Mandalay Restaurant Reviews

We have been coming here for years & did not realize that we had not reviewed this. Mandalay is one of our favorite restaurants in the world. We always get great food & personalized warm service. I would mention that it gets busy, as we found this holiday season, so call them for reservations. They are not on Open Table anymore. The vegetarian & vegan options are incredible. We love the had balada, samusa soup, tea leaf salad, ginger salad, walnut broccoli tofu, Mandalay special noodle, & coconut rice. The tofu kebat, Singapore noodles, & basil spicy eggplant are okay. The desserts & drinks are also great. Parking can be tough in the area.

We were a group of 4 adults and 4 kids. The food we ordered was yummy. The place is very crowded on a Friday evening. We were seated in 10-15 mins, even though we were told the wait was 35 mins. The food was delicious. Our server was quick, nice and we were given special consideration since my kid has food allergies. All in all a good experience.

My husband and I ate lunch at the Mandalay, ordering from the lunch menu. I ordered the Mandalay Noodles with Prawns which had delicate yummy flavors and were perfectly cooked. My husband ordered the Spicy Eggplant which was NOT spicy at all but quite delicious in spite of that. In fact when ordering he was only given the choice of "mild" and "medium" for the heat level! The chili paste condiment helped give both dishes a "punch." The atmosphere was pleasant and all the dishes I watched come out of the kitchen looked like something I'd love to try. There were only two problems. One is that the eggplant dish arrived at least ten minutes before the noodle dish. That was OK by us as we intended to share anyway. I also noticed the same staggered service at tables nearby. We ate the eggplant dish and waited, waited for the noodles. The second issue is also about the service. It wasn't quite rude, but brisk enough to border on rude. Maybe it was just something about the particular day we were there? In any case, I'm looking forward to returning to try other dishes and maybe the service will improve in the meantime!

All of the food selections were great. We were entertained by the blooming tea plant served in wine glasses A very crowded restaurant and worth the wait

No trip to San Fran is complete without a meal or two or three at this place on California Street. A friend recommended it years ago and every time we are fortunate enough to be here, we make a stop. Especially good is the mango chicken salad. The tapioca ice cream dessert is wonderful. We order our meal and then several take out dishes for breakfast and lunch the next day. I dare say everything on the menu is excellent

Great food, very good service, and an interesting menu with fair prices. What more do you need? The Mandalay Noodles were my families favorite, the ginger lemonade was very refreshing. Burmese food is a nice change for the curious palate.

Although our visit was after 8:30 PM the place was packed with about 20 people waiting. We asked about a take out menu and we decided to do that. They gave us all water while we waited and the food was ready after about 20 minutes. What a treat ! Next time we are in San Francisco we will make it a point to go back!!

We had never had Burmese food before and were delighted with the explosion of tastes that our meal provided. The tea leaf salad was an exquisite mixture of flavors and textures. The main courses of shrimp with walnuts, fish, and green beans were yummy as well. The service was helpful and attentive. If you are in the San Francisco area you owe it to yourself to go!

The food is always great and there is a wide variety to choose from. The staff is always pleasant and attentive and the owner even remembers the dishes you enjoy. Try the Jasmine Tea and watch it bloom.

We hosted a lunch for 7 people at Mandalay restaurant because they have large round tables in the back of the restaurant. We feel Mandalay is an ideal venue for groups of 7-10. They serve attractive drinks and very attractive balls of tea that lend a festive atmosphere when they expand in clear tea glasses. We arrived about 15 minutes before our reservation, and we were seated almost immediately at one of the two round tables. The food was unusual to our taste and quite delicious. Most of us ordered mango chicken or honey shrimp, and both were excellent. The service was reasonably prompt, and we felt the price was commensurate with the quality of food and service. The layout is friendly, and tables are not too close together. We understand why the restaurant is so popular. Parking was not difficult within one or two blocks of the restaurant. We recommend Mandalay restaurant as a very good value.

We visited Mandalay at the recommendation of friends who consider it to be better than Burma Superstar. Our sense is that both are equally good experiences. Mandalay has a better ambience and decor. We would recommend the mango salad and also at least one order of the special Jasmine flower tea. We also enjoyed various vegetable dishes such as the string beans and the pea shoots.

Never had Burmese before, so this was intriguing! Have had lots of asian cuisine. The coconut rice was excellent and went well with everything. Had many disehs due to the size of the party, so tried many dishes. Did NOT have anything that was not delicious. Highly recommend this one!

I love the Burmese people and their food. San Francisco has a handful of Burmese restaurants, but Mandalay has to be my favourite. The owner, a sweet Burmese lady, takes personal care of every visitor and patiently takes your order while explaining the menu. Being a vegetarian at Mandalay is not difficult. I could have Gintoh, the ginger salad as the entree! The most delicious coconut rice and Spicy basil ginger are my favourite! When you go there think of me and have a hot jasmine tea for me!!

For the first time tying Burmese food, it was really a very good experience. I tried tea leaf salad, which was very fresh and exotic. I loved walnut prawns and papaya salad as well. Definitely recommended.

Recommended by friends, I am glad I took their advice. The lemon ginger beer was fantastic and fit the food well as it wasn't too sweet and left a fresh bitter aftertaste with every sip. Came back two days later and had the ice tea aka Virgin mojito which was too sweet for my taste. From the food my favourite was the seafood boat as seen on picture, you can taste each seafood, the sauce doesn't overpower it at all. Also, lovely staff and cozy interiors.

We loved all the food at Mandalay. My son's girlfriend recommended this restaurant in her neighborhood and it didn't disappoint. Attentive service and fresh food. Very busy on a Friday which is a testament to their reputation.

Mandalay is conveniently on the #1 bus line in San Francisco, easily accessible from the main tourist areas (if you are patient) and convenient to where my wife and I live as well. We went there on a Friday evening. It was packed at 6:30 PM with customers waiting in line, which says something about just how popular it is. We had reservations, which is advisable on a busy evening. Regarding the main point - FOOD - we were swept away by the menu and ordered too many dishes. They came one by one and were quickly devoured by our table of four. Overall the food was very good. I want to go back and ask that the heat be turned up on the dishes. I think we got the American version of hotness (taste wise), and my wife and I really love a higher level of heat. We were looking for more Szechwan than Cantonese, in Chinese terms. That said, we are ready to return and explore the menu in a bit more detail. Overall, if Asian and the particular personality of Burmese food is your thing, well, check out Mandalay. If you don't know anything about Burmese food, check it out sooner. You will be delighted I'm sure. And consider taking the #1 California bus. No need to trek "the road to Mandalay."

The green beans are wonderful, hot sour soup Yumm. Everything is delicious, similar to Thai. I eat here every time I go to San Francisco

We waited a long time outside to be seated and I can't say that the wait was worth it. The food was good but not delicious. The service was rushed and we felt that we were being hurried along in our dining. After the long wait outside, we would have liked to have had a relaxed experience.

Fantastic Burmese food. Best tea leaf salad in SF. And don't miss the soups. Great for groups and for couples.

I visited this restaurant with my family, which includes members of different age groups. We stopped here after checking out the Marin Headlands. The food and drinks were really good. The tea leaf salad was so delicious, although I thought it had a bit too much nuts in it, but my family loved it and the other dishes we ordered. I appreciate that the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Mandalay is in a convenient location, near the Golden Gate Bridge, which made it a great place for us to visit after a day of sightseeing in San Francisco. Overall, we had a great experience and I would definitely go back.

As others have said, the quantity is meager for the prices charged. The signature noodle dish was mushy and was doused in heavy cream (for a Burmese restaurant??) The wait staff didn't bring back our change in spite of several reminders - had to personally get up and collect it. There are better options in San Francisco.

Adapted for vegans. Had dinner before departing to the airport and found a very effective service. We loved the paratha with its sauce as well as the tofu Walnut broccoli with coconut rice.

