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South Pacific Island Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants Hawaiian Asian Fusion, Hawaiian [Edit]
2803 Geneva AveDaly City, CA 94014
(415) 467-1870
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
24 reviews for South Pacific Island Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"...little research and found that Samoan food has European and..." In 7 reviews -
"...to the corned beef/spinach dish cooked in coconut milk." In 2 reviews -
"Easily accessible across from Cow Palace is unpretentiously..." In 4 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Kris I.
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a way to start off 2012 by trying Samon comfort food for the first time.
Twas New Year's Day, my friends and I were hungry and hungover, and with this place being a block away, we decided to check it out.
The portions are kinda big, and my friends and I didn't want to get a plate per person with the risk of not liking the food, so we got two plates of carbs (forgot the name...) and a bunch of sides of everything else and shared family style. The guy serving us was really nice and could tell we were trying to save, so he gave us some freshly made pineapple pies and waters for free - thank you so much! It made a difference to us broke-as-a-joke young adults.
Definitely reminded me of similar Filipino/Chinese/Vietnamese dishes, so my friends and I ate every single thing up! If i'm back in the area, I'll definitely have to stop by. Ooh, I'm already drooling at the thought of another pineapple pie.
And for people who dance or compete in Tahitian dancing, this is a great place to get supplies for creative costumes! -
Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011 2 photos
A Big THANKS to Ethnic Food Junkie, Earl G. on this awesome find!
I've never tried Samoan food so when I saw Earl G.'s review for South Pacific Island Restaurant I was intrigued. I did a little research and found that Samoan food has European and Chinese influences; interesting. Samoan food tends not to be highly spiced or seasoned and consists of a number of cooked ingredients that are relatively unfamiliar or prepared in unusual ways to most Westerners such as cooked breadfuit, taro, taro leaves, cooked green bananas and raw fish.
South Pacific Island Restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall located near Cow Palace. With the glass-front refrigerators housing cold beverages in the back, it looks to be a former convenience store. They also have a small stand near the front selling island clothing and faux leis.
All the food are in trays and you can purchase it by the pound (~$6.99-$7.99/lb). There were only 4-5 choices left when I went last Friday afternoon (they were even out of rice). I decided to stick with what most Yelpers highlighted.
PALUSAMI
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Soulful and comforting, the palusami were taro leaves simmered in a coconut milk with corn beef. The taro leaves were like a hybrid of spinach and chard with a slightly bitter flavor. The coconut milk added a rich creaminess with an exotic sweetness. The corn beef chunks were rich and slightly fatty. The palusumi had a great balance of salty, savory, and bitterness with a subtle sweetness.
SI'USI'U PIPI
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Many Yelpers raved about the turkey tail but I was afraid it would be pure fat. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. The turkey tail was like a richer version of chicken thigh meat with a thin layer of fat around the edges which gave the meat an intense richness and additional moisture.
A heaping pile of white rice is the quintessential accompaniment for this hearty, stick to your ribs meal.
FA'AFETAI TELE!
OTHER NOTES:
*Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM
*Several tables for sitting
*Come for lunch as most items run out towards the end of the day
*CASH ONLY -
Review from Earl G.
8/22/2011 7 photos
Never had Samoan / Polynesian food so was excited to try it out.
Inside it's cafeteria style but these ain't your typical lunch ladies. These guys looked like they should start on the D-line of the 49ers! They were friendly and gave me and my coworkers a breakdown of their lunch spread. I also liked that they hooked up a generous lunch portion that will put you to sleep like it was Thanksgiving dinner.
Went with the 3 item plate for $10. Served over a king sized bed of rice, I liked how all the food was piping hot and I could tell it was freshly made.
Some of the food items I tried:
* PALUSAMI - Taro leaves simmered in coconut milk with some of that corned beef. Delicious
* FASI POVI - Corned beef and cabbage, interesting how it made its way to the islands. Very tender, a little fatty which you could remove but why?
* MOA (Chicken) - Quarter chicken with grilled onions, slow cooked til the meat would fall off the bone.
* SAPA SUI - Greasier version of chop suey.
* TURKEY TAILS - Unique savory eats. Gelatinous, sort of like pigs foot. I liked it.
* PEACH PIE - They ran out of their signature pineapple pie but G'dam. It was literally half a pie served like one of those McD's handheld pies.
