San Diego is home to a thriving culinary scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines.
However, if you're in the mood for some tropical flavors, you'll be pleased to know that the city has a host of excellent Hawaiian restaurants. These eateries are known for their fresh seafood, juicy meats, and delicious tropical drinks.
The best Hawaiian restaurants in San Diego offer a unique blend of island flavors and SoCal vibes. Whether you're craving poke bowls, spam musubi, or kalua pork, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
From casual beachside cafes to upscale dining establishments, there's a Hawaiian restaurant for every occasion.
What sets these restaurants apart from other dining options is their focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Many of the dishes feature seafood caught off the coast of San Diego, while others highlight produce from nearby farms.
Whether you're a die-hard foodie or simply looking for a fun night out, these Hawaiian restaurants are sure to impress. So, without further ado, let's dive into the best Hawaiian restaurants in San Diego.
1. Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill
Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill offers delicious and authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
The poke bowls and Haupia are highly recommended, as well as the steak teriyaki plate.
The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
The restaurant is small, but the food is worth a visit.
2. It's Raw Poke Shop
It's Raw Poke Shop is a tiny Hawaiian takeout restaurant that serves some of the freshest poke in town.
The fish is seasoned perfectly and the portions are generous.
Although the prices are a bit on the higher side, the quality of the food is worth it.
The wait in line can be long, but it's definitely worth it. It's Raw Poke Shop is a must-try for anyone who loves poke.
3. Poki One N Half
Poki One N Half is a contemporary fast food bar that serves up fresh and delicious seafood poke bowls and burritos.
Their menu offers a variety of options to choose from, including salmon, tuna, scallops, and spicy tuna, all of which are perfectly paired with a range of toppings and sauces.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is quick and efficient. The restaurant is beautifully designed and has plenty of seating available for customers.
Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner, Poki One N Half is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings for Hawaiian cuisine.
4. PB Poke House
PB Poke House is a seafood restaurant that offers delicious and authentic Hawaiian poke bowls. The staff is super friendly and the service is quick.
The portions are generous and the food is fresh, making it stand out from other chain poke locations.
The outdoor seating area is small but cozy and offers a refreshing beach breeze. While the prices are a bit on the higher side, the quality of food justifies the cost.
If you're looking for a casual spot to grab a tasty poke bowl, PB Poke House is definitely worth checking out.
5. Mahalo Shave Ice Co
Mahalo Shave Ice Co offers a slice of Hawaii in the form of delicious shaved ice and dole whip.
With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, customers can experience the authentic taste of Hawaiian shave ice without leaving the city.
The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, making it a great spot for dessert or a quick snack.
If you're looking for a taste of the islands, Mahalo Shave Ice Co is the place to be.
6. Pacific Poke
Pacific Poke is a must-visit for anyone craving fresh and delicious poke bowls. The restaurant offers a variety of fish and toppings, and its marinated creations are a standout.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to offer recommendations and go above and beyond to ensure a great dining experience.
The restaurant also offers a selection of drinks to complement your meal.
Whether you're a poke aficionado or a newcomer, Pacific Poke is a must-try for anyone in search of healthy and tasty food.
7. Daybreak Island Grill
Daybreak Island Grill is a must-visit Hawaiian restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxing and the customer service is exceptional.
The food is amazing, especially the banana bread French toast and Maui wowi pancakes. The staff is friendly and accommodating to four-legged family members, offering a pet bowl for dogs.
The Kalua Pork Benedict with gravy is a must-try. The restaurant is also very dog-friendly, providing water bowls and a dog menu.
The Veggie breakfast burrito is another delicious option. If you're in the Ocean Beach area, stop by Daybreak Island Grill for a fantastic breakfast or lunch.
8. Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill
Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill is a Hawaiian restaurant that offers delicious food and a friendly staff.
The Huli Huli Chicken is a must-try, with a mouth-watering sauce and generously sized portions. The combo plate, featuring chicken and pork, is another great option.
Despite being busy on Sundays, the service is quick and efficient. The teriyaki chicken plate is a satisfying choice for sharing.
The Kalua pork is also recommended. All in all, Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a taste of Hawaiian cuisine.
9. Pokedon
Pokedon is a must-try for anyone who loves poke. The restaurant offers fresh and delicious poke bowls with a variety of customizable options to fit any dietary need.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a great dining experience.
The diverse sauce list is on point and adds a unique touch to each bowl. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with games available for diners to play while they wait.
Pokedon is highly recommended for anyone looking for a tasty and satisfying poke bowl.
10. Hi Poke 871 G st
Looking for fresh and flavorful poke bowls in town, then Hi Poke 871 G st is the place to be.
Their friendly staff serves up a delicious selection of poke options with an impressive variety of add-ons to choose from.
The ingredients are fresh and the portions are just right. The eel bowl is a must-try for seafood lovers.
The restaurant also carries beers at reasonable prices. Highly recommended for anyone craving a delicious and healthy meal.
11. Homestyle Hawaiian
Homestyle Hawaiian offers top-tier authentic Hawaiian food with a nice variety of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean dishes.
The portions are fair for the price, and the service is great. Customers can choose to eat inside or take out, and catering services are also available.
The restaurant is known for its Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Lava Chicken, and the Dole Whip pineapple dessert is a must-try.
Although the space is small, the staff is accommodating and friendly. Homestyle Hawaiian is a great place to grab a quick and delicious meal.
12. Homestyle Hawaiian Point Loma/Midway
Homestyle Hawaiian Point Loma/Midway is a locally owned Hawaiian restaurant that serves up delicious and authentic plate lunches.
The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is cozy, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of food. The Korean chicken plate is a standout dish and the lava sauce is a must-try.
For those craving some Hawaiian comfort food, Homestyle Hawaiian Point Loma/Midway is definitely worth a visit.
13. Chamorro Grill
Chamorro Grill offers a unique cuisine that is hard to find elsewhere.
The restaurant serves up a fusion of Chamorro, Filipino, and Hawaiian dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. The BBQ is always on point, and the portions are generous.
The staff is friendly and happy to explain the different items on the menu. The restaurant is clean and not too crowded, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
If you're looking for some authentic island food, Chamorro Grill is the place to go.
14. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers delicious and authentic Hawaiian cuisine. The portions are generous and the service is quick and friendly.
The menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, including BBQ mix plates and garlic shrimp.
The restaurant has a relaxed island-themed atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal.
Prices are reasonable for the amount and quality of food. This is a great spot for those wanting to try something new and tasty.
