Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Azalina’s – San Francisco
Azalina's - San Francisco
Photo from Azalina’s
Azalina's at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#527 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
575
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique flavors
- Personal service
- Quiet ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Sketchy location
- Cancellation fee
- Dish inconsistency
The restaurant Azalina’s, an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, welcomes you with its cozy atmosphere. You’ll find a diverse menu featuring delicious options, including a wide array of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, this spot offers a comfortable and trendy setting for your dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Azalina's
Azalina’s offers a distinctive culinary journey, celebrated for its rich flavors and thoughtful presentation. Guests often commend the attentive service and the welcoming atmosphere, which contributes to a memorable dining experience.
This establishment aims to provide a unique take on Malaysian cuisine. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the restaurant’s sketchy location and occasional issues with transparency around a cancellation fee.
Despite these points, the overall impression leans towards a place that delivers on its culinary promise.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
575
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
93
negative
17
neutral
465
positive
Azalina’s garners a solid overall rating, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.1 and a strong Customer Satisfaction of 80.9%. This indicates a generally positive dining experience for most patrons.
The culinary offerings truly stand out, with Food scoring an excellent (8.6), frequently praised for its unique and well-executed dishes. The Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) also contribute positively, often described as friendly and inviting.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.2), which some guests found to be average. These insights are drawn from a substantial pool of 575 customer observations, comprising 465 positive remarks against 93 negative ones.
What people like
- Unique Malaysian flavors
- Attentive, personal service
- Welcoming, quiet ambiance
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood location
- High cancellation fee
- Inconsistent dish quality
Azalina’s presents a compelling case for those seeking distinctive Malaysian cuisine, backed by a strong Recommendation Score of 8.4. If you prioritize innovative flavors and a personalized dining experience, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of its urban setting and clarify any potential fees upfront. While the culinary journey is often exceptional, occasional inconsistencies mean it might not be for every palate or every occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Azalina's
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 87.4%, it's clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 334 pieces of feedback, a whopping 292 rave about the unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and exquisite presentation.
Many found the creative tasting menus to be a culinary journey. However, not every bite was perfect, with 32 comments noting some areas for improvement. A few found certain dishes bland or overcooked, while others mentioned issues with inconsistent seasoning, like an extremely salty dish.
Some also felt the portion sizes could be on the smaller side for the price.
Food
334
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
32
negative
10
neutral
292
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, bold flavors
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Exquisite presentation
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish execution
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodThe reviewer highly recommends making the trip for this unique food experience and to support an amazing woman, encouraging others to speak with Azalina to understand her passion. For those who care about supporting social justice, women-owned businesses, and love delicious food, this is a must-visit.
- flavorsI am so excited that Azalina's is back serving up the most delicious Malaysian food you have ever had! Your tastebuds experience so many different and unique flavors that all blend perfectly together. Azlalina herself is passionate about the food she creates, and there is so much Malaysian love that goes into everything she cooks.
- Malaysian foodAzalina's is a San Francisco treasure. I experienced fantastic Malaysian food, beautifully presented in a charming atmosphere, thoughtfully designed in every detail. Azalina is one of the city's finest chefs and this dining experience is not to be missed.
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was truly memorable. The chef came out herself to personally explain each dish and the intricacies behind them, which was a fantastic touch. We were so stuffed by the time we left, a testament to the generous portions and delicious food.
- portionsWhile the red tofu salad wasn't our favorite, as the tofu was only in the dressing and the fermented mushroom didn't suit our taste, the included papaya and spritzer drinks were divine. The portions are huge, so we happily took leftovers home. Overall, it was a great experience, and it's nice to support a restaurant that doesn't get the most foot traffic.
- FoodFood was 5+
- ingredientsFresh, quality ingredients creatively and thoughtfully put together
- mealHad a fantastic meal here on all fronts
- menuThe attentive service and homey decor contributed to a relaxing yet elevated and delicious night out. The seasonal menu changes monthly, making it a highly repeatable dining experience.
- presentationAzalina's is a San Francisco treasure. I experienced fantastic Malaysian food, beautifully presented in a charming atmosphere, thoughtfully designed in every detail. Azalina is one of the city's finest chefs and this dining experience is not to be missed.
