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    Say Aloha

    4.9 (30 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Say Aloha Reservations

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    SAY ALOHA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Say Aloha

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    Mikey H.

    This is a hidden gem, and I mean hidden. You first have to look for the sign on University St., right near AWOL. Once you venture inside, if you look lost, someone might tell you where to go, but if not, veer to the left side and enter. There are some tables in a cozy dining room, and a counter. If you wait, someone will come out and greet you. When we went, there were a couple of groups playing D&D. There was another group doing a taste test of a new dish. The energy is upbeat! We sat in the back patio which was perfect for Cako. Our server was so friendly! I didn't get her name, but she looked like the only one serving tables. The menu is not extensive. Though we thought a loco moco would be on it, I settled for The Jim Special which came with chicken katsu and chicken teriyaki, steamed rice and mac salad. This was really good! Lightly breaded with panko, and tonkatsu sauce for dipping. The sauce on the teriyaki was perfect and not overly sweet like some places. I also ordered a Spam musubi, which was perfectly made, but I didn't care for the hoisin sauce drizzled plate that it sat on. It just changed the flavor. I think there's a full bar, but I ordered an iced tea, which was a mango iced tea that was sweetened. Not my favorite way for iced tea, but it was refreshing. I do look forward to coming back and have added them to my rotation. Parking is only street and can be a challenge. Again, the relaxing vibe on the patio makes all the difference. Plus it's dog friendly! Cako Approves!

    Sidewalk display
    Emmett T.

    Say Aloha is a vendor that is sharing a space with Rosemary and Thyme Cafe in the Hillcrest neighborhood. They operate only from Thursday to Sunday during limited late afternoon and evening hours. A surfboard with the business name and a sidewalk stand displaying the menu were placed outside the entrance. After walking through the doors, you continued down the corridor to a back left suite where the cafe was located. Beyond that, there was a small set of steps which led down to an internal courtyard with more seating. A one-page menu listed the categories of Starters, Salads, Mains, Combos, Sides, and Desserts. They also provided catering, however I did not see a pricing sheet for party trays. The choices for my takeout order were the Shanghai Lumpia and a Mix Plate. The former was three pieces of crispy spring rolls with a filling of ground pork, glass noodles, and vegetables. A cup of sweet chili sauce was provided for dipping. The rolls were long with a thick diameter and resembled the shape of a cigar. They were crunchy and worth the price of $2 each. The plate consisted of grilled short rib, teriyaki chicken, and kalua pork for proteins. Steamed white rice (or fried rice) and creamy Hawaiian mac salad were included. Of the places I have tried in SD that serve Hawaiian food, this place had the most tender and juicy meats. The pork really stood out as it had both good flavor and moisture. The mac salad was different too because it wasn't just mayonnaise and macaroni. There was seasoning added to the cream which enhanced the taste. The portion sizes were generous as my takeout container was heavy. The execution of the proteins was what elevated my rating of Say Aloha to the highest level.

    Teriyaki Chicken & Rice
    Danielle E.

    My husband and I were looking for some solid chicken and rice bowls and found Say Aloha. This place is awesome. The owners are very welcoming and friendly. Ordered the teriyaki chicken bowl and it was delicious. They put a good amount of sauce on top and the mac salad was probably one of the best I've had. The patio seating area is well decorated and they had fans overhead going. We will definitely be back!

    I don't usually write reviews, but this place absolutely deserves one! My husband came across Say Aloha, tucked inside a shared space a beautiful outdoor patio. We order the teriyaki chicken and two rib combo w/chicken katsu. Every single bite was so flavorful, meat was perfectly marinated and tender. Couldn't stop talking about how delicious everything was throughout our meal. What made the experience even more special was the service, found out the people taking care of us were the owners and chef, the kindest, most welcoming people we've met. You can truly tell they put so much love and passion into their food. If you're looking for authentic Hawaiian food, this is a place you have to try, they also offer catering. It's one of those hidden gems that deserves to be discovered, and hope more people get the chance to enjoy the amazing food!

    Jim's special  Fried rice, katsu, chicken teriyaki, and Mac salad
    Robert R.

    Food is amazing and so are the people that work here. I cannot stress enough how good everything is here. Especially the macaroni salad, probably the best I've ever had. Get the Jim's special come with chicken katsu and teriyaki chicken.

    The Jim Special
    Maylynne R.

    Fantastic place! Great service and food was DELICIOUS. The chef came out to greet us and introduced himself, and he was very friendly. Music was great and just an all around good vibe. Definitely coming back. *I love that they have the options of a bowl or plate for each meal. You can get a smaller portion or a larger portion.

    Came back and tried the kailua pork. Awesome!!
    Ebynasia L.

    Came back and tried the Kailua pork. Awesome!! I love the mac salad and the meat was delicious.

    Teriyaki Chicken & Rice

    Amazing spot with great service. It's a bit hard to find once you're inside you travel to a beautiful Hawaiian oasis. The teriyaki chicken had a smoked flavor and was perfectly tender. 10/10 recommend.

    Two person meal

    Possibly the best Hawaiian food in San Diego. My husband and I split the 2 person meal and it's more than enough food and comes with dessert. The folks that run the place are so nice and the food genuinely tastes home cooked.

    Chicken Katsu

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    5 months ago

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    13 days ago

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    3 days ago

    Must try! It's open during certain times. But when you get the chance it's great. I had the bbq ribs and the Mac salad was so good!

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Avian G.

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    5 months ago

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    Avian G.

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    1 month ago

    The best spot in town! This place is so delicious and the chef & waitress are wonderful

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    1 month ago

    I love the katsu and teriyaki dinner. It's run by a very sweet couple. Nice ambiance if you eat there.

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    6 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Great service and wonderful good located in a central area. Delicious food w wonderful presentation. Highly recommend!

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Amazing food, service, and ambiance! The owners are awesome! Have never had better Hawaiian BBQ in my life

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    6 months ago

    food was phenomenal and the portions were generous! also excellent service and ambience

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    10 months ago

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    Say Aloha - hawaiian - Updated September 2026

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