Occasionally in my travels I run into a restaurant that makes me consider if it might actually be worth moving to the city it’s in so I could go there regularly. There are currently 3 restaurants on Mr. Snoots Short List of Restaurants That Might Be Worth Rearranging Your Life For and Mandalay is one of them. I look forward to working through the whole menu when I can. So what even is Burmese food? Burma is located down at the bottom of China, with Thailand on one side and India on the other. There are elements of each of those cuisines in the mix, along with foods from Burma’s several regional cuisines, marked by a delicate blending of flavors that is uniquely Burmese. On your first trip to Mandalay go ahead and order the signature dishes, Tea Leaf Salad and Mohinga, along with whatever entrees catch your fancy. Also, plan not to be in a hurry when you go. It’s a no-reservations, sign up and wait kind of place.

We hadn't had much burmese food earlier, so this was a nice surprise. Very light and delicious "salad" and the chicken was very tasty.

We had parts of three families together for a mini reunion. Looking for some authentic Mandarin cuisine. Found it! Mandalay Chicken , Burmese Chicken and walnut prawns are all excellent! Prices seemed reasonable for the amount of food we got.

Mandalay is our favorite Burmese restaurant. We always get the tea leaf salad and fish chowder. Got the special--lamb chop--saw table next to us have it. Lovely server explained that the lamb chop had been marinated for a long time--so the inside got marinated as well. Will try the mango chicken next time. Table next to us had it. Looked delicious. I would get next time: Tea leaf salad, fish chowder, lamb chop, mango chicken, and rice to go with. It was hardly a wait for us. But there's a sign that says, 20-30 minutes wait time. But totally worth it. Our service was great--attentive, helpful, informative--made us feel welcome! bbbbbbbbbbb

We were psyched to be seated with no wait around 7:00pm on a Saturday night (it did get crowded soon after however). Delicious tea leaf salad (vegetarian one with coconut) and samosas. Friendly service and comfortable decor. Sweet potato dessert (first one on menu) was a bit bland and dry. Otherwise, love this place.

Fantastic place! We arrived after a long day of sight seeing tired and hungry. We were greeted warmly and seated swiftly. The place was hopping with locals of all stripes. The food was fresh, flavored with exotic spices. My husband and I are foodies, so we thought we'd tasted it all until the Mandalay experience. The tea leaf salad was the opening delight, followed by a complex pork dish and melt-away short ribs that had us swooning. Ambiance is simple but colorful. The service attentive. In terms of food,it was the highlight of our weekend trip. You MUST try it.

Wonderful Burman food and excellent service. Place is quite simple but originaly decorated and very authentic ( i be been to Burma so know something about it ) it is also very popular and gets crowded in the evenings. They do not exept reservations so be ready to wait even half an hour for a tiny table. Everything is worth a try- starting from salads , soups and shrimps. All dishes are served the way you can share it if you are in a group or couple. Very interesting tastes and good quality for risenable price. Wine list is also avalaible.

In all the years we have lived in San Francisco, last week was the first time we ate at Mandalay. The food was excellent, try the tea smoked duck, noodle wrapped prawns, and of course the traditional Ice Tea. The people there are really friendly and helpful. The place is very clean and decorative. And parking is reasonable around it on the street. What else could you want, in San Francisco? Try it!

Sat down early in the evening, room filled up but atmosphere stayed nice. Service was adequate and the food is interesting and fairly light.

This place has really outstanding food - I enjoyed it more than the Burmese food I actually tried in Burma! The tea leaf salad is not to be missed (although you should make sure to ask for peppers on the side in case not everyone in your party likes spicy food!), and the noodles were so good I ended up ordering a second plate. Also try the sangria, which was delicious. Overall, every dish our seven-person table ordered was well-received. Service was friendly and helpful, and the food came out really quickly. I understand this place can have a very long wait, but we came in on a Tuesday evening with a reservation and it wasn't that full at all.

So many choices! The rainbow salad is refreshing and delicious. Tried the hand cut noodles, eggplant and prawns. Yummy. Suggest going early since it can get crowded. Service is excellent. You can do take out as well.

We ate at Mandalay with two other couples. Long wait for a table, but worth it—everything we had was fresh and wonderful. Don’t miss the tea salad! Fabulous!

One of my FAVORITE restaurants anywhere! been eating here for 30 years and still as great as ever. you can't go wrong with any of their food

I haven't been in the habit of writing reviews for restaurants, but I've just returned from a fantastic dinner at the Mandalay and I feel compelled to share my experience. Burmese food is a special cuisine because there are so many flavors in each dish. The Mandalay restaurant was unique not only because of the tastes, but because the ingredients were so fresh! The sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, etc. tastes really jumped out at us. It was delicious! The meal was also prepared and served with devotion. Before I left the restaurant I was already thinking about who to bring to the restaurant when I return. The Mandalay is not a cheap restaurant. The dishes were a bit expensive. But it was a meal that I will remember for some time. It was well worth it.

Mandalay on California Street in San Francisco is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in San Francisco! Both lunch and dinner are wonderful, although dinner gets crowded and noisy but the food is still delicious. Gracious service, gorgeous flower arrangements, and always excellent, tasty food with beautiful presentations make Mandalay my very favorite restaurant in San Francisco. If you like Burmese food or are open to a new experience, do try Mandalay! I think you will not be sorry!

I have eaten here before and each time I take a different group of friends. This time, it was an international group. I was afraid for my Serbian friend who has not had any Asian food in the past. I was impressed. He ordered the Mongolian, We had a family style cuz everyone wanted to taste everything. There was a special called "volcano" beef with veges. We also ordered the Tea Leaf salad and the Ginger salad to start with. YUM. YUM!

This place is slightly different than Burma Superstar but just as good if not better. The green papaya salad was excellent and beautifully dressed. It's a great app but gets boring if two of you have it by itself. Next time we'll order it with the other courses. Absolutely superb smoked tea duck ($21 for half), but it's a bit silly to serve it sort of like Peking duck since it is not cut off the bone. The buns were too sweet as well. The noodles in a traditional light curry sauce were fabulous. We'll go back soon. Parking is extremely difficult. It is a bit pricier than Burma Superstar.

Mandalay food and service was outstanding on a recent visit there. Long lines after HSB at Golden Gate but they moved customers through quickly without anyone being pushed out. Hot and Sour Soup, tea leaf salad, coconut rice, samosa and other dishes were fragrant and delicious.

Ironically, SF does not have many good Asian take-out restaurants. Most are cut from the same cloth: sticky, sweet, gloopy sauces loaded with MSG. Sad vegetables drowning in those gloomy sauces. And all meats, whether they are chicken, beef or pork, look the same. Fortunately, we stumbled on Mandalay last weekend at the home of friends who wanted Burmese take-out. They took on the task of ordering for my husband and me since they know the menu and I have to say that EVERYTHING was perfect. The outstanding dish, however, was the famous Tea Leaf Salad. I may become addicted to it.

We have been coming here for years. Mandalay is one of our favorite restaurants in the world. We always get great food & personalized warm service. It gets busy so make a reservation online if you have 5 or more people. The vegetarian & vegan options are incredible. We routinely order balada, samusa soup, tea leaf salad, walnut broccoli tofu, Mandalay special noodle, coconut rice, Burmese iced tea, & ginger mint lemonade. Parking can be tough in the area on the street. The restaurant is nicely decorated.

We've tried a half dozen places with similar menus, and the Mandalay is tops. We often get take out. Good service, friendly people, terrific flavors.

Simply amazing!!! My family and I came here last Saturday for Mother’s Day lunch. Ever dish was fantastic. This place was recommended to us by my cousin and he was spot on! The staff was great and the owner even came out to tell us about the specials. This place is a gem! Loved the ginger lemonade, the Tea Leaf salad is killer! Noodles in a coconut curry sauce was rich and tasty, literally every one of us loved our meals.

