Bali Hai Restaurant

Locals and visitors flock to San Diego’s iconic Bali Hai Restaurant for its beautiful views and distinctive Pacific Rim style menu. The landmark restaurant, located on the northern tip of Shelter Island, is a chic, sleek Polynesian paradise opened in 1955 by San Diego restaurateur Tom Ham. Bali Hai was the island’s first “tiki temple,” named after the song popularized by the musical “South Pacific,” and remains one of the largest remaining original tiki temples. Family owned and operated for over five decades, Ham’s vision continues through his daughter Susie Baumann and her husband Larry, and sons Grant, Andy and Tommy. Generations of diners come for the delicious food, spectacular views and, of course, the restaurant’s world famous Bali Hai Mai Tais. Its Asian-inspired food features farm fresh ingredients with Hawaiian, Chinese and Japanese influences. The restaurant’s renovation in 2010 by architect Graham Downes added an outdoor dining deck and showcased the enchanting island setting, sophisticated culinary style and passion for Asian and Hawaiian culture, traditions and heritage.