Frequently criticized
- falafel-style first dishdisappointed with the falafel-style first dish, too dry
- foodfood to be pretty bland and flavorless
- cabbage and riceFlavorless cabbage and rice
- coconut mochi burgerCoconut mochi burger was messy to eat
- dishOne of the mocktails was an acquired taste at best. The second dish of the tasting menu was EXTREMELY SALTY that I took one bite and couldn’t eat anymore. The server never asked why the food was untouched and simply took it away.
- duck coursesone of the duck courses was undercooked
- fermented mushroomfermented mushroom did not suit our taste
- fisha small cut of fish with a couple dallops of curry
- five itemsyou get five items on a prefix menu
- flavorstoo much flavors mixed in every single dish
If you're an adventurous foodie seeking a culinary journey with unique, bold flavors and exquisite presentation, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark on seasoning or portion size, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a memorable dining experience awaits.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, with a score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 76.4%. Many guests rave about the attentive staff, warm Malaysian hospitality, and the delightful chef interaction. With 97 positive remarks out of 127 total, it seems the team often goes above and beyond, accommodating dietary needs and making guests feel truly welcome.
However, it's not always perfect, with 27 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some experiences mention long waiting times, issues with service etiquette, and a lack of attentiveness, like not refilling water. While generally positive, a few guests felt rushed or noted a lack of transparency regarding reservations.
Service
127
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Chef interaction
- Malaysian hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attentiveness
- Poor service etiquette
Often praised
- serviceI believe Azalina is the best chef in SF. It's a family-run establishment with friendly, impeccable service. As someone with gluten and dairy allergies and other sensitivities, I found them to be the most accommodating restaurant I've ever encountered regarding dietary restrictions; just be sure to write ahead with your reservation.
- chefI had a fantastic meal here on all fronts. The chef came out to describe each dish on the tasting menu, which was a lovely touch. The mocktails were delicious, and the portions were good.
- staffThe food was delicious, flavorful, and unique. What truly made our night special was the incredible staff. Despite being short-staffed, the team never stopped moving and maintained incredible poise while serving a full restaurant.
- ServiceService:5
- Azalina herselfAzalina herself came out and greeted us
- BIPOC female businesssupporting an exceptional BIPOC female business
- Chef owner Azalina EusopeChef owner Azalina Eusope is one of the most incredible people
- EricaErica was amazing well spoken, cleaned our table off before and after each tasting
- Malaysian hospitalityThe food was a perfect blend of authentic flavors and fresh ingredients, truly showcasing Malaysia's rich culinary heritage. The owner, Azalina, provided warm Malaysian hospitality and went above and beyond to ensure a delightful dining experience, making me feel truly welcome and at home. From start to finish, everything was simply outstanding.
- TeresaTeresa explained every dish and was supremely attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceService was also bad: took 90 mins to get the four courses
- serverThe server never asked why the food was untouched and simply took it away. In fact, the server never checked in once, only just kept bringing food and reciting what’s already written on the menu. I wish I had a better experience but truly was only disappointed and would not recommend this restaurant at all.
- bar seatA bar seat next to 3 other people even though I reserved for two
- complaintscomplained but they ignored our request
- course synchronizationlack of transparency in terms of the 2/4 course synchronization with my reservation. That was ridiculous.
- kitchenthe kitchen did not listen to the repeated warnings
- mistakeif either one of them had simply apologized and said that it was their mistake we would have just stayed
- ownershe launched into me, saying that I had screamed at her staff and asked me to be silent while she spoke.
- personal skillspersonal skills in this profession are of high importance.
- quality of servicequality of service
If you're looking for a dining experience with genuinely warm and accommodating staff, this place is definitely worth a try. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times, the overall hospitality and attentiveness make it a memorable visit.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.7%. Guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, vibes, and decor, describing it as a charming, vibrant, and beautifully curated space that offers a relaxed, elegant, and fun experience, often with an intimate setting and a strong sense of community. With 70 positive sentiments out of 89 total, it's clear many find the environment truly inviting.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 16 negative comments primarily revolving around the location and neighborhood, which some find challenging or even sketchy. A few also mentioned an unpleasant smell or issues with seating, like uncomfortable high tables. While the interior is often praised, the external surroundings can be a point of concern for some patrons.