I've eaten here many times over the last several years, the food has consistently been very good to excellent. I especially enjoy the tea leaf salad and their version of Singapore Rice noodles, but everything I've had has been good. The reason for this mediocre review, then, is the VERY annoying service received on our last visit, where 3 different wait staff constantly bombarded us from the time we arrived until the just before leaving asking if we wanted another drink (how about a PInot Noir, our Chenin Blanc is very good, ...). We felt especially sorry for a young waiter who was clearly embarrassed to have to ask us yet again if we wanted another glass of wine. All 5 of us left with a sour view of the experience, questioning if we'll ever return. If the management reads these reviews, I would strongly urge them to tone down the interrupt volume, there is another very good Burmese restaurant just one block away.

If you are a fan of Burmese food and could not get into Burma Superstar, this is a better Restaurant by far. Everything that we chose for our meal was delicious. The Green Papaya Salad was delicious, the Mandalay Naked Eggplant I had never had anything like it before, how they got the eggplant to be really crunchy was simply delicious. My only complaint was that the smoked duck while chopped up still had bones which made it a little harder to eat with the buns, but the flavor was spot on. Both Sticky rice desserts were delicious. I would go back gladly anytime. The restaurant was full without us feeling crowded. There was plenty of light and we could actually see what we were eating. Presentation of all the dishes was very eye appealing. Best Burmese meal ever!

This is supposedly "Burmese Food" whatever that means, I would call it Asian Fusion. I recognized some dishes as being from Thailand, Burma, and China. The food and service is excellent, you sit in close quarters like most cafes in downtown San Francisco but there are a lot of tables so getting served fairly fast should not be a problem. Loved the huge choice of food on the menu. If Asian food is on your schedule, this cafe should have something on the menu for everyone. Mid priced place.

You may have to queue for a little while on busy nights, but the wait is well worthwhile. As a pair of visiting Brits, this place had been recommended to us by some locals. It was so good we ended up going on two nights. The food, service and value for money is great. Thoroughly recommended to those of you living nearer than 5000 miles!

Mandalay continues to satisfy without being trendy. Favorite starters continue to be the Rainbow or the Mango salads coupled with the Burmese Chin Hin Yee or the Chinese Hot and Sour soups. Follow on with the Mandalay Beef or the Pumpkin Curry Chicken. The dinner line, no reservations, on Fridays and Saturdays is still a bit lengthy, but weekday nights are very accessible. The remodel of a couple of years ago freshened up the kitchen and dining room and the additional and positive staff have improved the service times without making you feel rushed. The clientele continues to be a multi- generational mix of neighbors and friends. Relatively low visible hipster count.

We were visiting the Presidio and wanted Asian food. Tripadvisor showed this to be close to our location and it was ranked the highest of all that popped up...we were not disappointed!! We have never had Burmese food and we loved this place. Started off with the balada with curry dipping sauce and really loved it. We also had the Mandalay chicken and satay chicken and we were equally impressed with those dishes too. Great place to eat!

We decided to try Mandalay because Burma Superstar was closed that day.. We had heard good things about Mandalay. My wife and I ordered the tea leaf salad, chicken curry, Burmese beef curry, coconut rice, along with two drinks. The food was tasty but we found the serving portions for the salad and curry dishes to be very small, especially when compared to its competitor. We were barely full at the end of the meal, which cost about $62, including tax and tip. We'll stick to the other guys, where prices are about the same, quality is very high and portions are larger.

I've been eating at this restaurant for almost 30 years since I lived in San francisco. Went back on a visit two nights ago and it's just as spectacular As It Ever Was. it's not surprising because it's the same extended family that still owns it and runs it. Some of the best Asian food you will ever have in your life! everything is perfect

Delicious salads, try them all. A very busy place but with nice personal service. We had a big round table for 5 and had a great dinner. First time having Burmese food, really recommend.

I was in Burma over Christmas and the food was no way near as good as this restaurant. The staff were so gracious and helpful, their longyis immediately transporting me back to the temples of Bagan, the tapestries reminding me of Mandalay and the shrine to Buddha evoking a calm tranquillity. Bright and colourful, tranquil and calming the essence of Burma right in downtown SF. Their fermented tea salad was excellent, fresh, zingy and tasty. The starters were imaginatively displayed, large and the ingredients wonderfully fresh - the dhosa was especially delicious. The mango chicken was really wonderful, the curries fragrant and full of flavour. I can't wait to return, what a delightful find.

A neighborhood type restaurant. Great food, great service, good prices. The flavors are wonderful, complex, spicy, but not too hot. You can taste the spices and fresh food not washed out by the heat. Have the garlic egg plant, tea leaf salad (a must!) and the noodle dish of the day. Heavenly. The service is very friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Kind of far out of the central areas, but make the trip, it is worth it!

Great food, great service, good prices. Interesting, complex, spicy food wonderfully presented. Try the jasmine tea. It's a work of art (see pic). The garlic egg plant, tea leaf salad, rainbow salad and fish chowder were stunning. The service is very friendly and attentive without being too overbearing. What a lovely place

Mandalay is a popular restaurant...this you can tell by the large groups of people waiting outside of the front door to be seated. The staff does a reasonable job trying to keep the line moving so even with the large crowd when we arrived we managed to get seated within about 20-30 minutes, no reservations. The food was good but not superlative. We started with the famous tea leaf salad, a unique dish that is mixed up in front of you at the table. Really interesting flavors and something distinctive about coming to a Burmese (Myanmarese?) restaurant. With a side of balada (slightly cripsy pancake, a bit like buttery naan that is a bit crispy) it was a really nice way to start the meal. Unfortunately our entrees did not stand out (to me) as particularly unique. I'm no expert on Burmese cuisine so as far as I know they were done just right...but the sense I got from my wife's red curry okra with fried eggs and my spicy naked eggplant (had to get it with a name like that) was of good quality Indian and Chinese food, respectively. Again, the quality was good and I was happy with the food but it didn't stand out as a particularly unique experience...was similar to what we would have tasted in a good quality restaurant of either of those ethnicities. It's not a complaint really, and the starters made the meal interesting. But I am not in a rush to return since I've now checked the tea leaf salad off of my bucket list and the food was good but not great...I'd go back if the line was short but would not want to wait that long again.

This was our first foray into Burmese food. We were afraid of crowds at a local competitor, so we opted to go to Mandalay for a late lunch (~1) instead. Their drink options are worth investigating! The ginger lemonade is refreshing and unique, and they have a specialty hot tea that features a flower that blooms inside the glass (can't comment on taste as we only observed it at another table). They also brought a homemade hot chili oil to the table to add your own spiciness. We had heard rave reviews so we tried the tea leaf salad, so we had to try that. They mix it table side and it appears very authentic. We did not personally care for the taste. We also shared Burmese style noodle and mango chicken (our personal favorite). They also mix the Burmese style noodle table side but it seemed like after it had been mixed that it had mixed hot and cold ingredients and the result was some lukewarm bites - again this may be authentic (not sure) but we didn't prefer it that way. Our service was slow/inattentive on taking our order and refilling drinks. Do note that they close between lunch hours and dinner hours. Also note that they also do not accept Discover credit cards.

My husband and I have been dining at the Mandalay for at least fifteen years. The food is incredibly tasty, the setting is cheerful and the service is friendly but can get random when they are busy. And they are really popular so they get busy early. I highly recommend the Ginger Salad, Mandalay Special Noodle, and the Dry Pan Fried String Bean, all dishes that I just enjoyed recently.

This was the first time I have had Burmese food and I enjoyed it very much. I had a tea salad which was really a nut and lentil salad with tea leaves peppers and a light dressing. They tossed and served the salad at the table. Also had a curry chicken and a beef dish which were fine but pretty typical Asian. Kudos for good friendly service.

We eat here frequently and have for many years. The food is absolutely delicious. The mandalay noodles, the mandalay chicken, the tea salad, the soups, the green beans - I could go on and on. The service is excellent. We have brought family from out of the country here, and they have felt it was the best meal they had on their trip. It's Excellent!

