Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Chicken And Shrimp Stirfry
TERIYAKI SALMON OR MAHIMAHI
KOREAN CHICKEN LOCO
KALUA LOCO
About
Island Style Cafe
Welcome to Island Style Cafe, where culinary dreams meet the vibrant essence of island life! Nestled in the heart of Santee, California, at 9828 Magnolia Ave, this charming spot is much more than just a dining location; it's a celebration of flavors, culture, and community.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with an inviting, laid-back atmosphere adorned with tasteful island-themed décor and cheerful pineapple light fixtures. The café strikes a perfect balance between indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation, making it an ideal venue for any occasion — be it a casual lunch or a family dinner. The staff, as noted by delighted patrons like Lynn Eglan, embody warmth and helpfulness, providing a welcoming environment that enhances the dining experience.
What truly sets Island Style Cafe apart is its delectable menu that infuses traditional island fare with contemporary twists. Signature dishes such as the Chicken and Shrimp Stirfry and Island Garlic Shrimp transport your tastebuds to tropical shores. In particular, the Coconut Shrimp Plate, offering a perfect crunch with a dipping sauce that's just sweet enough, has won over many fans. These highlights are crafted with care, delivering both authenticity and innovation.
The offerings extend beyond island favorites to include a variety of burgers and sandwiches, like the renowned Kawaii Burger and Paradise Chicken Sandwich. Customers rave about the generous portions; it’s not uncommon to leave with a happy belly and a smile, as noted by Monte Umphress, who emphasizes the importance of their "legit HI family run" vibe.
But it’s not just about the food — it’s about the experience. Customers like Roxanne Calimbahin have made Island Style Cafe their go-to spot, finding each visit filled with flavorful meals and cheerful interactions. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty plate of Loco Moco, which features a well-seasoned hamburger patty, or a comforting Kalua Gau Gee, these dishes are sure to impress.
And let's not forget the sides — from seasoned fries to stir-fry veggies, each accompaniment is crafted with the same love and creativity as the main dishes. As Zimitro Perez pointed out, it's not just the entrees that shine; even the teriyaki beef and sides like fried rice and macaroni are delightful!
In summary, Island Style Cafe is a refreshing find for anyone looking to explore the vibrant flavors of the islands without leaving California. With a friendly atmosphere, impressive menu, and generous portions, it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that beckons you to return again and again. Come immerse yourself in island flavor; your taste buds will thank you!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ This is a nice clean place. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I loved the pineapple light decorations. The vibe when you enter is inviting and chill. Rachel, who took my order, was super nice and helpful. After placing my order, I couldn't help but look at the pictures and the little sayings decor they had. The restroom was super clean. I ordered: 1. Coconut shrimp: Crunchy, delicious, and not too sweet from the coconut. Sweet chili sauce perfect dipping sauce. 2. Kalua gau gee: It's so cute they look like mini empanadas. The first bite was crunchy, meaty, and flavorful. Tried the dipping sauce with it. It was a match made in heaven. I couldn't pinpoint what the dipping sauce was, but it was so familiar and comforting. 3. Loco moco w/ over medium egg: This was a meaty hamburger patty and well seasoned. Plating was pretty. 4. Char siu spam scramble: This easily reminded me of the egg and beef with oyster sauce that I order sometimes at Chinese restaurants 5. Lilikoi (arnold palmer) : I had asked the lady who helped me to make lilikoi tea with regular lemonade. This was amazing and not overly sweet. This was a nice find. It's not the traditional Hawaiian food I'm used to, but it had a nice elevated twist. I want to say it has a fusion twist, but my husband disagrees. I'm curious to see what everyone else thinks. ”
“ Legit HI family run. Portions huge. All good but try Korean chicken. Bring four bowls and four spoons for shave ice. It's excellent but they should serve it in bowls, cups or cones. The line would be out the door. Better than Handel's. ”
“ I’d say their Kalbi and Korean chicken were delicious. For traditional Loco Moco the patty needed more seasoning and the gravy was too plain for my me. Chicken katsu had a good breading and wasn’t dry so it passed my taste. Overall, it’s a good first time experience and the staffs were helpful, had a good product knowledge, and friendly. If anything to improve I think is the gravy, I’m looking for a rich and flavorful one. ”
“ Been here 3 times at this point, every single interaction has been welcoming, flavorful food and great portions! My family's new go to spot, worth the commute for us. ”
“ Teriyaki beef is amazing, super tender and perfect amount of glaze, friend rice and macaroni sides are a delight. Very nice employees and clean restaurant. Be back !! ”
“ Wow, a new place that was recommended by a friend. The food was so good reminded me of Oahu. I didn't think anyone made the Mac salad with potatoes and tuna it tasted so good. The meats were all Juicy and tender. ”
“ I'm a haole (was stationed in Pearl Harbor back in the day) but the food here reminds me of the food in Hawaii and it's delicious. The portions are big and everything was tasty. I had the spicy Korean chicken with steamed rice and mac salad. ”
“ A fun Hawaiian experience in town. We were craving something different today and found this little gem. Food was fairly priced and delicious. I got bbq chicken and shrimp skewer plate. Amazing! Even the little side salad I had on the plate was good. My boyfriend got the Korean chicken and bbq kalbi ribs plate. He was making those yes please yummy expressions so I knew he loved it. We would definitely recommend going here. We will be back to try more sometime soon. ”