KO-LI shaved ice bar

Dessert shop · San Diego

KO-LI shaved ice bar

Dessert shop · San Diego

1

4898 Convoy St STE 103, San Diego, CA 92111

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KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by Candice Woo
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null
KO-LI shaved ice bar by null

Highlights

Tucked between Yakyudori and Starbucks, Ko-Li Bar whips up delightfully fluffy Japanese shaved ice in a cozy, cute atmosphere perfect for sharing.  

Google Rating
4.9
(128)
Featured in Eater
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4898 Convoy St STE 103, San Diego, CA 92111 Get directions

sandiegoyakyudori.com
@kolibarsd

$$

Information

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4898 Convoy St STE 103, San Diego, CA 92111 Get directions

+1 619 541 3605
sandiegoyakyudori.com
@kolibarsd

$$

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Last updated

Jul 23, 2025

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22 Delightful Asian Dessert Spots in San Diego

"The owners of Yakitori Yakyudori are behind this adjacent dessert shop specializing in Japanese-style kakigori, or shaved ice. Frozen blocks of Japanese spring water are shaved into a fluffy flurry and topped with homemade syrups and fresh fruit for creations such as an adorable bear-shaped kakigori with strawberries, milk syrup, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry cream. The shop also sells sweet Japanese sandos filled with fruit and cream." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-asian-desserts-cafes-shops-san-diego
View Postcard for KO-LI shaved ice bar
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Lynn L.

Yelp
ORDER matcha shaved ice (5/5) i love love love bingsoo and matcha, so this was the perfect dresser for me! it was so yummy and the matcha flavor was stronger than most places. SERVICE we ordered on a kiosk, but the bingsoo came out quick. AMBIANCE unique interior with limited seats and parking.
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Cathy V.

Yelp
When you step inside, it transports you to an izakaya style bar in Japan. Here, they serve shaved ice and they have a variety of options for you to choose from. The service was fast and we ordered through a screen so there was minimal interaction with the workers. We went with the strawberry bear kakigori, which looked more like a dog in our opinion. The flavors were alright and nothing that we haven't tasted before. It was essentially a strawberry purée over ice and milk. They say that their ice is imported from Japan. We personally found that it melted really fast and had difficulty eating it before it turned into a soup. Overall, good dessert but it was quite pricey for the size and how quickly it melted. We paid $16 for this shaved ice. I recommend going once to try out the novelty of it, but it would be hard to justify the sustainability of a $16 dessert frequently when there are so many options around. I do acknowledge that there are smaller kakigori sizes and options that don't have a character on them, which may be less expensive!
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Vivian T.

Yelp
I've known of this place for a while but finally checked it out! Located in a small plaza in convoy, the parking lot is REALLY small but street parking is available. The store is small too but it's really cute!! The decor and the uniquely designed tables made it feel really cozy. The cashiers were also sweet and you can order on the kiosk! I got the matcha to go cup and I loved it. The matcha flavor tasted authentic and strong, yet sweet. There was also ice cream at the bottom so it was very creamy. I was surprised by the blueberries and strawberries and mango at the bottom, since it wasn't listed in the description on the menu, so be cautious if you have allergies! I also thought the portion size was perfect since the bowls seem really big!!
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Anne C.

Yelp
We ordered at the counter and waited just a few mins for our order to be ready. The staff are quiet and polite. Came here a little while ago for some dessert. First impressions, I thought the Japanese decor was sooo cute and definitely a good experience. We got 2 shaved ice and a Sando. The shaved ice is a good option if you're looking for something sweet but still on the lighter side. It was a little too light for me (for the price..) it was aLOT of ice and not so much topping... but one did have a scoop of ice cream in it that was a good addition. My kid enjoyed her fruit and cream sando. Small dining area, better for smaller groups . The menu is a bit limited, focusing mostly on the shaved ice. Can be a little pricey.
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Wendy K.

