Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Mandalay – San Francisco
Mandalay - San Francisco
Photo from Mandalay
Mandalay at a glance
San Francisco Presidio Terrace
- 🍜 Burmese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 118 of the guests
#1745 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Burmese Restaurant out of 8 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
775
Reviews
63.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Inviting Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- Poor Value
The restaurant Mandalay, a beloved Burmese Restaurant in San Francisco’s charming Presidio Terrace neighborhood, invites you to discover a world of authentic flavors. You’ll find a truly unique dining experience here, highlighted by their great tea selection, perfect for complementing any meal.
This cozy spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed lunch or an engaging dinner. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or exploring vegan dishes, Mandalay caters to diverse tastes.
Overview: Introducting Mandalay
Mandalay offers a culinary journey where the vibrant atmosphere often sets a delightful stage. Many appreciate the authentic flavors and quality of the food , making it a consistent draw for those seeking a distinctive dining experience.
However, some aspects of the overall visit, particularly around service and value , have left patrons with mixed feelings. While the inviting setting and delicious dishes are frequently celebrated, there are recurring comments about the efficiency of the staff and the perceived fairness of portions and pricing.
Finding parking can also present a challenge, adding a minor hurdle to an otherwise engaging outing.
Good
6.9
out of 10
775
Reviews
63.1%
Satisfaction
230
negative
56
neutral
489
positive
Mandalay achieves an overall restaurant score of 6.9, placing it on the cusp of good, yet customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63.1%. This divergence suggests that while many find the experience generally positive, a significant portion of diners have reservations.
These figures are drawn from 775 customer opinions, with 489 positive and 230 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Ambience shines with a strong (8) score, and Food is also well-regarded at (7.4).
However, Service registers as average at (5.9), and Value is a clear area for improvement, scoring a low (2.8). This breakdown indicates where Mandalay truly excels and where it struggles to meet expectations.
What people like
- Delicious Burmese food
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Poor value
- Parking challenges
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Mandalay is generally worth considering if you prioritize authentic flavors and a pleasant dining environment. The delicious food and inviting atmosphere are definite draws, promising a memorable culinary experience.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and evaluate the menu with an eye on value, as some find portions small for the price. If you can overlook these potential drawbacks, Mandalay offers a unique taste experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mandalay
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 70.4%, the culinary experience is largely well-received. Based on 456 opinions, with 321 positive versus 103 negative, many rave about the Tea Leaf Salad, Mandalay special noodles, and the impressive depth of flavor in their authentic Burmese cuisine.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some diners noted concerns about portion sizes and dishes being too oily or occasionally lacking complexity, with a few even describing certain items as a bland dish. It seems consistency can be an issue, but the overall sentiment remains positive.
Food
456
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
103
negative
32
neutral
321
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stellar, authentic flavors
- Must-try Tea Leaf Salad
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Some dishes oily
- Occasional blandness
Often praised
- foodAs regular customers of Mandalay for over 30 years, this restaurant has consistently been one of our favorite San Francisco dining spots. We've always appreciated the YUMMY food served in rather large portions by friendly, helpful staff. Today, we were so glad to hear they won a James Beard award, as they truly deserve it!
- tea leaf saladThe vegetarian and vegan options are incredible. We routinely order balada, samusa soup, tea leaf salad, walnut broccoli tofu, Mandalay special noodle, coconut rice, Burmese iced tea, and ginger mint lemonade. While parking on the street can be tough in the area, the restaurant itself is nicely decorated.
- FoodFood:5. Everything was great.
- Burmese foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their solid Burmese food. I was impressed by the freshness evident in dishes like the tea leaf salad, with its toasted peanuts, and the shrimp and okra stir-fry.
- dishesI especially love the Balada here. I recommend coming with a group so you can try more dishes. Our order included the Balada, Samusa Soup, Tea Leaf Salad, Mandalay Special Noodle, Mandalay Chicken, and Coconut Rice, and all were tasty!
