Eli's — Restaurant in New Shoreham

One of my favorite dining experiences on the island and otherwise! We were so happy with our meal that we bought the chef a drink. She should be celebrated!!!

In the context of the island, I didn’t realize how much the other places we have dined fell short. The staff at Eli’s treated us like we were old friends; Not a single smile felt forced. They care about the little things: the bathroom feels like you’re entering a massage parlor for dogs (anyone who has been there understands why), the sound absorbing boards on the ceiling, even the host giving prospective guests very truthful answers to wait times and suggestions on where they can grab a drink nearby in the meantime. All of this the parsley on top of the real dish: the menu!

This chef knows what she is doing. My partner is a chef, and here is what she had to say about it: she definitely studied somewhere, as the flavors imply she really cares about the experience and KNOWS what she is doing! They have carefully curated the menu around ingredients that are seasonal and can be used in a variety of ways. I would approximate 20 or less items across the entire menus, each prepared complimentary to the subject of the dish, whether it be animal protein or cauliflower.

I am vegetarian, and I chose to dine here because the separate veg menu was actually interesting! Not just a beyond burger or salad; whoever designed this menu clearly likes to eat vegetables! I ordered the Roasted Cauliflower and couldn’t believe what I was tasting. The dish was all types of vegetables on a bed of rice fettuccine, sitting in a sauce that I believe is garlic-based but not in an overpowering way. My partner commented “that’s the most I’ve seen you eat this entire trip” to which I replied “I don’t want to stop eating this!” I have never dined at a restaurant targeted for meat-eaters and thought the one vegetarian dish was on the same level as the “Entrees” section of a menu. My partner ordered steak, and we both had the same experience— what a feat!

I think everyone should dine here, but I urge the groups who are a mixed bag of veg, gluten-free, and meat eaters to try Eli’s because they have delicious accommodations...

I have never posted a google review before but I just had to!!! Eli’s was recommended as the best restaurant on Block Island. We went right at 6 o’clock when they opened. We got a table right away. We had a young female server who was just lovely. She provided excellent service. I think she may have been fairly new because when we had a question about the menu she had to ask someone else. No big deal. Our meal was delicious!! My friend and I split the bill on 2 separate credit cards. We also ordered another meal to go to put on my CC. Kind of a pain. I get it. Our young server seemed to need help with that. Again, no big deal. It took quite a long time to process this and my friend questioned the other server who was helping with the checks. That server yelled at my friend and said “well you asked for separate checks!! We don’t have a computer”. WOW!!! So how do I rate this restaurant? I also take issue with this rude server on her attire. I know BI is casual but is yoga wear...

We have been given this dinner recommendation many times and due to the fact that we like to eat outside usually while in BI we never have tried it. Until tonight! It was a rainy windy night in Sept and we decided to try it….and we were blown away! The beef poutine appie and arugula and goat cheese salad were amazing! So fresh and flavorful. The scallops were so perfectly prepared I almost did not want to touch them! My husband had the chicken and it was like a small thanksgiving dinner in my mouth! Everything was seasoned perfectly and prepared without missing a beat! And the pineapple panna cotta was the most refreshing dessert to complete the meal! We will definitely return!!...