Wow! What a fantastic, personal and dining experience, my partner and I had on Saturday night! We went to Azalina's for our anniversary with a 5 PM reservation. We got great parking near San Francisco City Hall and the library and made the short walk through areas of the tenderloin on the way to the restaurant. We were running just a few minutes late, but when we walked in at 5:08 PM as Alina and her staff were there waiting for us and ready. They greeted us with warm words and smiles, and really went the extra mile with the service since we were the only reservation until 6 PM. We felt so special having the restaurant to ourselves in that early period. Azalina and her staff did not disappoint by taking special care of us. We felt like...family. The restaurant is beautifully appointed and the tasting menu was well thought out, prepared and presented. The food is extraordinary. It's hard for me to even describe the levels and layers that existed within each bite of every individual course. Every course was perfectly timed that allowed us the time to enjoy each bite, but also receiving the next course in a timely manner. What really struck us about the experience was, from our table, we could clearly observe the personal care and touch she put into every table as the restaurant filled. Each dish was thoroughly explained as to its origin, ingredients, and meaning to the culture. Just absurdly amazing. Azalina's has leveled up my understanding of what an exquisite dining experience can be well coupled with the love and caring of not only the food, but of the people enjoy enjoying it. If you get a chance to visit SF or live anywhere in the Bay Area, make a reservation and go to Azalina's. We will return and look forward to their next chapter. 5 STARS! read more

I'm so mad I waited so long to try this place! I used to go often for lunch when Azalina had her stall in the market below Square. Her laksa lives rent free in my mind. The inside is decorated so nicely and makes you feel like you stepped into vacation. I really hope they find a new home! They are moving at the end of September so make your reservation now! Everything on the tasting menu was delish. As a spice lover I appreciated the heat of some of the dishes and got to try my first dry reisling. I will definitely follow Chef Azalina to her next location. read more

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I've been to Azalina's a couple of times, and it feels like visiting Chef Azalina's home. I'm a big fan of Malaysian food, with its unique blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences. On both of our visits, Chef Azalina served each dish and explained the story behind it and how she came up with her own version. Every dish is beautifully plated, and the tasting menu has a thoughtful progression. One thing to note - due to the location in the middle of the Tenderloin, you should take a rideshare or very carefully plot your route if walking. We actually had a pleasant walk home after dinner, but we are very familiar with the area. read more

A few tips: limited street parking and a little sketchy depending on which street you park. Do not leave valuables in the car and watch where you step. Otherwise the restaurant is located in the corner and when you walk in it is a vibe! Love the decor and at home eating at grandma's kitchen style. Kitchen is and visible. We were greeted and seated by the door. Everyone was served the set menu. The appetizer was bit size and full of flavor. 2nd dish was noodles and had a cook kick to the tongue. I loved the sp8ce but others at my table were unable to get through halfway. 3rd dish was my favorite since it came with the most veggies and the dish was well seasoned. Was definitely full by the last dish. Sauces and fragrant rice were a nice highlight. Dessert at the end was cute but felt a little on the dry side. Overall everything was pretty good. read more

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This had been on my list forever, and glad to finally try it! Pretty big portions of food for a set menu, very unique flavors and we were served by Chef Azalina herself. There are cool murals around the restaurant. I believe it's halal. Definitely Uber as you won't want to park in the neighborhood. read more

Came here very excited for some upscale street food. I don't know, it's got neither the appeal of street food prices (which is implied when upscale) and not really the tasty aspects of street food. Do I believe they used fresh ingredients? Yea for sure, so maybe this type of cuisine just doesn't hit me and it's hard to elevate street food. I felt most dishes were pretty bland (some of the sauces helped for sure) but I couldn't find out why it's worth this price point read more

