Bali Hai RestaurantMother's Day at Bali HaiIn all fairness, I have to admit our family has been going to the Bali Hai for 50+ years. It is part of our tradition.
Mother's Day was busy, but we were given a table next to the windows, and the location can't be beat. The view of the bay and downtown is fabulous.
The menu at Bali Hai has changed a few times over the past couple of years. They have expanded it substantially, and it has something for everyone, now. Great Ahi Poke, great calamari, scallops done and presented beautifully. Daughter's steak was gorgeous, the boyfriend's fish was excellent. Mai Tais are a ritual tradition.
Great place to go for special occasion, or just a happy hour if you want to make your day better. Great restaurant.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day BrunchI made a reservation for Mother's Day brunch on Open Table and requested an outside table, knowing that there were no guarantees on such a busy day. When we arrived patrons were hanging out the doors and the upstairs patio was visibly full, so I wasn't very optimistic. That being said, we were seated outside on the lower patio immediately. The brunch at Bali Hai is always wonderful but they pulled out all the stops for Mother's Day, adding extra items and opening buffets both upstairs and downstairs to accommodate the large crowd. Our bottomless champagne glasses were never empty, and the food was fantastic. Mom had a perfect brunch on her special day.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBali Hai brunchWe went to Bali Hai for Mothers Day brunch. We had reservations and were seated immediately. We were pleasantly
surprised to Get a window seat. The service was wonderful and brunch was fabulous. We had been here several years ago
and had been disappointed with the service at that time. We're glad we gave the Bali Hai another try and will return.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA great Mother's Day DinnerOn Saturday my daughter Beth took us to dinner at Bali Hai and It was divine. The view is the greatest and the food wonderful. The remodel is beautiful and the new menu has something for everyone.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely dinner eveningMy experience was fantastic. Amazing food and great drink prices.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSent a group for a businessSent a group for a business luncheon, knowing it would impress and it certainly did! the view would almost be enough for most but the food is up to par for such a great panorama. I always send out of town guests (both personal and business) because I know the Bali Hai will not disappoint.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe got there a few minutesWe got there a few minutes late because of weather and traffic and had to wait 30 minutes for our table. However, once seated, the service was superior and the food delicious. We've eaten here before and will do so again.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMMr. Bali Hai rules Shelter IslandGreat food, great themed tiki cocktails, must-have souvenier mugs and unforgetable million-dollar views of the Big Bay in America's Finest City- San Diego California - have made this place a Shelter Island classic since 1954.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for birthday celebrations!This was our first time at Bali Hai. I found it after reading some reviews online and it definitely was worth it to try. There's a scenic view no matter where you sit except it would've been nice to be by the window since we had a bit of a pillar view in our way. The food was good but a couple of dishes were on the salty side. The servings for the appetizers and side dishes are quite big and the entree sizes are decent. I indicated on the Open Table reservation that it was my birthday and I was served a complimentary birthday brownie. Sure wasn't expecting that but it was a nice touch!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMy Bali Hai ExperienceMy husband and I took his mother to the Bali Hai for her 88th birthday celebrtion. The food, the service and the ambiance exceeded our expectations. Mom also enjoyed the food and wonderful scenic view of the San Diego Bay.
We definitely will be back more frequently.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMA delightful dinner.The restaurant reserved a window table for us but it appears that every table would have an expansive view of San Diego Bay. The food was excellent and the service attentive. One of us is sensitive to hot spices so mention that when ordering.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, Great ambienceBeautiful view of the San Diego harbor and lots of sail boats. Go for a wonderful stroll around Shelter Island after eating to work off the delicious food. Terrific spot!4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMReceived a window table asReceived a window table as requested...thank you. Waitress was outstanding.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent place to celebrate!Excellent place to celebrate! The service was great, the food was wonderful - couldn't have been better!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe where recieved nicely andWe where recieved nicely and seated at what must have been the best table for two in the house. The service was very good as was the food. What a terrific dining event for our 20th Wedding Anniv.