Ambience
89
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, charming atmosphere
- Relaxed, elegant vibes
- Community-focused vision
What people don't like
- Challenging neighborhood location
- Uncomfortable seating options
- Unpleasant restaurant smell
Often praised
- atmosphereWe ordered both the vegetarian and regular menus and were absolutely blown away by the rich flavors and aromas of their incredible cuisine. This gorgeous restaurant serves Mamek food (Indigenous cuisine from Malaysia) that you won't find anywhere else in SF. We were seeking adventurous food and bold flavors, and we certainly found them!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorThe chef's personal touch, coming out to discuss each dish, made it feel like a culinary tour of Malaysia, with each dish crafted with love. The attentive service and homey decor contributed to a relaxing yet elevated and delicious night out. The seasonal menu changes monthly, making it a highly repeatable dining experience.
- spaceThe space is lively and spacious
- ambianceloved the ambiance it was very welcoming
- ambienceThe ambience inside the restaurant is beautiful
- musicDecor, music and overall vibes were relaxed, elegant, and fun!
- neighborhoodThe menu apparently rotates monthly, offering wonderful flavors and presentation. It's worth noting that the location is in a very 'urban' area, but I appreciate how Azalina embraces her neighborhood. The check even came in a guide book for the area.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- Tenderloin communityhung up photos from the community
Frequently criticized
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the atmosphere was described as cute and casual, the location in the Tenderloin was very sketchy. Regarding the food, all four dishes were flavor bombs, honestly too many flavors mixed in every single dish.
- neighborhoodthe lousy/impoverished neighborhood demonstrating social collapse
- atmosphereor the atmosphere
- areaI also observed that each dish offered a vegetarian option. A practical note: the restaurant is situated in a slightly rougher part of the Tenderloin. Therefore, I recommend using a rideshare service to and from the location, especially if you are arriving solo or are not comfortable walking through the area.
- high tableOn the day, my wife got a cold and we asked if we could cancel, they said there is a 300 cancellation fee, which is tough but fair. So we decided to go ahead with the dinner. When we got there they had put us at a high table, which meant the high chairs for the infants looked under the table - this obviously wasn’t going to work for us.
- restaurant smellAn extremely smelly restaurant - smelled like an old fish market
- seatingNot great for party of two - only options are giant tables and bar seating
- surroundingsIgnore the surroundings outside
If you're seeking a restaurant with a truly unique and inviting interior, often praised for its charming atmosphere and community spirit, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for its urban location, and perhaps consider a rideshare for convenience, as the neighborhood can be a mixed bag for some.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience truly exceptional. They felt it was worth every penny and offered impeccable quality at a very reasonable price. Many appreciated the price-point combination as a good deal, and even saw the service charge as a positive for staff wages.
These 6 positive remarks highlight moments where the cost felt justified. However, the overall picture, based on 25 customer remarks with 18 negative ones, suggests a challenging situation. Customer satisfaction sits at a poor 24%, and the score is an average 4.2.
Many felt it was on the pricey side and overpriced, especially with minimums per person and cancellation fees. A lack of transparency in pricing also left many feeling frustrated.
Value
25
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Impeccable quality
- Good price-point
What people don't like
- Stiff cancellation fee
- Often overpriced
- Lack of transparency
Often praised
- Price per personAt $100, it's worth every penny!
- checkThe check came in a guide book for the neighborhood
- priceI can confidently say she has outdone herself again. The presentation, the flavors, and the tasting menu experience are among the best culinary experiences in SF, all at a very reasonable price.
- price-point combinationthe price-point combination is a really good deal
- service chargeIts good that they add a 20% service charge to ensure reasonable wages for staff
- valueyou not only receive value but impeccable quality
Frequently criticized
- cancellation feeThis was not mentioned on their website, and the lack of transparency was frustrating. To make matters worse, there was a severe cancellation fee, which meant we were obligated to stay and experience the two-dish menu. The food itself was just okay, nothing special.
