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Exterior - Bali Hai Restaurant, San Diego, CA

Bali Hai Restaurant

4.6 (6315)
$31 to $50
Polynesian
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

Make a reservation

A photo of Bali Hai Restaurant restaurant

Bali Hai Restaurant

4.6
$31 to $50
Polynesian
Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 52 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
Exotic Pacific dining on an enchanted tiki island.

The Bali Hai Restaurant has been a favorite in San Diego for over 70 years. Our spectacular views of the San Diego bay and the downtown skyline make us the perfect location for any special event. Along with our dining room upstairs, our premise possesses three different and versatile private rooms. The flexibility of multiple private facilities allows us to accommodate any type of party. We host weddings, class reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, memorials, festivals, fundraisers, business meetings, seminars, and corporate events.

Cancellation Policy:
The Bali Hai Restaurant requires a credit card to secure all Sunday Brunch and Holiday reservations and large groups. All credit card information will be processed securely. Changes to reservations can be made online through OpenTable up until 24 hours before the reservation. No-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a charge of $25 per person.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Polynesian, Seafood, Hawaiian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:45 pm Sun 9:30 am–8:45 pm Brunch Sun 9:30 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mr. Dion Morales
  • Catering
    Private dining 10 to 30 and banquet space to accommodate 65 to 300.
  • Private party facilities
    Thank you for considering The Bali Hai for your special occasion. The Bali Hai has been a favorite in San Diego for over sixty five years. With spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline, our South Pacific Room and Hawaiian Village are perfect for wedding receptions.
  • Private party contact
    Jenny Benitez: (844) 449-4428
  • Neighborhood
    Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
  • Cross street
    Scott or Rosecrans on Shelter Island
  • Parking details
    Lots of free parking. Sorry no valet.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    lifewithnolita

    This is your sign to make some time and grab a bite with the people you always tell, "let's hang out!" too 🩵 It's been about 2 years since my cousins and I have gotten together, so I'm glad we finally got the chance to make it happen @balihairestaurant • • • #balihai #sandiegofood #sandiegoeats #foodreels #foodstagram

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Bali Hai Restaurant.

4.6

4.6
(6315)
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Great for scenic views

  • San Diego

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bali Hai Restaurant offers a "legendary spot and view" with a "classic tiki" atmosphere. Guests praise the "strong drinks," especially the mai tais, and the "beautiful views of San Diego Bay." The service is often described as "friendly and helpful," although the noise level can be high.
6,315 Reviews
  1. Kylee Gold

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Bali Hai is outstanding with celiac disease / gluten free! So many options and one of the best desserts I’ve ever had! The staff is amazing with navigating through the menu!

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  2. Anita

    San Diego55 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The waiter had an attitude and wasn’t attentive. We had to ask the bus boys to provide us items such as low salt soy sauce and crushed red pepper. The only time the waiter came to visit after he took our orders is when he came to provide the bill. The salad was good but the Hoisin Beef was tasteless. The Bali Hai Mai Tai was okay but it was watered down. The drink was allowed to sit for a while letting the crushed ice melt and dilute the drink. You could tell the rum used was not top quality. Very bitter. We won’t be returning anytime soon.

    1 person found this helpful

  3. Marc

    San Diego7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service. Excellent food. Well cooked. Great selection. Impressed how perfectly cooked the poached eggs and egg on loco moco.

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  4. Bonnie

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and the live entertainment was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Alex

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience and BEST view of San Diego!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Laura Gold

    South Dakota24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We dined late so it was quiet in the restaurant. Usually it’s much noisier. Views were great!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Laura Gold

    South Dakota24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat outside for brunch so the sound level was great for talking.

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  8. Michael Gold

    Houston33 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 24, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tiki aficionado here. Got a chance yo visit the Bali Hai. Great vibe and atmosphere. Nice restaurant! Understated classy Polynesian decor without being over the top tiki. Food was meh, a little salty and light on flavors. Some of the tiki drinks (and mug selection) were great. However this was straight up the worst Mai Tai ever. Pure jet fuel without any style.

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  9. Mark Gold

    San Francisco31 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 22, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great lunch at the Bali Hai; enjoyed a Mai Thai and other drinks. Isaac, our server, was excellent. Food was great as always. An absolute beautiful view of the San Diego skyline. 

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  10. Frank

    Minneapolis2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 18, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place for a few drinks and dinner. Bali Hai has been a San Diego icon for over 70 years, and it’s easy to see why. The location on Shelter Island is awesome, with big views of the bay and the downtown skyline, especially around sunset. The ambience is classic tiki done right: carved wood, Polynesian décor, and a fun, relaxed vibe without feeling like a theme park. The drinks are the main event. The famous mai tai lives up to its reputation (and its two-drink limit, for good reason). Dinner was a nice match for the cocktails, with plenty of island-inspired options. Service was friendly and helpful with the menu. If you’re visiting San Diego or just want a memorable night out, Bali Hai is well worth the trip. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Polynesian, Seafood, Hawaiian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:45 pm Sun 9:30 am–8:45 pm Brunch Sun 9:30 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mr. Dion Morales
  • Catering
    Private dining 10 to 30 and banquet space to accommodate 65 to 300.
  • Private party facilities
    Thank you for considering The Bali Hai for your special occasion. The Bali Hai has been a favorite in San Diego for over sixty five years. With spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline, our South Pacific Room and Hawaiian Village are perfect for wedding receptions.
  • Private party contact
    Jenny Benitez: (844) 449-4428
  • Neighborhood
    Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
  • Cross street
    Scott or Rosecrans on Shelter Island
  • Parking details
    Lots of free parking. Sorry no valet.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Bali Hai is family-friendly: guests often visit with family for Sunday brunch and staff commonly make celebrations special, like presenting birthday desserts.

You can manage reservation details online, changes may be made through OpenTable up until 24 hours before your booking; note a credit card is required to secure Sunday Brunch, Holiday reservations and large-group bookings, and late cancellations/no-shows may incur a $25 per person charge.

Go for Sunday brunch (Sun 9:30–2:00), guests repeatedly praise the crab, oysters and buffet, and, for a dinner with a view, request a window table at sunset to watch the skyline.

The Sunday brunch buffet at Bali Hai is plentiful, guests repeatedly describe the brunch spread (crab, oysters, carving stations) as generous and filling.

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, not formal; it's an easy choice for regular visits and for special occasions like anniversaries and celebrations.

Sunday is the standout, the Bali Hai Sunday brunch (Sun 9:30 am–2:00 pm) is a guest favorite for crab, oysters and the hearty buffet experience.

Yes, Bali Hai is frequently chosen for anniversaries and special evenings, with window seating, sunset harbor views and several glowing anniversary visits noted by guests.

Yes, Bali Hai has an outdoor patio/deck/platform where guests frequently dine to enjoy waterfront views and sunsets.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Make a reservation

A photo of Bali Hai Restaurant restaurant

Bali Hai Restaurant

4.6
$31 to $50
Polynesian
Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 52 times today
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