Had a great lunch here with my husband. The food was delicious. They make really good mango lassi too. I had the rainbow salad and walnut prawns and it was all very good. The waiters were very nice. The restaurant has a funky, Asian - inspired feel. Overall, a very positive experience. The only problem is the parking; you'll probably end up parking miles away and walking

My first experience with Burmese cuisine was in Myanmar. The local food was familiar yet different. Since then, we've dined at Burmese restos both in the mainland and in Hawaii. My sister hosted the dinner. So much food was ordered that the flavors were being confused and not distinctive. However, the overall impression was that Burmese food here was a hit and easy on the pocket. You should have reservations. This place is very popular. Limited street parking.

So many great choices...its best to come with friends so you can try more dishes. Today I was alone and it was a warm day so I had the non-alcoholic fruity punch. It was so refreshing. Dry sautéed green beans were fantastic accompanied by coconut rice. This is the type of place where you mutter to yourself how good it is and smack your lips and tongue to get at all that flavor. I've been coming here for over 10 years and the food is always good but the service can be...well...they don't bother you. Come early and often.

Every time we travel to San Francisco our visit would not be complete without a visit to Mandalay restaurant. You see my husband was born in Burma, but where we live in upstate NY there is no Burmese restaurant. The closest Asian restaurant would be Thai which is not quite the same as Burmese food has quite a bit of Indian influence. They use curry and a lot of fresh ingredients in Burmese food, in fact they brought fresh cilantro and lemon wedges to our table to allow us to add these to our taste. My husband feels that the food here is the most authentic to what he remembers from growing up in Burma. Our favorites include the samosas, the thousand layer bread, the vegetarian noodle dish, the chicken curry soup.we also enjoyed the ginger lemonade and the paluda dessert as well as the coconut ice cream. We enjoyed this restaurant so much we ate here twice in the four days my husband was here, even eating on our last night of vacation before heading home. We are already missing Mandalay restaurant.

We went on a recommendation from a friend. We stayed in the financial district but made the drive to the restaurant. Not disappointed at all. Great food, super flavor a reasonably priced and busy for lunch!

Food was good. Hospitality didn't exist. First of all, we had to be strictly on time to not lose our table. Or may I say tables? - For a familiy gathering, they put us aorund two round tables. Actually, they squashed us around two round tables. A group of us arrived 15 minutes early. Although the tables were ready, they made us stand around in the entrance until EVERYBODY was here. Is this military here or what? It was Saturday (Oct 3 2015), and the place was full. That doesn't excuse it lasted long until we got our food, but after dinnerf ast until we were asked if we wanted some dessert (no, not in this stressful atmosphere), then presented the bill and then told that the next reservations for those tables were made for a quarter to eight, which was in five minutes. The whole thing lasted two hours. If you plan a birthday gathering with family members that you don't see very often and who travel far to see you and talk to you, this restaurant is not the right place. It's loud, crowded and overbooked, and they have money in their minds, not hospitality. For a (warm) welcome you wait in vain - standing in the entrance. Terrible would be right - only the food makes the rating a little bit better.

Food ordered was great. The tea leaf salad was delectable. The service however is extremely poor. Though out the meal you are rushed and before we could even take the first bite of our desert the bill was thrust into our hands. Pity that service is so bad and rushed. I would avoid this restaurant.

We've been coming to this restaurant for several years, because the food is delicious and the ambiance charming. We were happily surprised that this time the service (which is always pleasant) was more punctual than in the past. I hope this is a new trend, because the only thing we would complain about is that it took a long time from when you order till the food arrives. But oh, the food! You must start with the tea leaf salad! And there are so many other dishes to order you'll end up with leftovers for your next meal. And that isn't a bad thing. Even if you're unfamiliar with Burmese food, you'll see how similar the menu is to Chinese - but with more distinctive flavors and beautiful presentations.

This was our lunch spot after spending the morning at the California Academy of Sciences and before going on a cruise later that afternoon. I had never had Burmese cuisine before; however, looking at the menu ahead of time, I knew it would be good and it was ultimately better than I expected!

While portions are on the small side the food is wonderful. Service is excellent, Tea leaf salad, Mandalay noodles, salt and pepper shrimp and much more. Excellent selection of specialty teas. It is only one block from Clement where other Burma restaurants are but this is the best

If you are tired of all the other restaurants in the area, please give Mandalay a try. You won't be disappointed. It has been my go-to spot for years and I'm glad that they are finally getting the business that they deserve. The food is of excellent quality and you can't go wrong with any of their dishes! Tea leaf salad, stir fry green beans, mmm .... just thinking about it is making me hungry. The lunch specials give you ample portions at an affordable price. For regular dishes, they can be enough for two people to share. Anyway, if you are in the Richmond area and have a hankering for Burmese food, please stop by to check them out.

Great NA mock tails and all sorts of beverages, and every single thing we ordered was top notch. Will be back. Short wait but they are efficient about it, and their fruit and flower shrine is beautiful.

Went to Mandalay on a last minute date night, and was thoroughly impressed with the impeccable service and delicious authentic Burmese food. The owner and servers were attentive, informative, relaxed and extremely thorough in their service, which really helped the whole experience. We had the tea-leaf salad; delicious with a bit of added lettuce to break up the amazing intense flavours. The three-ingredient Rangoon seafood dish as awesome, and we'll definitely be back again to try some other items from the extensive menu. Definitely a recommended place to eat great Burmese cuisine.

We cam early for lunch on a Saturday -- and a good thing, because the place was jammed by the time we left. I hadn't had Burmese food before and simply assumed it was something like Indian or Thai, but I was wrong: There is some overlap, but this is a cuisine in its own right, and deserves more recognition than it has. The service was engaging and impeccable -- several dishes came to the table looking beautiful but were then mixed or deconstructed by the waiter. All of the dishes and drinks were good, but I'd especially recommend balada (a crisp pancake-life bread, with a curry dipping sauce), the ginger salad, the tea-smoked duck salad, the house special noodle dish, a ginger beer concoction that complemented the food very well, and a flower tea that is simply indescribable (try it: trust me). I'll go here as often as I can now, to make up for all the years I've missed.

First time trying Burmese food and absolutely loving it! Will go back for sure! We ordered: - Tea leaf Salad - Green Papaya Salad - Walnut prawn Everything was really delicious! I also ordered interesting ice tea, which was a bit sweet to my taste, but very refreshing and yummy!

I've discovered this place back in 2012 and since then I must return regularly. Burmese cuisine is delicious and if you go there, try the tea leaves salad. It a very unique dish. Mandalay is definitely one of my favorites!

More like 3.5 stars. I have been here many times. It just gets more expensive as the time goes by. While I still like the food, it's just an ok visit. I do have to say that their service is quick and friendly. On this visit, I had balada (savory crepes) and papaya salad. Started on the balada before I remember to take photos. All really good.

We loved the tea leaf salad and the Mandalay noodles. Very flavorful! And the flower tea was delicious. Can't wait to return.

Very authentic Asian restaurant. Everything about it was admirable. As someone who lived in Asia for a long time, walking into this restaurant made me feel very much at home with the interior design. I had a very good Burmese icetea, and had a salad that was amazing! I ordered the Burmese lamb curry and was very impressed. The waiters are very kind and accommodating with our dietary issues. An overall amazing experience!

We got the last table on a Friday night and there was a small line when we left. The veg food we got was really good (though overall I don't think Burmese is usually as good as Thai), nicely presented, and the server was well-versed in what was and wasn't veg, so that was nice. The service overall was very good, with essentially a large ensemble cast of friendly and mostly attentive servers, so we never had to wait for "our" server because of any of the employees was willing to help with anything, which made everything run smoother.

There are not a lot of Burmese restaurants around but Mandalay is terrific when stacked up against any cuisine. The place is also packed (a good sign), the food comes quickly and is imaginative. The service is a bit brusque but not unfriendly. The food is easily shared and I highly recommend that course of action. Worth a trip out on California Street!