Yelp
Ko-Li was another spot on my list to check out when I was visiting family in San Diego. We had just had lunch so three of us shared the Open Sesame it was $17 before tax. It contained Kokuto (brown sugar jelly). Kinako powder, anko (red bean paste), vanilla ice cream, fresh sliced strawberries, kokuto syrup drizzled on top. The ice is covered with milk and black sesame mixture. Topped off with yuzu cream, shiratama mochi and mitarashi sauce. Loved all the nostalgic Japanese flavors at this shop. The berries and yuzu help to balance out the dessert. You place your order on a kiosk staff is there to assist if you have questions. The dish is messy to eat but so worth it! Ice was fluffy and all the flavored worked together so well. Loved the decor made you feel like you were in a quaint cafe in Japan. The tables were cute with iconic a Japanese items. Would definitely go back and try the mango when in season.
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Jessica D.

Yelp
I literally want to try every item here! Everything is so cute and you can tell they put in so much detail and love into each dessert! Everything is so easy to share and it's a great way to cool off during the summer. I appreciate how they deliver your order to you and the inside feels so clean.
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Joey W.

Yelp
Came in and there were a decent amount of tables. You go up to the counter to order and then they will call your order when it's ready. We sat at a table and found many tables were dirty. Open sesame (just under $19 after tax) - this was their seasonal flavor. I like black sesame so we had to try it. The shaved ice was topped with black sesame syrup, black sesame cookie, two mochis, and yuzu whipped cream. The yuzu whipped cream was very good but I'm not sure if it worked with the nuttiness of the black sesame. Inside the shaved ice, there were a few slices of strawberries, vanilla ice cream, red bean, and brown sugar jelly. Overall, I enjoyed this but not sure if it's a spot I'd come to regularly given the price point.
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Ashley L.

Yelp
The strawberry bear was so delicious, I loved it so much. Honestly better than the shaved ice I've had in Hawaii. It was AMAZING. My boyfriend and I scarfed it down in less than 5 minutes!! There was plenty of seating when we went (around 5pm) and lots of parking! I really enjoyed the shaved ice here and will definitely be back soon!
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Kevin T.

Yelp
The peach shaved ice tasted pretty good. I wish it had more syrup for more peach flavoring, but the ice was smooth and melts in your mouth. The sakura matcha was refreshing, but I wish it had more matcha flavoring. There wasn't any line when we got there so we ordered on the tablet. It's small inside and reminds me of Japan. Seating is limited.
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Bobby D.

Yelp
After eating dinner with our fam, we continued our night of quality family time by satisfying our sweet teeth with dessert at Ko-Li Bar. If you have a dessert craving for shaved ice, then I recommend you try this spot. It was our first time visiting Ko-Li Bar and it won't be our last after my delicious dessert and good experience. Ko-Li is a shaved ice joint located in the competitive Clairemont/Balboa Avenue area. They aren't the only shaved ice business trying to garner your hard earned money, but based on our experience, I think you should give them a chance. They are located on Convoy Street in a small row of businesses where Starbucks and Yakyudori can also be found. It is across the street from Sharetea. There is plenty of parking, but on a Friday night, it can get packed. As you walk inside Ko-Li, it's dimly lit and you feel like you've entered a Japanese shop with a rustic wooden overhang, distressed wood slats on the walls, and small, red floral drapes. It's a small establishment with a few tables and high back bench seating. The employees were friendly and kind. I'm not a shaved ice aficionado, so those who are will need to tell me how Ko-Li compares to other shaved ice joints. When we decided to visit Ko-Li, I wasn't sure if I was going to buy a drink or shaved ice because I wasn't sure what types of desserts they had. After perusing their menu specifically looking for something that had peanut butter as an ingredient, I decided to order their Kinako Peanut Butter Jelly. Kinako is roasted soy bean flour, a product commonly used in Japanese cuisine. The allure for me was having peanut butt and jelly in this dessert. I love peanut butter, so I was pumped to try this shaved ice concoction. I enjoyed this dessert and it definitely satisfied my sweet tooth. The addition of sugared peanuts, whip cream with chocolate, and a peanut butter cookie added depth and texture to this dessert. Ending our evening at Ko-Li Bar for dessert capped off a wonderful evening of quality time with our family. I don't have a strong affinity for shaved ice, but what I ate was yummy and our first time experience was a good one.
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Sharon L.

