San Francisco is about to lose one of its most distinctive dining destinations, at least temporarily. An acclaimed Malaysian restaurant known for bringing the flavors and traditions of Penang to the city is preparing to serve its final meals at its current location later this month.
Azalina’s will serve its final dinner September 26
Azalina’s, the Malaysian tasting-menu restaurant at 499 Ellis St. in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, will serve its final dinner at the location on September 26, 2026. Chef and owner Azalina Eusope announced that the restaurant is moving to a new home in San Francisco rather than permanently shutting down.
The restaurant’s website currently lists its five-course tasting menu at $89 per person and notes that the current menu will be available through September 26.
Restaurant earned national recognition
Azalina’s has developed a strong following for Eusope’s Malaysian cuisine and her connection to Penang’s street-food traditions. Eusope is a fifth-generation street-food cook from Penang, Malaysia, and has built her San Francisco restaurant around dishes inspired by her family heritage and Mamak cuisine.
The restaurant has received recognition from the Michelin Guide and the San Francisco Chronicle, while Eusope was named Eater San Francisco’s Chef of the Year in 2023 and was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2024.
A new location is planned
Although the Ellis Street restaurant is closing, Eusope says Azalina’s is not going away. She plans to continue cooking in San Francisco, while the restaurant’s packaged sauces and other products will remain available through retailers. The chef has not yet publicly announced the new restaurant location…