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    Bali Hai Restaurant

    3.7 (3.1k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Services - Bali Hai Restaurant

    Bartending services

    Catering services

    On-site management services

    2 More Services

    Post-event cleaning services

    Venue rental

    Bali Hai Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    BALI HAI RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    More like Bali Hai Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Bali Hai Restaurant

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    Caroline K.

    Wow wow wow. What a fun date night experience! I swear everything that we could've had go. Wright went right for us... We had a perfect view against the window for a two top looking out at downtown San Diego. Our food was incredible and our weight stuff was the best.! I hade the sweet and sour pork and my boyfriend had the wok sea bass. Everything was perfectly cooked and flavorful! I can't wait to come back

    The famous Bali Hai Mai Tai
    Noah K.

    One of my favorite restaurants in SD! Consistent service and quality experience every time I go. Not sure what the best part is: the food, the mai tais, or ambiance. You have one do the best views of downtown and the San Diego harbor with a classy Polynesian vibe. Best coconut shrimp and strongest mai tais. Bali Hai is the goat.

    wasabi fries $4 HH
    Shalini G.

    Best views in San Diego County Amazing happy hour Stiff drinks that are tasty Fun people watching and super cool clientele ranging in age from 1 to 100 Great place to have a wedding I've been to two here Great place for a birthday party dinner done that a few times Amazing place to celebrate any occasion Food is super delicious and easy to find healthy options I imagine Bali hai will outlive every other restaurant in San Diego Cheers to many more years

    Amy D.

    I Love Poke Festival - usually once a year out on the patio overlooking San Diego bay and under the restaurant! Tickets were $80 for early bird this year! A few pictures from some of the best bites of the event.

    Sunday Brunch!
    Jennifer N.

    Bali Hai Brunch 9:45-1:45 review. Best to make a reservation, just in case, either way there is a 5% surcharge at the end of your bill. There is a very large parking area, so no need to worry about parking. Service was good. The view of the water outside is beautiful! There was a nice selection of seafood: Cold crab legs, cocktail sauce & shrimp, smoked salmon + many island style foods, but also Prime rib, Yakisoba, pho, and an omelette station. Overall though food was decent, not amazing. You are given a glass of champagne, and you can add orange, pineapple, or cranberry juice to it. Or they also offer Apple cider, tea, and coffee. You are not allowed to order anything from the regular menu during the brunch buffet.

    View of the bay from our table
    Amber S.

    We came for the Sunday Brunch for my husband's birthday. If you love crabs legs, oysters, and shrimp... this is for you! My husband loves crab legs and was very impressed with the brunch buffet spread. The short ribs were also delicious! It was a beautiful day and we had a table with a nice view of the bay. Our server was very friendly and made sure my husband had a bowl for his crab leg shells lol! We've only been here for the brunch buffet and not tried the regular menu but we'll definitely come back!

    The deadliest mai tai in the world.
    Craig W.

    The mai tai here is famous or maybe even infamous, however you choose to think of it. (Incidentally, "infamous" does NOT mean "very famous.") It is also ridiculously strong. If you light a match near it, it could explode. This restaurant just may have the best view of any place in San Diego. I have been here probably a hundred times and it never fails to impress me. It's simply wonderful. I don't love the dinner menu but I enjoy their coconut shrimp, which they do well. If you don't want to commit to a full dinner, go for the pu pu small bites in the lounge. It's kid friendly and sometimes there is live music. You can get a small portion of coconut shrimp as an appetizer in the lounge. The only bummer about sitting in the lounge is there is no bay view. You could do a lot worse than some coconut shrimp, a truly deadly mai tai, and an amazing view.

    Jacqueline C.

    Bali Hai restaurant features South Pacific cuisine. Decorated in the South Pacific theme with awesome views of downtown San Diego and the harbor. The service is great and they are attentive to the customer. Giving you a good recommendation of their menu. Watch out for the strongest Mai Tai in town. It's so strong they limit you to only having 2 per person. The food was delicious and perfectly seasoned and cooked. A very beautiful experience.

    my self made iced coffee
    Lori T.

    an elevator took us upstairs where we sat outside, enjoyed the busy view and enjoyed a couple drinks. the famous mai tai and a coffee. they don't make an iced coffee so i made my own if we weren't so full from lunch we'd have stayed for happy hour.

    Views
    J A.

    Valentine's Day 2026 surprise at Bali Hai Restaurant and it couldn't have been a better pick. We kicked things off with one of their huge cocktail drinks and no exaggeration, it was delicious and way more fun than we expected. Definitely a "share it and take photos first" kind of drink. The fish and chips were a standout too. Crispy, fresh, and honestly something I'd go back for on their own. But the real highlight was the vibe. Gorgeous waterfront views overlooking the ocean and downtown San Diego skyline made the whole experience feel extra special. Super romantic, super chill, and just a perfect SD evening. Already looking forward to going back.

