Best Upscale Hawaiian Restaurants in San Diego | Upscale Hawaiian Food

17 restaurants in Best Upscale Hawaiian Restaurants in San Diego | Upscale Hawaiian Food

• Pokewan — Japanese · rated 5/5: This vibrant, sun-drenched spot invites diners to craft their own edible art, where the cool silkiness of premium raw fish meets the crunch of seaweed salad and the sharp, clean heat of fresh-grated wasabi. From the bold, savory depth of the Miso Nutty to the fiery kick of the Hotty Hotty, every bowl is a customizable explosion of Pacific-inspired flavors designed to both nourish and energize.
• Sbicca — American · rated 4/5: Sbicca offers a sun-drenched coastal escape where the briny scent of freshly shucked oysters mingles with the sophisticated hum of a neighborhood favorite. Platters of chilled Sequim Bay sapphires and vibrant bluefin poke celebrate the ocean’s bounty, while velvety bisques and citrus-bright salads provide a refined balance to the seaside fare. Whether lingering over a crisp glass of wine or savoring decadent crab-stuffed oysters, guests find themselves enveloped in an atmosphere of effortless elegance and culinary artistry.
• Leilani's Cafe — American · rated 4/5: Leilani’s Cafe radiates the soulful warmth of the islands, inviting guests into a space where the comforting aroma of simmering saimin soup and sweet teriyaki glaze fills the air. Vibrant bowls of fresh ahi and strawberry-topped greens offer a bright contrast to hearty plates of hamburger steak and house-style spam musubi, creating a nostalgic, aloha-filled retreat that celebrates the diverse flavors of Hawaii. This neighborhood gem transforms simple ingredients into a coastal escape, where every savory bite feels like a sun-drenched afternoon in the Pacific.
• Wonderland Ocean Pub — Seafood · rated 3/5: Wonderland Ocean Pub captures the breezy, salt-kissed energy of the coast, offering a vibrant space where the rhythm of the waves seems to pulse through the lively, sun-drenched dining room. The kitchen celebrates the sea with a playful elegance, serving everything from citrus-bright ceviche and ahi poke to the warm, golden indulgence of coconut shrimp and savory stuffed sourdough. It is a whimsical seaside retreat where chilled platters of briny oysters and creative comforts like New England-style poutine turn a casual afternoon into a spirited coastal celebration.
• Monarch Ocean Pub — Seafood · rated 3/5: Perched where the salt air meets a lively social energy, this coastal retreat invites guests to linger over sun-drenched views and the rhythmic sound of the waves. The kitchen celebrates the sea with chilled platters of shucked oysters and vibrant tuna poke, while the comforting aroma of buttery Parker House rolls and smoky wings drifts through the breezy, open-air space. It is a spirited sanctuary where elevated pub fare and the effortless charm of the shore come together for an unforgettable seaside gathering.
• Cafe Pascale Grill & Deli — American · rated 3/5: Cafe Pascale Grill & Deli serves as a vibrant culinary crossroads where the morning aroma of golden crepes and fruit-laden acai bowls gives way to a bustling afternoon of global flavors. The air hums with the sizzle of the grill and the fragrant steam of pad thai and butter chicken, offering a diverse landscape where crispy fried chicken sits comfortably alongside fresh, colorful poke bowls. It is a soulful, all-day sanctuary that captures the essence of a world-class marketplace, inviting guests to explore a rich tapestry of international comfort food in one inviting space.
• The Corner Drafthouse — American: This vibrant neighborhood hub pulses with social energy, inviting guests into a space where the clink of craft beer glasses harmonizes with the savory aroma of elevated comfort food. Diners gather over colorful towers of ahi poke nachos and crispy buffalo cauliflower, sharing a parade of gourmet sliders that range from zesty buffalo chicken to ginger-kissed seared tuna. The kitchen balances bold, spicy kicks with fresh, seasonal brightness, creating a spirited atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a modern, upscale drafthouse.
• Milk & Cookies — American: This charming bakery serves as a fragrant sanctuary where the scent of warm vanilla and browning butter invites guests to indulge in a rotating collection of decadent, hand-crafted treats. From the nostalgic pull of a gooey s'mores cookie to the bright, zesty burst of lemon blueberry, each creation is baked to perfection with a focus on rich textures and bold, imaginative flavors. Whether you're craving the salty-sweet crunch of toffee or the tropical flair of a Royal Hawaiian, every visit promises a warm, comforting escape into the art of the perfect cookie.
