Bali Hai, Shelter Island
9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego11 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Most commenters recommend Bali Hai, and several diners highlight its bay views, with one commenter describing the Polynesian theme and sunset setting. A couple of diners suggest it for date nights or special dinners, and one commenter says the mai tai is a standout. On the food, one commenter finds the lounge happy hour options tasty, while another diner who visited once was not impressed. Another commenter says it isn't especially good.
Address
Bali Hai Restaurant, 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
At a glance
- Signature dishes
- Garlic Noodles, Korean Fried Chicken
- Best for
- Dates
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Bali Hai, Shelter Island, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/himalayancaucasin in r/sandiego · Sep 2025
Describes it as fun, tasty, scenic, and a regular spot for special dinners.
- Recommendsu/Rosie3450 in r/sandiego · Jun 2024
Lists it as a historic restaurant from 1952.
- Recommendsu/GiselleX16 in r/asksandiego · Feb 2026
Floats it as a possible dinner stop after the sunset outing.
- Mixedu/Stoked_Vogt in r/sandiego · Sep 2025taste
Liked the interior and views but wasn't impressed by the food; visited once.
- Recommendsu/sixisrending in r/sandiego · Jul 2025
Lists Bali Hai among suggested date-night spots.
- Recommendsu/Jdopeee in r/sandiego · Jul 2024ambience
Suggests checking out bay restaurants like this one on a sunny day.
- Recommendsu/Adept_Order_4323 in r/sandiego · Apr 2026ambience
Likes the Polynesian theme and bay views at sunset; says lounge happy hour food is tasty.
- Recommendsu/Newman658 in r/sandiego · Sep 2025
Includes it in a list of recommended spots.
Show all 11 cited comments
- Recommendsu/Practical-Class-3136 in r/sandiego · Sep 2025ambience
Notes it overlooks the bay as a reason to consider it.
- Caveatu/SlutBuster in r/asksandiego · Jun 2025taste
Calls Bali Hai the most iconic Shelter Island tiki spot but says it isn't especially good.
- Recommendsu/ukjapalina in r/sandiego · Mar 2024
Often takes guests there for airport trips, praising easy parking and a standout mai tai.
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Freshness
Details last checked 3 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.