Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kalei's Kitchenette

    4.3 (273 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Kalei's Kitchenette Photos

    Business Info

    KALEI'S KITCHENETTE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

    More like Kalei's Kitchenette

    Recommended Reviews - Kalei's Kitchenette

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu as of June 2026
    Maria H.

    Hidden and very tasty Hawaiian food restaurant in PQ. I never knew this place existed even though I live around the corner, but so glad I discovered it. The cashier was very nice and offered their weekly special. Service was great and my order came out promptly. They are closed on Mondays and Sundays and open till 7pm. Parking can be a bit hectic since the sports bar is right in front of it and plaza is very busy. I ordered the garlic chicken combo plate and that did not disappoint. Perfectly crispy and moist chicken in a sweet and tangy garlic sauce that is not overpowered by the garlic. The combo plate comes with 2 sides, I chose the furikaki rice and macaroni salad, the macaroni salad needed a bit more flavor, but it complemented well with the garlic sauce. Will be back to other dishes and the cucumber salad. They also have some desserts with appeared to be homemade.

    Kalei's plate with garlic and huli huli chicken
    Maynard O.

    My wife and I came here on a Friday morning right when they opened at 11. There was plenty of parking outside on this holiday weekend and we were the first ones in so there wasn't much of an ambience, but it was very nice and organized inside. The girl who greeted us was nice and customer service was about standard. We ordered the Kalei's 2-item plate with garlic and huli huli chicken, Mac salad and rice. The garlic chicken was the star of the show. Crunchy, juicy, and the flavor was there. Huli huli was okay, but was a bit dry for being a chicken thigh and drenched with barbecue sauce so we couldn't taste the char/marinade/dry rub. Overall, I got my plate lunch fix, but I wouldn't drive all the way up here. I'd probably come back just for the garlic chicken, but only if I had business in the area.

    Alan S.

    Solid four stars at a five and I give this rating because the flavors were on point and the Cooley chicken and pork. We're all cooked very well. Spam musubi was just OK and felt like you could definitely make it at home versus the 4.50 you'd spend. Service OK nothing outstanding because it felt more like a café than a restaurant and it makes sense because there was no inside seating. They have outdoor seating which was nice. Love the decor and the story behind this place. I decided to come here for my birthday and it was a nice treat because I was looking for more Hawaiian spots in San Diego. The mac & cheese was great I wish as a side they added more furike seasoning on the rice. Again, these are just small changes but overall the food is great solid and everything tasted delicious.

    Poke plate (half shoyu/half spicy ahi) only available on Saturdays
    Pauline T.

    I'm gonna be honest, I'm not usually a big ahi fan and so I tend to avoid going to poke places that don't have salmon as an option but this place has definitely changed my mindset. I came in on a Saturday afternoon and ordered the poke plate with half spicy ahi and shoyu ahi. The price was a bit steep at around $25 but when I tell you, I completely demolished it within 10 mins... I got it to go but it smelled so good that I had to eat it in my car still parked right in front LOL. The ahi doesn't have an irony taste like other ahi I've tried from some other places. I think I definitely prefer the shoyu flavor though! I'm definitely coming back and bringing my boyfriend to try the other plates they offer!

    Hulihuli chicken mini plate - yummy
    Vivian H.

    Met a colleague friend here for lunch and enjoyed my lunch here. I wasnt sure what to order here as poke is only available on Saturday so I tried the hulihuli chicken mini meal. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat a plate in one sitting so I am glad I got a mini meal. I also couldnt resist the butter mochi with coconut and got an oder of that. Also, there is a lower price for cash vs card, so you can save some money by having cash ready. Limited seating here so not the best place to dine in but we got lucky and gor a table inside. Overall, food was good and loved the butter mochi. I'd definitely come back!

    Kalei's plate: Garlic chicken, kalua pork, 2 Mac salad
    Catherine G.

    My friend recommended this place to me and it is so good! For my Kalei's plate, my two proteins were garlic chicken and Kalua pork and I got two sides of Mac salad. There is very limited indoor seating so I ended up taking it to go. Service was pretty fast and friendly. Overall: 5/5 flavors were very good together, garlic chicken was nice and crunchy, and I love their mac salad

    Hurricane chicken plate, poke, side of Mac salad
    Jetrina M.

    We went here for a late lunch and it was not busy at all. We ordered the hurricane chicken plate, side of Mac salad and poke to share. We loved the flavor of the fried chicken, though I think next time I would just get the fried chicken as I felt like the sauce was a little too much. The cucumber salad was ver refreshing and would definitely get again as well. We enjoyed the poke and it was a pretty large portion. Minimal searing inside and out, probably about 4-6 seats total. Free parking in the shared lot.

    Kalua pork with rice and Mac salad

    First time checking this place out and it did not disappoint. Husband had the Poke Plate and I had the Kalua pork with Mac salad and rice. Service was friendly and the food came out quick. We sat inside and another couple occupied the other table. 4 seats inside. While we were there, lots of people were picking up online orders. The poke was fresh and the Kalua pork was delicious. Both are winners in our book. We each also had the Hawaiian sun soda. They have Merch available inside too. We will definitely come back. They also do catering.