The best tea leaf salad in San Francisco (as good as I remember it being in Myanmar)! Unfortunately we found out tonight that two of our other favorite dishes (Mandalay Special Noodle and Balada) both have fish sauce in their sauce. Not sure if the recipes changed this summer, or if they forgot to mention that the previous dozen or so times we ordered those dishes. I hope they'll come up with a vegetarian version of the sauces. Listening to people ordering food around us we weren't the only vegetarians there. Regardless, we still the tea leaf salad and the balada without the dipping sauce, and we'll be back.

We had a group of 7 people and ordered a great deal of food, they were out of the Shaking Duck, but we had the Smoked Tea Duck instead and I enjoyed that dish, but most of the dishes were a little small for 7 people, We ordered a vegetable dish and by the time they noticed we had all finished dinner, They did take it off the bill. It was nice that they did not rush us out the of place as soon as we were done because we stayed another hour just chatting, but then again it was a Monday.

My first experience with Burmese food and it could not have been better. I would have eaten here every day gladly had there not been a bazillion other wonderful restaurants I wanted to try during my trip. :) The tea leaf salad was remarkable and the soup (sorry I don't know which it was) was unbelievable. The service was impeccable. We had a short wait (30 mins) which I understand to be usual... and short for this place. I returned to my home city and immediately perused to find Burmese in my area... there is one.. ONE restaurant, but I will be trying it soon. It has high standards to meet after visiting Mandalay on California St in SF.

First of all, for many years we have going to Mandalay, enjoying its great food. I could comment on the quality of the food which also seems to have been lowered lately. For example the scrumptious "Mandalay Chicken" which is a signature dish has chicken without flavor, not unlike McDonalds' chicken nuggets -- bland, tasteless, over-processed. But more distressing was the "industrial style" service now in place -- totally lacking a personal touch, barely time to say hello to their guests, and a check thrust on your table while you still might be chewing the last morsel. More tables keep getting added to the relatively small space increasing the noise level and providing no sense of intimacy while eating. This is all in contrast to the friendly neighborhood-style restaurant which once existed here. It seems now to have all but faded into history. The food is now still "good" (not superb) but be prepared to be treated like just another customer to be hustled through in an assembly line process and then pushed out the door.

Burmese dishes dominate the menu, but there are range of other tasty delights at the Mandalay. The interior decor is energizing and the service was first-rate. Three of us ordered an appetizer (the Burmese 'salad'), and three mains (would have been better to order two mains) with one drink each. Bill came to about $77.

Our son lives nearby and took us here especially for the tea leaf salad. It was worth the wait to be seated. This is an unpretentious restaurant with interesting food. We shared several dishes, but the tea leaf salad was a stand-out. We'll definitely return.

This is an excellent restaurant --- it does not get a "5" stars just because that definition is "one of the best meals you have ever eaten" --- it almost makes that criteria. SERVICE: Outstanding; had a reservation; no wait AMBIANCE: Decent FOOD Samusa --- tried both the vegetarian and the chicken Samusa -- both were outstanding Beef curry ---very good Pumpkin&Pork --- excellent Will go back again and again.

I really enjoyed the Green Tea Salad and the Papaya salad. The Lamb curry was outstanding too. One of our group is allergic to citrus and the staff was very accommodating and careful to ensure that lemon was not on her dishes something that us rather difficult witness Burmese cooking.

This place is outstanding! They have so much food and you should try it all! The pumpkin curry, tea leaf salad, and mandalay beef are my personal favorite. I have been to this place multiple times and recommend it to everyone. Try it, you will love it!

Great food! Great Service! One of my favorite eats in San Francisco. You must try their Tapioca with coconut drink. Awesome!

Seven of us of varying ages and dietary preferences ate here and would go back in a second. The dishes we ordered to share were delicious and fresh, and a treat for those of us who don’t normally have ready access to Burmese food. The staff were exceedingly helpful and attentive. Our group did not need a reservation on a Thursday night.

Went here with friends who lived in the Richmond for many years. I don't really understand what Burmese cuisine is, but I can tell you that everything we ate - on our initial visit and then a followup - was insanely good. You'll have to slow yourself down so you don't bolt your food! The folks are super friendly and will guide you through the menu. Noodle dishes are good (though they seem to have linguine); ask about specials; don't forget to try the stir fired green beans. A very full meal came out to $30 a head. As you will read elsewhere, there is sometimes a wait, so plan your visit strategically.

Went for a snack but ate a meal! Shared with a friend the rainbow salad, a mixture of vegetables, fried onions, nuts with a vinegarette with fish sauce that they mix at the table. Then shared the mango shrimp with coconut rice, heavenly. We did have fried banana with icecream which was only fair, I would stick with the real meal. Went after work so were early and the restaurant was almost filled before we left at 5:30. Very nice wait staff. Had one beer each, bill was $45. do not know if they take reservations.

I've been going here off and on for 20 years or so. I hadn't been here for about 3 years and then was back 3 times in about a month when relatives came to town. I've always liked it but it really seems much better than I ever remembered. We eat family style here and share off all the items ordered. Over these past three meals, I haven't had a dish that I would label anything less than very good, but the vast majority were excellent. The ginger lemonade is also unbelievable if you like ginger. My kids don't, but they rave about the regular homemade lemonade. Warning: Popular place so expect a wait on busy weekend nights.

I am a fan of many Asian foods but had never tried Burmese. Am glad I did and equally glad I chose Mandalay as the restaurant to do so. I was there early as I had skipped lunch and the staff was wonderful to answer questions and make recommendations. I knew I was in for a good meal based on the number of customers who are repeat locals. Everyone knew everyone’s name and favorite dishes.. I chose tea leaf salad, special noodles, and a dessert I cannot remember the name of, along with their Sangria. Food was paced nicely with time to savor each course. The tea leaf salad is not a salad per se but a mix of flavor and texture that is delightful. Will crave this - who wouldn’t a dish that involves jalapeño, peanuts, garlic, and twelve other ingredients! The special noodles had a yellow curry chicken vibe but with ingredients that made it a taste sensation on its own. The sweet pea powder added a funky taste that was addictive. My dessert was a kitchen sink mixup of flavor and texture with ice chips, coconut milk, gelatin, tapioca, apple slivers, and a few other sweet things floating by. Was full before I ordered it but it was so tasty and unique that I made room 🕺😜💃 Lastly, the sangria- kept its red wine flavor base but packed with oranges, lime, lychee, etc. Refreshing with the mildly spicy food. Will come here again my next trip and thank the kind and attentive waitstaff for such a pleasant experience.

The green tea leaf salad was the best I have had in a long time. We went for lunch on our way to the DeYoung museum. The sevice was fast and courteous and the portions were generous.

A visit to Mandalay on California Street is like stepping into a visit to Burma. I've not yet been to Burma but the food and presentation of dishes at this lovely restaurant is such a wonderful experience i cannot wait to go! Everything on the menu is delicious, every dish beautifully prepared and served. The wait staff are knowledgeable, the owners gracious and welcoming, and the whole experience is truly a treat. Mandalay chicken is a favorite, any of the beautiful salads, the green beans or egg plant, Singapore noodles...the delights go on and on...yum!

Plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options, including the fermented tea salad. The menu doesn't say what is or isn't gluten free, but the staff are knowledgeable, and they proactively ask if you have allergens if you don't mention it right away. And they made the Burmese iced tea with coconut milk instead of condensed milk for me, it was delicious. The space is wonderfully quiet, with sound baffles near the ceiling, so even when it was relatively full we could hear each other clearly and have a good experience.

We discovered this place last year and raved about the mango salad all year in anticipation of returning again. We were not disappointed. It was as good as ever. We were greeted at the door by two very friendly men and the waitstaff was absolutely the best. This is not fancy but sedate and very comfortable. The mango salad is fabulous but so is the tea leaf salad. We brought 3 dishes take out to have the next day.

