We had a nice meal here. I'm giving it 5 stars for great food, portion size, quality of food, great service, and they had a rare beer on the menu which is one of my favorites from Belgium. It's listed as $$$ but the prices were the same as the $$ places. We had scallops and salmon and both were great. Others places had a line and this place had a couple of openings. I think the $$$ scares people but it's not true here. Awesome place!!!! read more

I love hamburgers and have had them in every restaurant a Block Island that serves them. Eli's takes the meat from a beef sparerib to make their hamburgers. OMG I am in love, so I made my Saturday after work re-ward trip to Eli's all summer. The burger comes with deep fried nuggets of potato with the skins on and very thin crispy Onion rings. Rosemary their bartender makes a stunning Cosmopolitan Martini. I like to sit at the bar to eat and I hear the other customers marveling at how good their food is. read more

Some hits and misses on food, service seemed solid, although the time between apps and mains was 30+ minutes. We started with tuna nachos (great) and the burrata salad (ok, could have used more seasoning). I had the veal special which was cooked well and had great flavor, while my wife had the scallops which she mentioned were slightly undercooked and the sauce was just too sweet for the dish, although mentioned that the side potatoes dish was amazing. This is one of the only restaurants we have been to where the food bill way exceed the bar bill, which i'm not sure is a symptom of reasonably priced booze or expensive food (our Canadian $$s certainly didn't help things). read more

We really enjoyed our meal here. We all had a fish dish and some wine. The service was excellent, as was the food. Not too many good options on Block Island, esp. in mid-May, when we went... but Eli's is definitely one of the best places ones. read more

Good service and atmosphere. Food not great though. Had the calimari with the sweet soy sauce and it was overly sweet. Scottish salmon was perfectly cooked but the glaze was again way too sweet. You could do better for what you're paying at this place. read more

We ate there two nights- loved the casual neighborhood vibe and the food was fantastic. The first night I had a glass of rose- really good pour- and the wild salmon, which was fabulous.The chocolate dessert was also out of this world. Second night I had a titos vodka Martini which was perfect (I am picky) and the duck, which was also perfect. I have a gluten allergy, and sometimes am met with eye rolling and thinly veiled contempt when I have to bring it up, but the servers at Eli's were nothing but helpful and gladly substituted in a different accompanying side for the entree (which as a server myself I hate to ask for:) My husband had the Mac and cheese which he also loved. Our only regret is not also eating here the last night of our stay, and trying the rest of the menu. read more

Best food on the island. I rarely do an appetizer, entree and desert but this place is really good. Calamari was perfectly cook. I had the monk fish wish can be rubbery if cooked wrong. This was perfect. Make a reservation or get there early. Fills up quick. read more

Eli's has become our anniversary dinner tradition. Romantic casual. Creative flavorful new dishes complement the perennial faves like tuna nachos. Arrive early and avoid the line that forms by 7pm during high season. read more

This place is so cute and romantic! I absolutely love it. They have a great selection of wine and awesome seafood menu items with a somewhat Asian twist. I ordered the roasted Atlantic cod loin. I can't even formulate a sentence to describe how good this plate was! Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. It was nice to eat a pretty standard fish with a different twist to it. I will definitely be back when I'm on the island again. Can't wait. read more

Fabulous food. Hearty flavors. The perfect martini. Excellent service. Not cheap, but worth every penny.

This was my best meal on the island by far. The ambience is quaint and casual, good music in the background... delicious, crusty warm homemade bread with a bottle of olive oil on the table (always a winner in my book)... And ooooh the food. We loved it so much here we ate here twice during our 4 days on BI. Octopus salad - INCREDIBLE! Tuna nachos - delicious! Scallops and pork belly - WOW! I was speechless. The asian-flavored salmon was cooked to perfection and had so many flavors going on. And the cod was moist and delicious. This is clearly a restaurant with an ambition for creative, inventive dishes.... And in my opinion they NAILED it each time. The flavors are layered, dynamic, and dishes are perfectly portioned and well-executed. Oh, and the service was great. Servers were mature and knowledgeable about the food and wine. Would definitely recommend Eli's! read more