Thanks to all at Bali Hai Restaurant for a wonderful dining evening.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMNeighborhood GemGreat place - fantastic views - excellent food and service. A neighborhood Gem!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMI have been visiting BaliI have been visiting Bali Hai since it opened many years ago and for the first time the food was not what I had hoped for. I had guest from New Zealand and their food was not what Bali Hai is all about and the cocktails need more attention. I visit Bali Hai a lot since it has always been a favorite place and love bring people from out of town here, but this time we failed.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways love to have dinnerAlways love to have dinner at Bali Hai when we visit San Diego.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMA Wonderful Place to Have Lunch!We had a wonderful lunch last week. Everyone working at the Bali Hai had nice smiles and very friendly. Our server was very nice. I'm sorry I don't remember her name, but she wore very pretty turquoise earrings. The food was wonderful...we will come back again.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMCame in for brunch on Sunday.Came in for brunch on Sunday. Great atmosphere. The only thing I didnt like was that our server didn't explain that it was only a buffet. We had never been before so we weren't sure what to expect. She got our drink order and didnt say much else. Kept the champagne coming, which was great! Maybe just a quick "help yourself to the brunch buffet" would have been great.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLove the Bali Hai! Have beenLove the Bali Hai! Have been going for 30 years. My wife's favorite restaurant.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect!Fun time at the world famous Bali hai! I even bought a mug!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMA Wonderful Date Night with my WifeMy wife and I got a night out without the kids so we choose Bali Hai for dinner. We were seated by the window which had a FANTASTIC! view of the San Diego harbor and city. The food was very good. My wife tried some food that she had never tried before and she loved all of it. The service was also good. We would diffenitely recomend this restaurant to anyone visiting San Diego or any friends that just need a night out.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst Visit was a Winner!We had a table outside - the view was amazing! Loved the food, the service was great and we are definately going back!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMBali HaiNew menu more in line with contemporary tastes, but miss some of the old traditionals. One of the best views in San Diego. Staff was very accommodating for 30th anniversary dining.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our 9th anniversary.This was our 9th anniversary. Our first date was at the Bali Hai. We go all the time, but that is our SPECIAL place on anniversary day!! We LOVE this place!!! I got "our" table...our server was awesome and even surprised us with a dessert in honor of the occasion!!! See you again soon, Bali Hai!!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of our Favorite PlacesThe menu had an intriguing list of options and my wife and I each chose a fish entree, Arctic Char for me and Mahi Mahi for her. Both were excellently prepared and quite delicious. The Tasting for Two appetizer was also quite a delight. We would definitely come back next time we are in San Diego.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMA little pricey but the foodA little pricey but the food was great and the place was one of the best view's we have here in San Diego! I feel a side dish (of my choice...choosen from a list of course) should be included in each of the entree's.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular ViewsWe sat at a window table and just loved the amazing views! The brunch was very good with a lot of variety except for the salads. Not much of a selection but the greens were good. The crab legs and peel and eat shrimp were delicious! My friends tried and raved about the Korean BBQ and the sausage although the prime rib was not spectacular it wasn't bad. I'll go again. The prices were good which included unlimited champagne which you could add cranberry juice or orange juice to make your own mimosas. Service was good even though our waiter was very busy. Overall it was a great way to celebrate my birthday with my husband and friends.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMIt has been 40+ years we haveIt has been 40+ years we have come to Bali Hai and it recently was remodeled. The remodel was very well done, giving a good contempory update while keeping the charm of some of the original features. Of course, the view is still as always, a spectacular across the bay downtown view.
Sunday brunch was as enjoyable as ever. We'll be back.......4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our second time diningThis was our second time dining here and was as memorable as the first. Great food and atmosphere, and we were treated like royalty!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat spot and have been goingGreat spot and have been going there for years on end. Always enjoyable, delicious and wonderful friendly atmosphere. Love it!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat service!Service was excellent and polite. Food was good- my husband loved his steak and garlic mashed potatoes. My mahi mahi was good but a little overcooked (dry). Will definitely try this place again and we hear the brunch is great!4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall experience was outstanding.Overall experience was outstanding.
Noteworthy observations:
1. It was really warm in the restaurant. I was warm the entire time. I saw a man wiping his forehead with his napkin, so others felt it also.
2. It was difficult to hear the waiter explain the specials or talk to others at the table because it was very loud in the restaurant.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMA favorite of my family forA favorite of my family for many years. Brunch is the best time to go because there is just such a wide variety of things to choose from and the price is pretty good (even though it has gone up in the last couple of years). We no longer go regularly for dinner because there menu has become complicated and there are not many vegetarian options anymore.
