14 Best Asian Restaurants in San Francisco

“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.“

“Best Xiao Long Bao i’ve ever had in my life. The soup is flavourful without being heavy, or oily. The pork inside is generous and tender. The wrapper is clearly fresh and handmade with care. I got delivery so my expectations were low, i’ll be honest but holy… these were spectacular. 5/5. I’ve had all sorts of XLB through the city of SF all the way back to the east coast, i’ve had Din Tai Fung… and this place beats them all. I’ll be ordering again this weekend for sure.“

“Amazing quality and rich tasty food proportions are Awsome high class spot love it !!!!!! Never been to such an excellent Burmese restaurant!! Great cocktails service & food & price is outstanding I give it 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“What a great experience! I especially love the chicken Goyza, pork dim sum and the Xiao Long Bao. I can’t wait to go back! Chef Suz ATX“

“Such a great noodle spot! Noodles are comforting and hearty. Service was wonderful. Came here with a group and we were seated and food came so quickly.

I am vegetarian and there were a number of options on the menu for me, also loved the milk tea drink menu.“

“Mashita Galbi Jjim, located on Polk Street in San Francisco, is a cozy Korean eatery known for its signature dish, the galbi jjim (braised short ribs). This dish, priced at $66, is a standout. It features tender short ribs served in a bubbling pot, accompanied by carrots, tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), and a melted cheese topping caramelized with a blowtorch. It’s hearty and perfect for sharing, as one order easily feeds three to four people. The plump mandu (dumplings) are also recommended as a complementary side dish.

The atmosphere is informal, making it a great spot for casual dinners. However, the restaurant’s popularity can result in wait times, particularly during peak hours, such as evenings and weekends. Some patrons have noted slower service during busy periods but praised the staff's friendly demeanor despite being overwhelmed. The interior is compact but comfortable, with simple yet functional decor.

Mashita Galbi Jjim is praised for its authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Other menu options include pork tonkatsu and beef plates, but the galbi jjim remains the star. For those seeking a satisfying, shareable meal with bold Korean flavors, this restaurant is a solid choice. If planning to visit during dinner hours, arriving early or expecting a wait is advised.

While some diners have commented on service challenges during peak times, the generous portions and flavorful dishes make it a must-visit for fans of Korean cuisine.“

“Decent place to try different Nepalese food. Being and Indian I don’t know if it’s my higher expectations from food that my country makes but if they were a Nepalese take on them they were a good shot. I’d say 4 stars is where it’s at for me after having been there 2 times already. My girlfriend loves the food there though so we might go again (and I shall try and keep this updated)

Their Naans are oh so fresh though - amazing!“

“Assorted bao was fabulous. Please open a location in Minneola!!!“

“Finally I found out a place from where I can get home made fresh and delicious food. I strongly recommend everyone to try out. Home delivery what else do we want...“

“Decent food. Appetizers we had were corn fritters and roti, they were definitely the stars. Need to come back to try the Laksa that was not available that day. Wish the food had more veggies.Right in front of the N Judah stop so super accessible.“

“Tito was a wonderful server. He was very accommodating. We had one person in our group who has dietary restrictions. The restaurant is very careful with GF foods, and all dishes were wonderful. The tea leaf salad was scrumptious and the chicken curry superb. We will be back! Thank you-“

“Dropped in for late lunch. Quick service, great food.“

“The Burma Love team has knocked another one out of the park with Kayah and we were already fans of their other restaurants! Every dish we have ever tried is a winner and it is no different at Kayah.

The food was delicious, flavorful, and unique. The ceviche was delicate, light, and a lovely balance of tangy and savory flavors. The calamari was not breaded and fried but grilled with a touch of chili crunch to give it that crispy texture--yum! The split pea fritters were an unexpected favorite melding sweetness and heat. The fried prawns were lightly breaded, spicy, and flavorful and the puffed rice under the shrimp was a welcome crispy treat. The platha was as good as ever. Off the charcoal grill, we enjoyed the very delicious baby trumpet mushrooms and ribeye wagyu skewers--our server recommended them and they are now a must! The fiery mango spicy tequila cocktail was on point.

The staff were attentive, prompt, and courteous and the overall service was excellent. The ambience and design of the restaurant are inviting and aesthetic, effortlessly and harmoniously blending zen and cool vibes.

We dined on the outdoor patio and it's fun being right on the West Plaza of Chase Center. I highly recommend Kayah and look forward to our next dining experience there!“

“This is one of the few go-to restaurants in my neighborhood. Most of the food is good, but during my last visit, I tried the lamb curry, which I regretted. It was a little too salty and the lamb meat was over-cooked and dry (despite the sauce). The brown rice I ordered on the side was undercooked and many of the grains were hard. Another issue for me is that sometimes the little steel containers of syrup that comes with the pancakes seems like they have been sitting out in the open for a long time because the top surface start to solidify. Because most of my previous experiences were good or okay, I will continue to come here.“