Almost everyone has noticed the beautifully landscaped and modernly lit restaurant on Highway 80 East when heading to Tybee Island. I had been to the owners’ other restaurants, Tangerine Fusion & Sushi Bar and The King & I. I dined at elë FINE Fusion soon after it first opened several years ago, but had forgotten about this upscale establishment. Despite the odd location, yet with high visibility, elë FINE Fusion delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you like sushi, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, seafood, steak, vegetarian dishes, unique martinis, a great wine list, or delectable desserts, elë FINE Fusion has something for almost every palate. My dining partner chose this off- the-beaten-path jewel.
When you arrive, you feel like you’re walking into a spa retreat. We arrived early for our reservation and the hostess seated us within minutes. The ambience had just the right amount of soft lighting and privacy and allowed for good conversation without having to raise our voices. Our server took our drink orders. I ordered the Elderflower Martini garnished with an edible orchid and my dining partner ordered a glass of the Hob Nob Pinot Noir. elë FINE Fusion boasts extensive cocktail and wine lists. We decided on the Fresh Rolls to start, a first for my dining partner. Also known as Summer Rolls or Salad Rolls, they were packed with plump jumbo shrimp, lettuce and rice noodles, wrapped in rice paper and served with a delicious homemade peanut sauce. Not too soon after came our entrees; my date had the Panang Steak and I went with one of the specials, the Spicy Seafood Mixed Grill, which was full of lobster, calamari, shrimp, fish, and colorful grilled vegetables with a spicy tomato-based sauce. Along with dinner, I enjoyed a glass of Viognier. Our server continually maintained a perfect balance of not being over-attentive or too neglectful.
elë FINE Fusion is the fourth restaurant opened in the last decade by owners and husband-and-wife team Sean Thongsiri and Ele Tran. Thongsiri developed his culinary expertise humbly by cooking alongside his mother and grandmother in Vientiane, Laos. In the town’s markets, he formed strong relationships with the local farmers, fishermen, and merchants to give his family the finest, highest-quality ingredients. Tran was born in Saigon, Vietnam and comes from long line of entrepreneurs who have taught her the importance of common sense and careful attention to detail. After years of development, Ele & the Chef was born and together, Thongsiri and Tran took the most influential aspects of their upbringings, blended them into one, and are now sharing it one hand-crafted dish at a time. elë FINE Fusion caters to just about any dining needs; a romantic anniversary dinner, a first date, an outing with couples or friends, a business dinner, and even rehearsal dinners. For whatever reason you go, you won’t regret it.
Website: http://www.elesavannah.com/ • 7815 Hwy 80 E, Savannah, GA 31410 • Phone: 912-898-2221 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ele-FINE-Fusion-Restaurant-Savannah/146292175398494 Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5pm-10pm • Fri. & Sat. 5pm-10:30pm • Sun. 5pm-9:30pm
Written by Jamie Marie Smith
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