Yelp
The decor is ADORABLE! I love the special touch of designing the interior to look like the streets of Japan. They even have a fake roof inside with actual tiles and everything! The seating and ambiance is super cute. However, we got the mango shaved ice that it was a little disappointing. There were only a few pieces of mango and the mango was hard and sour. It kind of tastes like the red/green mangos and not the yellow/orange super sweet ones (if that makes sense haha). The shaved ice had a mildly sweet milky flavor but I it was a little too mild in my opinion. Overall, I think it's a cute spot to come by and catch up with a friend at, but I won't be coming by to satisfy a dessert craving.
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Tiffany L.

Yelp
I've been wanting to check this place out since I saw a post about their super cute character bowls and I was so glad I finally got the chance to drop by! I almost got the strawberry bear bowl, but I was agonizing between that and their seasonal peach flavor. The person at the register was patient, kind, and helpful. First, by offering her thoughts on the two flavors, and then by offering samples of the two which I hadn't been expecting. Honestly both flavors were so delicious and refreshing. The strawberry was sweet & creamy while the peach was refreshing & reminded me of summer. I ended up with the peach since it was a seasonal item, but I'll definitely be back for the strawberry. I also got a strawberry & red bean sando and it was also yummy!
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Liann S.

Yelp
Was pretty excited for this place but I'm not the biggest shaved ice fan so wasn't something I would go back for :( The matcha flavoring of what I ordered wasn't really present, and I felt like the ice was too overpowering and that there should've been more syrup or toppings to give it more flavor. Parking was easy because there's a parking lot with enough spaces around the building. The wait was lengthy being around 20 minutes. I don't think it's super easy to get a table inside because it is on the smaller side, but your group could get lucky as mine did.
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Cherisse C.

Yelp
The Melon was soooo yummy! We enjoyed it immensely. We will surely return to try other things on the menu.
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Calina N.

Yelp
Japanese shaved ice (kakigori) isn't something I crave often but after eating here I think I might have to add it to my dessert rotation! I shared the Strawberry Bear with my boyfriend. This amount is perfect for 2 people. The taste was perfect in every way. The ice was super fluffy and light. The strawberry syrup didn't taste too artificial and just the perfect amount of sweetness. We both agreed that maybe adding an extra cup of syrup would be nice but wasn't necessary. The prices were reasonable and their menu has a lot of different flavors. Not only is the dessert here delicious but the interior really made me feel like I was in Japan.
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Kimberly C.

Yelp
Parking is limited due to construction but this place is small but the deserts are delicious! Super cute and tasty. Service is quick and I would definitely recommend to try this place out.
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Lien P.

Yelp
I was excited to try a new Japanese shaved ice spot that opened up. My friends and I got a character one, Strawberry Bear, and we were kinda disappointed. The price was $15 for a shaved ice that had sparse toppings. Inside the shaved ice was one scoop of Vanilla ice cream and a side of strawberry purée syrup to drizzle on top. The theme of the place is very cute however, I don't think it's worth the price you pay for the quantity that you get.
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Ling L.

Yelp
The best shaved ice in San Diego!! I've been to a few other shaved ice spots in the Convoy area and feel like Ko-Li Bar's takes the cake. The shaved ice is so soft and it's not too sweet either, which is perfect. All the workers here are so sweet and patient, especially because I never know which flavor to choose from. Definitely a great spot to go to after grabbing a meal in Convoy. I would say that seating is pretty limited when they're busy, but I haven't had any trouble snagging a table so far. Each table is also decorated different, which is so cute
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Katherine Y.

Yelp
Huge portions, comes out quick, lots of flavor, and not overly sweet. This was the perfect treat after pickleball. Some indoor seating and free parking lot.
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Lizzie M.

Yelp
Calling all shaved ice enthusiasts! This place is a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Hawaiian flavors. They offer unique options you won't find everywhere, like lilikoi (passion fruit) and milky cantaloupe. But it's not just the taste that sets them apart. The interior is absolutely adorable! The hand-drawn menu adds a charming touch, and the creative resin tables are a feast for the eyes. It's the perfect spot to cool down and enjoy a refreshing treat in a delightful atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a taste of the tropics!
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Tina D.

