I recently went for brunch at Bali Hai. The buffet had a good selection of fresh seafood, from succulent shrimp to delicious poke and crab legs.
We found the shrimp to be not cleaned and some of the meals to be cold.
The restaurant has stunning views, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal.
Unfortunately, the service was incredibly slow, and it took ages for our drinks to arrive.
Additionally, the servers were inattentive, and we had to repeatedly ask for basic things like water refills.
Overall, the poor service overshadowed what could have been a nice meal, and I left feeling quite frustrated. Specially for the expensive experience.
Joe Rottman
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December 01, 2024
A good friend and her husband had their wedding ceremony and reception here, and it was incredible! I can't say enough nice things. The ceremony spot with the North San Diego Bay in the background is amazing. There are several reception areas, and ours outside was fantastic, offering amazing views of the bay and downtown San Diego as well. The food was very good, and the entire staff was friendly and attentive. A+ experience all around !
Kytka
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January 30, 2025
Richard and I went to Bali Hai today for Pau Hana – Happy Hour, and it was the perfect mix of history, culture, and island-inspired flavors. Open since 1954, Bali Hai is a true San Diego tiki institution, known for its legendary Mai Tais, Polynesian decor, and stunning bayfront views. The moment you step inside, the mid-century tiki culture is alive and well, from the carved wooden statues to the iconic "Goof on the Roof" overlooking Shelter Island. This place has been serving up tropical vibes for nearly 70 years, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves a bit of old-school island charm.
I started with a cocktail, because when you come to Bali Hai, you have to! They are known for their famously strong and rum-forward drinks, and this one did not disappoint. For food, I had the island beef skewers with pickled banh mi salad, a perfect balance of rich, smoky flavors with a fresh, tangy crunch. The Bali fries were another highlight—crispy, well-seasoned, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Richard, of course, enjoyed his portion in the car as you can see in the videos. And yes, you’re not imagining things—his portion is always bigger than mine! Whether you come for the food, the drinks, or just to take in the unmatched views of San Diego Bay, Bali Hai is a place with history, character, and a little bit of magic in every visit.
Tiffany Gee
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December 16, 2024
Loved our server! Loved the atmosphere! Everything we ate was delicious and the drinks were amazing. Definitely will need to make another visit again!
I had the Aloha Kiss, Black Bean Tofu and Crispy Pork Belly.
Vickie Page
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December 13, 2024
Beautiful restaurant located on Shelter Island in California. Beautiful ambience. Great location with plenty of parking. Great for weddings events and other special occasions. I had dinner there located upstairs right off the ocean and was absolutely beautiful. I was pleased and will come back again. Food was great.
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2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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I recently went for brunch at Bali Hai. The buffet had a good selection of fresh seafood, from succulent shrimp to delicious poke and crab legs. We found the shrimp to be not cleaned and some of the meals to be cold. The restaurant has stunning views, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal. Unfortunately, the service was incredibly slow, and it took ages for our drinks to arrive. Additionally, the servers were inattentive, and we had to repeatedly ask for basic things like water refills. Overall, the poor service overshadowed what could have been a nice meal, and I left feeling quite frustrated. Specially for the expensive experience.
A good friend and her husband had their wedding ceremony and reception here, and it was incredible! I can't say enough nice things. The ceremony spot with the North San Diego Bay in the background is amazing. There are several reception areas, and ours outside was fantastic, offering amazing views of the bay and downtown San Diego as well. The food was very good, and the entire staff was friendly and attentive. A+ experience all around !
Richard and I went to Bali Hai today for Pau Hana – Happy Hour, and it was the perfect mix of history, culture, and island-inspired flavors. Open since 1954, Bali Hai is a true San Diego tiki institution, known for its legendary Mai Tais, Polynesian decor, and stunning bayfront views. The moment you step inside, the mid-century tiki culture is alive and well, from the carved wooden statues to the iconic "Goof on the Roof" overlooking Shelter Island. This place has been serving up tropical vibes for nearly 70 years, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves a bit of old-school island charm. I started with a cocktail, because when you come to Bali Hai, you have to! They are known for their famously strong and rum-forward drinks, and this one did not disappoint. For food, I had the island beef skewers with pickled banh mi salad, a perfect balance of rich, smoky flavors with a fresh, tangy crunch. The Bali fries were another highlight—crispy, well-seasoned, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Richard, of course, enjoyed his portion in the car as you can see in the videos. And yes, you’re not imagining things—his portion is always bigger than mine! Whether you come for the food, the drinks, or just to take in the unmatched views of San Diego Bay, Bali Hai is a place with history, character, and a little bit of magic in every visit.
Loved our server! Loved the atmosphere! Everything we ate was delicious and the drinks were amazing. Definitely will need to make another visit again! I had the Aloha Kiss, Black Bean Tofu and Crispy Pork Belly.
Beautiful restaurant located on Shelter Island in California. Beautiful ambience. Great location with plenty of parking. Great for weddings events and other special occasions. I had dinner there located upstairs right off the ocean and was absolutely beautiful. I was pleased and will come back again. Food was great.