- priceNot worth $100 plus a mandatory 20% tip
- pricey sideIt was on the pricey side
- challenges of operatingShe also opened up about the challenges of operating in the Tenderloin
- course mealexpect to pay 140-150 dollars for a four dish course meal
- menu structureThe menu structure was weak.
- minimum of $120 per person$120 per person minimum is not cheap
- patronagewith this low of patronage
- prefix menuIt is a prefix menu be careful
- pricinglack of transparency on the menu/pricing
If youre considering dining here, be prepared for a potentially high bill and hidden costs. While some find the experience worth it for the quality, many others feel its overpriced due to cancellation fees and a lack of pricing transparency. Its a gamble on whether youll feel you got your money's worth.
How are the prices at Azalina's?
On average, you’ll spend around 90 per person – from 58 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For an Asian Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher end.
While the average is 90, a significant number of recent diners actually spend well over 101 $, suggesting a premium experience is quite popular here.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 58 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar places in San Francisco.
We think the pricing reflects a more premium Asian dining experience in San Francisco. While the average is 90, many guests are choosing to spend over 101 $, so be prepared for a higher-end meal if you visit.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Azalina's
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Small Portions, High Price, No Return
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I was surprised by the prefix menu, which cost $89 per person. I was also informed that canceling the prefix menu would incur a $40 per person cancellation fee, which felt excessive.
The portions were very small, with only five items on the prefix menu. Given the small portions and the cost, I would not return to this restaurant, nor would I recommend it to a friend.
- prefix menu3
- cancellation fee2
- portions2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Mixed Experience with Great Mocktails
My experience at this restaurant offered a great selection of mocktails. The five-course menu was good, with a strong theme of soy and ginger. The soup was my favorite, delivering an explosion of flavor.
However, the coconut mochi burger was messy to eat, and while the fish was tender, the cabbage and rice were flavorless. The ice cream had an icy texture, though the soursop flavor was interesting. Despite the small portion sizes, the meal was surprisingly filling.
The seating arrangement was not ideal for a party of two, with only giant tables and bar seating available.
- mocktail selection9
- five course menu7
- soup10
- coconut mochi burger3
- cabbage and rice2
- ice cream texture3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Flavorful and Accommodating Dining Experience
I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Azalina's. The food and drinks were nothing short of a flavor explosion, offering so many different tastes to experience. The ambience was lovely, creating a feeling of being in a quaint courtyard in another country.
They were also very accommodating when we contacted them ahead of time to inform them about our gluten and tomato intolerance. The service was warm, friendly, and professional. I love that they change their menu every 4 weeks, providing a new experience each visit.
We will definitely be returning!
- food10
- drinks10
- tastes9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
A True Gem with Incredible Food
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. It's an absolute gem in the Tenderloin with a charming, clean, and cool atmosphere. The food was incredible, and the people here truly care about the challenging environment around them, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting the community.
I highly recommend going; you won’t regret it!
- atmosphere10
- food10
- people10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Malaysian Gem with Great Service
I had a fantastic meal here on all fronts. The chef came out to describe each dish on the tasting menu, which was a lovely touch. The mocktails were delicious, and the portions were good.
It didn't feel too fancy, and the overall experience felt authentic Malaysian. They are accommodating of allergies, and it's a woman-owned establishment. The only downside is its location in the Tenderloin, but having a man at the door helped me feel safe.
- meal10
- chef9
- mocktails9
What Azalina's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Azalina's accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Azalina’s is fully committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What dining options are available at Azalina's, and do I need a reservation?
Azalina’s offers lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and seating. Catering is also available. Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations for your convenience.
How does Azalina's generally perform across different aspects?
Azalina’s holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 80.9%. Its Food (8.6) is highly praised, while Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) are also well-regarded. Value (4.2) is noted as an area for improvement.
What makes Azalina's food and service stand out?
Guests frequently commend Azalina’s for its rich, unique Malaysian flavors, creative presentation, and generous portions. The service is often described as friendly, impeccable, and accommodating, with the chef sometimes personally explaining dishes.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Azalina's?
Some diners have expressed concerns about the restaurant’s location in a “sketchy” neighborhood and occasional issues with a high cancellation fee or lack of transparency regarding pricing. There were also isolated comments about inconsistent dish quality.