Azalina's - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I love Azalina's. My friend and her partner were visiting and he's from Malaysia so wanted to give this place a try. That was years ago, and I found this place to be a hidden gem oasis in the Tenderloin. I loved it, from the food to Azalina's personal stories about her experiences growing up, and the role food played in her coming of age and relationship with her father. Azalina pours love into everything she cooks, and it shows (and tastes!) I went back a year after that, and by this time, Azalina's was in the NYTimes and the dinner service, which was pretty bare bones (but absolutely special and intimate) years past was now a full house dinner party. I went to the special chocolate pairing dinner, and I loved the collaboration with a local chocolate artist. Each time I have eaten at Azalina, the experience and meal were completely different but connected through the talent, skill, and storytelling of Azalina. Eating here feels like gathering at an old friend's house to eat her food, and really to listen and learn about life, passion, and making your dreams come true. Azalina is who makes Azalina's so special - she was a James Beard Award semi finalist, but her food doesn't taste like awards - it tastes like home. And for anyone who needs a little of taste these cold and sometimes chaotic days, Azalina's is the home for you. It's more than a meal - it's a sharing of an experience and an exploration into Azalina, herself. Azalina, if you are reading this - please make your own cookbook and sell it at your restaurant. I would love to own your book and ask you to sign it :) Thank you for providing me a safe haven on hard nights when I needed warm food in belly and your stories to feed my soul. read more

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Our food and service at Azalina's was amazing!!! So many wonderful flavors in each dish. Every dish was very thoughtfully made. Such a great atmosphere. We will definitely be back read more

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The best mi goreng that I've ever tasted is in this restaurant, the second best is at my place . I was kidding for the latter but the former is 100% correct. I had wonderful time at this restaurant. I heard it's gonna close and immediately I had to go because it's in my list for a few years . Turned out they are trying to find a new location as the lease ended. I felt bad for the restaurant because every time they had to move, it's another cost of decoration and interior design. Anyway, Ms Azalina was so lovely. She was running the tables when I was there and her son was cooking (I think). Her personality was so warm that madw me feel I was greeted by a mom. And the food was great. I enjoyed all of what they served me even with the British- influenced fried chicken despite the fact I don't like Mermite (the chicken was so juicy and tender inside). The current location was not my favorite, but the silver lining was that there's plenty of parking space outside. And yeah, no one bibbed or bothered doing anything to me and my car. read more

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Azalina's serves a prix fixe menu centered around Malaysian style cuisine that was slightly pricey, but felt worth it! With a show in the area for dinner, my friend and I decided to check out Azalina's given its recent Michelin recognition. It has been described as Malaysian style cuisine which is in itself a melting pot of several different Asian styles. They only have a prix fixe menu which doesn't allow you to order a la carte but sometimes it is nice not having to think and just get whatever the kitchen is best. Their menus do change monthly so likely will be different depending on when you go. For our tasting, we had: Pie Tee (4/5): A perfect one biter with a crunchy exterior of peanut and black sesame filled with fresh greens, jicama, and coconut! Kouy Teow Goreng (4.5/5): Chewy rice noodles stir fried in a spicy chili sauce with slight sweetness from pumpkin. Also enjoyed the chicken sausage that helped provide some heartiness. Roasted Leek Lemon Rasam (3.5/5): A sweet chewy purple sweet potato bite that was paired with a really deep rich drink made of ginger, tumeric, and curry leaves. Definitely a unique dish but was not my favorite. Steamed Branzino (4.5/5): The branzino was cooked tender in a homey familiar soy sauce based sauce. I enjoyed the sticky rice that it was paired with. While nothing too special, it was done well. Persimmon Cake (4/5): I enjoyed the warm spices that went into the cake which felt appropriate for the autumn season. The pandan cream was a nice creamy cool component. Nice way to end the meal. The server was super nice and took time to explain the dishes in detail. The timing between dishes did feel a little imbalanced with long stretches but could have been due to many others also coming for the show. Perhaps one of the greatest drawbacks of the restaurant is the location in the Tenderloin. Especially with the dinner service, it does end up getting quite dark by the end so getting a ride to your car/home seemed to be the most popular choice for guests. Overall, I would come back to Anzalina's to check out their new offerings and be prepared to Uber/Lyft next time! read more

