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

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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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

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

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

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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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

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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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

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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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

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

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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A flavor menagerie in a rough location. The food was exquisite and took me right back to my travels in Malaysia . Each course progressed nicely, and the staff was super attentive. Smells from the kitchen and the decor did really help give the authentic Malaysian ambience. The four course chefs menu took about an hour and 45 minutes so be prepared to relax and enjoy the cherry cordial or ginger lemon drink. Would advise getting there earlier in the day so when your long meal is done, you aren't in the Tenderloin past dark. read more

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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 friend I were able to get a table without a reservation. The food was well explained, interesting and well balanced. We enjoyed the different dishes and were served by Azalina herself! Would recommend for a date night or special occasion. read more

Really disappointing meal. My partner and I had been excited to eat here for months now. However, the whole experience was a huge letdown. First off, the menu doesn't list the prices - who does that? Then, it's set menu only - which I can respect but they don't even tell you you can do the smaller set (ie, just the main course and dessert). We finally opted for the smaller set cause the 1st and 2nd course looked dismal. The main course was a beef curry - sort of like massaman - that had tough beef and was so acidic I was sick while eating it. I had to throw away half. The desserts were also pretty sad overall. There were 2 servers in the whole restaurant - and the service was slow despite it being mostly empty on a Friday night. The seats were also kinda uncomfortable. being in that area is harrowing enough - we watched someone take apart a stolen bike and a ton of other people shooting up. Do not recommend coming here dressed up - or at all actually. Skip this place. 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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Not what one would consider traditional Malaysian cuisine (for that, there's always Layang Layang and Banana Leaf among others). Rather, it's an attempt at a fine dining tasting menu that is rooted in and inspired by Malaysian ingredients and flavors. The attempt is largely successful- 3 out of our 4 courses were exceptional, as were the mocktails (we tried the roasted pear curry leaf and date tamarind). The ambience is beautiful and the service is warm. There was only one other patron when we went on a Saturday night, which is unfortunate for a restaurant of such quality. I won't mince my words- the neighborhood is sketchy but we got around that by parking at Japan Center Mall and taking Uber directly to and from the restaurant. The food is totally worth the effort! read more

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Incredible food and service! Me and a friend went for the 5 course prefix meal (only $89), and then also shared a bottle of wine (highly recommend the Scar of the Sea Chardonnay), and we were blown away by the culinary experience. Each course also came with a story explaining how it was connected to Malaysia, which was interesting to learn. read more

Azalina's delivered exactly what they promise - an elevated experience of Malaysian food. More refined than a mom-and-pop SE Asian restaurant, but not a stuffy soigne fine dining extravaganza. Totally worth the trek into the TL, which seems to improve every month and has some of the best bar and restaurant offerings in SF right now. Despite the somewhat daunting pre-dinner messaging about timing and cancellation, the service experience was attentive but relaxed. We were seated immediately, but never felt rushed. The room is unassuming and nice, with ample space between tables and easy to hold a conversation at the table. We opted for the 4-course meal. It was ample and we all left thoroughly satisfied. Everything was so damned good - interesting flavor combinations presented in every course. The menu changes seasonally so not going into food detail, but each course was strong. Our third course, a chicken roulade, was so juicy and tender. The dessert course was amazing with some fun surprises that ended the meal on a refreshing up note. Strong wine list by the glass: sparkles, white, red and rose, so something to accompany every course. There was no pairing option when we were there, but the server said they would be adding that soon. We got out of there for $135/person, which included alcohol and tip. Considering the level of food, presentation, and service, I'd say this was a solid value for a mid-point dining experience. Thank you Azalina and team! PS - they have pre-packed foods and sauces available at retailers throughout bay area. I had seen them and was a bit intimated by the price, but now that I know how interesting these dishes are, am definitely going to check them out. read more

Azalina's - 2nd course: ling cod with eggplant katsu, in a yuzu sauce - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Had an absolutely wonderful experience at Azalina's. The food and drinks were nothing short of a flavor explosion. So many different tastes to experience. The ambience was lovely, its like your in a quaint courtyard in another country. They were also very accommodating when we contacted them ahead of time to let them know we had a gluten and tomato intolerance. Service was warm, friendly and professional. Love that they change their menu every 4 weeks, so you can have a new experience. We will definitely be returning! read more

*Incredible* multi-course prix fixe meal, very reasonably priced for the quality and quantity--and we sprung for the fabulous wine pairing as well. Chef Azalina even came out to greet us and walked us through each of the dishes as they came out: incredible service. Very pretty restaurant, spacious, filled with plants, good background music; appreciated the Urban Alchemy security guards out front. They change the menu every four weeks, so I can't wait to come back!! Highly recommend. read more

Azalina's really wowed me with the unique dishes and the malaysian flavours shining through despite completely transforming the classic hawker style street foods of malaysia into an upscale fine dining experience. I was really blown away by every dish, and with each dish came some sort of new technique. We were really lucky too - the kitchen was actually about to start cleaning up (having arrived past the cut off time with no reservation), but the kitchen and wait staff were generous enough to seat us anyway. Wonderful experience with excellent food. read more

