Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Say Aloha

    4.9 (28 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Say Aloha Reservations

    Order Say Aloha Takeout or Delivery

    Say Aloha Photos

    SAY ALOHA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Say Aloha

    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

    Mikey H.

    This is a hidden gem, and I mean hidden. You first have to look for the sign on University St., right near AWOL. Once you venture inside, if you look lost, someone might tell you where to go, but if not, veer to the left side and enter. There are some tables in a cozy dining room, and a counter. If you wait, someone will come out and greet you. When we went, there were a couple of groups playing D&D. There was another group doing a taste test of a new dish. The energy is upbeat! We sat in the back patio which was perfect for Cako. Our server was so friendly! I didn't get her name, but she looked like the only one serving tables. The menu is not extensive. Though we thought a loco moco would be on it, I settled for The Jim Special which came with chicken katsu and chicken teriyaki, steamed rice and mac salad. This was really good! Lightly breaded with panko, and tonkatsu sauce for dipping. The sauce on the teriyaki was perfect and not overly sweet like some places. I also ordered a Spam musubi, which was perfectly made, but I didn't care for the hoisin sauce drizzled plate that it sat on. It just changed the flavor. I think there's a full bar, but I ordered an iced tea, which was a mango iced tea that was sweetened. Not my favorite way for iced tea, but it was refreshing. I do look forward to coming back and have added them to my rotation. Parking is only street and can be a challenge. Again, the relaxing vibe on the patio makes all the difference. Plus it's dog friendly! Cako Approves!

    Teriyaki Chicken & Rice
    Danielle E.

    My husband and I were looking for some solid chicken and rice bowls and found Say Aloha. This place is awesome. The owners are very welcoming and friendly. Ordered the teriyaki chicken bowl and it was delicious. They put a good amount of sauce on top and the mac salad was probably one of the best I've had. The patio seating area is well decorated and they had fans overhead going. We will definitely be back!

    I don't usually write reviews, but this place absolutely deserves one! My husband came across Say Aloha, tucked inside a shared space a beautiful outdoor patio. We order the teriyaki chicken and two rib combo w/chicken katsu. Every single bite was so flavorful, meat was perfectly marinated and tender. Couldn't stop talking about how delicious everything was throughout our meal. What made the experience even more special was the service, found out the people taking care of us were the owners and chef, the kindest, most welcoming people we've met. You can truly tell they put so much love and passion into their food. If you're looking for authentic Hawaiian food, this is a place you have to try, they also offer catering. It's one of those hidden gems that deserves to be discovered, and hope more people get the chance to enjoy the amazing food!

    Jim's special  Fried rice, katsu, chicken teriyaki, and Mac salad
    Robert R.

    Food is amazing and so are the people that work here. I cannot stress enough how good everything is here. Especially the macaroni salad, probably the best I've ever had. Get the Jim's special come with chicken katsu and teriyaki chicken.

    Sidewalk display
    Emmett T.

    Say Aloha is a vendor that is sharing a space with Rosemary and Thyme Cafe in the Hillcrest neighborhood. They operate only from Thursday to Sunday during limited late afternoon and evening hours. A surfboard with the business name and a sidewalk stand displaying the menu were placed outside the entrance. After walking through the doors, you continued down the corridor to a back left suite where the cafe was located. Beyond that, there was a small set of steps which led down to an internal courtyard with more seating. A one-page menu listed the categories of Starters, Salads, Mains, Combos, Sides, and Desserts. They also provided catering, however I did not see a pricing sheet for party trays. The choices for my takeout order were the Shanghai Lumpia and a Mix Plate. The former was three pieces of crispy spring rolls with a filling of ground pork, glass noodles, and vegetables. A cup of sweet chili sauce was provided for dipping. The rolls were long with a thick diameter and resembled the shape of a cigar. They were crunchy and worth the price of $2 each. The plate consisted of grilled short rib, teriyaki chicken, and kalua pork for proteins. Steamed white rice (or fried rice) and creamy Hawaiian mac salad were included. Of the places I have tried in SD that serve Hawaiian food, this place had the most tender and juicy meats. The pork really stood out as it had both good flavor and moisture. The mac salad was different too because it wasn't just mayonnaise and macaroni. There was seasoning added to the cream which enhanced the taste. The portion sizes were generous as my takeout container was heavy. The execution of the proteins was what elevated my rating of Say Aloha to the highest level.