Azalina's - Menu for November 2025 - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The food at Azalinas is wonderful: a must-see in the vibrant community that is the Tenderloin. It's taking Malay street food and elevating it with fine ingredients, great sourcing, and incredible hospitality. It's a collection of Chinese Indian, and Southeast Asian flavors you'd find at a night market in Kuala Lumpur, but the chef is sourcing from incredible local purveyors (the crab on this night's rotating tasting menu was perfect). The dining room itself is also stunning, with incredible art and a comforting tropical vibe that transports you. For me, that would normally result in a four star Yelp review. So being a pretty picky eater, what elevates this to five for me? It's the chef. She's a self-described hustler, she serves most of the dishes herself, and our interactions with her were a joy. Her enthusiasm makes you happy, and what could have been another "great meal in San Francisco" became an experience. Go in with an open mind and curiosity, and you'll be thrilled. read more

Azalina delivered one of the most memorable dining experiences we've had. We had a five-course prix fixe menu, and every dish showcased incredible creativity and bold Malaysian flavors. The meal started with a delicious corn-based appetizer that was unique and amazing . The second course featured Chinese-style noodles packed with depth and texture. The third course was a Malaysian take on chicken satay that was even more flavorful than the classic version, with perfectly balanced spices and a rich, savory profile. The fourth course, a beautifully prepared fish dish, exploded with layers of flavor and was cooked to perfection. Dessert was the perfect finale: a refreshing combination of pineapple, rambutan, and caramel that tied everything together beautifully. Beyond the outstanding food, the service was impeccable from start to finish. The owner was incredibly warm and welcoming. Highly recommended! read more

This is not the place where you go and say look I'm from Malaysia and this isn't authentic Malaysian food. This is the place where you go with an open mind and be ready to taste whatever they bring to your table. Be open minded, that is the key words. This isn't your typical Kopitiams that you're familiar with back home in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. This is a workshop where a Malaysian chef making food to satisfy her creativity based on her culture and her knowledge. Don't be overly critical, see the food as it is. I can appreciate this because yes I get it. $89 per person (5 courses) + tax and 20 % tip already included = $116 read more

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3.5 stars I really wanted to love Azalina's. It's such a unique concept and there aren't many other restaurants like this in the city. The highlights: - Mocktails are excellent and reasonably priced - Our opening bite of pie tee was excellent - great mix of flavors in one delicious bite The rest: - Koay teow goreng was interesting, the chicken skewer was really fluffy and tender but I didn't find it that flavorful, and didn't love the flavor of the sauce with the rice noodle - Wasn't a huge fan of the roasted leek lemon rasam - for some reason, the soup tasted a bit medicinal to me - Steamed branzino felt fairly standard as someone who grew up with fish cooked this way, and not particularly tender - Persimmon cake wasn't my favorite because of the spices read more

My friend and I went here for dinner during restaurant week. Unfortunately, we had to wait almost 30 minutes after our reservation time to get seated. However, they did offer us complementary drinks, which was very nice. The food was delicious. However, I felt the portions were very very small. After my meal, I didn't feel that full after having four courses. read more

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Azalina herself served us, and her explanation of the thought and intention behind each dish made the experience personal and special. The food was complex and flavorful, and brought us back in time to our travels in Southeast Asia. Other diners chatted with each other across tables, a testament to the warm and inviting and communal space that Azalina has created. We will be back! read more

Azalina's was truly exquisite. One of the best and most original tasting menus I've had in a while. Food is quite original, every dish has a multitude of different ingredients and tastes that blended together perfectly. Service was very kind. Wine was good a reasonably price. Atmosphere is warm and very clean. read more

Azalina's - Tasting menu - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Everything was amazing. Each course had delicious flavors. The chef came out and explained a ton about each dish, the thinking and history behind it, etc. Very unique flavors that stood out among the typical cuisines at SF restaurants. read more