• Lazy Hippo — American: Lazy Hippo pulses with a high-octane energy, where the neon glow of the Aviator screen and the rhythmic shuffle of live cards create a sophisticated playground for the modern thrill-seeker. Guests are swept into a world of vibrant play, moving seamlessly from the strategic tension of the poker table to the dizzying, colorful spectacle of Crazy Time. It is an immersive social hub where the clink of glasses underscores the excitement of the roulette wheel, offering an electric escape that blends the art of the game with an atmosphere of effortless cool.
• El Pescador Fish Market — Seafood: The salt-kissed air of El Pescador Fish Market invites diners into a lively sanctuary where the day’s freshest catch is transformed into artful plates of poke and shimmering sashimi. Between the cool, briny snap of boutique oysters and the soul-warming steam rising from bowls of rich clam chowder, the experience captures the vibrant, unadorned essence of the coast in every bite.
• Urbn Sushi — Japanese: Urbn Sushi pulses with a modern, high-energy vibe where the savory aroma of garlic-charred edamame and the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer create an immediate sense of culinary excitement. The kitchen masters the art of the crunch, serving up golden chicken karaage and delicate tempura alongside inventive bites like spicy tuna perched on crispy rice and the nostalgic, salty comfort of spam musubi. It is a sleek urban retreat that transforms traditional Japanese appetizers into a vibrant, shared feast perfect for lively gatherings and bold flavor seekers.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: This vibrant eatery captures the laid-back spirit of the islands, welcoming guests with the savory aroma of teriyaki-glazed meats and the rhythmic sizzle of the grill. Heaping plate lunches celebrate the ultimate Hawaiian comfort food, pairing crispy katsu or smoky kalua pork with signature scoops of chilled macaroni salad and fluffy white rice for a hearty, soul-warming experience.
• bluepokē — Japanese: A bright, coastal-inspired sanctuary where the vibrant colors of premium sashimi and crisp, garden-fresh toppings create a feast for the eyes. Diners craft their own edible art, layering silken cubes of fish with zesty house-made sauces and crunchy textures to capture the refreshing essence of a Hawaiian breeze in every bowl.
• Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — American: Lush, sprawling gardens provide a verdant backdrop for this vibrant sanctuary, where the industrial soul of craft brewing meets a world of bold, globally-inspired flavors. Guests gather amidst stone-carved landscapes to share inventive plates like ahi poke nachos and crispy Kung Pao brussels sprouts, creating a communal feast that bridges the gap between a high-energy taproom and a tranquil outdoor escape.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: This vibrant eatery captures the laid-back spirit of the islands, where the air is thick with the savory-sweet aroma of caramelized teriyaki glaze and sizzling grills. Heaping plate lunches anchor the experience, featuring everything from golden, panko-crusted chicken katsu to smoky kalua pork that melts away alongside scoops of cool macaroni salad and white rice. It is a sun-drenched celebration of Hawaiian comfort food, offering a soulful taste of aloha that transports diners straight to a beachside surf shack.
• 369 Ramen. Poke. Chinese. — Japanese: This lively urban eatery serves as a vibrant crossroads of Pan-Asian flavors, where the comforting steam of rich, slow-simmered ramen bowls mingles with the bright, chilled freshness of colorful poke. The kitchen pulses with the rhythmic clatter of woks tossing savory Chinese staples, creating a welcoming space where diners can journey from soul-warming broths to crisp, ocean-fresh delights in a single sitting.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbeque — American: L&L Hawaiian Barbeque captures the laid-back essence of island life through its iconic plate lunches, where the comforting aroma of sweet soy and smoky char fills the bustling space. Golden-brown chicken katsu and tender, slow-cooked kalua pork take center stage alongside signature scoops of creamy macaroni salad, offering a hearty celebration of Hawaii’s diverse culinary heritage. From the rich, gravy-drenched layers of a classic loco moco to the savory snap of grilled short ribs, every bite delivers a sun-drenched escape into the soulful flavors of the Pacific.