Bali Hai Restaurant
Polynesian restaurant · San Diego Bay ·
Polynesian eatery w/ bay views, strong mai tais & seafood
Polynesian eatery w/ bay views, strong mai tais & seafood
"The head-turning Shelter Island restaurant sits in a Polynesian-style circular “hut” so patrons can enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego Bay. The menu brims with Hawaiian-inspired items, like crispy ahi tuna, poke, and the mighty strong Bali Hai Mai Tai — so popular it merits its own electronic tally counter (nearly 3 million sold). Sunday brunch is not to be missed, either: diners can reach for different foods from the buffet anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. From breakfast dishes like coconut pancakes to lunchier fare like honey sriracha fried chicken, the buffet offers nearly immeasurable opportunity; don’t miss the cold seafood bar, meat carving stations, and a dessert table, too." - Roxana Becerril
"Still family-owned and operated after more than 50 years, this iconic restaurant is well-loved for its potent tiki drinks and Polynesian-inspired fare. Located on the northern tip of Shelter Island, whether coming for lunch, brunch, or dinner, the San Diego bay and downtown skyline views are hard to beat." - Keri Bridgwater
"This iconic restaurant on Shelter Island is equally known for its bay views as well as its strong mai tai cocktails. The restaurant’s Polynesian inspiration extends to its menu which includes coconut shrimp, crispy ahi tuna and wok-fried bass." - darlene-horn
"Still family-owned and operated after more than 50 years, this iconic restaurant underwent a facelift and a menu refresh in recent times but the tiki-inspired drinks remain just as potently memorable." - Candice Woo
"San Diego’s original tiki bar is Bali Hai, which offers some of the best downtown and bay views in the city and its no-juice, booze-only Mai Tai, which is legendary far beyond San Diego’s borders." - Jackie Bryant