    Pulling Up
    Gracie C.

    This place was fun to visit. Honestly, I would have probablyhad more fun sitting at the bar, having a drink, and listening to the music. Of course I went for the mai tai but when I was warned about how it was made, I decided against it. Pure alcohol! Apparentlyl that is the way it is supposed to be made. ??? I ended up with some other drink. I guess, being tiki, I expected it to be amazing, but it was typical. The food was good but it's something I could have ordered at other restaurants. I'm not saying that it wasn't good, but it just wasn't outstanding. I will bring friends here when in town just because I do feel they should check it out. I enjoyed looking out the window and watching the boats coming in from whale watching or the kayers paddling. I kind of wished I had my kayak. I would have been in the water. Server was pleasant. Visit this place at least once so you can say you did it. Maybe even try the Mai Tai. ........ v .. .....

    Pretty Christmas lights, view of the front
    Margaret A.

    I always look forward to coming here. The view of the bay is spectacular, especially if you arrive near sunset. This visit I ordered the Ahi tuna dinner with their famous Mai Tai. I usually order a different drink, however it being the Christmas season, I thought 'what the heck'! It was fine as long as I sipped it really slow, each sip felt like a shot of alcohol. Overall it was a really nice dinner, great ambiance with a live singer across from the bar area and impeccable service as usual. The lobby had a very pretty Christmas tree and the outside area included many colored lights. A great way to celebrate Christmas!

    Mark D.

    This is one of my favorite places to eat when on Shelter Island. I've been here many times and its always hits all the boxes. Located on the picturesque coast with a million dollar view of the San Diego city and skyline. The appetizers are good and take the place of a meal. Ribs, shrimp or calamari its all good. Recently we came here as a party of 12 on Thanksgiving with a reservation. Im so glad we had a reservation due to being crazy busy. They got us in on time. The food on the buffet was really good. They had everything plus some faves like Kailua pig and lobster ravioli. They never ran out of anything. It's a pretty big place, didn't realize how big til I dined on the second floor. Very nice patio seating and great views+

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    Bali Hai Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bali Hai Restaurant

    We're doing Sunday brunch. Can we order additional items from their regular menu as we are willing to pay for the additional cost/price?

    You cannot order anything off the regular menu on Sunday brunch time because they have all of the stations that are set up and it's a one price for that service. Of course any drinks ordered from the bar is an additional charge.

    Is there any vegan options here?

    Vegan menu items are not listed but I believe you can get sweet n sour tofu and edamame and rice or noodles with veggies and pineapple as well as salads. I would call to see what they could make for you that's not on the menu. They have avocado and… Read more

    Are you still serving outside?

    Yes but there's not that many tables.

    Are mask required?

    Nope! You can wear one if you want (but you might be the only one!)

    Do I need to make an reservation for Sunday brunch ? And Does drinks included?

    Yes

    Do they take reservations for parties with over 6 guests if you call to reserve instead of reserve online? When trying to reserve on OpenTable, 6 was the maximum.

    With a party that large you should call in and directly speak to the hostess there at the Bali Hai. They will accommodate you! Ask for Hannah - she's the best!!

    Do they serve the full menu at the bar? There's only 2 of us and we just want pupus. Hate to take up a whole table.

    Yes. The whole place is essentially a bar, and most of the menu is appetizers, you can order any of them at any seat.

    Do you need to have a reservation for dinner?

    It's highly recommended. Especially if you are familiar with the layout and you want a very specific table seat & view. Although I've had success sometimes walking in you'll be taking a chance.

    Are dogs allowed in the outdoor dining area during the Sunday brunch buffet?

    Only service animals are allowed in our restaurant dining areas inside or out.

    For the Sunday brunch buffet, how is it served? Are there any changes made in light of COVID restrictions, or is it the same (self-serve, everyone using the same serving utensils) as buffets were pre-COVID?

    Served the same way except it costs more and no longer includes drinks or mimosas. The selection has been cut down significantly (see recent reviews by several people).

    Do they provide nutritional information somewhere?

    No. If they did, no one would be ordering Eggs Benedict unless they don't give a hoot (which is the case with most people who order it)

    Are there plans to start the Sunday Brunch Buffet back up?

    It's already been up & running - reservations are a must!!

    Is dining currently all outside?

    No, they have both indoor and outdoor dining. Make a reservation so you can ensure you have nice views.

