Jenny N.

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

Jaimie L.

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.

Patrick S.

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!

Rudy H.

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

Nirsh A.

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.

Thomas D.

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.

vlad k.

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.

Ally G.

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.

Conyei H.

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.

Nikhil M.

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.

Jessie H.

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

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,

Ashwini A.

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.