Mandalay is a nice restaurant serving tasty Burmese dishes. Pretty decor too. Friendly staff. I've heard so much about the restaurant but didn't have a chance to eat here until last week. My friend and I ordered the famous tea salad, Mandalay noodles and curry chicken. My favorite was the tangy tea salad with the crunchy nuts. The Mandalay noodles was on the bland side but still good. There's usually a crowd so go there when they open (usually 11:30am).

Mandalay is our favorite San Francisco restaurant. The staff give gracious service and the food is off the charts of wonderful, always! Their soups and amazing salads, noodle dishes and their delicious mango chicken...if you like flavor and freshness and enjoy food served artfully on lovely dishes, Mandalay is a place you should try. It is family run and the owners-- ask for Sherri-- are always on hand to guide you through the menu. Lunch is a bit less busy than dinner but even if you have to wait, the colorful interior is a treat for the eyes with an altar to Buddha set with fresh fruits and flowers and tall vases of flowers throughout the dining room. You will not need to travel to Burma in order to have an authentic Burmese experience. Like riding a magic carpet, you can dine in Burma right on California Street in San Francisco.

While we are familiar with many Asian cuisines, this was our first Burmese experience. The room has a nice decor and the servers are attentive. However, we just felt that the food was not as tasty we'd hoped. In all fairness, maybe their food is wonderful for Burmese cooking and we just didn't find it exciting. Most dishes seemed bland (too mildly seasoned) in comparison to similar ones from Indian, Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese cooking.

Green tea salad is AMAZING. Everything is good - cannot say enough positive about this place. Get hungry and go!

Three of us stopped in for dinner after a symphony concert. One of our number had heard good things about Mandalay, but we were all game for something (Burmese cuisine) we'd not tried before. On a late Sunday afternoon, this was a bustling place, filled with fine smells and happy people. We had a reservation, were seated right away, and ordered up: Fried eggplant app, Rainbow salad, then Tea Leaf salad. Soon smoked tea duck, pan fried prawn/calamari (w/green beans) and coconut rice arrived. Lots of eating, & two bottles of New Zealand-sourced Sauvignon Blanc later we were done...with a couple of leftovers to take home. The staff is attentive and Sherry really made sure we got all the good stuff. She works as a charming waitress and hostess and even helped us with some of the intricacies of getting the most our of our Burmese dishes. This is a real find in the inner Richmond area and convenient to the GG bridge if you're headed north after dinner. Tip: Ask Sherry to suggest dishes for you to discover...but make sure you try the Lap Pat Dok (Tea Leaf Salad). It's not to be missed!

I have been to this place many times and have always thoroughly enjoyed the experience. . Mandalay has been on "Check Please Bay Area" and got rave reviews on that show. On the latest visit it was a scorching hot day in San Francisco. The hostess recommended an avocado salad with shrimp and lichees. It was just what we needed, a very tasty salad that was cool and refreshing. The flavors blended together nicely. Other things to try are the Rainbow Salad or the Banana Blossom Salad. They also feature a varied assortment of curry dishes.

If you have not had Burmese cuisine, please go to this wonderful place. I saw the first review of it on a Bay area TV show on PBS "check please! bay area", many years ago. Loved the place on the first visit and have been going at least once a month for years. Quality has not changed but also the popularity has not waned. So expect to wait at peak hours. You have excellent stuff for carnivores and vegetarians. Balata is a wonderful vegetarian appetizer that is a regular order. Tea Leaf Salad, Papaya Salad, Ginger salad: you cannot get salads like this anywhere. So fresh, so wonderful and the way they mix it on your table. Samosa soup: is another favorite of ours You can order anything on the menu and it is great.

It has been 30 years since my last visit to Mandalay. How could I have neglected to return there after that first incredible experience? Such a pity. If you get a chance to dine there, grab it. Their Burmese fare is, in my feeble attempt to describe taste, a cross between Hi-End Chinese and Hi-End Thai. It's actually better than either, primarily due to the very focused preparation and presentation- just outstanding. There is spiciness, but it is low-grade heat, not five alarm. The flavors are absolutely out-of-this-world divine. The service is fantastic and very attentive. I'm already planning a return visit soon. Reservations are a must. The dining room is informal. Enjoy!

I have traveled extensively in SE Asia and last year I visited Myanmar for the first time. Before I went some friends took us to Mandalay for a preview of Burmese food, which I had never had. We had a fantastic meal. Every dish was superb, particularly the green tea salad. The flavors were unique and wonderful, and quite different from other SE Asian cuisines. When I left I asked the friendly Burmese lady who appeared to be the owner/manager to write the names of some dishes in Burmese. I asked her for recommendation as to where I could find food this good in Myanmar. Her response was "You can't find food this good in Burma". She was right! I traveled for three weeks there and never had a meal that even approached it! Went back recently, tried some other dishes, and had another superb meal. This is one of the best Asian meals I've ever had in San Francisco!

Disgraceful! My wife made and received both verbal and text confirmations for an outdoor reservation for nine people at 7:30 pm. We arrived at 7:25 and were told ,”There will be a short wait.” So we waited…and waited in the chilly air. When some of us stepped inside to warm up, we were told to wait outside. The staff was discourteous and frankly did not seem to care that they were not honoring the reservation. We finally left at 7:50 when it was clear that “our reserved table” would not be ready for us anytime soon. This is supposed to be a well-regarded restaurant. Our family, for one, will not be back.

My favorite restaurant is Mandalay at 6th Avenue and California Street. Although it's a little far from City center, it has the best food anywhere! I especially love the Tea Leaf Salad, which is not only extremely delicious, but also highly nutritious! Although I'm someone who usually likes to share dishes, I don't like to share that one!

My friends and I have been going here for 20 years but have moved out of the area so we only get to go every few years. it's always been amazing. just had a very disappointing meal the other night. no spice, limited flavor. i don't think we'll even go back again which is sad.

More like a festival than a meal. The decor is incredible, with beautiful pujas in every corner. Service is very friendly and fast. It only has a wine and beer license but they made a wonderful sake margarita which pairs well with spicy asian food. Food is fabulous, especially any version of the shrimp, which a big, tasty and fresh. Fermented tea salad is better than its name implies. Dessert is non-existent, they hustle you out of the door quickly when the meal ends - can't blame them with a line out the door starting a 6 PM. Plan to pick up dessert at any of the myriad shops that line Clement street and you won't mind. There is so much joy in the place, it is infectious!

I love to eat here with a group of friends. Over the years, we have kept a takeout menu with a grade next to the offerings. Yesterday there were eight of us and we ordered double servings of our A-list choices including Tea Leaf Salad (our absolute fave), String Beans, Mango Chicken, Basil Prawns, Mandalay Special Noodles, Mandalay Beef and Sticky Rice for dessert. Several of us had the Jasmine flower tea. It is hot and served in a large wine glass so that you can watch the flower open. It is fragrant and delicious. The Tea Leaf Salad is beautifully presented and mixed at the table for serving. Service is good. Our reserved table was ready for us when we arrived. There are a couple of things to be aware of: servings are small and parking is a huge problem. We spent a little over $30 each for lunch, but we had lots of food, drinks (non-alcoholic) and dessert. We'll be back.

Great food and excellent service. We shared a couple of appetisers and mains, very authentic- will definitely revisit.

Every time we eat there it is a joyous occasion of some sort and the staff never fails to make it an amazing time. And as if that were enough, the food is always perfect. It can be spicy for those with a delicate palette, but if you ask for no spice then they happily accommodate that without hesitation.

Had a fantastic meal tonight - fresh food, very tasty. The service is friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.

We were visiting our son in San Francisco and he made reservations at Mandalay. This was one of the best meals I've eaten. Our son ordered couple of appetizers and several main course items that we shared family style. All of our food was well prepared and very tasty. Mandalay had a reasonably priced and varied menu. The service was excellent and the noise level was low even though the restaurant was crowded.

This was really one of the best meals I've ever had, and it was relatively inexpensive. Everything from the mango drinks to the rainbow salad to the curry. It was awesome. Definitely go.