Everything tasted authentic, was delicious and filling. I didn't eat dinner that day. It ain't gourmet but definitely gourmand.
I'm a fan and I'd come back to try some of their other dishes. Maybe for takeout next time? I'm bumping them up since this is the only Polynesian / Samoan restaurant I know of. -
Review from tgrn r.
Pacifica, CA
10/21/2011
If you like authentic "Polynesian-style" Samoan food, the type you can get in the South Pacific and at home try South Pacific Island Restaurant in the heart of Geneva, SF. Easily accessible across from Cow Palace is unpretentiously perfect. The description on the restaurtants yelphttp://www.yelp.com/biz/south-pacific-island-r estaurant-daly-city is completely accurate: " a relaxing and family friendly eatery that services the down right homey and freshest Samoan food at very affordable prices. It's also a good place to cater for the holidays, special occasions, etc., with very attractive primitive Polynesian decor with an at home quiet friendly ambiance.
Weekends attractions are vai salo, soupo esi, german buns (the bomb), puni popo, and pies galore.
If you do go, you might want to ask Sean or his wife who manage the front of the restaurant, to let you know what dishes they recommend. You won't be disappointed.
Our favorites Yummies are:
Povi Masima w/abisi (cabbage cooked to perfection!)
Fried Fish
Taro w/coconut cream
Palu Sami
Mulipipi
Sapa Sui
Barbequed Mamoe (fantastic marinate).
Simply Scrumptious and Extraordinary. Worth Trying!
TNT -
Review from Clarence A.
Daly City, CA
8/11/2011
5 stars for some Samoan food / Pacific Islander food
Portions Jesus, for $12 bucks this plate can serve 3 and I don't consider myself a light eater.
Here is what I was able to sample and forgive me if you start seeing ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz across this review because it was that filling.
I got to try 3 different kind of meats and a lil nibble one of my other friends food, also please correct me if I am labeling this food incorrectly
Moa - grilled chicken whole thigh like on steroids, lightly salted and browned on the skin
Fasi Povi - Corned beef super tender literally fall apart juiciness on every bite, drenched with some soup to keep it tender this included some of the cabbage which was also in the same soup you can request to not have this if you like but why not it meshes well with the rice and corned beef
Tupuola - turkey tail massive piece of tail and they gave me 2 not just one, similar to chicken tail but way better, oven baked it tasted like had a dark semi red semi brown color to it, biting down you get a lil of that skin followed by the meat all over on just one bite
Luau povi - tasted like green slowly simmered with coconut milk and bits of corned beef every bite was delicious
everything offered at this place taste authentic, then again I don't know of any other Pacific Islander food served like this
Unfortunately they were out of the pineapple pie that everyone talks about but the peach pie was also still very good
I'm not Samoan but jeez if there was some sort of family party and I was invited I would not hesitate to go,
PORTION WISE - HOLY even there styrafoam containers they pack the food in is like HELP me!!!!
food ***** excellent for a super HEARTY MEAL!!
price $ all that food, it is like your buying 3 plates for one it's a steal
service ***** friendly guys and ladies behind the counter give you a breakdown of what they have
ambiance **** the decorations on the wall are interesting tribal covered items all over the wall
on the inside it looks more like a small diner spot with tables set up like in a smaller school with seating for 2 to 4 people, in the back is a large fridge for your drinks on the right is the counter where you can choose your selection of chicken, turkey, beef and other goodies. towards the front on the right is the section of their pies, I would come back for there pineapple pies the peach was good but I got to come back for that pineapple pie hahaha
I would write more but I am in badly need of a nap haha!! this is super comfort food!! -
Review from LL C.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2011
Came here after a hike to the summit of San Bruno Mountain State Park.
First off, let me say that I am biased, I love love love island food (no I dont mean chicken katsu or shrimp tempura), I really love Hawaiian pork laulau and kalua pork, all the taro, anything island
this place is a real find, sure the neighborhood is a bit sketchy, but the food is truly worth the trek.
the pineapple pie was delicious! and moderately priced. what was also really good, was what the guy described to me as a german pancake filled with either jam or coconut. I recognized these right away, they are Portugese donuts..malasadas to be exact, but I've never had a coconut filled one. DELICIOUS! if anyone has had a malasada at leonards in oahu or a beignet at brenda's in the TL in SF...well, save yourself the 5 hour flight or the 2 hour wait and just come here, just as good!
the taro was delicious! as was the spinach/corn beef, cabbage, and the pulisami! delicious, CREAMY, and flavorful. the banana was unique, not much taste, but definitely my first time eating it that way
the service was super super friendly, the malasada was free for us to try, as was the pulusami. definitely will be back here soon!
