Sprawling Polynesian eatery known for its mai tai cocktails, seafood dishes & enchanting bay views.
Hours
| Friday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 222-1181
Website: https://www.balihairestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Mark Ames
Absolutely Love the Bali Hai restaurant. We’ve been going here, on and off for decades, through all of its different ups and downs. Haven’t been in a few years, though. Let’s start with the restaurant: the location is outstanding. Absolute jewel in San Diego. They fixed it up quite a few years ago, and they have been keeping it in good condition, witch makes me very happy, all except the restrooms, which are an embarrassment. This time and last time we visited in 2024, the restrooms are very shabby, which always makes me wonder what the kitchen looks like.
Next, the service: service is outstanding, everyone was super friendly and food and drinks came out fairly quickly. The 18% plus 5% (23%) automatic gratuity was unpleasant, but I hope the wait staff is getting all of it, they’re the ones earning it.
Last, the food. Very underwhelming. Everything seemed fresh, but too many dishes were either drowning in sugar sauces or just kind of boring. Everything is ala carte, so a meal is pricey. I expected this, but I guess I expected more for the money, like flavors.
We will absolutely return again and share appetizers and have another Mai Tai, but doubtful we’ll have a big family dinner there again.
… moreNext, the service: service is outstanding, everyone was super friendly and food and drinks came out fairly quickly. The 18% plus 5% (23%) automatic gratuity was unpleasant, but I hope the wait staff is getting all of it, they’re the ones earning it.
Last, the food. Very underwhelming. Everything seemed fresh, but too many dishes were either drowning in sugar sauces or just kind of boring. Everything is ala carte, so a meal is pricey. I expected this, but I guess I expected more for the money, like flavors.
We will absolutely return again and share appetizers and have another Mai Tai, but doubtful we’ll have a big family dinner there again.
Stacy Hayward
Absolutely loved this place. Victor was out served and was very attentive to detail. We had a waterfront view. The food was phenomenal and fairly priced. Their famous mai Thai did not disappoint. The only thing we found disappointing is that it was very loud, not something we expected but managed to get through. Would love to come back sometime!
… moreHolly Landis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bali Hai Restaurant
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
We dined at Bali Hai on Sunday, October 19th to celebrate a birthday, and it was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. We had 7:30 p.m. reservations, arrived about 15 minutes early, and were seated right away by the window with a breathtaking sunset skyline view overlooking the San Diego Bay.
Bali Hai is a Polynesian-style restaurant known for its relaxing island ambiance and delicious menu. While their Sunday brunch offers an incredible spread of crab legs, oysters, prime rib, omelets to order, and more, we came for dinner and enjoyed every bite.
We started with the Ali‘i Tasting ($28) — a must-try sampler that includes coconut shrimp, Bali Hai tuna poki, spinach lumpia, beef skewers, and firecracker ribs — perfectly portioned and full of flavor. For entrées, I ordered the Honey Cashew Shrimp, featuring lightly battered shrimp with bell peppers, onions, candied cashews, and jasmine rice. My son loved his Korean Fried Chicken with scallions, sesame seeds, and sweet sesame sauce, while another family member ordered the Crispy Pork Belly, which looked incredible with spiced lemon, pickled peppers, black vinegar, and balsamic jam.
Our server, Diego, was friendly, attentive, and professional, and the hostesses and beverage team were equally warm and efficient. Our drinks arrived promptly around 7:45, and the food followed shortly after — impressively fast for such a busy evening. We wrapped up just before 9 p.m., fully satisfied after a long, fun day at the beach and park.
This was my third visit to Bali Hai, and each time it continues to exceed expectations — from the outstanding service and delicious Polynesian cuisine to the stunning waterfront views and relaxed, elegant atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to returning on my next trip to San Diego. ✨
… moreBali Hai Restaurant
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
We dined at Bali Hai on Sunday, October 19th to celebrate a birthday, and it was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. We had 7:30 p.m. reservations, arrived about 15 minutes early, and were seated right away by the window with a breathtaking sunset skyline view overlooking the San Diego Bay.
Bali Hai is a Polynesian-style restaurant known for its relaxing island ambiance and delicious menu. While their Sunday brunch offers an incredible spread of crab legs, oysters, prime rib, omelets to order, and more, we came for dinner and enjoyed every bite.
We started with the Ali‘i Tasting ($28) — a must-try sampler that includes coconut shrimp, Bali Hai tuna poki, spinach lumpia, beef skewers, and firecracker ribs — perfectly portioned and full of flavor. For entrées, I ordered the Honey Cashew Shrimp, featuring lightly battered shrimp with bell peppers, onions, candied cashews, and jasmine rice. My son loved his Korean Fried Chicken with scallions, sesame seeds, and sweet sesame sauce, while another family member ordered the Crispy Pork Belly, which looked incredible with spiced lemon, pickled peppers, black vinegar, and balsamic jam.