    The Jim Special
    Maylynne R.

    Fantastic place! Great service and food was DELICIOUS. The chef came out to greet us and introduced himself, and he was very friendly. Music was great and just an all around good vibe. Definitely coming back. *I love that they have the options of a bowl or plate for each meal. You can get a smaller portion or a larger portion.

    Came back and tried the kailua pork. Awesome!!
    Ebynasia L.

    Came back and tried the Kailua pork. Awesome!! I love the mac salad and the meat was delicious.

    Teriyaki Chicken & Rice

    Amazing spot with great service. It's a bit hard to find once you're inside you travel to a beautiful Hawaiian oasis. The teriyaki chicken had a smoked flavor and was perfectly tender. 10/10 recommend.

    Two person meal

    Possibly the best Hawaiian food in San Diego. My husband and I split the 2 person meal and it's more than enough food and comes with dessert. The folks that run the place are so nice and the food genuinely tastes home cooked.

    Chicken Katsu

    Say Aloha is relatively new in the area but, boy it did not disappoint. Located in the back of the building, once you walk in, you feel like you've been transported to a nice dinner in Hawaii perfect for families or a date night spot. My girlfriend and I ordered the garlic edamame, combo plate, and spam musubi to share. Each plate was Chef Avian's unique blend of traditional Hawaiian cuisine along with the years of mastery of his craft he picked up along the way. Avian greeted us during our meal and gave us some history on his journey which was very welcoming. Will definitely be coming back whenever we crave Hawaiian food. PS - order the Katsu, it will NOT disappoint!

    Lumpia with bananas and Nutella filling. Along side vanilla ice cream!!!!!!! Delicious

    Say Aloha genuinely is spectacular. The food was amazing, fresh, warm and deliciously flavored. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and amazing people made the visit truly special. Definitely coming back!!

    Lumpia is warm and fresh,when u bite into it, it feels like a warm hug

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 52
    Thanks 16
    Love this 60
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    I love the katsu and teriyaki dinner. It's run by a very sweet couple. Nice ambiance if you eat there.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    The best spot in town! This place is so delicious and the chef & waitress are wonderful

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Avian G.

    Avian G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Avian G.

    Avian G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jesse L.
    221
    23
    6

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Selina D.
    63
    54
    31

    8 months ago

    Great service and wonderful good located in a central area. Delicious food w wonderful presentation. Highly recommend!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Avian G.

    Avian G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Avian G.

    Avian G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eva
    0
    1
    2

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Amazing food, service, and ambiance! The owners are awesome! Have never had better Hawaiian BBQ in my life

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    food was phenomenal and the portions were generous! also excellent service and ambience

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Say Aloha

    You might also consider

    Extraordinary Desserts

    Extraordinary Desserts

    4.0
    (9.2k reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$$

    This place is properly named extraordinary dessert for a reason. They are known for their desserts…read moreboth in taste and in aesthetics. Desserts: 5/5 We got a blood orange scone and a strawberry danish. The scone was warm and delicious. The orange essence was well infused. The danish was crispy and creamy. Everything was so picturesque. Food: 3/5 Unfortunately, the food was not the best. We got the smoked salmon sandwich which was not very flavorful. The salmon was also slimy. The pesto spread was good though. It was creamy and the artisan bread it was served had great variety. Ambiance: 5/5 This place is such super cute. When you walk in, the desserts all look super appetizing. The seating areas are super cute and the floral decor are stunning. Service: 5/5 It is an order then sit down establishment. There is great attention to their dessert. I saw them heat up a knife just to cleanly cut the cake. The food service however did take some time to come out.

    The sugar bun was delicious! I might be a bigger fan of their pastries than their cake…read more The Shrang-la cake was decorated so beautifully! I loved the white chocolate shavings all around. Unfortunately the cake didn't hold well in my commute to Temecula (esp during the heat wave). The dairy ended up hurting our stomachs.

