Fair warning for folks who may have been as excited as I was to try Azalina's and have another Malaysian spot on the Bay Area list. They have a ridiculous 2 day $50pp cancellation policy which is listed in the fine print of Resy saying you "may be charged if you cancel." However, they don't send you a confirmation until 1 day beforehand, and yet they give you the option to cancel when they send the confirmation. Our plans changed and we cancelled greater than 24hrs beforehand, they filled our spot with other diners, they then charged us $200 for a 4 top table tonight. We tried calling them, emailing them, I even sent an Instagram message and got no response. My husband and I went to the restaurant tonight to speak with them and request the charge to be reversed. They told us they couldn't even speak with us because they were busy. When we told them we would wait, they told us to leave. When I asked to have the food that we were charged for since we were not receiving a refund, they became combative. Such a disappointment to have such rigid and unforgiving response to what I believed to be a reasonable request. We are always supporting local businesses and bringing our friends with us, and we will absolutely never be trying this place again. read more

Truly disappointed by this prix-fix only restaurant (menu is $90 per person, without tax and tip and drinks). The menu doesn't even list the price, I had to ask! Having spent two weeks in Malaysia, and it being one of my favorite cuisines, the food here is poor. It's hard to even know what you're eating and the waitress rattles off a ton of ingredients. It's almost like they think the more they shove in a dish, the better. The two apps felt similar and were fried patties. The chicken entree was disappointing, not crispy or flavorful. Everyone at the table felt one of the two desserts was inedible. The other dessert was just alright. No standout dishes, nothing I'd come back for or even said was super tasty. Sometimes restaurants with mediocre food have good ambiance or location or vibe. This is not true here. I have been coming to SF for decades and know the T-loin has always been bad but it's worse than I can ever remember. Even walking during the daytime feels uncomfortable. Even just the two blocks to the restaurant had sidewalks filled with throngs of drug users. The atmosphere is casual and colorful, so when they do the timed service where the plates go down together it feels incongruent. My white wine was served warm. Overall, I cannot recommend this place and am disappointed that I was lead astray and came here. Hopefully a good Malaysian restaurant will open in SF bc this is a bad representation of a delicious cuisine. read more

Just finished a truly incredible meal at Azalina's. I loved every single course. Malaysian food is unique -- it blends Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisines in a unique but comforting familiar way. The flavors are fresh. The tastes are vibrant. What's not to like!? On top of that, Azalina is one of the most talented chefs in San Francisco. If you haven't tried Azalina's, you are in for a treat! read more

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My partner and I have been fans of Azalinas in the market street location and we were heartbroken when it closed. What they opened here on Ellis Street was better than we could have imagined-same familiar flavors as before but elevated and very well constructed. Friendly and highly attentive services- neighborhood is a bit dicey as one may expect of the tenderloin but the interior is stunning and immersive on its own. We got the 2 course pre fixe- highly impressed with how beautiful and delicious everything was, especially the amazing nasi kenduri- with perfectly cooked and crisp chicken with chutney, rice and a meatball curry. Will be back very soon! read more

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I recently dined at this restaurant and it was a delightful culinary experience. From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for an exceptional meal. The menu boasted a wide array of Malaysian dishes. but with a twist, each bursting with distinct flavors and aromatic spices. The service was attentive and knowledgeable, making excellent recommendations that catered to my preferences. It reminded me a lot of my trip to Malaysia!! Overall, the restaurant exceeded my expectations, delivering an unforgettable taste of Malaysia in every bite. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of an exquisite dining experience. read more

* Cross posting this from Google reviews in the interest of customers * I'm sharing this so other customers can make informed decisions I had a reservation at Azalina's for August 31st, 2024 at 6pm. At around 5pm that day, there was a gun-related incident near Union Square, with SFPD actively advising people to avoid the area. (A 49er player was shot). Due to safety concerns, I immediately attempted to contact the restaurant to cancel, as it was situated less than a mile from the incident. I sent an email at 5:29pm, well before the reservation time, explaining the situation and requesting cancellation without fees, noting that I would have called but the website doesn't have any phone number to reach to. Despite my proactive communication about these serious safety concerns, the restaurant charged a no-show fee. When I disputed the charge, manager Tim emailed on October 17th offering an 'alternate to the cancellation fee' (which was dining credit equalling the fee that I was charged) if I removed the dispute. I complied and confirmed this on October 29th. Despite multiple follow-up emails through November, I have received no response and no resolution as promised. Extremely callous behaviour by the restaurant for something that was a legitimate safety issue and they have FAILED to honor commitments made to customer. Restaurants callous response to a legitimate issue: We are not close to that incident/shooting, we had a busy dinner that evening, if safety was an issue we would have closed and contacted everyone. Your choice to not come was yours and did incur a cancel fee. Your later duplicitous behavior, loss of credit dispute, hiding information, attempting to get free stuff, all of which you fail to mention here, cause us to put you in a category of customers we do not want to serve. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Responding to the restaurant's response: In response to the restaurant's reply claiming I was being 'duplicitous' and 'attempting to get free stuff': My only request was for the cancellation fee to be waived due to legitimate safety concerns, documented by my 5:29pm email sent before the reservation time. The shooting incident location was officially documented as less than a mile from the restaurant. I have complete email documentation of all interactions, including one from their manager Tim on October 17th offering a resolution if I withdrew my dispute - which I did in good faith. At no point did I request 'free stuff' - I simply asked for the cancellation fee to be waived due to extraordinary circumstances and later accepted their own proposed resolution. All my communications have been documented, timely, and transparent. The restaurant's response mischaracterizing these documented facts is unfortunate and speaks to their customer service approach. I'm sharing this update so other customers can make informed decisions." read more