- coconut riceThe vegetarian and vegan options are incredible. We routinely order balada, samusa soup, tea leaf salad, walnut broccoli tofu, Mandalay special noodle, coconut rice, Burmese iced tea, and ginger mint lemonade. While parking on the street can be tough in the area, the restaurant itself is nicely decorated.
- Tea Leaf SaladTea Leaf Salad, wonderfully funky and satisfyingly crunchy
- noodlesHad salad, fish, vegetables, noodles, and, of course, rice. All was well-prepared.
- BaladaI really really enjoyed the Balada.
- baladaThe vegetarian and vegan options are incredible. We routinely order balada, samusa soup, tea leaf salad, walnut broccoli tofu, Mandalay special noodle, coconut rice, Burmese iced tea, and ginger mint lemonade. While parking on the street can be tough in the area, the restaurant itself is nicely decorated.
Frequently criticized
- portionsEvery dish they recommended was a more expensive replacement. The portions were tiny and they served us off-menu items (secret menu.) that weren't priced and were considerably more expensive than the original dish we ordered. The secret seafood Paella tasted like canned clams and they up sold us because the prawn dish we ordered would be 'too small for the table'.
- foodfood very underwhelming and oily
- portion sizesI wandered into this unassuming Burmese spot seeking a modest meal and emerged with existential questions about portion sizes. Let me be clear: the flavors are nothing short of stellar—each bite of their mohinga made me reconsider my life choices and regional allegiances—yet my bowl seemed modeled on a thimble.
- coconut ricecoconut rice was $5.5 and 1/3 the typical serving size
- entreesMy experience at the restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. I loved their appetizers, but unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of their entrees. The servers were really nice, which was a positive, but because they were so busy, it definitely takes time for them to come back around to you.
- tea leaf saladtea leaf salad, I kid you not is maybe 5 bites
- dishesI ordered 3 dishes: the balada, the tea leaf salad, and the Mandalay special noodle. The 2 tables on my left side and right sides ordered AFTER me but they got their dishes BEFORE my table. The servers checked in with those 2 on both sides multiple times for the food quality and to refill the drink but not even once for my table.
- drinksEven the drinks, like mango lassi, were off
- mango chickenthe mango chicken was mushy and just mid
- mango lassiEven the drinks, like mango lassi, were off
If youre looking for a good Burmese meal with standout flavors and popular dishes like the Tea Leaf Salad, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some portions might be smaller than expected, and a few dishes could lack the punch youre hoping for.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed experience, landing an average score of 5.9, with customer satisfaction at 48.1%, indicating a somewhat mixed bag for diners. Out of 206 total opinions, 99 were positive, with many guests praising the attentive staff and great service. Reviewers often highlighted the teams efficiency in quick seating and their accommodating nature, especially with dietary restrictions and kids.
On the flip side, 90 negative opinions point to areas needing attention. Some customers felt rushed through their meals or encountered pushy service with upselling. Other concerns included long wait times for food or tables, and occasional poor coordination' among staff, which sometimes led to a less than ideal experience.
Service
206
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
90
negative
17
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Accommodating requests
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Pushy service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing Burmese and pan-Asian food, complemented by great service and a vibrant ambience. It's a fun place to visit, though finding parking can be a challenge.
- staffAs regular customers of Mandalay for over 30 years, this restaurant has consistently been one of our favorite San Francisco dining spots. We've always appreciated the YUMMY food served in rather large portions by friendly, helpful staff. Today, we were so glad to hear they won a James Beard award, as they truly deserve it!
- ServiceThe food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was a perfect 5/5. Service was also top-notch, earning a 5/5.
- wait staffAmazingly friendly and knowledgeable wait staff
- wait timethere was no wait time
- waiterlet the waiter know prior so they can make alternatives
- accommodating towards kidsThey are really accommodating towards kids
- attention and carethe attention and care they put
- attitudesGreat attitudes as well.
