Azalina's: Discover the Flavors of Latin America in San Francisco

Absolutely delicious meal! We had an incredible dinner pre-pandemic in Noe and have been waiting for ages for Azalina’s to return! The prix fixe was just the right amount of food and every bite was delicious. Unique textures and ingredients and flavors that you won’t really find in most other cuisines, even most Asian ones at that.

Phenomenal restaurant and a rare gem. We did the four-course tasting menu and loved every second of it, with each dish showcasing some of the best Malaysian cooking I’ve had in San Francisco. While we didn’t have any dietary restrictions, the staff was proactive and asked us up front, and I noticed each dish had a vegetarian option. Please note, the restaurant’s in a slightly rougher part of the Tenderloin, so I recommend taking a ride share to and from the spot if you’re arriving solo or not comfortable walking through the area.

Had an amazing dining experience here! The Asian cuisine was outstanding, with bold and unique flavors that made every dish a delight. If you love trying new things, this is definitely the place to go. I went with my friends, and we were all impressed by the variety and quality of the food. The service was equally excellent—both the waiter and waitress were incredibly attentive, accommodating, and friendly. They took the time to explain dishes, offer recommendations, and ensure we had everything we needed. Despite the restaurant being busy, we never felt rushed and were able to fully enjoy our meal at a relaxed pace. I highly recommend the four-course meal—it was the perfect way to experience a range of flavors, and every course was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. From start to finish, this was a top-notch dining experience that I would absolutely come back for!

In rather a rough area so we were surprised by the location. Once we walked through the door though we were transported to a different world. The decoration reminded of Peranakan homes I have seen in Singapore. You need to reserve in advance and decide if you are going with fixed 2 or 4 course meal. This is not your typical Malaysian nor Straits style food. Truly amazing and by end of the meal you will be full! Wish I could have had seconds of the trifle desert though!! On the pricey side as with drinks looking at >$120 per person. Great choice for a memorable night out.

Fantastic creative tasting menu. And the Chef came out to talk about each dish which really made it feel like each dish was made with love as she gave us a culinary tour of the different groups that make up Malaysia. Attentive service and homey decor made this a relaxing but elevated delicious night out. The seasonal menu changes monthly so it's very much repeatable.

Went to Azalina's for my 1-year anniversary, and they made it such a special night! We had the 4-course tasting that came with a wine/beer and a mocktail. Everything was very flexible and delicious. The beef cheek was amazing, and I've always thought it's an underrated cut of meat. The portions were very hearty as well, and we were stuffed to the brim! Highly recommend.

Chef Azalina's restaurant in San Francisco's Tenderloin district offers an exceptional dining experience that goes beyond just food. It's a testament to passion, perseverance, and community engagement. The cuisine is remarkable, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in both flavor and presentation. Each dish demonstrates craftsmanship, with a harmonious blend of tastes that speaks to the chef's skill. The menu features unique ingredients, including an herb reminiscent of Fruit Loops cereal. I'm not going to write too much about food because I think it's borderline just pointless to describe food in words. What sets this establishment apart is Chef Azalina's commitment to her craft and community. She maintains close relationships with her suppliers, including fisherwomen from Half Moon Bay, ensuring the highest quality ingredients and supporting local producers. I'm convinced that if there were 1000 more Azalinas in SF, this would be the greatest city on earth. After my meal, I had the privilege of speaking with Chef Azalina for two hours. She shared fascinating stories about her relationship with food, the inspirations behind each course, and her experience as a restaurant owner in the Tenderloin. Her passion for culinary arts and dedication to her community were obvious. Chef Azalina also opened up about the challenges of operating in the Tenderloin. Many potential patrons unfairly dismiss her restaurant due to its location, overlooking the exceptional culinary experience it offers. Despite this, she remains committed to her vision and to making a positive impact in the neighborhood. Her presence has contributed to the neighborhood's revitalization, demonstrating how a restaurant can be a force for community improvement. Azalina offers not just a meal, but an experience that combines culinary excellence with personal passion and community engagement. It's a must-visit for those seeking innovative, thoughtfully prepared cuisine in San Francisco, and a shining example of how food can transcend stereotypes and transform communities.

This place has some super tasty food. The people who work here are really nice and happy to explain to you what the menu items are if you're unfamiliar with them. Try the panuchos with the poc chuc, yum! Kind of a sketchy area, I'd recommend this place for lunch, probably not dinner. It's good, it's still open, help them stay that way! Note, cash only, no alcohol.