    Is Sunday brunch buffet still happening?

    Aloha Aileen, Yes, we still have brunch every Sunday from 10am to 2:30pm. However, it is no longer a… Read more

    Do they sell mugs here?

    Yes! And they are really cool.

    Are dogs allowed now that it's all outdoor seating?

    Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on our outdoor dining patio.

    Is there a price and menu for Easter Brunch 2020?

    I heard it's 9am to 2:00pm Adults $55, children 6-12 $20, kids 5 & under free

    Hi, are there vegan options for food and drink? Thanks

    There are a few options but do ask your server for more or to make modifications to existing menu items. Have fun!!

    Hi there I'm planning a 40th birthday brunch. I plan on having about 60 adults for brunch. Can you accommodate that number? Who should I connect with to plan?

    I'd contact Kat Karkinrider 6199970577

    How much is the Sunday Brunch? Are kids free? Age?

    https://www.balihairestaurant.com/

    View All 28 Questions

    False Idol - Isn't it gorgeous?!

    False Idol

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    3.0 miLittle Italy
    $$

    Went here with advance knowledge of the place during our PHX to SD whirlwind vacation to see Bob…read moreDylan at the Rady Shell. Had to put in our names, as there is only so much space on an early Saturday evening. Took all of 10 minutes before entry was granted. Led inside to a standing room-only table. Lady friend got the Saturn, myself the 151 Swizzle. I probably did the wrong thing and didn't allow the ice packed on top of the swizzle to melt thoroughly enough into the drink to dilute the 151 overproof black Demerara's rum. Nae worries, brah. It was delicious. Affordable tiki-theme cocktails, decor(!) and atmosphere is why this place will remain popular and a must visit when in Sandy Eggo. Top notch!

    What a fun nightlife spot! If you're looking for a fun place to grab cocktails, this is definitely…read morea spot worth checking out! **Located inside Craft & Commerce Walking into False Idol honestly feels like you've been transported somewhere else. It's hidden behind Craft & Commerce, and once you step inside, the immersive tiki atmosphere really sets the mood. The decor, lighting, and sound effects all come together to make the experience feel fun and memorable. Just know, if you are hoping to sit down, good luck! A lot of reservations are made in advance. However, at the bar, if you see a reservation sign and they're not there yet, staff will let you sit down once it's time to get up for the reserved party. DRINKS: 9/10 The cocktails were creative, well crafted, and definitely strong enough to make you feel like you were getting your money's worth. I also loved how much attention they put into the presentation. Every drink looked like a piece of art and added to the whole tiki experience. SERVICE: 9/10 The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to answer questions and made great recommendations without making us feel rushed. AMBIANCE: 10/10 This is easily the highlight of the experience. The entire space is beautifully designed, and every little detail makes it feel like you've escaped into a hidden tropical bar. It's cozy, intimate, and unlike any other place I've been to in San Diego. Reservations are definitely worth making since the space is on the smaller side and fills up quickly. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is that, while the experience and ambiance were amazing, the drinks are definitely on the pricier side. I understand you're paying for the craftsmanship and atmosphere, but it's probably not somewhere I'd visit regularly because of that. It's common for tiki bars to be pricey so it was to be expected. Overall, I'm really glad I finally got to experience False Idol. If you're in San Diego and enjoy creative cocktails in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, I'd definitely recommend checking it out at least once!

    Photos
    False Idol - Tiki themed decor

    Tiki themed decor

    False Idol - Rum barrel

    Rum barrel

    False Idol - Back bar rum selection

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    Back bar rum selection

    Mothership - Amazing decor

    Mothership

    4.3(949 reviews)
    5.3 miSouth Park, Golden Hill, North Park
    $$

    Cool speakeasy. Haven't tried the food yet but the drinks are unique, space themed and large…read moreportion sizes. Best thing is their dedication to the theme. Lots of ambient space sounds, a menu that resembles an engineer's blueprints, and beautiful lights and seating everywhere you look. Even the bathroom has a looped audio of space commands.