- customer serviceI visited this restaurant on a Saturday at 12: 30 PM and was pleased to find there was no wait. The customer service was good overall. We ordered the tea leaf salad and mandalay chicken with coconut rice.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by good food but unpleasant service. Within moments of being seated for our reservation, we were informed about a 45-minute kitchen wait and pressured to order quickly.
- serversThe worst thing is we waited for more than 15 minutes from the second dish for the last dish (the Mandalay special noodles). We kept looking around and raised hands for attention but the servers were too busy so they skipped us. Then finally a lady noticed and confirmed that she would check with the kitchen.
- staffAfter constant complaining about it staff apologized and gave some lame excuses
- waiting timeWe waited for 45 minutes and four reminders to get even salad and soup.
- waitersmultiple waiters who pressured my group of 4 to make quick decisions
- orderwaited 1 hour for my order to go! It was just only 4 items!!
- upsellThey will definitely try to upsell you on everything
- waiterThe waiter called "party of 4?!!" but some other group of 4 that just came in was seated.
- waitressour waitress never checking on our table
- waterasking 4 different people for water until I finally got a refill
If you're seeking a restaurant with generally attentive staff and quick seating, you might find the service here satisfactory. However, be prepared for the possibility of feeling rushed or experiencing longer waits during peak times, which could impact your dining experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.9%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 83 total opinions, 68 rave about the restaurant decoration, authentic atmosphere, and cozy atmosphere, creating a truly vibrant ambience that transports you.
However, a few practical snags were noted in 9 comments. Some found parking to be a challenge, and a small entryway could get crowded. A couple of guests also mentioned being seated at tiny tables, ' which might cramp your style a bit.
Ambience
83
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Cozy decor
- Vibrant vibes
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Crowded entryway
- Tiny tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was fantastic, super tasty, and spicy, offering a truly delicious culinary journey. This was all complemented by a lively neighborhood atmosphere. It's worth noting that they recently received a James Beard award, which speaks to their quality.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeVery good place a little classy
- restaurantThe staff are incredibly helpful and well-informed, always enhancing the dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and a great ambiance. The food was truly enjoyable.
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing Burmese and pan-Asian food, complemented by great service and a vibrant ambience. It's a fun place to visit, though finding parking can be a challenge.
- decorI really want to like this place because its decor is cute and I love Burmese food, but unfortunately, everything I’ve had has been just okay. For each phoned-in pickup order, the staff are friendly and helpful, but the time estimates are consistently too short, leaving me stuck waiting at the restaurant.
- restaurant decorationI visited the restaurant with my mom for dinner on August 9. The restaurant is decorated amazingly and in a traditional way. The restaurant was full and noisy (not in a negative way).
- authentic atmospherethe authentic atmosphere
- awesome experiencethis was an awesome experience
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- racismI honestly felt a little bot of racism here too
- reputed placeNever expected to be served such a spoon in this much reputed place
- small entrywaysmall entryway gets crowded quickly
- tiny tableput at this tiny table right beside where the waitstaff brought dishes out
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely charming and lively atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to potentially hunt for parking, and you might encounter a cozy, intimate seating arrangement.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
While a rare voice mentioned the price was worth every penny, this sentiment is an outlier. The overall value score sits at a 2.8, which is considered poor, and customer satisfaction is also quite low at 3.3%, indicating significant room for improvement. However, the overwhelming majority of 28 comments paint a different picture, frequently citing expensive and overpriced dishes.
Many felt the quantity and quality didn't justify the price , with complaints about up-charges and even soft drinks being too costly.
Value
30
Reviews
3%
Satisfaction
28
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Small portions
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- priceit’s worth every penny
Frequently criticized
- priceI read another reviewer had the same experience, and I believe it’s deliberately done to increase the number of ordered dishes without the customer's knowledge or consent. The dishes were decent and some were unique, but I felt they didn’t justify the price, especially with the portion size being pretty small. Based on the numerous recommendations for this restaurant on Reddit, I had high expectations but was really disappointed with the food and service.