    Photos
    Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup
    Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup
    One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.
    One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.
    Chocolate lemon bon bon

    See all

    Chocolate lemon bon bon
    Pappalecco

    Pappalecco

    4.3
    (3.1k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $

    A cute authentic Italian neighborhood cafe in Little Italy serving coffee, treats, gelato, and…read morepaninis. My friends and I were just looking to get a coffee in Little Italy, but when we walked in and saw all the delicious treats we had to try something else as well. I ordered a latte and neglected to tell them it was for here so I was given a paper cup, but they give real cups if you ask. The latte was good, and my friend bought a kitchen sink type cookie with chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was warm and gooey good! Another friend tried the gelato and said it was very good. There are a few tables inside and tables out in front outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. The decor and tables definitely gives you an old school Italian neighborhood vibe with Italian markets right next door. If I am in the neighborhood again, I would definitely come back here to try the gelato and/or a piece of an excellent looking lemon pie bar I spotted.

    If there is better gelato in San Diego, I have not tried it…read more They have more than gelato here but gelato is all we tried. It was later in the day so they were out of or running low on some flavors. Nevertheless, the two flavors we tried were incredibly rich and flavorful. A little goes a very long way. Parking is incredibly tough in Little Italy but it is worth it for gelato this good.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Soup Tomato.
    Soup Tomato.
    Gelato alla menta con gocce di cioccolato, Gelato al cocco con gocce di cioccolato

    See all

    Gelato alla menta con gocce di cioccolato, Gelato al cocco con gocce di cioccolato
    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    4.0
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Went on Memorial weekend and was surprised how quickly we got seated. Waitress was nice and warned…read moreus the kitchen was backed up but honestly we didn't wait long. We ordered a calamari (10/10), lasagna (10/10), Penne Quattro Formaggi (7/10) and Fusilli Genovese (11/10). The Formaggi was a little too rich for me... but my son loved it. We will definitely be back!!

    Came here for lunch on a Saturday mainly because my husband just really wanted some gelato…read moreafterwards Lunch-- 3 stars Gelato - 0 stars Service - 3 stars Price - 4 stars my husband got some sort of fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, I got a Italian sandwich, and my best friend got a woodfired margarita pizza. Pizza was good, but soggy in the middle. The pasta was good, no complaints there. The sandwich was very lacking in the meat department... It was basically a bread and arugula sandwich. Had very low expectations for the gelato to begin with seeing as the colors were extremely unnatural and the way it was heaped was a clear indication to me that it is not legitimate gelato and unfortunately, I was proven very right. I got the strawberry so that my toddler could have a few few bites and it was so unnatural and weird tasting that she didn't even want any... And if that doesn't say something! My husband got the coffee flavor and he literally took three bites and threw it away as well. I will say, though, on the food front, the prices are reasonable here all things considered, but maybe stick with pasta... based on everything As a whole though, you can likely get a much more legitimate Italian meal somewhere else in the area, but it will probably cost you more.

    Photos
    Cute restaurant in little Italy
    Cute restaurant in little Italy
    Fusilli Genovese
    Fusilli Genovese
    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    See all

    Nonna + Zucchero

    Nonna + Zucchero

    4.1
    (576 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Our family dinner at Nonna's was great! Was trying to decide which place to go in Little Italy on a…read moreSaturday night with kids and no reservations without feeling under dressed. So we decided on Nonna's for their variety of pastas and pizza. The evening was packed with people up and down the streets. However, when we arrived at Nonna's we only had to wait no more than a couple of minutes before being seated. We thought most italian places would provide some sort of complimentary bread, but this place did not. We ended up ordering the Carbonara, Fusilli Alla Vodka, Pappardelle, and Salsiccia pizza. Each were fantastic, but the family really enjoyed the Fusilli and the Pappardelle the most! The short rib meat was extremely tender and flavorful. Portions were a little smaller than expected, but it was enough to feed each of us with a couple slices of pizza to spare. Ambiance was nice and the staff was great. A drink we ordered was forgotten, but it's understandable since it was quite busy. Overall, great experience and glad we ended up at Nonna's even though it wasn't part of the batch of recommendations provided online. (Sorry forgot to take photos as we were so hungry and didn't realize it until after we ate!)