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Food was so good I had to come back again. Honestly, this is the best Malaysian food I've had in the city to this day. I even returned to celebrate my anniversary with my boyfriend, since this has become one of our favorite spots. Bergedel: One of the best ways to start a meal. The crispiness was addictive, and the light saltiness paired with corn bits inside made it divine. Perfect little bites to open the palate--I'd give this a 10/10. If they sold them by the bag, I'd take a dozen home. Oxtail Noodles: From the moment I saw this on the menu, I knew I had to try it. The broth reminded me of a rich beef pho stew with just the right hint of spice. The oxtail itself was melt-in-your-mouth tender--we ended up using our hands to savor every piece of meat and bone marrow. The staff even offered moist towelettes after, which was so thoughtful. This dish was hands down one of my favorites of the night. Flavor profile: deep, rich, and comforting with a kick of spice. Rating: 15/10--I would come back just for this. Chop Suey: This dish instantly transported me back to childhood; it reminded me of the steamed egg my mom used to make, but beautifully elevated. The broth was rich with layers of spice and savoriness, while the silky tofu and egg balanced perfectly with the crisp lotus root. Each bite felt comforting and nostalgic, almost like sitting on the windowsill as rain poured outside. Flavor profile: savory, spiced, nostalgic comfort with a perfect mix of textures. 12/10. Pindang Paupiette: The cod was cooked perfectly tender and moist, not dry like many places. I loved how the curry married beautifully with the fennel and fish, while the cherry tomatoes added a refreshing tartness. I also appreciate how the chef plays with healthy carbs without sacrificing flavor. Flavor profile: creamy curry, aromatic fennel, and bright tomato. 10/10. Pistachio Ladoo Baked Alaska: This dessert stole the show. I adore pistachio, and the pairing with raspberry and caramel/toffee sauce was genius. The toasted marshmallow on top added sweetness, while the sesame crisp gave the perfect hint of salt. The ice cream held up beautifully without melting. I loved it so much I shamelessly licked the plate clean. Flavor profile: nutty, tangy, sweet-salty perfection. 12/10. Drink (not pictured) - Soursop Limonada As a soursop fan, I had to try this. It was light, refreshing, not overly sweet, and balanced perfectly with each dish. Flavor profile: tropical, slightly tart, and refreshing. 10/10. Ambiance & Staff: The staff were beyond attentive; constantly making sure our table was clean, our glasses full, and even offering help when we used our hands for the oxtail. The space is warm, filled with greenery, and creates a tranquil vibe. Even the bathrooms were spotless. I especially appreciated the front staff ensuring guests' safety, I was able to wait inside for my Uber, and they even double-checked my pickup. Overall: I felt safe, comfortable, and completely spoiled by the food and service. The five courses were the perfect amount and by the end, I was completely full and satisfied without feeling overstuffed. The price was absolutely worth it for the quality, portions, and experience. This spot has officially become one of my go-to places for special celebrations. I'll absolutely be back for birthdays, anniversaries, or honestly, any excuse at all. read more

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We were greeted/served by Azalina and boy did she take us on a journey! Firstly, she's the sweetest. Secondly, there was so much attention to detail throughout the restaurant & prix fixe menu. We went to get a taste/preview of Malaysia before our vacation to Penang. Azalina explained that they do a remix of popular dishes, rather than just serving traditional dishes. I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of the menu (it changes often!), but my favorite dish was a sweet potato noodle and egg course; I'm going to tell my grandkids about that dish. And the dessert was suchhhhh a good cherry on top. I see negative reviews about the price- it's honestly comparable for San Francisco, and you're paying for truly a unique experience. If you don't want that, go to Cheesecake Factory. read more

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I was excited to try this restaurant but I genuinely think the food could be better at the price point of a prix fixe menu. The presentation of the food was fine but it really is not at +$100 a person. I want to support small businesses and I understand a lot of work to get all the accolades it has from Michelin Guide, James Beard, etc. but I think a lot can be improved in terms of the experience of the restaurant and the food. The ingredients are listed to impress but the flavors did not pop as it should. The location in the tenderloin also did not help. I grew up with great asian food as family ran a very successful restaurant so it is really part of my DNA to know what good food is. Finally, the forced 20% service charge really doesn't help. Tipping is reserved for above and beyond service and should be at the discretion of the consumer. read more

They serve a 5 course tasting menu that highlights the best of Malaysian cuisine and its diversity. The food was amazing. The menu rotates so that's a good reason to be back. There was no dairy on the menu but they do customize for it if needed. The staff was very welcoming and warm. We needed to leave for a show and they expedited everything for us. My companion loved the decor. I was too busy with the food to notice. read more