FYI if you buy the restaurant gift cards from Costco, Bali Hai is no longer going ot be accepting them as if early June 2013.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMVery great food, friendlyVery great food, friendly staff, and my 8 month old enjoyed himself.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband and I visit BaliMy husband and I visit Bali Hai about once a year to celebrate and remember our first son. The ambiance is peaceful, yet fun. The view is amazing and it's the perfect place to people and boat watch. Occasionally we'll see the seals swim by. The food is awesome. They seem to change up the menu often; every year there's something new and delicious to try. We're excited to try Brunch one of these days.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMA truly perfect eveningA truly amazing experience starting with the appetizers in the bar through to desert. The food was fresh and prepared to perfection and the staff was helpful, friendly, and responsive. A great themed restaurant on the water which boasts an incredible view. The only negative would be the lack of hula dancers and ukulele players. Great for parties and ro,mantic dinners. We sat on the patio amid service was not dimished at all and the sunset was stunning.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and drinks were allThe food and drinks were all quite good but the view is what brings us back.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMPriceless Evening ViewDinner is priced ala carte. Be sure to order sides with your dinner entrée. 1 side is easily enough for 2 people. If the menu items are unfamiliar ask the server 90 questions - ours was knowledgable and fun to talk with. I really like they've kept the Hawaiian-South Pacific vibe over all these years (means a lot to this San Diego native). We're looking forward to another visit. Mahalo4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMCalamari appetizer was justCalamari appetizer was just right - chewy enough to be recognizable, with a delicate Thai-style sauce. The sea bass was nicely battered & wok-fried and more than ample for two. Pleasantly surprised that baby bok choy was included. Veggies were a bit too sweet & not spicy enough to qualify as "Szechuan style," but still delicious. Bowl of white rice would have served 3 or 4, so we didn't need to order garlic noodles, but they were tasty (and even good cold the next day). Our waiter, Bobby, was very attentive and friendly. Other staff brought our food promptly and refilled our water glasses. Heat lamps made it easy to sit outdoors in spite of cool weather. View of harbor and night lights peaceful, despite occasional aircraft.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThe venue, food, and Mai Tai'sThe venue, food, and Mai Tai's were memorable since the occasion was a farewell for a native San Diegan who's moving to Arizona. We were warned that no fruit juice is added to the rum in the Mai Tais, but they were great. Our server was very accommodating, providing wasabi sauce upon request for the delicious mahi mahi.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband's birthday dinnerMy husband's birthday dinner there was a success. Our server (Brian, I believe) was wonderful and very helpful, the drinks were great, the view superb and our overall experience was lovely. We'd previously dined outside, but I preferred the ambience of the indoor seating, warm hues, and candles lit once the sun set. The lack of glaring lights was very pleasing. The Bali Hai also manages to be both upscale and casual at the same time, a great destination for those who love a good scene.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMA beautiful gem from tiki's pastAs a passionate tiki-phile, I was delighted to finally get a chance to visit one of the few reamaining gems from the original Polynesian craze. This place truly stands in and out of time, with perhaps the single best view of Mission Bay, and downtown San Diego. Most of the original island charm remains, but thankfully the menu has been updated to California Asian fusion cuisine. We tried several dishes, and all were at least good, and some very good. Of course the rum based cocktails remain (don't miss the chance to take home the headhunter mug), but it somehow remains respectful and not cheesy. Highly recommended.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMBest brunch for the moneyBest brunch for the money in San Diego. Best view - beautiful outdoor patio with bay and city views. Great service!!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe staff were excellent -The staff were excellent - friendly, enchanging and yet professional in everyway. The salmon rolls were really delicious, moist cooked to perfection the shrimp seemed under cooked for me. The drinks were great. My friend ordered a different dish but when our meals came they looked the same except for one of the sides and the shrimp. We went for lunch - spectacular view and the staff were top notch. Very enjoyable - relaxing 'like being on a holiday' my friend said. Also nice the restaurant was fairly quiet so you could have a good conversation. Just the mixing of the drinks sometimes broke into the quietness. Would definitely recommend...3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMBali Hai is one of my favoriteBali Hai is one of my favorite places to take my wife, the food is always great and the staff is very quick (sometimes to quick) and friendly. Just try not to get attached to a meal like I did, because they change the menu often, which on one hand is great because they really do prepare some great stuff but man I sure do miss one that is not there anymore. BTW the Mai Tai... great!!!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant presentation, foodElegant presentation, food was great, service was outstanding,yet, budget friendly.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place to take guestsGreat place to take guests from out of town for the amazing view of San Diego!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great service,Great food, great service, and even greater mimosas!!!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AM