Our server, Diego, was friendly, attentive, and professional, and the hostesses and beverage team were equally warm and efficient. Our drinks arrived promptly around 7:45, and the food followed shortly after — impressively fast for such a busy evening. We wrapped up just before 9 p.m., fully satisfied after a long, fun day at the beach and park.
This was my third visit to Bali Hai, and each time it continues to exceed expectations — from the outstanding service and delicious Polynesian cuisine to the stunning waterfront views and relaxed, elegant atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to returning on my next trip to San Diego. ✨
Selena S
Came to San Diego for my honeymoon and this restaurant was the highlight! The food was amazing, absolutely adored the cocktails, beautiful venue & the best service. Our waiter was so informative and truly kind – he went out of his way and even wrote a list of recommendations for things to do in the area. We went back basically every night of our trip even if it was just for drinks.
… moreJustin Neuenschwander
Such a gem! My girlfriend took me here after sailing. Talk about a walk back in time to fully immersed Tiki Culture!
The ribs were a major highlight. We felt like it was plenty of food for the price. Drinks were absolutely out of this world. Service was awesome and the views can’t be topped.
… moreThe ribs were a major highlight. We felt like it was plenty of food for the price. Drinks were absolutely out of this world. Service was awesome and the views can’t be topped.
Spencer E
One of the old school Tiki bars still standing! Must stop for tiki lovers. Food was good but not amazing. Drinks were strong! Almost to strong! Tried the Mai tai, Pina colada and the jetty. Food we tried the fried rice, calamari and the tasting for two. Desert was the best! Great selection of custom tiki mugs!
… moreGiacomo P
Absolutely ridiculously TINY portions at insane prices!! This is what a $17 coconut shrimp and $34 chicken entree look like. An airplane economy class meal gives you more food than this!!
In the restaurant industry typically food costs should be 30% of menu prices, at this place they barely spend 10% tops. That tiny chicken leg with 1 spoon of rice has less than $4 of food costs.
Our party left the table hungry and went elsewhere for an actual dinner.
AVOID THIS TOURIST TRAP LIKE THE PLAGUE!
To make things worse, service and seating were a mess. We were seated at a table far from windows and asked if we could move to one closer to the window only to be told it was booked. We then stared at the table remain empty for the full night….until closing time.
… moreIn the restaurant industry typically food costs should be 30% of menu prices, at this place they barely spend 10% tops. That tiny chicken leg with 1 spoon of rice has less than $4 of food costs.
Our party left the table hungry and went elsewhere for an actual dinner.
AVOID THIS TOURIST TRAP LIKE THE PLAGUE!
To make things worse, service and seating were a mess. We were seated at a table far from windows and asked if we could move to one closer to the window only to be told it was booked. We then stared at the table remain empty for the full night….until closing time.
Joseph X (Joe)
We had an amazing lunch today filled with delicious Polynesian and Hawaiian-inspired flavors—but the true highlight wasn’t the food or even the stunning view. It was our incredible server, Ava.
From the moment we sat down, Ava guided us through the menu with such enthusiasm and knowledge that we assumed she was a seasoned pro. To our surprise, it was only her second day serving! She recommended standout dishes that ended up being our absolute favorites, and her understanding of the drink and food menu was unmatched.
Ava made our experience not just enjoyable but genuinely memorable. We will absolutely be back—and when we are, we’ll be requesting her by name. She’s a gem and a true asset to this establishment!
… moreFrom the moment we sat down, Ava guided us through the menu with such enthusiasm and knowledge that we assumed she was a seasoned pro. To our surprise, it was only her second day serving! She recommended standout dishes that ended up being our absolute favorites, and her understanding of the drink and food menu was unmatched.
Ava made our experience not just enjoyable but genuinely memorable. We will absolutely be back—and when we are, we’ll be requesting her by name. She’s a gem and a true asset to this establishment!
AM T.
We went there at happy hour. They serve only appetizers and drinks ; so we found out 🙂
The food and drinks were good. The dipping sauce with coconut shrimp was really goooood, highly recommend it.
… moreThe food and drinks were good. The dipping sauce with coconut shrimp was really goooood, highly recommend it.
Rose Langguth
Shout out to Isaac, who was attentive and friendly throughout our dining experience. We started off with the scorpion bowl. I had the pan seared salmon and had the creme brulee for dessert (shared with hubby).
… more