Yelp
My family and I wanted a sweet treat after dinner, so we decided to stop by. It's located in the same plaza as Starbucks on Convoy, we were lucky enough to find one last spot, since the lot is pretty small. We ordered a strawberry bear at the kiosk & took maybe 10 minutes to come out. It was super cute and not too sweet, so we enjoyed it. There were two pieces of strawberries, strawberry syrup, and ice cream in the center. I did think that the price was a little steep for what it was, I think there are better places on convoy in which the portions are bigger, price is cheaper, and have more toppings. The bear is just so cute though and I'd come back just for it. Overall, I'd definitely recommend visiting if you're in the area because it's so cute & delightful!
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Sabrino E.

Yelp
Tried the strawberry bear. It was amazing and the strawberry syrup was really good. I wish it came in a bigger cup. The ambience is really nice too very unique.
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Kenna D.

Yelp
What a cute spot!! I loved coming here and feeling like I was transported to a little shop in Japan. The decor on the tables was so cute I had to take a photo! We ordered the strawberry bear and the matcha kakigori. Shared between 3 people and it was still a lot! I could probably eat one by myself if I was REALLY having a sweet tooth moment, but they're perfect to share.\ The strawberry bear was cute but the flavor of the matcha was much better. Next time I'd only get the matcha, or one of their other flavors. The parking lot is easy if you go at an off time, but I don't know what it'd be like during busy hours! Staff was friendly, place was clean.
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Kelly N.

Yelp
If you're looking for a light dessert, look no further! This place is super cute and serves fluffy and light Japanese shaved ice in many different and unique flavors. I've been here a few times, and each time has been a great experience. You order from kiosks, but the workers are really friendly and are happy to answer any questions you might have. My favorite is the mango ice, though the strawberry bear and matcha are really tasty as well. They're all big enough to share and aren't super sweet (which I like). On less crowded days, they'll bring your order right to your table. Definitely will keep coming back for more!
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Casidy C.

Yelp
Such a cute cafe!!! I had to take my order to-go so I got a Kawaii Cafe Cup- it was basically coffee shave ice with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream (mascarpone?), and some crackers on top- all arranged cutely as a bear face! It was really delicious, great coffee flavor, and such a cute photo op. You order on a kiosk screen but the staff behind the counter working on the orders were super friendly and answered some of my questions. I wanted to get the matcha xmas tree ice so bad but it didn't have a to-go option (understandably as it would look completely different in a sealed bowl). Super cute holiday themed ice!! Small parking lot but it wasn't crazy when I visited on a Wednesday evening. They have a couple 10 min parking spaces out front which are nice for grab and go orders. Interior is also super cute, though a little small- maybe 10 small tables at most. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area!!
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Jennifer F.

Yelp
I've been wanting to come here for a while and I'm glad to say the shaved ice was pretty good!! The ambience is also really cute as it feels really cozy and like you're in some sort of shack~ My friends and I got the strawberry bear ice and the matcha togo one. The strawberry flavor was good and the matcha was really strong. We liked how they offered a smaller size in a to-go container. Docking a star off though cuz it was kinda smelly. We think it was probably the bathroom but it smelled kinda funky n sewagey. Not really great when you're tryna eat!
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Vianey G.

Yelp
This is such a cute dessert shop! I got the kawaii cafe cup and it was sooo good! Basically a mocha coffee flavored shaved ice with toppings of various textures. I loved how the top was decorated into a cute little bear! It did take a while for it to be made (can't rush perfection), but it was a great experience. I can't wait to come back!
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Mel N.

Yelp
Koli bar is a cute shop with great decorations! The menu is great and ordering is at a quick kiosk. We came on a weekday and it was still decently crowded. Unfortunately we had to wait a bit for our desserts since they seemed understaffed, but the shaved ice was delicious! Great textures, toppings, and ice cream in the middle. Would recommend for the cute ambiance and aesthetic!
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Jacqueline N.

Yelp
The cutest little shop with decor that transports you to Japan! We ordered the matcha kakigori and it was so delicious! The matcha was very strong and the ice was finely shaved. It paired perfectly with the homemade cream on top. The perfect dessert to share! The portion was good for the price too. Food: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Vibes: 5/5
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Didi N.