    Dana R.

    The last two years we have ordered take out for our day after Christmas lunch with family. We love this place. We usually order the tofu katsu, spam mysabi, teriyaki beef, garlic chicken, and crab salmon dynamite. The best thing by far is the crab salmon dynamite. I'm not a fan of the macaroni salad. They don't take orders over the phone so we went in and ordered then went back and picked it up. Less than ideal. There is no where to eat inside. Everyone working was super friendly. My design daughter really likes their graphics. Parking is in front.

    Loco Moco
    Josh M.

    Food was decent. Thought I'd try my luck with a new spot for loco moco. The food/gravy could have used some salt. Also for $22 I should get more than a tiny scoop of rice. $22 is really high for a Loco Moco. I had high hopes but left disappointed. Seating is also very limited inside. The staff was super nice also.

    Crispy chicken combo plate ($15): comes with your choice of two sides (rice, mac salad, or pickled cucumber salad).
    Grace L.

    Right when I entered, I was warmly greeted by the workers. I decided to pick a combo plate, which comes with a protein, and your choice of two sides (rice, mac salad, or pickled cucumber salad). For my protein, I decided on garlic chicken ($15) because it's deep fried and comes with mirin sauce. This was my favorite protein out of all the ones that I tried. I also got the Kalei's Plate which allows you to pick two proteins (excluding loco loco and tofu katsu) so I went with teriyaki beef and kalua pork. In order of my personal favorites for the proteins: 1. Garlic chicken 2. Kalua pork 3. Teriyaki beef For the sides: 1. Mac salad 2. Rice 3. Cucumber salad One of the times that I ordered at Kalei's, I got to meet the owner. She was so warm and welcoming, and really left such a great lasting impression on me. I highly recommend Kalei's the next time that you're craving Hawaiian food! They really embody the aloha spirit in addition to their delicious Hawaiian food.

    Outside
    Rachel G.

    Definitely a favorite for Hawaiian food for me! It's a cute and intimate little place to enjoy some delicious food. The service is usually cheerful & friendly! Never a complaint and I've always been served with a smile. As far as the food goes, I've eaten here a few times, trying the loco moco and kalua pork. The rice is always cooked just right - not too dry but not too wet to the point of being mushy. The egg still has runny yolk and the patty has good flavor for the loco moco. The kalua pork was most & had a smoky flavor! Mac salad is great, but still contending to be my favorite. My parents really enjoyed their garlic chicken as well! Can't wait to visit again

    Combo plate: Teriyaki beef and Kalua pork
    Justin C.

    I was craving Hawaiin food and in the North County area, so I swung by this wonderful Hawaiin establishment. This is a newer eatery and the ownership really strives to bring the Hawaiin hospitality and culture to San Diego. I would say they succeeded! I got a combo "Kalei's Plate" $17 which meant I got to pick my two proteins and a garlic chicken plate: - Garlic chicken + cucumber salad + mac salad - Kalua Pork and Teriyaki beef + mac salad + rice - Two spam Masubis ($4 each) The kalua pork was my favorite, moist and bursting with flavor. The garlic chicken was deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy and on the inside. They do a fantastic job with the Mac salad. The food was very filling and was good for a filling dinner for my wife and I and an extra midnight snack. Service is very friendly and there are some limited seating options. I really enjoyed reading the history of Chef Andy and his team. I really appreciated the owner's wife who came to greet my wife and I warmly and explain the history of some of the dishes. This is a regular rotation in our dinners whenever we are craving Hawaiin!

    Garlic chicken plate with white rice and mac salad

    See all

    Photo of Maria A.
    10
    20
    19

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Craig L.
    1
    276
    59

    25 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 5
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hazel D.
    67
    41
    112

    10 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ari R.
    213
    371
    3664

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Josh M.
    4
    64
    15

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike E.
    0
    17
    23

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tina T.
    1
    18
    22

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Judy C.
    9
    47
    92

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ray S.
    641
    146
    1098

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pay W.
    0
    62
    21

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andy M.

    Andy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Kalei's Kitchenette Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kalei's Kitchenette

    Hi! Do you offer military discount?

    Aloha Jillian, Thank you for your question! At this time, we do not offer a military discount. We… 

    Hi Andy, on your website. I'm looking using my phone for itemized or combo dishes, not the party trays. You show a crab Friday combo special. I looked for more info on that plate. Where can I view the info on the plate?

    Aloha Tyler! The best way is to go to our online portal: https://order.spoton.com/so-kaleis-kitchenette-12848/san-diego-ca/63f6a311d8bba0b9b2ee71a2 and change the date to Friday -- pretend that you are about to put an online order.… 

    Another vote for malasadas, please?

    Is the Huli Huli chicken sauce made with Sweet baby rays?

    Aloha Albert! we make our own marinade and sauce for all our dishes.

    Will you ever serve lau lau's?

    Do you have malasadas?