Wow your taste buds! Tea leaf salad is so creative and Unique .Loved it! Lemon cream chicken pasta to follow was super tasty. Green tea ice cream yummy! It helps to go with someone who knows the menu. Great find!

Sometimes what matters the most on a restaurant and this is exactly the point here. The service is brief but attentive - no extra chit-chat and everything straight to the point. And when the food comes, after very little wait, it is an amazing experience. Everything we had was just spot on. Looking forward to visit it again.

We were invited here by local friends. We made reservations but otherwise the lines were long. Most things on the menu looked appealing and our hosts ordered a variety of delicious dishes. The food came quickly with a fantastic presentation. The food was flavourful and spicy. The decor in the restaurant was colourful and authentic. The Jasmine tea is its own experience.

The reason I really love this place is because ANYTHING you get to eat you'll end up loving! I'm usually a person who just sticks to the same plate any time I go to a restaurant. But I went here with my boyfriends family and we each got something different and I was so amazed with how I just fell in love with all the different flavors of each dish. Of course you have to try their famous house noodles cause it's pretty fricken amazing but you should also try the tea leaf salad ... Actually try one of everything it's that good!!!

They say a good review is the negative and positive. One negative is they don't honor reservations. We were party of six, arrived a few minutes before our reserved time. There were two available tables that were given to walk in parties.(granted they were there before us, but did not have reservations). so it took us about a half of an hour to be seated. The positive reviews far out way the bad. Tea leaf salad is a Must have!! Very good. Their Mandalay special noodles, delicious. Mango chicken is very good. Coconut is a prevalent ingredient at this restaurant, so if you don't care for coconut, this may not be your choice. But we frequent here overtime we come to the city. The wait staff is very nice. Of course we'll be back.

When we lived in San Francisco this was one of our favorites. Now when we visit we never miss a chance to have a meal here. The ginger salad and the dry pan fried green beans are a must! The fresh ingredients and unique flavors make this restaurant a special experience.

Food is great, great service, nice ambiance, fantastic prices. The place is always full. Go check it out!

I loved this restaurant. It has a great visual effect with all the colors and details on hanging from the ceiling and walls. I did not know what to expect from the food though, because I had never tried Burmese cuisine. Well, it was great! The servers are an integral part of the experience because they even mix your food on the table and they list the ingredients. The flavors are vibrant, there is a great contrast of textures and the iced tea is just a delicious fresh feeling in your mouth and throat. While I was eating, more and more people came in ...and I definitely can understand why! I was probably a bit early for dinner. Go there if you like flavorful food (a bit spicey) and enjoy a not pretentious but eclectic environment.

Delicious! Went here for dinner and it was very tasty. I've never had Burmese food before and I would really recommend it, especially this one. Food comes out fast, and everything is family style so bring people or bring your appetite! The only thing that did suck was that it was quite a wait, but really worth it! I would try and come in as early as you can for the time you need. I recommend the Rainbow Salad, it's definitely a different take on salad. Ask them what is it in though if you have food allergies as this salad isn't your typical lettuce salads. It comes with a lot of nuts and seeds . I'd recommend the Burmese Style Noodle too! I am a picky eater and I thought I would have problems on the spices and ingredients, but everything was delicious!

This is one of our favorite San Francisco restaurants. It is a great place to bring out of town guests- everyone will like Burmese food. Attentive service, interesting menu. Be sure to try the Ginger Salad

Mandalay is like a better, more upscale version of Burma Superstar without the massive line. Back when I lived in SF, I took both friends and girlfriend candidates here, as the food was guaranteed to impress. I most recently visited in August, while showing my food snob girlfriend from HK/Vancouver around town. I was desperately pressed to defend the honor of SF culinary excellence, her having shot down local favorite after local favorite. Thankfully, Mandalay saved the day. We had visited Burma earlier in the summer and the taste of authentic Burmese was fresh on our palates, so the bar was set REALLY high. Yet, the tea leaf salad and the rainbow salad were as good or better than the excellent ones that we had sampled in Burma. Actually, just about everything here is on par with the best dishes we had in Burma, with the exception of the beef curry, which was still all right. At the end of the night, my girlfriend gave the place 4.5 stars out of 5 (by her ridiculous standards -- and she never gives out 5's) and left with a better impression of SF cuisine after I took her to Koo the night afterwards.

The food was so good. We loved everything we ordered. The workers very not specially friendly, and we need to wait to have a table. But it was worth it. Do not forget to order the Mandalay special noodles!

Almost nothing I had at this restaurant was something I would have ordered myself somewhere else, and all of it was delicious!! Next time I’m in SF I will definitely be back!

While visiting San Francisco we thought of having something unique and settled on this place. The staff were very friendly and seated us quickly considering we didn’t have reservations. The ambiance was very warm and the place was packed. When seated , I ordered their blooming jasmine flower tea served in a large wine glass. Just watching it blossom was amazing to watch, but it was very aromatic and refreshing as we started on some apps. Our apps we chose were the samusas and the Balada. These two are a must try. For mains, we ordered the rainbow prawn, the pumpkin curry chicken, the Burmese style noodle and the Mongolian beef. All these dishes were generous and very tasty. The portions were also quite generous. Although we would have liked to have dessert, we didn’t have room.

The food was amazing!! So flavorful and cooked to perfection!! I got the Singapore Noodles and my husband got the Mango Chicken. Of the two, we both liked the Singapore Noodles better, but both were excellent! I got a Burmese Iced Tea and it was so good!! It's similar to Thai Iced Tea, but I liked this better! I agree with other reviewers about the service as far as food not coming out at the same time, but everyone was very friendly. The server even offered to give us some of the homemade hot sauce to take home for free!

Were contemplating this restaurant against another Burmese one, but glad we chose this one. Amazing food - authentic taste and great ambience resulted in a great evening with friends and family! Highly recommended if you are in San Francisco and in the mood for Burmese food!

An off-beat restaurant (away from the centre / no-frills), the accent here is squarely on the cuisine and the service. Delectable Burmese food & warm, prompt service.

Be sure to make a reservation or else you'll be standing in line for awhile like we did. First time at this Burmese restaurant and it was very good. The place was full from the time we lined up at 7 pm to the time we left on a Saturday night. We ordered 8 to 9 dishes and my favorite was the Moo Hin Nga, Tea Leaf Salad (I like their version because it is crunchy), and the many Burmese curry dishes. One of the curry dishes was the Pumpkin Curry Chicken, which basically was an empty pumpkin filled with curry chicken but very little or not enough pumpkin. Flavors were very mild so be sure to try their spicy hot sauce. All in all, service was very good and the food came out pretty fast.

Our first experience with Burmese food was a good one. The dishes look and read a bit like Thai but the flavors were quite different. The servers also take time to mix and serve portions of the main courses to each diner and that was a fun and unexpected treat. The restaurant is quite popular and service seems to slow down a bit when they're crowded (but it was still reasonable). The staff were all very friendly.

Love the place , service & menu. This was an experimental visit and I must say it was worth a try. We ordered the tea leaf salad, basil chicken , satay, samusa , coconut water , asparagus chicken , beans fry , coconut rice , okra egg curry and saffron rice. Every order was made to perfection , the flavors were very balanced and spice levels apt. The staff was very courteous and advised us the specials based on our taste and preference. The place looks a bit rustic from outside, but the setting is quite nice from within. The pricing is a bit on higher side, but the quality balances it out. Must visit if you like coastal, sautéed or stir fry type foods.

The food was quite good, especially the tea leaf salad and the duck. Staff hurried us a bit through dinner, and in the process spilled beer on us twice with no apologies and having to ask for napkins to blot off soaked laps and clothes.

Heard about this place from a coworker and it is definitely as good as she described. Amazingly seasoned dishes with fresh herbs. Loved the basil chicken! But the tea leaf salad is my number one recommendation. The off menu “volcano chicken” was also fantastic.

My first experience with burnees food. Except salad everything contain interesting taste. But burnees beer is expensive and not good. Shrimps and curry meat is wonderfull. My advice U should order 4 or 5 different food taste everyone .