Yelp
My BIL and sister hyped this place up so much that you know I had to come try it out for myself. It's located in a small strip area but upon walking inside, the interior was so cute! It had great lighting for dining (not too bright or too dim) and I loved the tables with all the resin decorations in them. The customer service was friendly and sweet! We decided to order the Strawberry shaved ice in the bear shape! To my understanding, it's a vanilla flavored shaved ice with a strawberry syrup that you can pour on top, chocolate coated "eyes", fresh strawberry ears, strawberry coated "blushed cheeks," and whipped cream as the bear's mouth. At first, you might think it would be super sweet, but it was probably one of the lightest desserts I've ever had. The presentation was beary adorable! The shaved ice melts in your mouth and has the aroma and taste of vanilla. It was very smooth on the palette and I loved the cooling aftertaste. The strawberry syrup was the star for sure! It was fruity, a little tart, fresh, and paired well with the vanilla shaved ice. The syrup itself didn't taste heavy or overly sweet. It was the perfect amount of sweetness. I loved the addition of the fresh strawberries and chocolate bits as it provided a textural contrast to the soft shaved ice. The whipped cream was so airy and light and mixed with the shaved ice, provided this milky, delicate, and creamy taste. The three of us shared the dessert and it was more than enough amongst us. I will say that it can be a little messy to eat as once you start digging your spoons, the whipped cream and shaved ice starts falling off. The syrup also starts sliding down. I didn't mind it at all, but it's just a heads up for those who don't like fallen food around their area. They do present the dessert on a tray though, so it does help. It was about $15 but worth the price as it fed the three of us and we didn't feel bloated afterwards either. Definitely a recommended place if you're craving something light, flavorful, and icy. They also have other items on their menu like fruit sandos (fruit and whipped cream filling on milk bread). I plan to come back here when I'm in the area again to try their other flavors. I saw flavors like matcha, mango, and Halloween specials (we went during spooky season).
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Jaky Y.

Yelp
Stopped by Ko-Li on a weekend evening and ordered a strawberry shaved ice (regular, not the bear). Ko-Li has a cute interior space with semi-secluded tables that are also decorated nicely. Our shaved ice was good but not spectacular. The shaved ice on the top was very fluffy, but the ice towards the bottom of the cup was more sheet-y and not as light. The strawberry syrup also tasted quite sweet and artificial, not what I'd expect if they were using fresh fruits and berries. Overall, we enjoyed our light shaved ice dessert but it wasn't as amazing as we'd hoped. It was also decently pricey at around $15 post-tax and tip.
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Joyce L.

Yelp
Craving something light and sweet after a hearty ramen lunch and decided to keep the Japanese theme going by getting kakigori (shaved ice)! There was no wait on a weekday afternoon. Our party of 2 decided to share one of the featured specials, Uji Kintoki Matcha, consisting of matcha syrup, milk syrup, anko (homemade red bean paste), anko cream, shiratama dango (mochi balls), and strawberry, which hit the spot and was aesthetically pleasing but not particularly practical with all the goodies on top... As I sought to mix the flavors a bit, the ice collapsed and spilled out of its small cup base (sigh, Joyce with the party foul yet again)! :P
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Layla S.

Yelp
After Ramen @Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, we decided to have our dessert at Ko-Li. I am so amazed the way our Japanese shaved ice (Kakigori) was intricately prepared. I ordered the mochi with red beans, I really savored the fullness of of its flavor; so delicious. My family enjoy their desserts. The staff are nice, warm, and friendly. It's my first time to go to Koli, and I love to repeatedly go back here again. Oh San Diego is the best, you can still enjoy eating shaved ice during the winter time. I'll give this place a big high five.
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James V.

Yelp
Wow! Located next door to Yakyudori, definitely one of our favorite new additions to the area. Absolutely exquisite menu with incredible visual presentation and unbeatable flavors. An absolute must for incredible shaved ice and other desserts. Vibes are fantastic and service was extremely pleasant. Loved everything we've tried and wouldn't hesitate to return. Huge shout out and thanks to my homie Ed for choosing this spot for dessert and treating me. Appreciation to Darin and Maura for splitting some incredible desserts with me here recently as well.
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Ashley S.

Yelp
I tried this place at the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. I ordered the special Sakura shaved ice. Not only was it delicious, but it also looked stunning. It was decorated with a little flower, meringue, and edamame. I definitely plan to visit their store location to try different shaved ice flavors.
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Mitsuho R.

Yelp
Fancy Japanese shaved ice, super fluffy like snow. Not just delicious but also photogenic. The parking lot is small and limited, but it's worth a visit. All the employees have positive vibes, which is another plus.
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Anna N.