    Have been wanting to try this place for a while. Having a Vegan friend in the group this was…read moreperfect. We finally were able to get reservations. Yes you need reservations. The place is very small, a couple of stand up bar top tables and around 10 total tables. I would recommend this place only for a group max of 4 people. Very interesting and cool mix of Signature drinks. They also had non alcoholic beverages. The whole menu is plant based. Drinks were very interesting and really good. Food is Spanish style tapas. Small plates to share. I think we ordered almost everything in the menu Bread, Potatoes, Rice, Tofu, Bao Bun Sandwiches and Savory Pancake. Every dish was delicious and nicely presented. Place was medium loud and it felt that you actually entered another planet like in the tv series of Star Trek. Bathrooms looked like the elevator of a starship. Outstanding decor. Service was really good until the part that they rushed us through our dinner. That is why I put 3 stars. No where I saw that seating was maximum for two hours but they even rushed us more. Our reservation was at 730pm and they took us out of our table at 9pm. Very nicely they told us that we had to leave because they had another reservation. We were not even through our second cocktail and we had to leave it half drank. That is why my 3 star rating. I think that was very rude. For four people to celebrate a bday an hour and a half is very little time to share. It was a nice one time experience but that is all. I was planning to go again with another friend but with this time limit I would not repeat the place.

    Photos
    Mothership - Mindkiller

    Mindkiller

    Mothership - The bar area

    The bar area

    Mothership - Away Mission

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    Away Mission

    Forbidden Cove - Clairin le Rocher rum

    Forbidden Cove

    4.0(221 reviews)
    8.7 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    I don't really write reviews but I feel like this is warranted. I went in last week with my…read moreboyfriend 5/16 and had an amazing time here. We went to Forbidden Cove, then after hung out in the brewery side for a bit because my boyfriend wanted to have beer. I still got a cocktail! The atmosphere was great, drinks were on point, and the service really stood out. I especially wanted to mention the bartender on the brewery side. I watched him handle a situation with a customer whose ID wasn't valid, and the guy gave him a really hard time about it. Even with all that, he stayed completely professional, kept a positive attitude, and never let it affect how he treated anyone else. It's easy to be friendly when everything's going smoothly, but seeing someone stay calm and respectful under pressure says a lot. Huge respect for the professionalism and hospitality. Definitely looking forward to coming back. Wish I remembered the bartenders name or I would definitely mention it.

    Be prepared to bring multiple forms of ID if you want to go here. I had been here once before few…read moremonths ago where I had a good experience. I came here again last night with friends and began to check in for our reservation with the bartender (the same bartender who had let me in the last time I was here). He spent a long time inspecting my CA REAL ID before going into the back. He returned and said he can't let me in since he doesn't trust my ID. He said store policy is that they have to be able to feel the imprint on your license's signature, which even he admitted that he could, but it was too faded so he wouldn't let me in. I showed him matching credit cards, Costco membership, and CA DMV mobile drivers license, but he still refused and pleaded ignorance. He gave me my driver's license back and said I'm lucky because he normally keeps fakes (thanks for the empty threat). In reality, he knew my license was legitimate and didn't want to have the cops called on him. This place really needs to update their policies and train their staff better on how to identify legitimate IDs. I'm definitely not gong to bother coming here again and will make sure I recommend others not to come here.

    Photos
    Forbidden Cove - Painkiller (left) and Mai Tai (right)

    Painkiller (left) and Mai Tai (right)

    Forbidden Cove - Tiki Key

    Tiki Key

    Forbidden Cove - Hamilton Guyanese rum

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    Hamilton Guyanese rum

    Pacific Shores

    Pacific Shores

    3.9(297 reviews)
    2.5 miOcean Beach, Point Loma
    $

    PACIFIC SHORES @ OCEAN BEACH…read more Parking is available on the street, and it's free! We ended up coming to Pacific Shores because one of my best friend's mom was there with her girlfriends. When we arrived, there was no line at all. Security was really nice, and we got in easily. There weren't many people inside around 10 PM, and I definitely feel like this bar is more of a "grab a drink, sit with your friends, and chat" type of spot. It's not a club or a dancing bar. We ordered a round of shots and a mixed tequila drink. It wasn't strong at all, but it was really delicious, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The server was also super nice, especially since our friend's mom kept ordering drinks and shots. He brought everything out quickly and with great service. I really loved the architecture and ambiance. It had a darker, cozy vibe, very much a small, deep-bar aesthetic. They also had some really cool paintings, and if you were wearing white or yellow, your clothes would glow in the dark, which was a fun touch. It wasn't super busy, and I appreciated how easy it was to find seating and just relax. The bathroom wasn't the cleanest, but it was still manageable. Overall, I'd definitely check out this spot if you're walking around Ocean Beach and want a chill place to grab a drink and hang out with friends.

    Came here for a bachelor party at opening and it was great. Anna was the bar tender and she took…read moregreat care of us, for a party of 12 and only having one employee there, we had a blast. Anna knows her facts about the historic bar and is fun, definitely give her a visit. Pool table in the back was cramped but still fun to pass the time.

    Photos
    Pacific Shores
    Pacific Shores
    Pacific Shores - OB Dive bar

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    OB Dive bar

    Bali Hai Restaurant - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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