Da Kine’s Hawaiian Plate Lunch Relocating To San Diego's La Mesa

April 19, 2021

For the third time in its more than 2 decade tenure, Da Kine's Plate Lunches is relocating the restaurant and will reopen this summer in San Diego. 

In late 2019, Da Kine's Plate Lunches revived in Linda Vista after an 11 year break. The Hawaiian restaurant was originally opened in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood in 1997 by founder "Uncle" Nelson Ishii, who hails from Kanaeohe Hawaii. A second outpost was eventually launched in National City. Ishii closed both restaurants in 2008 in order to focus on growing his catering business, which included clients like the Super Bowl and the Junior World Golf Championships. Due to popular demand, the eatery was revived but forced to close due to the COVID-19 restrictions. 

Da Kine’s Plate Lunches will reopen this summer at a new space off University Avenue in La Mesa. Expect the original menu to return, with standout dishes like teriyaki chicken, chicken katsu, smoked Kalua pork, Korean-glazed ribs, baked fish, Spam musubi, a traditional loco moco  and more. 

Da Kine’s Plate Lunches is expected to reopen at some point this summer at 7436 University Avenue in San Diego's La Mesa. In the meantime, those looking for Hawaiian food catering can call 619.581.5613 to place an order. For more information, visit dakines.co.