Azalina's - Initial reach out to the restaurant, letting them know about the safety concerns due to a gun related crime that happened. - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Run don't walk! Such a beautiful and special experience in a gorgeous setting. Azalina and her team create innovative menus that you can't get anywhere else in the city with fresh produce that all comes from the area. The sauces, curries and meats are to die for and the portions are so much larger than a tasting menu should entail. The staff and owners are so thoughtful and make you feel so welcome. The interior of the restaurant is also gorgeous and transports you far from the bustle of the city. A must-stop on your list if you live in San Francisco! read more

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Having dined at Azalina's Restaurant around 5-6 times, I remain impressed by Chef Azalina's authentic Malaysian mamak-style cooking. And I am not the only one who is impressed as the restaurant has received several accolades - Chef of the Year by SF Eater 2023 and also James Beard Award Semifinalist 2024-Best Chef. Not bad for a restaurant that is just over a year old. Aside from the beautiful decor, the vibrant colorful artwork, great service and warm and inviting staff, its the food that keeps me returning to this dining spot. Their monthly changing menu ensure that my dining experience during each visit is unique and delightful. And I particularly enjoy how each dish represents the blending of culinary traditions from Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities. Its restaurants like Azalina's that help contribute to the dynamic food scene in SF. read more

Great innovative concept. Loved the fact that menu gives credit to cuisines origins and provides context. We had dinner in Sept and everything was worth the visit, we are looking forward to the next menu in Oct. read more

Azalina's does a 4 course prix fixe menu of Malaysian food -- either vegan or non vegan (and they accommodate other dietary restrictions like gluten free, etc). It was delicious! I also enjoyed their watermelon lychee cocktail and non-alcoholic wine. Not pictured: dessert! read more

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Food and service were wonderful. Ambiance is also very cute. I like the fact that the menu changes every 2-3 weeks. My favorite was their salad and the soup (2 of the 4 courses). My least favorite was their dessert. I don't think it went well with the other dishes as a last finish. Plus the cons of this restaurant is the location. Being in the middle of Tenderloin is ... I would be very cautious read more

Azalina brings true Malaysian spirit to SF. I wouldn't exactly call the food 100% authentic, but I really appreciated the fusion twist and boldness in trying new things. Food was good (though I wish I walked away fuller) and decor was extraordinary. read more

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

This review is for their sauces I just purchased from Rainbow Grocery. SOOOO good! I can't wait to try the other sauces that have and especially their restaurant now. Totally recommend you head over to Rainbow Grocery and purchase a couple of jars. I paired the sauces with some pan fried potstickers and they were amazing. read more

Azalina's - Sauces I purchased at Rainbow Grocery - Malaysian Near Me - San Francisco, California

10/10 experience! The space is beautiful, the food was clearly made with love and attention to detail. Everything was yummy, especially the fish! Teresa is an amazing server and asked about everything we needed. Gonna tell all my friends read more

The food here is incredible - presentation, flavors, freshness, uniqueness, creativity... everything about it. We did the vegetarian tasting menu and left feeling so full! I can't stop thinking about the pandan tart w/ banana ice cream & papaya we had for dessert. Everyone needs to go here!!!!!! read more

4-course tasting menu for dinner and each dish was unique and outstanding. The flavors were so well balanced and every bite was exciting. They change the menu monthly so would need to check for the latest offering. The interior of the restaurant is vibrant. Service was attentive. Highly recommend! read more

Amazing experience! We've been to Azalina's before, but came recently for an anniversary. Not only was the food and service absolutely outstanding, but there was an anniversary card waiting for us and special congratulations from the chef and her family. The meal was incredible -- they explained each dish as they brought them out, and each course was somehow better than the last. Very generous portions and flavors were incredible. Ambiance was perfect for a special date, the music was great, and we had a wonderful time. I highly recommend Azalina's for any special occasion, or just to treat yourself to a lovely experience. read more

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This was hands down some of the best food we've had in the Bay Area. I can honestly say every single thing on their fixed menu was phenomenal, but what really stood out for me was the Tamarind Fish and the dessert, which was the Kuih Pelita and Kuih Kasturi. I've never had a mungbean and jackfruit based dessert before and was skeptical, but wow. Everything was bursting with flavor. Can't wait to be back. read more

Colorful decor with big, circular tables that made me feel like I was eating in a home. Delicious four-course meal. Definitely going back.

