at our table were always checking on us and providing a five (5) performance. We had a variety of dishes with different items changed on our meals. We also had three (3) different tabs at our table, Karen was able to handle all our requests with a smile and outstanding service. The establishment is located in a perfect spot for a awesome view of the marina. We were on the second floor next to the large picture windows so there was no obstructions with the area. Our meals were delicious and picture perfect, we only had a little bit to take home. The portions were large and bountiful. Wasn't able to take any of the pictures of our desserts, the looked so good we couldn't wait. Key lime pie, hummingbird cake (banana like carrot cake) and strawberry cake.
Cynthia Jackson
Mar 20,2025
In town for business and randomly chose Ela’s on the Water due to OpenTable ratings. Great choice! Beautiful atmosphere.. can’t wait to come back when it’s warm enough to sit outside! Karen was our waitress and truly did a phenomenal job. If you choose the surf and turf just know the ribeye is 10oz! Definitely worth the money. I’ll be back!!

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