Yelp
Mmm yummy! I'm thinking about their shaved ice right now! This place is a spot on Convoy, but I don't see parking being a problem here after the evening. When coming here for the first time, the place was hard to spot when driving since it is small. But now I know it's in the same parking lot as a Starbucks. The desserts are sweet (without being overly sweet) and refreshing. Prices are reasonable and the desserts are shareable. The big shaved ices are around $15. This would be a nice place to go after a big meal since the desserts are not heavy. Service was quick and the decorations inside were cute. I'd like to come back again!
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Maddie L.

Yelp
It was our first time trying Ko-Li Bar tonight and this place is the cutest shaved ice shop! I ordered the mango go to cup and it was delicious! The shaved ice was soft, the syrup and mangoes were fresh, the vanilla ice cream was amazing, and it all had the perfect amount of sweetness. The interior is super cozy and intimate. I love how the space is set up and decorated - there are cute details in each of the tables as well. The service was a 10/10! The worker was very sweet and helpful when we were placing our orders at the kiosk and gave us suggestions and explained what each dessert was like. Will definitely be coming back!! Can't say enough good things about this spot and highly recommend coming here!
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Jessica Q.

Yelp
This is such a cute shaved ice store. I love how intimate the seating is and the details. You order on the kiosk and they call the orders out once they're ready. My boyfriend and I got the peach kakigori ($15) with extra condensed milk ($1). This kakigori was spot on with the fluffy texture and the flavoring was just right. The condensed milk was rather thick compared to our friend's, which was milkier, but it was still good. Our friends ordered the strawberry bear ($15) and a mini matcha with extra condensed milk. The bear was cutely decorated. The texture alone makes all the difference and I'd recommend this place.
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Renee L.

Yelp
I came here with my friends and we shared on of the mango shaved ice and the peach melba. The magi was a bit disappointing as the top mango purée tasted and had the texture of apple sauce. The mangos on the bottom and on the top we're complete frozen which made the experience unenjoyable. The peach melba was better as there was more of a peach flavor and the ice cream helped as well but the flavoring was very artificial. The interior of this location was very cute as you could see tiny models of fish on the tables. The service was pretty quick and the staff was very friendly as we asked for their recommendations. I think the experience was worth trying but some of the options are better than others at this place.
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Dominic B.

Yelp
If you're looking for a refreshing dessert in the convoy area, stop by Ko-Li to try some of their shaved ice. The snow ice is so soft it melts in your mouth instantly and they offer a number of flavors to try. My go-to is the matcha as it isn't too sweet and comes with some mochi pieces as well. The serving size is huge so it's good for sharing, but I could honestly finish one on my own. The service is friendly and they get out orders pretty fast. The decor is pretty cool too as each table has its own unique Japanese design. Definitely recommend if you're in the area!
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Vivian L.

Yelp
The shaved ice at this place is really cute and really good. I love how they always change up their shaved ice flavors depending on the season. Something to note though is that the prices are kind of high for shave ice. They also have other desserts as well, but I would highly recommend getting the shaved ice at this place.
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Ben Carlos D.

Yelp
I am not kidding when I tell you this is the same as shaved ice in Japan. It's like the import from Japan ... Seriously, if you're looking for fluffy, cute shaved ice, then Ko-Li bar is the spot. If you're like me and can't stand cold foods during California winter, they also have amazing fruit sandos! Ko-li is sandwiched between Yakyudori and Starbucks across Common Theory. The parking situation is rough as they're currently doing construction on the lot (11/23) and the seating is also pretty scarce due to the small location. However, the indoors was decorated well. The wooden benches and tables inside "tatami" like separators give a nice home-y vibe while staying trendy with the cute table top designs. Their best seller and fave is the Ko-Li Bear and they've leaned HARD on the concept as they've made friends for the Bear with different seasonal offerings. I've literally dragged my friends here multiple times just to try the seasonal flavors. Safe to say, out of all the things we ate in Japan, Ko-Li bar remains untarnished. Ramen, yakitori, donburi, udon and everything else are ruined after my vacation but these fruit sandos and shaved ice brings me back! If anything else, the staff have always been SUPER friendly. Make sure to stop by with friends, share a cup or two and leave a nice tip!
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Alexis T.

