Tropicali

Overview

Tropicali stands out from many other restaurants in Big Bear Lake by bringing a bright Hawaiian-inspired atmosphere to the mountains. Located near the lake and close to The Village area, the restaurant has become especially popular for its fresh poke bowls and laid-back island vibe. The entrance itself has become a recognizable photo spot thanks to the giant shark mouth guests walk through before entering. Owned by a native Hawaiian, Tropicali focuses on bringing authentic island-inspired flavors and a more casual coastal feel to Big Bear’s restaurant scene.

the Food

The menu centers around Hawaiian-style poke bowls with fresh fish, rice, vegetables, sauces and customizable toppings. Guests can choose from house specialties featuring ahi tuna, salmon and other proteins. The restaurant also offers lighter and fresher options than many traditional mountain comfort food spots, making it especially popular during warmer months or after outdoor activities around the lake.

Things to Know

Tropicali has been featured by news outlets and food blogs for having some of the best poke in Southern California. The outdoor patio is one of the highlights of the restaurant and offers partial lake and peak views that make it especially popular during warmer weather. The shark-mouth entrance is a well-known photo spot for visitors. Seating can fill quickly during lunch hours and summer weekends because of the restaurant’s popularity and relatively smaller dining space.