Amazing food, service and ambiance. A wonderful restaurant for a special occasion or as a treat. Consistently delicious meals with a highly seasonal menu! read more

We got the vegetarian prix fixe menu and it was phenomenal! From the Hawaiian papaya clove drink to the Nasi Mee, all the dishes were creative and hit just the right spot. The macadamia moon cake dessert was the perfect culmination to the culinary experience. As another reviewer says, go eat here before it gets impossible to get a reservation! The ambiance is great with high ceiling windows for natural light and tasteful decorations read more

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I have been looking forward to dining at Azalina's for ages and the experience certainly did not disappoint. The vibe of this restaurant is so beautiful. The colors, the patterns, the furniture, the dishes. All beautiful. The food was extraordinary and was presented in such an artistic fashion. Our server was lovely. The whole experience was excellent. Thanks! We will be back ! read more

I love Malaysian cuisine and have been to Malaysia several times. Lots of rich and diverse flavors combining many different cultures. But this restaurant barely feels Malaysian at all. The flavors felt very one dimensional, and the dishes didn't use many of the amazing flavors I tasted in the country. The food at Azalina's is just kinda average. But the format: a set menu, demands a much higher bar. This food seemed better suited for delivery. It was just so damn boring. Also the wine... just awful. The wine I ordered wouldn't sell at a grocery store for more than $10. Super happy I didn't order the wine pairing! In terms of the interior, parts of it looked quite nice. But the seating choices were very limited. Like we shared a high top table with other people - hardly a nice experience. Why would they do this? The tables were also so wide that you could barely hear the person across from you. The other funny bit: it's hard to get a reservation at this restaurant, but there's barely anybody there at peak times. The 20% service charge is also insulting. Overall: don't go to this restaurant. If you want authentic Malaysian, go to Damansara instead - much closer to what I've had in Malaysia and much better as well (and cheaper!). read more

This was one of the best meals and dining experiences we've had in our 30 years living in Sf. Azalina has created a curated meal that gives diners a pretty unique exploration of the flavors of her Malaysian homeland with a touch of fusion from Asia, Europe and of course the US. Rather than feeling restricted by the fixed menu - as others have suggested (see Clemencia). Having everyone at the table eating the same dish at the same time (vegan options provided) gives diners a chance to share their takes on the dishes and have a conversation about the different flavors and textures the food offers. This is an eating experience that is considered, unique, and "outside the box". The point of Azalinas is to expose you to ingredients and dishes to help educate you about Malaysian cuisine and expand your palate. If you love food and love culinary experiences, this is the restaurant for you. If that's not your thing - there always Panda Express and Olive Garden. But I'd encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. It's well worth it. read more

Dining at Azalina's is a complete pleasure. The service is always great and the food is creative, delicious and inspired. The flavors shine through in every dish. I have only had the vegan menu but I am sure the other options are equally as good. Moreover, Azalina is such a kind, generous, friendly soul. Highly recommend. read more

The food was tops in flavor, and the presentation was lovely. The ingredients were well picked, and were very fresh with vibrant flavors and utmost in crunch. That said, I would have preferred that delicious chicken with lemang or ketupat instead of inside a bun. And I prefer a finer yellow mee instead of the fatter noodle. The dessert was very yummy, but didn't need the glace as it made it far too sweet for me. As for the service, our waitress was really sweet and highly accommodating, so kudos to her and to an awesome evening in the lovely ambiance of your thoughtfully appointed restaurant space:) read more

Delicious food beautifully presented and impeccable service! We ordered the 4 course menu which includes 4 dishes, 1 mocktail and 1 alcoholic beverage (small but excellent selection of beers & wine). The dishes were composed with so many seasonal ingredients and were multi-textured and all perfectly seasoned. Don't be disappointed by the smaller size of the first 2 dishes, it's a blessing in disguise: even though, I couldn't finish my main (third) dish and had to ask to get it boxed so I could keep room for dessert. The wait staff was very attentive, the dishware was beautiful and so is the decor inside the restaurant, including the large and squeaky clean restrooms. Highly recommended!! read more

We had an absolutely fantastic meal, and both the service and interior setting were great. Unfortunately, the surrounding neighborhood is a post-apocalyptic disaster at the moment, which I think will make Azalina's future challenging. read more