- billThey combined orders and shorted us (Mandalay noodles) portions. They gave us 3 rice when we only ordered one and the manager was angry when we mentioned it when the bill came. Every 5 minutes they were trying to take our plates when they still had food on them and rushing us through courses.
- overpricedExtremely overpriced for the pittance of food
- $20 per person minimumhit a $20 per person minimum
- dishesThe dishes were a little pricier than I would like for the size/quality
- expensiveit was so expensive
- milk you for moneytrying to milk you for money at every step
- pricesprices are much higher
- qualityoverpriced for quality
- quantitythe quantity wasn't sufficient for the price overall
If you're looking for good value, this might not be the spot for you, as many customers felt it was significantly overpriced for what you get. Be prepared for potentially high costs and small portions, and keep an eye out for extra charges on your bill.
How are the prices at Mandalay?
You’re looking at roughly 41 per person – reported by 118 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Burmese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most diners spend between 21 – 50 $, showing a good mix of mid-range options, with some venturing into slightly higher or lower price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 118 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Burmese restaurant, offering good value for a diverse range of budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mandalay
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Oily Lamb and Poor Service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The lamb was too oily and tasted meh. On a positive note, the string beans were decent.
However, the service was quite bad; I was frequently left without water. Additionally, I was seated at a tiny table right next to where the waitstaff brought out dishes, which was unpleasant as they kept rubbing against me. I suspect this seating arrangement is reserved for solo diners.
- string beans5
- lamb3
- service2
- tiny table3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious Food, Great Ambiance, Mind Dietary Needs
My experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and a great ambiance. The food was truly enjoyable. However, for those with dietary restrictions like vegan or vegetarian, it's important to be aware that some dishes are prepared with fish sauce.
I recommend letting the waiter know your needs prior to ordering, as they can make alternatives. The service was rated a 4, and the atmosphere also received a 4, while the food was rated a perfect 5.
- food10
- ambiance8
- dietary restrictions6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely the Best Food Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The food was arguably the best I've ever eaten, setting a very high bar. I highly recommend you must go here.
The service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Overpriced with Tiny Portions
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant disconnect between the food quality and the portion sizes. While the food itself was good, the portions were a joke. I found it extremely overpriced for the pittance of food they give you.
For example, an entree costing $20+ barely serves one person. If you're planning to feed a family, be prepared to double or even triple your order. Even the tea leaf salad, which I kid you not, was only about 5 bites.
- food quality7
- portion sizes2
- entree2
- tea leaf salad2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Underwhelming Flavors and Oily Food
I was excited about this restaurant and looking forward to some great flavors, but found the food very underwhelming and oily. My red curry beef, specifically, lacked significant flavor. Unfortunately, it also caused me quite a belly ache.
Sadly, I won’t be going back.
- food2
- red curry beef3
- belly ache1
What Mandalay offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and service options can you expect at Mandalay Restaurant?
At Mandalay Restaurant, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. They offer a range of convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. You can also enjoy your meal with outdoor seating available.
Is Mandalay Restaurant family-friendly, and what are the parking options like?
Yes, Mandalay Restaurant is good for kids, offering high chairs for your little ones. When it comes to parking, you’ll typically find free and paid street parking available, though it can sometimes be somewhat difficult to find a space in the area.
How does Mandalay generally perform?
Mandalay holds a 6.9 overall score with 63.1% customer satisfaction. While Ambience (8) and Food (7.4) are well-regarded, Service (5.9) is average, and Value (2.8) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Mandalay?
Diners frequently praise the delicious Burmese food, highlighting its authentic flavors and variety. The restaurant’s vibrant and traditional ambience also receives positive remarks.
What are some common criticisms of Mandalay?
Key concerns often revolve around inconsistent service, including long waits and feeling rushed. Many also find the value lacking due to small portions and high prices, and parking can be difficult.