ALL THIS FOOD and hospitality, for only 14 dollars! -
Review from Fred F.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good home style food, prices, and a nice Polynesian atmosphere. Very convenient for me living close by, will definitely come back to try the other dishes.
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Review from E L.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2011
Great place for some South Pacific Island food.
This place is pretty cheap and gives out big portion. If you are not a big eater, one plate is enough for two already.
Sides, I had steamed banana and taro. They were delicious =) . I know, steamed banana...it was my first time trying it too. but it turned out delicious. I believe it was a raw banana so it was not sweet.
Entrees: They were corn beef, corn spinach beef, taro leaf wrap(if I remember correctly, it was called pulasumo). I loved the corn beef spinach, very creamy and rich. Taro leaf warp was very unique and flavorful too.
Dessert: I had pineapple pie. I LOVEd it. It was creamy and tasty.
Services: very friendly
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Review from Rho T.
Two words: Turkey Tail. If you could only come into this joint with enough money to leave with one item, let it be the Turkey Tail. Juicy. Moist. Fatty. Exquisite. Bring on the typtophan because I am willing to sleep for these turkey bottoms. Wanna know how good this place is? My friend was visiting from Texas, and he insisted I take him back to South Pacific Island to get some grub. This fool hasn't even seen the Golden Gate Bridge. But he's been to South Pacific Island restaurant more than once. Along with the turkey tail, he's also a fan of the sausage they sell, too. Palusami, their taro dish made w/coconut milk is also a winner. We've always dined-in here. You'll feel like you're at home, and the owners and everyone behind the counter are extremely friendly and treat you like family. This time around I learned my lesson and bought some extra Turkey Tail to bring home. If you haven't experienced Samoan cooking, swing by and give it a go. You'll leave with pounds of food for a bargain, and a satisfied tummy. And if you end up liking the Turkey Tail as much as I do, make sure you have a bed nearby.
Manuia! -
Review from Alina R.
Daly City, CA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Turkey Tail and sapasui are sooo good! I am part Samoan so I am more familiar with the food, but my boyfriend is not and was nervous to try, but he LOVED it! Portions are huge but you get more than you pay for. I really like how their is also a little poly shop inside to get your island fix for jewelry, music, etc. I can only really say this is a MUST Samoan spot! Na manaia ia!
Listed in: FAVORITE'S
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Review from Oh C.
Hayward, CA
9/26/2011
We visit this establishment an average of once a month to satisfy our craving for Samoan food, sometimes more often if we're in the area. The food is good and the serving area is clean; however, I DREAD dealing with the attitudes of the female employees, especially the younger female. No welcome, no smile, just a look of, "yeah, what do you want?" There's not even a Thank You when we complete our transaction. She just gives change and walks away or continues to give us the rude look. I thought it was just us, but I witnessed it with other customers as I waited for my husband to come out of the restroom. She does, however, smile at those she knows and even engages in conversation. The male worker isn't as bad. At least he says THANK YOU as he hands over the goods. Someone PLEASE start a Samoan restaurant closer to us!!
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Review from tinna h.
10/22/2007
For those of you who were at the SF vs. East Bay [pig latin for "Beast"] softball game and tried the spinach/corned beef dish, this is the restaurant that I picked it out from. I heard some good feedback on the dish, so YAY! More stars for you!
I had no idea what to bring to the potluck, and just walked into the place. I told them of the predicament, and they were very helpful. The gal behind the counter pointed out a few of the dishes, and I just went from there. Best of all, everything's sold by the pound, so you can count on them if you want large portions for parties.
I drive by this place all the time and have never stopped by until now. I might have to revisit to try the other dishes. Or maybe there need to be more potlucks, so I can bring something else next time!
Aside from the fact that the spinach kept getting stuck in my teeth, I think it's generally brace-faced friendly. Just bring a toothbrush!Listed in: Crocker Amazon - My HOOD! (and…
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Review from rosie m.