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My absolute favorite restaurant. Well worth a trip to the Tenderloin every month and a half or so when the tasting menu is updated. After 7+ years of savoring Azalina's food--whether at her booth at Outside Lands, or her past projects at Mahila and the Market--I trust that whatever Azalina prepares, I'll love. For a picky eater with gluten and dairy allergies, that trust is hard earned. Some unforgettable dishes from the past year include: Taro gnocchi with crab Gluten-free pastry filled with lamb Sweet potato dumplings Carrot soup Hamachi collar Every single dessert (especially those with a healthy dose of coconut cream) The mocktails are fantastic too, particularly the galangal soda and the hibiscus horchata. Family-run with super attentive, thorough, and kind service. Highly recommend! I can also recommend their jarred Coconut Panna Cotta that can be found in a handful of local specialty grocery stores in SF, including Other Avenues in the Outer Sunset. read more

Azalina's is the restaurant that I've dreamed for years about, having gotten frustrated with the fine dining circuit. This is a much-belated review from a near-transcendental first experience from October 2024. I LOVED Azalina's. It's rare to immediately see, taste, feel this amount of heart an owner has put into a restaurant, but also backed by the creativity, technique, and attention to detail that belongs only to the absolute top chefs. Chef Azalina's thoughtful tasting menu gracefully navigates across the many influences of one of the most complex and international of cuisines. Murtabak - a Mamak dish of elk, date, purple sweet potato, eggplant agrodolce, and lentil - a banger of a start; a highly complex dish with a number of distinct flavors I wouldn't have considered combining that integrates surprisingly well. The elk (Halal Elk! How the world do you source that?!), retains its distinct game aroma that perfectly integrates with the rich subtle sweetness of the dates and sweet potato. The curry-like epplant agrodolce adds spice, while the wrap was crisped to add crunch texture, softened by the stewed lentils. An exciting and generous first course. Kerabu Beenhoon - a Baba & Nonya dish of blue fermented rice noodle, coconus floss, jujube, tamarind vinagrette, and peanuts -- Oh my goodness I can eat this all day. A comfort food reminiscent of a tea leaf salad, but with extraordinary complexity. The aroma of fried shallot and tang of tamarind brings the noodles to life. This is an exploration of its many flavors and textures, from the crunch of friend shallots, sweetness of jujube, tartness of tamarind, unique Indian peanuts (subtly different from what we normally eat), and even nasturtium to add a pop of freshness and color to cleanse the palette. Combined, it's a comfort food I'd love to eat every day. Spicy Fish Bastador - a Serani dish of crispy sea bass, purple asian sticky corn, creoja, tomato rice, and macadamia nut -- This, with no exaggeration, was the best sea bass I've ever eaten. Azalina's strict cancellation policy makes sense now -- the fish is impossibly fresh, not relying on any spices to cover anything up. Instead, the creoja, sticky corn, and tomato rice are there ta ccentuate the natural, saline crispness of the sea bass. Sea bass famously is a chameleon to its sauces, particularly in butter-heavy French preps. This may have been the first time I have truly enjoyed sea bass, the fish, itself in all its glory. Palm Sugar Cake - a Chitty dessert of rose milk, basil seed, seasonal compote, and sunflower seed tuille - For all the spectacular dishes so far, this one really takes the cake. Crisp of caramalized palm sugar on lusciously soaked cake. The rose milk was divine -- not like the overperfumed rose gelato you find often, but a deep rich essence that carried its energy over to the sugar soaked cake. This is the gulab jamun of your wildest dreams. The mocktails are also divine -- The Kurma Asam Jawa (date and tamarind) soda was one of the best sodas I've ever had, in large part it was because it gave me a sudden nostalgia hit, bringing forth memories of the 5 cent tamarind popsicles I loved growing up. Azalina's has made me excited for the future of San Francisco fine dining once again. Malaysian street food is often lauded as one of the greatest cuisines in the world, a truly international cuisine of over a dozen cultures. I found her thoughtful menu, paired with a knowledgable, attentive, and never obsequious wait staff, helped me navigate across all these cultures, educating but never proselytizing, in a way that's so down to earth as only a fifth-generation street vender running one of the best restaurants in the Bay Area could do. read more

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Azalina's is an SF gem. Each dish has such care and thought put into them, from its original conception to where they source their ingredients to presentation. The flavors are immaculate. And not to mention that the service is so warm and welcoming. The atmosphere is beautiful with its colorful mural and decorations that pay homage to Malaysia. I highly recommend making a reservation today for a truly unique and special culinary experience. Pictures are from the Valentine's Day 2024 menu. read more

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Eating at Azalina's was a great experience! The food is amazing: the flavors are rich and warm and very well balanced throughout the various dishes and combinations. The ingredients are high quality and the presentation is excellent! The ambiance is welcoming, friendly, joyous and colorful and the service was friendly, caring and impeccable. It was a great discovery that I look forward to trying again soon! read more

We had the two course tasting menu and it was spectacular T night we went the chef made a rock cod Chinese style, and the dessert was a spice trifle (see my photo of menu) One glass of wine and bill was $140. They add the 20% tip automatically We walked to theater from here and saw Stranger Loop (which started out good but got dark and boring towards the end) read more

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

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Let me start off by saying that the interior of Azalina's is BEAUTIFUL! The ambiance and decor are wonderful. This is a family owned restaurant in the tenderloin that combines Indian and Malay cuisine. The service was wonderful. Our server Teresa was super attentive and consistently checked up on us and all her other tables. We had the $50 2 course menu that was more than enough to fill you up. It comes with one complimentary drink, black curry lamb as the entree, and chocolate kuch talam for dessert. The chocolate cake was by far the most delicious and best part of the dinner. If you opt for the $100 4 four menu, come hungry. read more

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