Azalina's - The menu - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

I enjoyed the food tonight honestly I thought it was a 4.5/5. But there could be one more course for the price point. Neighborhood sux but the decor was fun & bright. Service was a bit forced asking how things tasted like 4 times is too much. Loved there flavors for-sure! 4.5/5 Food 4/5 service 4.5/5 Ambience read more

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SERVICE - located in the tenderloin which may seem sketchy but there are two security guards posted outside to ensure safety of diners - interior is bright and filled with plants and Malaysian decor to honor the culture - easy to get a day of reservation on a weekday evening - ambiance good for a semi casual meal - one of the best services I have dined at! The waitresses check in on you between and during courses, wipe down your table, and replenish your silverware. The thing I appreciated the most was how they asked for feedback on each dish rather than the generic "is your meal okay?" - chef Azalina comes to explain each dish and her personal connection to it which really makes the meal special and personable MENU - tasting menu that draws inspiration from chef azalina's childhood in malyasia - vegan/vegetarian option available - set menu is $89 per person plus tip/tax FOOD - popiah (9/10): crispy parsley and rice flour cracker topped with shredded beet and jicama and drizzled with a spicy hoisin peanut sauce. This starter is an upscale version of a spring roll. My favorite part was the spicy sauce on the top. It packs a punch but is well balanced by the sweet beets. The only downside was that it was hard to get a bite with all the components at once, so maybe having it as two little pieces instead of one larger one would make it more enjoyable. - rasam (9/10): sweet potato, breadfruit, lentils, and plantain in a warm tamarind broth topped with crispy mustard seeds. This is definitely not a traditional South Indian rasam and leans more towards the texture of sambar. I liked the contrast between the sweet vegetables like sweet potato and plantain and the tart tamarind in the broth. It truly lives up to its claim of being healing. - char kwey teow (8/10): rice noodle rolls with spinach tofu stir fried in soy sauce with a side of sambal paste. The way the noodles were presented in this dish was so unique. Each noodle was rolled onto itself, yet still had a generous amount of soy sauce throughout the bite. I was not expecting the spinach tofu to be as soft as it was. The texture feels like biting into a fluffy piece of bread. I would have preferred the sambal to be served differently as the spoon in the dish was hard to maneuver around when eating the noodles. - nasi bungkus (10/10); turmeric rice, cucumber salad, greens, and a tofu skin packet stuffed with grilled zucchini and covered in tomato chutney. This was the entree of the tasting menu with a very generous portion. The highlight was the tofu pocket. The texture of the skin chewy and meaty while the filling was soft and flavorful. I loved the sweet tomato chutney on top that had slightly soaked into the tofu skin and added another dimension of flavor. - palm sugar cake (10/10): fermented palm sugar cake with a side of rose rambutan ice cream and macerated strawberries with a palm sugar tuile. This was the perfect end to an already spectacular meal. The components are sweetened with palm candy which gives it a caramel like flavor. It has so many complementary textures and flavors from the tart berries to the floral cream and the sweet cake. The texture of the cake is light and airy. WOULD I GO BACK? Absolutely. It was so wonderful to be able to support a small, women-owned, minority business that highlights a culture and gives back to other women-owned businesses. The menu changes every four weeks and no dish is repeated, which makes every dining experience one to remember. read more

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We had the five-course meal and honestly, everything was so good. The Popiah was super good and probably my favorite, the Rasam was flavorful, and the Char Keoy Teow had great flavor and my second favorite. Couldn't finish Nasi Bungkus cause I was getting full. it was really fragrant and tasty. And the Palm Sugar Cake at the end, So good. The timing between dishes was pretty smooth, except for the last course, which took a bit longer than we expected. Overall though, it was a great experience. Just plan for about two hours so you can enjoy everything without feeling rushed. read more