East Bay, CA
7/20/2010
I'm half-Samoan, and had never heard of a Samoan restaurant in the Bay Area, so I was quite excited to try this place! It's been so long since I had real Samoan cooking, so my heart and mind was open and I was ready to embrace and love this place forever. I was hoping to make it my second home. A fattening, unhealthy one, but home nonetheless.
Sadly, the food was just ok to me. Here's what I sampled:
Taro -- ok, not enough coconut milk gravy
Chop suey -- no carrots or celery like I'm used to, not very flavorful.
Corned beef -- ok
Palusami -- pretty good
I'll return when I'm jonesing for palusami, but I don't plan to go out of my way to get a fix every week. I guess that's a good thing (for my body). -
Review from Elijah W.
East Palo Alto, CA
2/16/2009
*Please note that I'm rating this on my experience w/ Samoan food and well..being Samoan..ahhaa*
I'd rather hike up to the KFC up the street. After being in a big family who gets down in the kitchen, their Samoan food doesn't really compare to my mama's, aunt's or even mines.
mos def BIG UPs for bringing Samoan food to the equation or SF eateries, but if only the plate didn't get mafu after like an hour outside the shop?
Great atmosphere though, customer service is good too, but what did you expect? We're Samoan. It's hard not to be nice.
German buns and pineapple pies are whats worth going there for. Though there were 2 occasions where my bun wasn't ready (clean your mind sickos) hahaha..
E!Listed in: Where the Hamo's Are...
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Review from Gigi T.
San Pablo, CA
Updated - 5/21/2009
New discovery! PEACH PIE! ohhhh yeahhhhh!
On my bday, I received TWO pineapple pies as my bday gift. I was THRILLED!
But couple days ago, they ran out of pineapple pies (WHAT?!), so the Baker offered us a peach pie instead.
OhhhHHhhh I'm so glad we discovered the peach pie. It is JUST AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER! Thinking about it makes me drool.....Listed in: all time favorite!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2008
MIGHTY DELICIOUS HEARTY HOMECOOKING!
OK, I can't read 99% of the food menu they offer there... but I… Read more »
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Review from Grace H.
Mission Viejo, CA
11/4/2009
Let me tell you! The togo box is slightly smaller if not the same size as a medium pizza box and about 3.5inches high! Thier portions are freaking HUGE!!! (although my Samoan homie says that's normal haha) My hubby and I order 2 togo boxes and have food for days!
WARNING :: The homemade pinapple pies WILL make you cream! Makes u wanna slap yo mama its so damn gravy! Buy atleast 3 or 4 and take them togo... I guarantee you'll finish one in the car before you leave the parking lot! Trust!Listed in: GOT GRUB?
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Review from Maggie K.
Burlingame, CA
7/2/2007
Did I mention I was half Samoan?
Every once in a while I get a hankering for some good old Samoan comfort food...TARO and PALUSAMI!!!! (My Samoan comfort food, anyway.)
Drive up the 101, exit Cow Palace, park Geneva. I beeline to the taro, pick up a couple to take home and cook up for family gatherings. I pick up a couple of palusami for myself cuz I don't know how to make them myself. (Did I mention I was half Filipina?)
I try not to look at the other food they have because I would just buy it and eat it and that would not be good. The Samoan pastries are right next to the cash register. I look away...then, look. Then I think, well, if I only get one. Then I think, well, one is enough for two people. So, I resist. However, as I walk towards the door, I look back...
They've got the best taro in the Bay Area not just by my account but by my full-Samoan sisters-in-law accounts. We've had lengthy discussions at family gatherings about where the best and worst taro can be found.
Their palusami (taro leaves baked with coconut milk) is good. Not as good, however, as my sister-in-law from Livermore. Her's rock! I'm still trying to get her to give me a palusami-making lesson.
Don't be intimidated by the many large people in or around the restaurant. They're just there to get their grub on!Listed in: Restaurants
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Review from Jennie L.
San Jose, CA
9/15/2008
So...I'm a little biased because I'm afakasi (half Samoan) and no matter how heart-clogging-ly fat Samoan food is, I'll always love it.
Everything in here is very traditional, from the taro and fa'i (cooked bananas) to the sua 'ia (fish soup --- soooo good) and sua 'esi (papaya soup --- also sooooo good) to the palusami and pagi popo. They also have sapa sui (a greasier Samoan take on chopy suey) which is usually pretty good. I typically stay away from the sosisi (sausage) and stick with the chicken --- man oh man, do Samoans cook a good chicken. Now I'm starting to get hungry....
