Bali Hai Restaurant

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1. HB

   HillaryB

   San Diego

   26 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   26 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Our favorite restaurant! Great food and outstanding service. Great dining experience!
   

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2. IV

   IVGID

   San Diego

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Have been coming to Bali Hai for decades for all kinds of reasons. Marina functions, weddings, school sports awards dinners, socializing, etc. View and service is always fine. Food is fine. I'm easy to please. It's the people one is with that make it all good. I want to give kudos, but not enough to attract crowds. This IS San Diego.
   

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3. PN

   PattyN

   San Diego

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Our waiter was fantastic! And as always the poki and the coconut shrimp were to die for!
   

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4. DG

   DwightG

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great service. Table was the Best in the house. Server was wonderful, could not have asked for anyone better Great food loved every bite. Hostess was very informative about the history of restaurant answered all our questions We enjoyed the views so very much The boats were so calming and beautiful Wonderful experience
   

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5. s

   snarkyreviwer

   San Diego

   16 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   16 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   The people and the restaurant are wonderful. If you want good drinks and appetizers, this is the place for you. The food is also good.
   

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6. a

   alteredego

   San Diego

   43 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   43 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall3food3service2ambience3

   Dined with a friend before the Ringo Starr concert at Humphries. The restaurant appeared to be overwhelmed with guests, due to a few graduations, a wedding party, a nearby concert (Ringo) and tourists eager to see SD Bay on a holiday weekend. Started in the bar where we ordered appetizers and drinks, which came relatively quickly (and we probably should have ordered several bar-based foods and skipped the dining room, in retrospect. The drinks have a tiki slant, mostly rum based--but the alcohol content is very low for what you pay. (Might want to order a shot of favorite rum to mix with the drink). The dining room was crowded, loud, and the staff could barely keep up. The view of the bay close to the window was very nice, however. The food was good, not great. As it was, we rushed to eat our meal and pay for it to get out before showtime, and still missed two songs. I'm being a bit forgiving in this review because there were a lot of patrons on a holiday weekend that stretched the staff to please everyone that was there, but to not acknowledge that Bali Hai fell somewhat short would not be truthful. Going to search elsewhere for venues close to Humphries during concert night and see if they fare a bit better overall.
   

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7. RF

   RebecaF

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service3ambience5

   Great food celebrated our anniversary. We took our baby and she got hot outside so we were switched inside to a beautiful view and my husband and I waited for server and nobody came . So I walked over and got one ☝🏽 waited on drinks and in the end received them but were not able to enjoy it since all the waiting for our drinks got my daughter to cry so we left leaving our drinks behind oh well . Life goes on .
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   17 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   17 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great service, great view excellent food. Our waiter Kevin great as always
   

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9. KB

   KBinCasper

   Denver

   61 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   61 reviews

   Dined on May 27, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   This is the forth visit to Bali Hai. We of course, love the view and find it is a good place for a late lunch before flying back home. Our food was great and so was the service. Our waiter even gave us a dessert for our 44th anniversary. How nice! We ate on Memorial weekend Sat. afternoon and it was very busy and quite loud which made it difficult to talk. Recommend trying the lobster tacos and my husband had halibut and enjoyed it.
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My partners plane was delayed so I called to let them to let them know we were running 15 mins late. They graciously held our window table where we were delighted with a full view of San Diego and the bay. It was glorious. The waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. On a very busy Memorial day weekend she took time with us and made great recommendations. Service was a bit slow but that was to be expected and we enjoyed taking our time. We ended up sharing 4 appetizers and drinking the famous and delicious Mai Tais. (You only need one!) The energy level was high as it was a busy Friday night and lots of families but our table still felt intimate. The decor and vibe are fun and the food is delicious. Coconut shrimp and Ahi Poke were my favorite. Great experience!
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    Our server was very nice and we were seated by the window. It was a very special experience. Thank you Bali Hai!
    

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12. MS

    MikayleS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We only had drinks, appetizers, and desserts and they were all fabulous.
    

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13. YB

    YedidB

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server was amazing, food was delicious and family friendly. A little slice of Hawaii in San Diego…Great spot! We love it!
    

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14. HB

    HillaryB

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful evening with fantastic food and the service was above and beyond! Looking forward to our next visit.
    

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15. F

    Fromonecheftoanother

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    we were hoping for a great time... the wait for the food was very very long, the food in itself was not what we expected. The appetizers for 2 gave us two previously frozen shrimps in a coating, two spinach cheese rolls which were okay, 2 skewers that were obviously from a food processing factory, tasteless, as well as the two porkribs.. However the ahi poke was outstanding, we think, mainly because we had them specially ordered without the onions (which should not be there at all) The maincourses were sort of okay but very pricy for 3 scallops on a bed of practically raw stringbeans which were hard to chew. The seared tuna slices with a crispy coating consists of 8 okay slices and two different slices which were probably left overs from either the kitchen or somebody else.. we did not touch them. The restaurant is gorgeous, the employees are great, but we suggest they should get better chefs and better quality food.
    

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16. MB

    MikeB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    All good in the neighborhood for my friends birthday question the price is a little expensive but the food is good. Service is great and we can deliver that reach to go .
    