    Food: - fungi pasta: 7.5/10, strong mushroom flavor…read more - carbonara: 5.7/10, too much sauce and noodles were overcooked - lemon meringue cheesecake + Sicilian cannoli: super authentic cannoli, cheesecake was good but nothing special Service: - hostess was not friendly - they ran out of white peach Italian soda but instead of asking what other flavor we would prefer, they just brought out a vanilla Italian soda - ordering took forever but once our food was in, it came out in less than 10 min Ambiance: - outdoor seating Skip Barbusa (sister restaurant) and come here instead, at least there is better dessert

    Photos
    Nonna + Zucchero
    Beef carpaccio
    Beef carpaccio
    Tortellini Funghi

    See all

    Tortellini Funghi
    Nibble Chocolate

    Nibble Chocolate

    4.6
    (74 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $

    Stumbled upon Nibble Chocolate and I'm so glad I did. Ambience is sweet and cozy. It's a cute…read morelittle shop that feels like a hidden gem, especially if you're someone who appreciates good quality chocolate. They have a great variety to choose from, whether you're into milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even non dairy options. I also love that they offer chocolate drinks and coffee, so it's easy to turn a quick stop into a little treat moment. I tried the peanut butter dates and they were so good. Smooth, rich, and just the right size when you want something sweet without going overboard. I also had a dark chocolate truffle and that one was just as good. You can really taste the quality. Customer service was a highlight. The guy helping me was super personable, gave great suggestions for drinks, and was genuinely kind, which always makes the experience better. Honestly, I'm just happy I found a chocolate spot within walking distance. Definitely worth stopping by if you're craving something sweet but still want it to feel a little elevated.

    I don't usually seek out vegan products, but Nibble chocolate is a Bean to bar chocolate shop in…read morelittle Italy in San Diego with single origin chocolates. I sampled chocolate from Peru, Madagascar, and Kenya, and they all had unique fruity characteristics. Because they're vegan, so they use oat milk for their chocolate instead of dairy. My wife and I also wanted some drinks while we were here. I had a hot chocolate. My wife had hers with espresso shots. Good espresso in pure chocolate will never not be good. They are family owned and they only add chocolate, sugar, and oat milk to make their bars. Overall, this was a fun place to check out at Little Italy, and they also had a stall at the Farmer's Market.

    Photos
    Nibble Chocolate
    Nibble Chocolate
    Nibble Chocolate

    See all

    Bobboi Natural Gelato

    Bobboi Natural Gelato

    4.8
    (286 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    We stopped by this little gelato shop in Little Italy after seeing all the great reviews, and it…read moreabsolutely lived up to the hype. We got lucky and arrived just before the rush. There was hardly anyone in line when we walked in, but by the time we got our gelato and turned around, the line was out the door! I travel to Italy regularly for work, so I've had my fair share of authentic gelato. I have to say, the quality and flavors here were outstanding. Rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. What made the experience even better was the staff. One of the employees was incredibly friendly, energetic, and genuinely passionate about the gelato. He encouraged us to sample flavors, asked what kinds of flavors we enjoyed, and made thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. It felt like talking with a wine sommelier--someone who truly understood flavor and wanted us to find the perfect match. You could tell he genuinely loved his job, and that enthusiasm made the whole experience even more memorable. We took our gelato outside, sat at one of the sidewalk tables, and spent the evening people-watching. It was the perfect way to end a beautiful San Diego night. The shop itself is casual, with just a few seats inside and several tables outside. It's a great stop whether you're on a date, out with friends, or enjoying a family night in Little Italy. Definitely a five-star experience. I'll be back the next time I'm in San Diego.

    After a lovely dinner at Sugarfish we walked a block to Bobboi Gelato…read more They had some interesting flavors. I sampled Rose Almond (Lebanese Rose Water with Organic Almond Butter), Pure Watermelon and Stracciatella. The Rose Almond was fragrant, Pure Watermelon refreshing and Stracciatella was a classic. I chose Rose Almond and Stracciatella in a Piccolo cup which was perfect for me. The gelato was dense and delicious - I really enjoyed every bite of it. It was nice to be able to sit near the windows and people watch.

    Photos
    Pumpkin Amaretto, Mediterraneo, Pistachio
    Pumpkin Amaretto, Mediterraneo, Pistachio
    Small Vegan pistachio and matchatella   2 Flavor Gelato Container
    Small Vegan pistachio and matchatella 2 Flavor Gelato Container
    Seating by the open windows

    See all

    Seating by the open windows

    Say Aloha - hawaiian - Updated August 2026

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