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What an absolute delight! We were a large party with an elderly person who is blind and has a hard time moving around. Azalina herself met us at the door and graciously welcomed us. Her genuine warmth and ease made us all feel right at home. She recognized right away that our elder guest would have difficulty sitting in the bar height chairs and provided a cushion. The vibe is relaxed. We learned that the colorful murals on the walls were painted by local artists. The wait staff member was friendly and knowledgable and the food was delivered at a relaxed paced. The menu is pre-fixe and spans many street food culinary traditions of Malaysia. Every dish was terrific- delicious and beautifully presented. What a special place! read more

Malaysian-street food meets fine dining, indeed! Azalina's offers a monthly tasting menu that incorporates different kinds of Malaysian food inspired by Chinese, Indian, and other Asian cuisines. It's located in the Tenderloin, but as soon as you enter, the vibrant decor makes you feel transported elsewhere. We had the four course tasting menu, which initially didn't sound like a lot, but boy were we wrong! First course was the tomato shorba - an Indian-inspired dish with pakora, herb sauce, and a mix of spices.The smell was reminiscent of Japanese curry. I liked the crunchiness of the pakora and the dish itself was comforting. Reminded me of when I would add BBQ Lays chips as a kid to my canned tomato soup (don't ask me why), but on a much more elevated level. Second course was the spicy hokkein dumpling - a Chinese-inspired dish with rice cake topped with trout roe, dried shrimp, serranos, five spice, and a fried soft-shelled crab. This was by far my favorite dish of the evening. Reminded me of the dim sum rice wrap dishes. Spice level was perfect (moderately spicy) and that fried soft shelled crab was bliss! Third course was the veal rendang - a Malay-inspired take on their national dish. Lot of components to this one: veal with the bone marrow, cucumber and pineapple salad, potato, leafy greens, a turmeric sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, and some kind of curry-like sauce a herb sauce on the side which I cannot even begin to put my finger on. Wasn't quite sure how to eat, but dipped the veal in the sauces and ended up mixing the rice wtih the remainder of the sauce. The pineapple cucumber salad was so flavorful and refreshing! Fourth course was the bingkang ubi kayu - a Mamak-inspired baked cassava cake with turmeric sago, coconut milk, cardamom, some kind of nuts, strawberry, and crispy plaintain strips. It was the perfect way to end the meal, especially after the spicy hokkein dumpling, and had a nice balance of savory and sweet. Throughout the meal, the staff cleared the dishes, changed out our utensils between dishes, wiped down the table, and explained each dish and its components. They even took the time to take a commemorative photo for us. I did notice there were recommended wine pairings for each of the dishes, but that they had to be ordered separately. Maybe considering a wine pairing to go with the meal would be an idea? I love that the menu changes monthly, but for purely selfish reasons wish they had some menu items a la carte, only because if I really like a dish and want to order it again, I wouldn't be able to. Ah, got to enjoy the memory of it. Regardless, I'm looking forward to coming back to try more of Azalina's Malaysian inspired dishes. read more

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Had a fantastic meal at Azalina's. Four of us got the vegetarian tasting menu and two the regular one. All were very impressed! Food was unique, Azalina personally came out and told us about the dishes and the wine pairing hit the mark. Frankly, the tasting menu is a steal in a city with lots of over priced ones. Highlights were the main course and dessert but honestly everything was excellent. Neighborhood is what it is but there is someone at the door and felt 100 percent safe. Highly recommend!!! read more

We might come on the day with bad menu. I was expecting a fine-dining menu but I was served with lots of carbo. We had a large cube of potato, read more

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I might be unlucky, as our menu was leaning heavily on carbs - large portions of potato, noodles, waffle, and rice. The dishes felt quite heavy, and I was already full before finishing the third dish. The flavors were fine, but not especially memorable. Service was solid overall, but we were initially given the worst seats in the restaurant despite many open tables. After we requested a change, they moved us quickly. Still, it's something that affects my rating. read more

This would have been a 3 star review but bumping up to 4 given their valiant effort at revitalizing the Tenderloin district - a much needed initiative that I hope others will follow! As far as the dinner was concerned, we had a few issues: the menu has some basic information but doesn't do a good job explaining what's actually going to be coming out and neither does the host. The main dish of beef ribeye curry was rather flavorless (Malaysian cuisine is usually bold!). The side items that came with the beef seemed a bit random. Some of us didn't bother finishing the curry at all. Also, one person in our party asked for hot water as they were feeling a sore throat coming on but it never arrived at the table. The real star of the dinner was the dessert plate which came with four different Malaysian sweets. The banana chai fritter was the best one of the lot and was a great ending to an otherwise mediocre meal. Given that the menu rotates, that the other reviews on here seem to be stellar, and that they are doing good for the community around them, we will have to come back and try again another time ! read more