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17. GP

    GaryP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place. Drinks were a bit expensive and like the good ole days, thought bottomless mimosas should be included. But, it is what it is. Overall, great place
    

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18. RY

    RobertY

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    It was reasonably priced and had some ambience , I wasnt really impressed with their food , my sandwich had a propane taste and honestly …. And the world famous Mai Tai want the best either …. Next time I will pay for good food over ambience I guess ;/
    

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19. D

    Dine

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    Fish and chips were horrible....used to be the best...tarter sauce was poor quality...informed waiter and greeter...no action taken
    

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20. DL

    DavidL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience5

    Service excellent; food presentation very dated and quality is low. It looks and taste like a upper level truck stop cafe
    

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21. TS

    TrayS

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall4food3service2ambience5

    Bali Hai has been my favorite restaurant in San Diego for 50 years. I setup a romantic dinner reservation for my new bride and I on a short trip to SD. Indeed the reservation was dealt with marvelous - I got my favorite table and they were prepared for our birthdays. Wait staff was initially very attentive and personable. Drinks were marvelous (wife has great lemon drop martini and I, of course, had one of their magnificent mai tais. Two elements of disappointment. The first was the menu - a complete change from what was so wonderful in the past (no sweet and sour items - all seem to be geared toward a different crowd "fusion." Second disappointment was the service. Initially great but then declined rapidly as our waiter concentrated on a large group seated next to us. We waited for more than a 1/2 hour between our appetizer and our main courses, and my wife's first experience at Bali Hai was spoiled by the less than appetizing shrimp dinner. In fairness, the management apologized and offered the drinks for free and no cost for the missing portion of my entree. Unfortunately, this may mean the above may mean the end of my long Shelter Island preference - even though their mai tais are better than any I've had in Hawaii, BVI and caribbean, Cook islands or Tahiti.
    

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22. a

    anniedutchgirl1950

    San Diego

    24 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food3service5ambience1

    We feltlike we were cattle herded into a feed trough. It was SO CROWDED and the Bali Hai put tables up where there should not have been tables. If the fire Marshall had come in he would have closed them down. You could barely find enough space to walk to the buffet and getting back to your table was a maze. We were stuck behind a pillar. Getting in and out of our seats we were butted up to other guests and we all had to keep saying excuse. A lady was there in a wheel chair and when it was time for her to leave about a dozen people had to move their chairs. $300 for three people with the tip. It was not THE greatest food. Our reservation was at 12:45 and we seriously felt like herded cattle. The waiter was very good. I think his name was Vincent or Victor. We will pass on this restaurant in the future.
    

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23. SS

    SheriS

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    It was a nice time. I don’t believe the cost should go up significantly just because it’s Mothers Day. Food was decent.
    

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24. TL

    TerriL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was fresh and amazing. Our server was really pleasant and accomadating.
    

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25. SK

    StephenK

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    We sat outside for my mom's Mother's Day the day prior to beat the crowds. It is quieter and easier for her to hear (hearing aid) outside vs. inside. Food and ambiance good as usual. Spicy macaroni not what was expecting (ok), and dessert portions a bit small for the price.
    

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26. KF

    KarenF

    Central Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Great food, wonderful service, & fun drink selection. However, it was very loud, but everyone sounded like they were having a good time. Would not recommend if you're looking for a calm, quiet dinner.
    

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27. J

    Jackie

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience2

    Bali Hai has a fabulous view. We decided to celebrate our anniversary there for the ambience. We were disappointed to find dozens of small drain flies all over the windows. One landed on my face, one on our table. After dark they all disappeared but it was a great disappointment.
    

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28. CA

    CindyA

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Love this place. Good views and food. Service is good enough. The food can be spicy so watch out. The drinks are good. Husband loves their Mai Tai, comes with a warning so eat a lot of food too.
    

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    I requested a table by the window and I did get it. Very beautiful view from our table.The appetizers were very good.
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    Restaurant is very nicely situated by the water with amazing views. However, since I go to many great restaurants the quality here is not amazing. It’s ok, more like a seafood version of Outback Steakhouse.. not a high quality restaurant. However the views are great. The drinks are not that bad since I love fruity drinks ! Service was very slow but I don’t mind since I can take time to look at the amazing views.
    

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31. CB

    CharlesB

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    I think for what it is, the seafood buffet was good and the Aisan-inspired buffet foods were decent. Seafood offering included, peel and eat shrimp, ahi poke, oysters on the half shell and snow crab legs. Beautiful view!
    

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32. FJ

    FarrahJ

    Las Vegas

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    The location is excellent and the service was amazing. I was not impressed by the oyster appetizer, they tasted fishy and needed acid. Our entrees were good but were not amazing for a return visit.
    

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33. s

    scottb

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience5

    Great view of the city, the food wasn’t quite as good as the view
    

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34. JB

    JBrown

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great view of San Diego, food is excellent and most of all the mai tai's are the best! Only negative is it's pricey, but you get what you pay for.
    

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We really enjoyed having Victor as our waiter and the sunset views were breathtaking!
    

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We celebrate our anniversary here yearly. It's always perfect. Staff is so friendly, food is delicious and views are spectacular
    

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37. LA

    LittleAirDog

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    Mai Tais we’re great as usual. However the food was poor and the service was average. We come here frequently and we were very disappointed.
    

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38. M

    Mike

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    Nice to be right on the water but an underwhelming menu.
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Best Food, Drinks, View and Staff in all of San Diego! We always enjoy visiting with Hannah and Feeling like part of the Bali Hai Ohana! Our Servers Aaron and Marisa have the best personalities and welcoming attitude! Just completely adore them!
    

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40. WL

    WeLuv2DineOut

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great resturant with excellent food, service plus a fantastic view of the harbor with the downtown San Diego skyline in the distance. We sat outside on the balcony and it was much quieter than sitting inside where the noise level was a bit much. It's got a nice Hawaiian vibe you almost feel like you are in Waikiki!
    

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