Mandalay Riverfront Strand Road Promenade
Authentic Burmese restaurant serving flavorful noodles, soups, and salads in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Mandalay Riverfront Strand Road Promenade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Authentic Burmese restaurant serving flavorful noodles, soups, and salads in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
"Amazing meal all around! Delicious food, great ambiance, and friendly service."
🤝 Friendly & Attentive Service
Staff are generally praised for being friendly and attentive, enhancing the dining experience.
🥗 Don't Skip Appetizers
The appetizer sampler is a great way to try multiple delicious treats.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tea Leaf Salad
A must-try Burmese classic with a unique blend of fermented tea leaves, nuts, and vegetables. A flavor explosion!
Mandalay Noodles
Fresh, bouncy noodles in a light and refreshing broth. A signature dish that's both satisfying and flavorful.
Balada
Flaky, buttery pastry that's a delightful surprise. A perfect starter to whet your appetite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dietary Needs? Just Ask!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Friendly & Attentive Service
Staff are generally praised for being friendly and attentive, enhancing the dining experience.
🥗 Don't Skip Appetizers
The appetizer sampler is a great way to try multiple delicious treats.
I’m traveling to SF in one week. What’s a restaurant I NEED to visit?
Best options near Mandalay?
💡 Ask for Recommendations
Servers can guide you through the menu and suggest great dishes.
🍹 Mocktails are Amazing
Try the house special mocktails; they are surprisingly good!
Thinking Burmese Kitchen. What am I giving up going here?
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Friendly & Attentive Service
Staff are generally praised for being friendly and attentive, enhancing the dining experience.
🥗 Don't Skip Appetizers
The appetizer sampler is a great way to try multiple delicious treats.
💡 Ask for Recommendations
Servers can guide you through the menu and suggest great dishes.
🍹 Mocktails are Amazing
Try the house special mocktails; they are surprisingly good!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mandalay is highly praised for its delicious and authentic Burmese cuisine, with standout dishes like the Tea Leaf Salad and Mandalay Noodles. Diners appreciate the warm ambiance and friendly service, though some note potential wait times and a feeling of being rushed during busy periods. Overall, it's a recommended spot for those seeking flavorful and unique Asian fare.
"Amazing meal all around! Stopped by for lunch and had a wonderful meal. Had jasmine tea, rainbow salad, balada, pork and pumpkin stew, mandalay noodles, and mango sticky rice for dessert. All were delicious and came in decently sized portions. Staff was friendly and attentive. Will definitely return!"
Mitch Bacci
"Nice food and great ambiance. The food was delicious but if you have dietary restrictions like vegan/vegetarian there are options available as some of the dishes are made with fish sauce so let the waiter know prior so they can make alternatives."
Gangadharan Esakki
"We got the balada, samusa, ong no kaw soi, and mango chicken. Everything was delicious. You can tell that the noodles in ong no kaw soi was fresh because it was soft and bouncy. The balada was flakey and buttery. Mango chicken was a flavor and texture bomb. I enjoyed the meal!"
Kelly Wen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mandalay is located in San Francisco. Public transportation is a good option, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Parking can be challenging in this area, so consider ride-sharing services or public transit.
Yes, Mandalay is generally accessible by public transport in San Francisco. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules serving the restaurant's vicinity.
Parking near Mandalay can be difficult and competitive, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available but often limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mandalay is a restaurant, not an attraction requiring tickets. You'll be paying for your meal. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Mandalay's opening hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm their current operating times before your visit.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for Mandalay, particularly for dinner and on weekends, to avoid long wait times.
No, there is no admission fee. You pay for the food and drinks you consume.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Tea Leaf Salad, Mandalay Noodles, and Balada are frequently recommended. Many reviewers also rave about the Mango Chicken and the appetizer sampler.
Yes, Mandalay offers vegan and vegetarian options. Be sure to inform your server about dietary restrictions, as some dishes contain fish sauce and can be modified.
Mandalay is generally considered moderately priced for San Francisco. Portion sizes are decent, offering good value for the quality of food.
The ambiance is described as warm and inviting, with Asian decor touches. It's a great spot for dates or a pleasant meal with friends.
Reviews suggest that the portions at Mandalay are decently sized, offering good value for the price.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the dishes at Mandalay are often beautifully presented, making them great subjects for food photography. The warm ambiance also adds to the visual appeal.
The lighting is generally described as warm and inviting, suitable for capturing appealing photos of your meal and the restaurant's interior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to inform your server about any young children and their preferences. The restaurant's warm ambiance makes it a comfortable setting for families. Be mindful of potential wait times during peak hours, as this might be challenging with very young children. Opting for an earlier dinner or a weekday visit could make the experience smoother for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during lunch hours or on weekdays when the atmosphere might be slightly more relaxed and potentially less crowded. This can also sometimes translate to a more leisurely dining experience without feeling rushed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Burmese Flavors at Mandalay
Beyond the signature dishes, reviewers consistently mention the Balada as a must-try appetizer – a flaky, buttery pastry that’s a delightful start to any meal. For those seeking richer flavors, the Mango Chicken is described as a 'flavor and texture bomb,' while the Volcano Beef offers a solid, enjoyable beef dish. The restaurant also excels in its beverage offerings, with mocktails like the Mandalay Special Ginger Lemonade and house special punches receiving high praise for their unique and refreshing profiles.
It's worth noting that while many find the food exceptional, some diners have compared it to other popular Burmese spots like Burma Superstar, with differing opinions on which reigns supreme. However, the consensus is that Mandalay offers a delicious and authentic Burmese dining experience, with friendly service and a warm ambiance that makes it a go-to for many.
Navigating Dietary Needs and Dining Experience
The dining experience at Mandalay is generally positive, with a warm ambiance and Asian decor contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, some patrons have noted that the restaurant can get busy, leading to potential waits and a feeling of being rushed by staff eager to turn tables. To mitigate this, visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekday evenings, is often recommended for a more relaxed meal. Making reservations, if possible, can also help secure a table and a more leisurely dining experience.
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