I love this place. This was my choice for our anniversary dinner. I enjoyed the himachi, but if I go again will have the tuna nachos, a much better choice for raw seafood. My dinner was the special of the night. Ramen noodles with an amazing broth and pork bellies and scallops. I slurped every drop. My husband had the duck. Although he does not prefer smoked duck, it was still yummy. The pot de crémé was amazing. It was a perfect balance of sweet and cream, not overly sweet. A perfect way to end the meal. read more

I have been a long time fan of Eli's so with that I have to admit I am always hesitant to embrace change. I have never been happier to have all of my fears be proven wrong. New Chef, Adi Mandel's first menu is not only creative, it is unbelievably delicious. Having been there three times in the first two weekends, I have had the opportunity to try the majority of the entrees and I am hard-pressed to pick my favorite. The staff at Eli's continues to be of the best in the business. They are knowledgeable, professional and are equally enthusiastic about the menu. Overall, it is difficult to find a better dining experience on Block Island! read more

For a long time Eli's was my favorite spot for dinner on the island. The tuna nachos are always great and the calamari usually is as well. However, the last time I was there the calamari tasted like someone dumped the salt shaker on them...I couldn't even eat them. That was my first real disappointment. I wish they would bring the seafood lasagna back, sounds a little strange but if they're serving it while your there it's a must order. Two fresh sheets of pasta with a mascarpone sauce in between covering fresh scallops and lobster. I would say this is still my favorite spot but the improvement of the manassas this year brings it to a very close second....looking forward to what next season brings. read more

We visited BI this year and tried to do only take-out and outdoor dining for our own sake and everyone else's. Eli's website said they offered take out but 1."Tax and 20% Gratuity apply to all Take Out Orders." (not the case anywhere else on the island that we tried) 2. Told us at 6:30 they couldn't take our take out order if it were for more than 2 dinners until at least 8:30 because they had a lot of upcoming reservations. The grocers there closes at 6pm so we couldn't cook in at that point and that left us either trying back at 8:30 with no guarantees of being able to order or seeking out an alternative - most of which we'd been to since Eli's was closed Tu-Th of that week and other places were closed for the season. We debated amongst ourselves the fairness of a full 20% gratuity on takeout orders (particularly the cost of the wine was included), with our family split on the issue, but being told to 'try' back in two hours was decidedly off-putting. She could have said, "to be fair to you and the kitchen, we have a lot of orders, so I'll put your order in but it may take a while and we'll call you when it's ready - is that ok?" In that way, we would have felt we had a choice rather than felt they chose not to serve us if and until it was convenient for them. Doubt we'll 'try' again. read more

We called at 6:05 to make a reservation, which they do not take. We then asked if they were crowded yet, and she replied, "we are not open yet." We then asked when they opened and she said 6:00...the writing was on the wall from there! We were then told it was a half hour wait at best, it was a 45 minute wait. Then,we waited over an hour after placing our order, we were basically ignored that whole time, no water refills, or cocktail orders my husband and I ate all of the bread ...and were about to eat the table!! The food was just okay. The staff is aloof at best and the menu has not changed over the years. So NOT WORTH THE WAIT or the price! read more

Eli's has a new chef this year and wow, is he talented! We've eaten there 3 times since they opened for this season (yes, that's once a week!) and each time have been impressed by the variety of the menu and the quality of the food. Last week's special of toasted pasta and lobster was amazing and this week's special of steak, mashed potatoes and wild mushrooms was mouth-wateringly delicious. We've ordered the seafood charcuterie appetizer each time because it's so yummy, but the other apps which we've also had are equally innovative and terrific. As always, the waitstaff are professional, friendly and fun. read more

We go to Block island every summer in the month of August. I don't recall if I wrote a review in previous years, but it's time for another. We decided on Eli's at least once each time. So we waited in line before it opened at 6pm. They don't accept reservation or at least it's filled the first round. So, we were the second party. I made sure the table wasn't shaky this time. I find that a table for four is always a little cramped. We had drinks, appetizers, salad, main entrees, but not desserts. Why our main entrees took more than half hour, we don't know why. The wait staff just announced that it would arrive momentarily but it took another 15 minutes. My monkfish soup was deli out but the soup was lukewarm. On the overall, the portion size shrank each time we come. I regret that I did not try the special onion soup as the next table customer had one and raved about it to the wait staff. The space seating is very tight. When I had to go to the ladies room, my friend had to stand up to let me out to the ladies. I understand that you have to use every nook and cranny as space is money. We look forward to next summer. read more

