Kalei's Kitchenette

Crazy that this little plate lunch gem is hidden in a strip mall just south of my office, and that a co-worker had to tell me about it. Now, to be fair, I'd been in contact with the owners of Kalei's, working on a catering proposal for the API heritage month kick-off event I hosted in early May. Khara and Chef Andy were incredibly patient and kind, and worked with our budget to create a menu that blew the socks off of everyone who came down to celebrate with us that day.But, this review is not for that catering experience. My friend and I snuck out for lunch one day ahead of the event, to try the food and meet Khara and Chef Andy in person. I'm not usually a big lunch eater, but I had to try the two-item combo. For my mains, I got the Teri Beef and Garlic Chicken, with the white rice and mac salad for my sides ($16). My friend also got the combo, with the Garlic Chicken and Kalua Pork.The inside of the restaurant is tiny, just a few seats at a bar top by the windows, but they do have a couple of tables on the sidewalk out front. We were able to snag two barstools inside (me picking up and turning in the purse of the lady who had just been there; she came back maybe 15 minutes later and profusely thanked me for giving her purse to the staff.) Our food came out quickly, piping hot and filled to the brim. The garlic chicken was crispy and saucy, juicy and crunchy. I loved the flavor. The teri beef was good, saucy and tender, but it did seem a bit salty. I loved their take on the mac salad, as well. My friend, meanwhile, was telling me that the kalua pork was the best she'd ever had (I relayed that to my husband later that day, and he replied, "those are big words, I'll have to see if she's right".)All in all, you're getting good, filling food for decent prices. Plus, you're supporting a small, family-run business, which is always a bonus. My friend and I are already planning our next trip to Kalei's, and plotting who we can bring with us.

Friendly quick service during lunch!The cashier made some great recommendations and the vibe felt authentiy Hawaiian in the store. Great decor but lacking in seating.Elevated Hawaiian food is always a good thing! Can't wait to come back with the family!

I was expecting good Hawaiian food based on the Yelp rating, but it wasn't good. It's not horrible, but it's not good either. Got the kahlua pork and the spam musubi. The kahlua pork smells good and not dry, but does not have flavor. The spam musubi tasted weird. So disappointing...

I can't believe I haven't been here til now since I live so close! I've been missing Hawaiian dishes since I last vacationed in Hawaii and this place satisfied my cravings! Staff is friendly and the inside is cute & has a few seats by the window. My bf and I ordered the garlic chicken (recommended by employee over the teriyaki beef), spam masubis & the poke plate they only have on Saturdays. I was pleasantly surprised by the poke because not many places close by offer it and it was good quality+flavor. I liked the shoyu ahi poke more than the spicy. The spicy has a real kick if you love spicy poke! As for the garlic chicken, I liked the flavor and love their mac salad! Only thing I wish the chicken pieces were more meaty; I tasted mostly breading & fried crumb pieces of chicken. They sell Kapu brand coffee here bottled and the Dirty Ube was good! It's non-dairy and not too sweet, ube is tasted but faint. It was my first time having Kapu coffee and I enjoyed this bottled cold brew!Overall, super full at the end (with leftovers) and definitely going back to try other plates! Thank you for having this gem in the neighborhood!

Super cute! Good portions and variety. We came on a weekday for lunch and sat inside at the counter facing out. Lots of parking. And a boba place (Sunright) across the street! Highly recommend

Oh yes, this isn't just Hawaiian Food, it's Elevated. The Salmon dish I had was the Friday special and suggested by Erica and it was outstanding. She knew her Menu and did an outstanding job of explaining for a first timer. All I can say is that when I'm back next week they are definitely in my 3 day Rotation. I'm talking some of the best Hawaiian food I've ever had. Do yourself a favor and stop by if you are in the area. Me, if I'm not in the area I'm going. Congratulations San Diego, y'all got a real one. Y'allhollaatchaboy!

This is my third time coming here, and I think the food is great. Some items lean a little bit more on the expensive side, but like I said, food is delicious. On this occasion, I had the Daikon Spam Musubi and a Red Bean cookie. The spam musubi was rich, flavorful, and well seasoned, although it had just a little bit too much rice. Red bean cookie was sweet and crumbly but small and it was nearly $5 for 4 shortbread cookies. Overall, if you want just a quick, filling lunch, I would recommend this place. Service is fine, it's not really a sit down place, and I'm not a huge fan of the 4% card fee.

Since my Hawaii trip I was definitely missing the authentic Hawaiian meals, and I'm so glad to have come across this cute little Hawaiian restaurant. The ambiance was such a cute vibe. I placed an online order to go a couple of times, got the garlic chicken and spam masubi, the food was delicious and fresh, I definitely loved my experience and enjoyed my meal. I will be coming back!

I want to give 4.5 stars. But no option for it.Really solid eats. I ordered the Kalei's Plate. 2 meats, rice, and mac salad. I ordered the Garlic Chicken which was well seasoned. Im not sure what the sauce that they put on it was but I might ask for it on the side next time. Kalua Pork, was very tender. It had a little salt but not alot which is good so it lets people salt it to how they like. Mac Salad, was very refreshing. Rice with Furikake was a nice touch. The only thing, I might want is a bigger scoop of rice. The rice had a great presentation, but I think alot of Asians and Islanders would like just a little more rice. Other than that, I enjoyed the entire thing. All for under $20. Didn't order a drink, I had water in the car. The place is a nice small spot in Rancho Penasquitos across from Pitchers Sports Bar. Very well kept. Had a bar like eating spot at the front window. A few tables outside. The young lady that helped me was very nice and helpful. I'll definitely be coming again for food. Id pass on L&L and go here. Especially if they add a little bit more rice. But great food overall.

I had high hopes for this location as I usually only go to L and L for Hawaiian up in North County, but I felt the food was definitely too saucy and salty as I had to drink water every few bites. With what little rice I got, it was a struggle. But the service was good and it was a clean establishment. Unfortunately I probably wouldnt be excited to try it again.