Come hungry and come ready to taste story telling. The curated pre-fixe menu consists of aromatic, textured and exotic flavors. The service was impeccable and the courses were timed perfectly. The wine selection for the tasting paired perfectly with the meal. I understand they change the menu every few months and look forward to coming back! Bravo, Azelina and Tim! I remember your restaurant at the Twitter building. To see how far you've come and finally getting the recognition with the James Beard Award nomination makes me so happy! I'll see y'all soon! read more

We had our anniversary dinner there. The food was fantastic and inventive. We loved every course of the four-course tasting menu. And the service was perfect. We give Azalina's our highest recommendation and will definitely be going back. read more

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Simply stunning meal. 4 courses with beverages. The turnip cake was delicious, well balanced. A little spicy but we liked it. 8/10. The pineapple tea leaf salad was a good combination of flavors with pineapple and dragon fruit but possibly not dressed consistently. It oddly came with only a fork, making eating it in a polite way a little tricky. 7/10. Crown goes to the entree which was a halibut filet with gorgeous curry sauce. The curry sauce goes really well with the fish, rice and other sauces. 9/10. Dessert was a bit of a disappointment given how good her Kaya paste is. 6/10. I would definitely go back again - even tho the neighborhood is "mixed" Service was impeccable! Our server stopped by several times to make sure our water glasses were always filled. Really wonderful. The setting was gorgeous with modern furnishings. Very chic. read more

We had dinner with another couple there yesterday. It was a great great meal, well paced, incredibly tasty and complex flavors. I think the price-point combination ($100 for a 4 course meal + 2 drinks) is a really good deal. The food was a lot more than we could eat, so we were beyond full and got some food back for the kid :) The highlight of the meal for me was the meatball in tomato sauce, the sauce was quite complex, and the dessert. The first course of a soup with dumpling was also quite good. We had one pescatarian in the group and they did a good job with subbing a veggie (eggplant) for the meat. Overall, it was a great meal with not a lot of meat. Worked for me, since the sauces are more important to me than the meat itself, but this is not a meat-heavy meal. Its good that they add a 20% service charge to ensure reasonable wages for staff. read more

Just had the most amazing dinner here! The food was so incredibly flavorful. I've been drinking lots of mocktails the last 1.5 years and the lemongrass one was probably one of my favorites yet. The Roti Jala and Nasi Kandar were the highlights of my meal. I was pretty surprised when I walked into the space. You feel transported to a whole new place. I sat at the high top tables and I loved that I could put my phone and purse in the little nook under the table. Definitely will be back. Very memorable dinner. read more

This is a wonderful gem in the tenderloin. The food is exquisite; I didn't realize the owner is nominated for James Beard award, which is like the Academy awards for the food industry. Highly recommend. read more

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

Food was different !! 4.0! 5 stars for service and ambiance. The pre-fix items choices were somewhat limited.

Terrible and offensive customer service. Unfriendly, inflexible, and unsympathetic waitress. They couldn't accommodate the different dietary restrictions for the people in our group, but to avoid the $45 per person cancellation charge, we were forced to accept a vegan menu for half our group. The waitress couldn't have looked at us with more disdain. Then the service was slow, despite only having a couple other tables to serve. And then the bill came and they charged us a cancellation fee for only having 5 people instead of 6. Like $360 wasn't already enough for an average meal for 5 people. And then the waitress took an offensive jab at my friend when he told her he had tried to change the reservation from 6 to 5. She then said she would remove the cancellation fee, only to have the owner send a super nasty email to my friend who made the reservation the next day, making up facts and telling him he was re-charging his credit card again for the cancellation fee. Seriously, what kind of business is this? Serve good food, in decent portions, in a timely manner, with polite staff, and without draconian and punitive policies that make your customers leave the restaurant after dinner feeling hungry and insulted. We were trying to have a nice night and this experience put a huge damper on that. I will not be returning ever. read more

Such a gorgeous restaurant. Perfect setting that pays homage to the history of the neighborhood while serving up the most delicious food. Azalinas never disappoints. Not to be missed. read more

I LOVED this restaurant when they were in Noe Valley, so excited that Azalina's will be back!! Please, please put sardine puffs and sugee cake back on the menu! read more

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

Amazing complex multifaceted four course meal that was just spectacular! Chef Atsina is a perfectionist, and in that she makes the most amazing Malaysian food mixed with so many complex flavors! Despite being in the tenderloin, the neighborhood is safe and clean. The staff is so very knowledgeable! my bow and I enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the wonderful MocktailS. I can, without any reservation, highly recommend this, super wonderful restaurant! read more

Very surprised to see a place day they are open until 10 but refuse service at 830, not customer friendly