Yelp
This is my new favorite dessert shop in San Diego. The kakigori here is so refreshing and the flavors are pretty unique (sweet potato and sweet corn?!). I went on the weekend and I wish they were open on Monday because I wanted to go again asap. I shared 2 kakigoris with 3 people (including me), and I thought it was too much because we just ate lunch, but it was actually a perfect amount. I loved that at the center of the dessert there was a lil surprise of ice cream/corn flakes (I think it depends on what flavor you get). I can't wait to come back and bring more people with me!
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Allyson R.

Yelp
Paid by card. I went in with a group of 15 on a weekday night and only a couple parties were there already. We didn't have to wait in line and we were able to put tables together to sit together. This place was small but cute, and I loved the creative tables. The cashiers were really nice as well! We ended up getting the strawberry, chocolate, matcha, and mango. The ice was soooo soft and fluffy!!! I was a little disappointed with the low amount of toppings though because it was about $15 for each before tax an tip. I felt like I was paying for fluffy ice only. Overall I would recommend this place to try but not sure I'd go back multiple times because I thought it was expensive for what it was. It was a great experience though.
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Evonne C.

Yelp
[Food] - Strawberry Bear ($15): Shared this with 2 other friends and was the perfect amount. I originally was worried that it would be too sweet but it was a nice milky flavor. You can add more strawberry sauce as they give you some on the side. [Service] - Order at the counter, find an open table, and listen for your number to be called to pick up dessert [Ambiance] - Very adorable little Taiwanese dessert space with cute resin tables
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Caralynne J.

Yelp
Love kakigori!!! Shave ice is always such a nice dessert to have because it's so light but still hits the spot especially if you add ice cream haha. Each one is about $16 perfect to share. The matcha was so yummy and loved the cream on the inside I do wish we added ice cream. I could use more condensed milk but it was still good!! The seasonal pumpkin chai s'mores was different. I think what made it was the pumpkin cream (so unique) and the wafer crunch on the inside. I love wafers!!! I would definitely come back. Also I loved their resin tables with cute decor!! Also love that there's easy parking here too compared to the rest of convoy area haha. IG @chewwithcara
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Hersh A.

Yelp
It's a cool, cute little shop with nice minimalist decor and ambiance. Their menu is not big but has a nice variety to choose from. I found their pricing to be pricey for the dessert varieties they offer; however, the portion size seemed pretty decent. Based on the menu pricing, I opted to go for the shaved ice parfait, which was $9 (as opposed to some of their other offerings, which were $12 or higher). I ordered the Mango shaved ice parfait, which was made with frozen mixed fruits, vanilla ice cream, corn flakes, homemade syrup, and honey cream. It was really delicious. I have had Hawaiian style shaved ice cream before, but this was my first time having Japanese shaved ice dessert. I enjoyed every bite of this parfait, including the mango chunks that they had mixed in. I even liked it when it all melted and became beverage like. I definitely recommend this dessert for those who haven't had it yet. I received good service and I had a pleasant experience. I recommend this shop to anyone who would be up for trying tasty, cool, different than usual, dessert concoctions.
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Nicole I.

Yelp
Perfect fun treat with friends or family!! The ice cream self was really yummy, and I was so surprised on how much I loved it and wanted more right away. i would recommend buying two or three and sharing them with your party. The drinkable watermelon flavor they have for the summer was incredibly fresh! Inside is pretty small so be prepared to sit outside. The wait was it too long and the cashiers were nice and friendly.
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Claire D.

Yelp
This place is sooooo cute! I loved the ambiance which made me feel like I had been transported to Japan. I've never actually been, so...just imagining what it would feel like. The tables are really cute with different things set into resin. We got the strawberry bear and it took a long time to come out. My daughter kept asking what was taking so long, but when it came out she asked "how do they make it taste so good??" It's a bit expensive as it uses the fancy Japanese ice that everyone seems to be about these days. At the table next to us a couple of Japanese speaking guys, one wearing a shirt for the company were looking at local maps on their phone. The staff later talked to then outside. A quality check from the HQ? It was a great experience though I usually don't prefer frozen treats. I would highly recommend and hope to try other offerings sometime soon.