Azalina's - Dessert - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Azalina is a Malaysian restaurant that was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award in 2024. The New York Times also recently included it in its list of the top 25 restaurants in San Francisco. So I just had to try it. On top of that, Malaysian cuisine isn't very well-known in San Francisco. Malaysian cuisine is very interesting. It has its own unique style but also mixes Indian, Indonesian, and Chinese influences. The restaurant offers two tasting menus, one with four courses and another with two courses. I chose the two-course menu and at the end of the meal, I asked for a dessert. They kindly suggested a dessert from the four-course menu. * Starter: masala vadai. The starter is a masala vadai served on a carrot puree and topped with a dill sauce. * Main course: Chicken breast and skin, stuffed with spinach and potato, curry, served with wild rice, and a mint & coconut sambal. The masala vadai is a twist on the classic Indian dish. Despite the spices, I found it a bit bland. The main dish was very good and well-balanced. I'm always a bit wary of wild rice because it can be dry, but it wasn't the case here, probably because of the added taro and leeks. * Dessert: A duo of desserts. One is a sponge cake with fresh corn, burdock syrup, and apple & jasmine tea jelly. The other is a cherry and rambutan granita with blueberries, goji berries, and roasted almonds. The dessert was very good, and it was interesting that they included rambutan, a fruit that's very characteristic of Southeast Asia. The restaurant is located in the Tenderloin, a neighborhood that's a bit shady. However, they are committed to revitalizing the area. At the end of the meal, I appreciated the thoughtful touch of including a small book about the history of the Tenderloin with the check. read more

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WOW. Incredible meal and the chef was such a sweetheart. Beautiful interior, world class food, and a lovely time. Left feeling so happy, really thankful for the work they put into this, grateful to experience their efforts. read more

I have a tree nut allergy. It's not severe - so I don't go into anaphalactic shock or have a reaction to cross-contamination or traces of tree nuts. But when there are tree nuts in my food my throat and my lips swell, and I have an allergic reaction that is noticeable and unpleasant. When I dine out, I make sure to tell the restaurant that I have an allergy. So when I made my reservation at Azalina's, I made sure to note the allergy in my reservation, and to tell the waitstaff - numerous times - that I had an allergy. Nonetheless, I had a reaction to the main course. This was after I had reminded the waitress about my allergy, the waitress had actually taken the main course back to the kitchen to ensure that there were no tree nuts in the dish, and the waitress had confirmed that she had checked with the kitchen about tree nuts. What this tells me is that one of two things is true. Either the kitchen did not listen to the repeated warnings about my tree nut allergy, or they simply were not able to make the food without tree nuts. To be clear - I do not know which of these is true. I do not know that the kitchen staff knowingly cooked the food in tree nuts despite the warnings about my allergy. But the result is the same - and I would not recommend that anyone with a tree nut allergy eat here. Either the kitchen does not care about tree nut allergies or they are not able to keep tree nuts out of the food. The result is the same - if I had actually had a serious reaction, I might have gone into anaphylaxis and had serious health consequences. Having an allergy requires constant vigilance when you eat out - to ensure that the kitchen is aware of the allergy and can make the food free of allergens. But what happened at Azalina's was not foreseeable. Here, I told the kitchen - repeatedly - about my allergy. They either did not care or were not able to make my food without tree nuts. As a result, I had a reaction and had to leave the restaurant to seek treatment. I cannot emphasize this enough: do not eat here if you have a tree nut allergy. Either the kitchen cannot or will not make your food without tree nuts. read more

The five course tasting menu was out of this world. The service was immaculate, and the passion put behind the food with so unique, and very personable and impressionable will definitely be coming back and recommending it to all my friends. A must try if you're ever in San Francisco. read more