We happened by here on Memorial Day Weekend. Parking was difficult, but that's S.F. We were in a rush, but here are highlights of our meal: the samosas were delicious - crispy pastry with a tasty filling. Mongolian Beef was amazing!! The beef was grilled, but tender and soft. One of the best Mongolian Beef dishes I've ever had. The MuShu shrimp was also very good. Our honey walnut prawns were over cooked/over deep fried, but the presentation was lovely. Can't wait to go back and try new dishes and the ones just mentioned.

This is definitely a go-to restaurant for me! The food is wonderful, the decor is beautiful and the service is great! The food is at least equal to Burma Super Star but the lines are shorter and the service is better!

We come here at least once a month. The owners remember what we like ,the tea leaf salad is the best, also the samosas are delicious, crispy chicken, rainbow salad all are flavorful, and pretty. Rarely have we disliked anything.

The food here was very very good, the service though was so slow! It was extremely busy here understood but we had to ask the wait staff more than once where our order was when the two tables on either side of us had gotten their food already and ordered after us! I would give it another try and hope for the service to match their food.

My family brought me to Mandalay for my birthday dinner. What a treat! We ordered a good variety of dishes. All of the dishes were delicious, except for the Chin Mong Jaw (sour vegetables pan fried with mushrooms and bamboo shoots). The bamboo shoots were too overpowering. My favorite is still the tea leaf salad. The servings were on the small side so if you have a large party (8 people or more), expect to double the orders. Overall, the service was good.

Some of the best, freshest, most flavorful food I've ever eaten. My daughter insisted I try the Tea Leaf Salad. I selected the Mango Prawns. As I was eating, I remembered a line often used in an old cooking contest program by one of the judges: "it tastes like flowers in my mouth"! The textures and flavors of the different ingredients was refreshing and delicious. This was my favorite restaurant during a week of great meals in SF.

This is the first Burmese restaurant we ever tried. The items that were on the board were delicious-- the banana flower bud salad which had a sweetness to it because of the actual pieces of banana and the pumpkin(kabocha), coconut, prawn dish. This one reminded me of a Thai dish. In addition to those 2, we ordered the Burmese style noodle. All of these were delicious and I would go back to try the other dishes. Had to get a takeout box. I'm not sure, but I think the owner was even taking orders from another table and she didn't even have to write all their orders down. Very friendly wait staff.

This is one of my favorite places in San Francisco. It's a small restaurant and is very cozy, The food is affordable and very good. Make sure to try the Tea Leaf Salad if you don't have any peanut allergies.

We went here for dinner with our cousins when visiting San Francisco. At first we were a little hesitant as we had never done Burmese before. The food was outstanding. We had the Tea Salad, mango chicken, Mandalay special noodles and coconut rice. There was plenty of food for the four of us. We did get the salad with lettuce. I also tried the Burmese Iced tea. Although, it was a little too sweet for me, it was still refreshing.

We were visiting San Fran and our friends (locals) took us here. The food was outstanding. The price was excellent. This was on mothers day and had long queues but it was worth the 30 minute or so wait for a table. Mothers were offered a glass of bubbles whilst waiting which was nice but seriously the food was so good. Highly recommend.

This place is packed and shared with friends for a reason. Great food. Interesting dishes. Reasonable prices. All with perfect service. We came in at 7:15 on a Sunday night (10 min wait for table for 3) by 8:30 we would have had NO wait... Advice- go on an off night go later. Go in a small group or duo. Take any hints from your servers on what to order ("21" salad - Volcano Lamb). Park at grocery pay-to-park (streets are packed) $12 @ 350 7th Ave. just 3 blocks away... Better than 15 min looking for street parking!

I ate here with a colleague during a work trip to San Francisco. We arrived around 8:10 pm on a Monday after realizing the wait at Burma Superstar was 45 minutes. We waited fewer than 5 minutes for our table at Mandalay Restaurant and the food was delicious. We loved the tea leaf salad and the kaw soi dok (Burmese style noodle). My colleague hada beef curry in a pumpkin that she said was so so but she agreed that my vegetarian entree was. Wet good and wished she had ordered it too. Vegetarian friendly, large portions and filling.

Wow! Very, very tasty meals available, very friendly wait staff, and offers gluten free selections, as well. Super sizzling rice soup, lamb curry, and walnut broccoli chicken dishes.. Each dish had very, very distinctive flavors, with a little spice to 'warm' them up.

I only had one dinner here but it was fantastic. The food and service were really excellent. No complaints at all, and the people were friendly and atmosphere was very cozy.

Read that this restaurant was one of the 20 under rated restaurants in San Francisco and we have tried many Burmese restaurants, so thought we would give it a try. So glad we did. Only take reservations for parties of 5 or more but we went early and were seated in a short ime. But, by the time we were finished there was a huge line. So beware. Food and presentation was amazing. Palata and sauce, tea leaf salad, walnut prawns, noodles and green beans. All tasty and very authentic. Big portions and beautifully laid out. Service is fast and attentive. Prices are very reasonable. Beer and wine and special hot tea flowers that bloom in your glass. Ginger lemonade was amazing too. We will become regulars for sure.

A relaxed lunch at Mandalay is what we went for and what we exactly got in return. An authentic Burmese and Mandarin food place. The decor and the service staff are very Burmese. The food was great too. We enjoyed the food so much that we packed some for dinner too. We ate: tea leaf salad, mandalay chicken, salt and pepper prawns, fresh coconut water. Great visit. Will visit the restaurant again. Approx 25-30$ for a tummy full as their servings are medium sized.

This restaurant offers great food in a style (Burmese) that is new to many diners. So many tempting offerings on the menu.

First, off, we were at the restaurant at 5:15 on New Year's Eve. We were pushed and rushed through our entire meal. In fact, at the end of our meal, we were asked to leave as they had other parties coming in. Incidentally, we not eat slow or linger. On one hand, it's one of the worst nights to go out for dinner. On the other hand, we were a large (profitable) party and were at the restaurant early. So judgement is out on their service. We'll go again on another night. Food. MOO HIN NGA (FISH CHOWDER) -- Very good. Excellent by other of my dining party. Lots of good flavors and not hitting you over the head with raw fish taste. Tea leaf Salad and Ginger Salad -- As others have commented, excellent. But the ginger salad -- you need to like ginger. Both have spicy ingredients but was reasonably spicy for a non spicy lover. Sliced, fried garlic was superb as an ingredient. NAN GYI DOK (AVAILABLE WITH TOFU)* - don't bother. Bland. OKRA EGG CURRY - you must like hard boiled eggs. Nice flavors. Not spicy. Interesting combination of Okra and Eggs. Worth being adventurous. BALADA - best part of the meal. You'd want to drink the sauce it was so good. Fried dough -- what's not to love. We ordered 2x for 6 and ate it all. SAUTEED PEA SHOOTS - great and we ordered 'in season' so ingredients were excellent.

Visited for lunch on a Sunday, we were seated quickly, place was not busy, staff was very friendly and helpful. Food was excellent, samusas were okay (don’t think is something I will order again, if I visit another time), mango chicken and Mongolian beef were very good. Portions are small, I eat well but I don’t consider myself a big eater, after all I am only 150 pounds, but I had two entrees. Great choice if you are in the area.

This restaurant was recommended by our son who patronizes it often. It was spot on! We were greeted right away and were sat at our table within minutes. The menu is very extensive and many choices to choose from. We ordered 4 different portions and all were delicious and cooked to perfection! There is also a liquor menu which is “unique “. It was a team effort in serving our table no one was assigned specifically.

Enjoyed this experience. This was my first Burmese food and it was very tasty with new flavors for me. I had the prawns with vegetables and the spicing was unique for me. My wife had chicken with asparagus and mushrooms. Too much oil on it for us but some people would like it that way I am sure. I had lemonade with ginger and mint and it was tasty but too sweet. I also had the fried squash but the batter was thick and too greasy for my taste. I also had rainbow salad which was wonderful.