June 21, 2022
For the fourth time in its more than 2 decade tenure, Da Kine's Plate Lunches has reopened in San Diego after a long dormancy.
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 eventually revived in Liberty Station but eventually closed that location as well.
After being closed due to the continued pandemic, Da Kine’s Plate Lunches has finally reopened in a small shopping plaza off University Avenue in San Diego's La Mesa. Expect the original menu of Hawaiian comfort food favorites and plate lunches 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 now open at 7436 University Avenue in San Diego's La Mesa. For more information, visit dakines.co.