Azalina served some beautifully crafted dishes with a wonderful story behind each. The thought and care and love that goes into each dishes is apparent with every bite. It's a stunning space. The plants and the art and the lighting are excellent and create a wonderful ambiamce. We couldn't have asked for better service. The staff was kind, efficient, and so helpful. read more

I was a fan of Azalina's when it used to be a stall at The Market on Market. They had many delicious food options and also catered to dietary restrictions, so it was great for a casual lunch pick up. I was sad when they moved further away from me to the Tenderloin. They also made a huge departure from fast casual to fine dining: only a tasting menu that changes monthly with wine, beer and mocktail options. Now that I've finally made a visit, I want to come back! Delicious food for a reasonable pre-fix price and great service. It's a cute space in a not-so-cute neighborhood. Low lighting and ambient music in the dining area, and you can see the kitchen working through the partition... Maybe a little too well, I would suggest they either dim the kitchen lights a bit or make the partition a little less see-through to keep the ambiance consistent throughout the restaurant. The menu was great though, and they still accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. I'm still missing my old lunch orders, but I might be making this a monthly tradition going forward just to taste with they cook up! read more

Great food, great service at a reasonable price - what more can someone really ask for? I've been wanting to try Azalina's since it opened earlier this year - I'm a big fan of the chef and loved her prior restaurant (Mahila) in Noe which sadly closed during the pandemic. The concept here is simple - it's a four course tasting menu (vegan option available) that comes with two drinks (alcoholic or not). My friend and I came here on a Saturday night. The tasting menu included Gulf Shrimp Wok Noodle, Peanut Sauce Vegetables, Rosted Duck Kurma and Butter Coconut Panna Cotta. My non-alcoholic beverages for the evening were the mango yuzu soda and the ais tingkap (young coconut with basil seeds and rose syrup). Every dish was packed with flavor but the duck and the panna cotta were the stand-outs for me. The ais tingkap was a very unique and memorable drink. Service was good, attentive but not fussy. The restaurant space is gorgeous. The one drawback is the neighborhood - Eddy and Leavenworth is really ground zero for the tenderloin. With tax and tip, this meal was $130 per person which I think is good value for the food and the drinks. Highly, highly recommended!!' read more

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My friends and I had a marvelous dining experience at Azalina's last night. Great ambiance and service. Each course was an adventure in flavors, smells and textures. Every dish was delicious. The recommended wines paired wonderfully with the meal. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

Don't miss this hidden gem before it becomes too hard to get a reservation! I was invited by a friend and didn't know what to expect other than she knew the owner, Azalina, and this would be a Malaysian dinner. Well, I have to say that once inside the door I was transported to another place and blown away by the service, delicious food, and also Azalina's warm and loving personality and the atmosphere she created. I'm fairly tough to please...yet, frankly, I think this meal was better than I have had at some Michelin restaurants. We began by being welcomed warmly and told that the menu is pre fixe 4-course tasting menu with a selection of 2 drinks of our choice (alcoholic or non). Every course was beautifully presented, unique, and tasted amazing. I've never had this type of Malaysian food -- a fusion of old recipes from Azalina's early memories with new flavors and techniques. The first course was like a creamy mushroom, celery and garlic consumme that we couldn't get enough of. A refreshing start paired well with the sauvignon blanc. That was followed up by crisp and bright Yuba salad with a tasty savory and light dressing. However, the most impressive course was the main that was a small elegant buffet of 4 dishes on one plate! The chicken breast with crispy skin was so tender with a wonderful reduction along with a small, colorful Dutch oven of sausages in a tomato sauce. This also came with a wrapped bag of small potatoes that were a delight and the yellow rice with black sticky rice inside was fantastic. This collection of flavors went so well together, yet each unique in their own way. I don't know how she did all this to put on one plate! Finally, the sweet potato dessert sounded interesting and I didn't know what to expect... but then the little fritter or beignet that came out with an accompanying ice cream sorbet type of preparation was divine. Needless to say, this was well worth the price and trek. We would definitely like to come back when she adds more new and exciting dishes from her heritage to the menu!! read more

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