    No we don’t. Sorry. Maybe in the future.

    View All 7 Questions

    Homestyle Hawaiian

    Homestyle Hawaiian

    3.9
    (2.3k reviews)
    11.3 mi
    $$

    This is a solid, fast-casual spot for Hawaiian food! I ordered the Korean Fried Chicken plate, and…read morereplaced the rice with their salad (mac salad+rice is kind of heavy for me personally!) The chicken is crispy, and the sauce is so yummy- both sweet and savory! The mac salad is flavorful, but the texture is slightly softer than I like. The workers are also super friendly here, and service is fast! The price is a little steep, but the portion size is generous enough where I mind it too much. One thing to note is that they do not have water on tap, only for sale- I recommend bringing a water bottle if you do not plan on getting a real drink from them!

    Soooo I came to this place when it first opened . Amazing family from Maui opened it. You walked in…read moreto island music, island vibes and the food took me right back to my Hawaiian vacation. It became a spot we went to often . Over the years I had not been , realized I needed that island vibes today..... It's been a couple years since I have been here... there were two types of music playing when I arrived : today's hits and mariachi playing over eachother at the exact same time. Service : the three ladies working the front were amazing very kind and helpful. I ordered Garlic shrimp with rice and mac salad The shrimp was slightly over cooked but the sauce was pretty good and the garlic sauce was on the rice and the Mac salad was great . Shrimp Gets a 4/5 rice 4/5 and mac salad 4/5 Sausage Masubi No Masubi sauce on it ....rice was fine... sausage was so over cooked it was actually shriveled up little piece not even a big slice of sausage . Basically the texture of pepperoni. No sauce again... dry and tasteless so I tossed it 0/5 Kalbi ribs (picture ) One of my favorite dishes . The picture is how my ribs came (I had not eaten one ounce of meat off them) because there was no meat. The marinade was not what it used to be but it was sweet and savory so that's fine. They were def marinated . The one rib I could get meat off was so hard and chewy and dry... Now In Hawaii they have ribs hanging above the stove that are not always the grill type. they are almost air dried, and heat cooked but they are tender and have meat on the bones . This was not that. I usually never return food it has to be bad but I was not paying for meat that didn't exist and beef jerky . The ladies up front worked their handsets to get me a refund (they had to call their boss to try and figure it out ). I appreciate their great attitude and time . Not sure I actually got a refund In The end of all of it, but that's ok they tried. 0/5 on the ribs I don't know if anyone knows if this place is under different management or ownership since when they opened... but it has taken a huge dive. I'm sad. The average stars for everything is 2.5

    Photos
    Homestyle Hawaiian
    Garlic Shrimp Scampi
    Garlic Shrimp Scampi
    Poke Nachos - fried wantons with 2 styles of ahi poké, avocado, seaweed, and imitation crab.

    See all

    Poke Nachos - fried wantons with 2 styles of ahi poké, avocado, seaweed, and imitation crab.
    Katsu Cafe

    Katsu Cafe

    3.9
    (913 reviews)
    9.3 mi
    $$

    Casual order-at-the-counter Japanese place that serves dishes like teriyaki chicken, sushi, ramen,…read moreyakisoba, etc. Their menu is massive, and the selection is quite friendly towards those who are new to Japanese food. The specials are a great deal as the portion is massive and enough to share between two people comfortably. If you dine in, most entrees also come with miso soup. The curry chicken katsu was nothing special; the curry was a little lacking in flavor, and I would've appreciated a salad of some sort to add variety and freshness. The macaroni salad is good though. The D2 special is great value and variety. It comes with miso soup, tempura, salad, macaroni salad, and teriyaki chicken on a bed of fried rice. The fried rice has a shockingly good wok flavor, and the teriyaki is quite good. Not a dish that will blow your mind, but definitely hits the spot without breaking the bank. They have some tables outside if you have a dog or prefer to sit there right by the parking lot; your food will still be brought out to you, just let them know when you order.

    One star, and it pains me to write it because we've been a loyal regular customer here for years…read morebut the service has just gone down the hill and the staff was so rude to us. We came in at 7:30 pm and the person at the counter rushed us through our order like we were a nuisance for being there. When the food came out, they brought my 8-year-old son a bowl of raw salmon. We had ordered baked. When I asked them to exchange for baked salmon she refused saying "once it leaves the kitchen, no refunds". I was really startled because the tone and brashness of the refusal was something I have never experienced at any restaurant. I told them I didn't want a refund. I just wanted the baked salmon which I thought we had actually ordered. She still refused but offered to get us a baked salmon plate if we paid for it. To the owner: please take a look at your night staff. Loyal customers shouldn't be treated like a nuisance, and a simple fix shouldn't turn into a standoff over policy.

    Photos
    Part of inside (it's about double the size of this)
    Part of inside (it's about double the size of this)
    Crunchy roll
    Crunchy roll
    Pork katsu and tempura shrimp roll

    See all

    Pork katsu and tempura shrimp roll

    Kalei's Kitchenette - hawaiian - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...