Sadly declining. Once a value spot on the island, but now just expensive. Perhaps new chef will improve, but for now, a pass. Nice menu, average execution, and chintzy portions. read more

The island is lacking great restaurants and this may the best of the bunch. Ambitious menu with high quality ingredients, but execution isn't spectacular. Ambience is incongruent with the menu (beach pizza shop meets upscale dining), and service is rather unfriendly. read more

As an admitted restaurant snob, Eli's was a total winner. From the hostess to the fresh baked hot basket of breads to the incredible swordfish special which came with black coconut sticky rice and mini octopus to the giant sea scallops cooked perfectly with sugar snap peas and vegetable paella, the execution was flawless as was the service. read more

What a pleasant surprise! We stumbled upon Eli's for an early dinner while in Block Island for a short vacation. Our 9 year-old son was with us. The menu isn't really kid oriented, but the bread kept him content until a salad and super delicious calamari with an Asian sauce arrived for his meal. My husband and I each had nicely flavored meals, and the menu was way more interesting than you might expect from a touristy beach town place. We had a memorable meal worth the price. Why not 5 stars? I just think 5 stars is like a once-in-alifetim kind of meal and place. Eli's is terrific, and I do recommend it, especially if you can luck out and avoid the wait like we did. read more

My husband and I went to Eli's for a late dinner on a Monday night. We had to wait about 30 minutes, but it was well worth it. Their food is amazing! We had had a late lunch so I had two apps for dinner -- a salad and the calamari. Wow. The calamari was literally the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot of calamari at some really good restaurants! It wasn't breaded, and it had this incredible sauce -- like a balsamic drizzle. Soooo good. My husband had a salad and a burger. He said the burger was also the best he's every had. We were so impressed! Unfortunately we were so full that we didn't get to experience dessert. I'm sure it would've been incredible though! Going to Eli's was such a treat. I hope to come back one day. read more

My wife and I went to Eli's for our 20th anniversary dinner after reading all of the reviews. We were extremely disappointed. The service was good, but the food was awful. First, or salad had brown, wilted lettuce. My wife's Halibut was dry and overdone. I ordered the New York srip steak medium rare. It came out as 3 slices of raw, cold meat. I understand undercooking meat, but when it is served sliced, it was pretty obviously raw. I politely sent it back and it then came back well done. One of the 3 slices was all gristle. The couscous side was awful. Perhaps we went on a bad night,...Read more read more

Went last night and it was amazing! Very small room but an amazing atmosphere. Our server was amazing. She timed everything perfectly and we never felt rushed. The surf and turf burger was one of the best burgers I've ever had. Lobster bisque was the best I've had on the island. Will definitely be back again! read more

This place is amazing. Right in town, easy to access. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, small, intimate setting. Warm ambiance. But the food! A creative and refined menu implemented with deft skill and a delicate hand. Foodie's must eat here. Anyone looking for a wonderful meal must eat here. read more

food is great. we had the halibut and the sockeye salmon. both were exceptional. well done to the staff. a fine meal at a fairly reasonable price considering the quality (and location of block i$sland). the scallops were as good as any i ever had. hats off the the chefs. read more

We have been to the Block often over the last 15 years and have found food to be generally pretty good in most places. Elis though is exceptional. Its casual yet elegant, hard to explain. Its small so the wait will be enourmous. i think there are 12 tables. The food is unique and exceptional with nothing "ordinmary" on the menu. Everything is done with a flair be it seafood, chicken or beef. My wife ordered shrimps on a bed of seasoned grits. sounds odd? but the taste was outrageous. i had steak rubbed with their special herbs and bread pudding. I hate bread pudding. But i wish I actually could buy it to take home it was that good. again infused with spices and blue cheese and outrageous. Also a great wine list. dinner with 2 appys, dinner and wine was about 125. skipped dessert since we were stuffed. Highly rec as a special treat while there. Doesnt take amex but does take visa and mc. enjoy read more