Bali Hai Restaurant
About This Spot
Stepping into Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island is like being gently carried away to a serene Polynesian escape without leaving San Diego. The moment you arrive, the warm breeze seems to mingle with the soft rustle of palm fronds and the distant shimmer of the bay, setting a relaxed yet vibrant mood. The space hums with a nostalgic charm, where mid-century Tiki culture meets modern comfort, inviting you to settle in, slow down, and savor the moment.
This is the kind of place where the pace feels unhurried, balanced between the lively clink of tropical cocktails and the quiet appreciation of stunning waterfront views. Island-inspired art and timeless architecture create a backdrop that feels both thoughtfully curated and effortlessly inviting. It's easy to imagine lingering over a drink as the sun dips low, or gathering with friends and family around tables that encourage shared experiences and easy conversation.
Beyond the atmosphere, Bali Hai’s menu feels like a culinary journey across the South Pacific, offering flavors that are at once familiar and refreshingly vibrant. From delicately wok-fried seafood to well-loved tropical staples, each bite carries the essence of island life—bright, lively, and deeply satisfying. The drinks, known to locals and visitors alike, are crafted with care and a little flair, a playful nod to classic Hawai’ian recipes brought to life with expert precision.
The real magic here lies in the human moments: servers whose genuine enthusiasm makes you feel like cherished guests, mixologists who take pride in elevating each cocktail into a story, and a vibe that encourages everyone to unplug and simply enjoy being together. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner, Bali Hai Restaurant quietly holds space for authentic connection amid the stunning San Diego marina setting.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 09:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Maria Forte 10 Jan 2026
Honestly. The best tri tip and mushroom gravy! The chow mein and Hawaiian style mac salad were so so. However, the mixologists and client services staff were amazing. I love our yearly visits there, and look forward to the next time! The view is also incredible
Rose Langguth 24 Nov 2025
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).
Joseph X (Joe) 04 Nov 2025
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!
Justin Neuenschwander 02 Nov 2025
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.
Scott carpenter 31 Oct 2025
Man this place is amazing, the architecture, the history, the art is reflected in the service, the food and the drinks, not to mention the view. If I lived in this town, I would be here every week or at least monthly, truly love this place.
Spencer E 12 Oct 2025
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!
Holly Landis 09 Oct 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.
Selena S 30 Sep 2025
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.