If you're wanting to experience a piece of Samoa, definitely try this place out. The staff are very helpful and friendly -- if you need help ordering, just ask them! Also, big burly Samoans are walking in and out of this place constatly, so you're sure to meet a few people. The atmosphere is cozy and the prices are very reasonable. For me and my dad, this our San Francisco "home away from home." I highly recommend it! -
Review from Jinky J.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2010
One of my FAVORITE spots located in my old neighborhood! Luau Povi and sapa sui are yummmmy! Matter of fact, bought some Luau Povi for a friend yesterday who lives in Antioch and she's talkin' about drivin' to DC to order some more, haha! Y'all Samoans know how to cook straight comfort food! Staff has always been nice, place is always clean and I have no complaints about any of the food I've tried!
You can buy by the container or by the pound! =) When you eat in, they price your food by weight, LOL! -
Review from Stephanie E.
Antioch, CA
3/9/2009
I stumbled on this spot a few years ago after attending the tattoo festival at Cow Palace and was instantly hooked. I'm completely addicted to the corned beef/spinach dish cooked in coconut milk. My mouth is actually watering as I type. Chicken is also really tasty. Unfortunately, I haven't tried the pineapple pies everyone keeps raving about simply because I never have the room for dessert. Samoan food is pretty heavy as it is and they are extremely generous with the portions. Even with the rice, none of this one scoop two scoop crap you get at typical Asian establishments. They really hook it up. The owners are very warm and friendly and I have always received great service. I've ordered party trays from here as well on several occasions and always get asked about the food. Yes, friends and family are officially hooked too. I just can't wait to go back and try that pie!
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Review from Christina M.
San Bruno, CA
10/1/2009
This place is decent. I am married to a Samoan and i'm latina so it is a huge culture difference. I went in once to get some food for my daughters and myself. Of course it was awkward. But I usually send the hubby and the food is similar to my other in laws.
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Review from Nish K.
San Ramon, CA
2/25/2010
I've been here a few times, when I'm craving Samoan food and can't get my parents to hook it up...ha ha..
This place is pretty good. For starters, it's nice inside and pretty clean. I've been to some fob restraunts in the Bay and there's flies buzzing in the kitchen and the food looks like it's been sitting out since 1982. This place is NOT like that - everything looks like it's made fresh, the decor is fobby (but so is the food, he he..) and the portions are.... well, polynesian-size!
The food itself is alright. It's hard to rate a place like this when I'm used to having Samoan food cooked the way my Dad and granddad make it... everyone has their own "way" that they like it. But when I want some Samoan mea'ai right away, this place does it for me. I've had almost everything at one point....sausage, palusami, taro, fa'i (sometimes faalifu-style or sometimes not), rice, chicken, lu'au and/or pisupo, and sometimes chop suey. I will say I'm NOT a fan of their chop suey, only because I'm really particular about that, but everything else is alright.
I'm glad they also carry the half-moon pies - they are my absolute favorite, the pineapple ones.
Prices are reasonable and anyone who's feeling like Samoan food and can't get it at home, this place is the next best thing.. -
Review from foxy b.
San Ramon, CA
1/3/2010
Very small place that also sells island fashions. The menu changes daily, according to supply. The combo plate comes with green banana and taro cooked in coconut milk and THREE items for only $11...and it's a ton of food! We liked the tuna cooked in coconut milk and the turkey tails were especially savory. We need to call ahead to see when they have their famed palusami (taro leaves baked with coconut milk). Very friendly, outdoor seating or to go only.
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Review from Eileen S.
Hayward, CA
2/10/2009
Went there yesterday with my family and it was like going back home. Like being back in Hawaii or even Samoa. The food was really good. Even my kids loved it and they are probably the pickiest kids around. But it reminded them of being at their grandma's house. The sapa sui, kalo, fa'i, and palusami were as traditional as it gets. But the favorites were the pani popo and pineapple pie. We waited the 30 minutes for the pies. My teenage kids could hardly wait and started to eat one (still steaming hot and me screaming not to eat it because it was still hot just out of the oven) in the car. Of course they each got their mouths a little burned but they didn't seem to care. A bit pricey but worth it once in awhile.
