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Contemporary
Mediterranean
Fresh Mediterranean Cuisine and
Cocktail Bar
Atmosphere:
Romantic, Vibrant, Upscale, an artistic feast for the senses
Recommendations: Dining, Fine Dining, Singles, Couples/Dates, Business Dining,
Gay/Lesbian, Large Parties, Quick Eat, Conversation, Wine List.
Paul K Restaurant - The
Best of the Mediterranean
"Coming into Paul K on a
rainy night feels more like stepping into a friend’s living room for an
evening in, than a night out on the town...
Owner Paul Kavouksorian’s Armenian heritage sits front and center in his
menu, but his dishes transcend any one cultural designation. Many hints
of Greek and North-African dishes like the dinner menu’s mezze platter
delight the palate...Paul
K’s chef, Daryl McDaniels, has cooked and eaten just about everywhere,
and it shows in his cooking...
So ...do yourself a favor and head out. This neighborhood eatery, with
its urbane design and its confident menu, offers up the best of the
Mediterranean with the feeling of comfort food."
MetroWize.com
Paul K's Menu in Tune
with Symphony, Opera
"Flavors of sumac, pomegranate, cumin and Aleppo pepper
have been the hallmark of the food at Paul K since the
San Francisco restaurant opened four years ago. But now,
chef Daryl McDaniels has brought refinement and balance
to the Eastern Mediterranean-inspired menu, using the
region's distinctive seasonings in some very intriguing
dishes.
The restaurant's
focused menu, wine list and attractive setting make it a
prime choice for eating in the performing arts
neighborhood..."
SFGate.com
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An Undiscovered Gem
"Two recent visits to paul k dazzled everyone in our party. Everything
- from creative appetizers to delicious, homemade desserts - were
gourmet creations. A scallop pasta entree (with slivers of apples) was
truly memorable.
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The atmosphere is low-key
and lovely. Topping it off, the menu offers an amazing value. We actually
enjoyed it more, both times, than a recent "splurge" meal at fancy,
mega-expensive, restaurants!"
CitySearch.com
Zagat Guide Review
"It's definitely "not the same old Mediterranean food" being served up at
Paul Kavouksorian's "inventive" Hayes Valley sophomore (where pomegranate
scents a duck sauce as well as a vodka martini); a cadre of "informative
and friendly" waiters deftly explains the "interesting combos" in an
"intimate" (i.e. "a little crowded") space."
Zagat Guide
Paul K's cuisine
is mouthwateringly deft
"Just when I thought I'd
exhausted all my options for pleasurable dining within hollering distance
of Davies Hall and the War Memorial Opera House, I stumbled, much to my
delight, upon Paul K.
This small but airy
restaurant on the corner of Gough and Oak immediately won me over with a
refined but relaxed service ethic and a Mediterranean-based cuisine
leavened by delicate flavor combinations and meticulous — but not fussy —
attention to presentation."
Sue
Gilmore,The Contra Costa Times
Innovative cuisine and
chic decor make it an ideal place for dates
"Think of Paul K as a secret weapon.
Although it's not a new restaurant, Paul K's casually chic decor, intimate
atmosphere, friendly service, and adventurous cuisine continues to make it
an ideal spot for impressing a date with smart missile-like accuracy..."
Orange Magazine
"We seem to like great food and
staying power;
the combination sure works for AQUA. When we're not
here, another established place that caught our eye and tempted our
palates is a neighborhood spot in Hayes Valley. Paul K (named for owner
Paul Kavouksorian) is a classy, low-key gem of a place whose modern,
colorful décor emulates Executive Chef Daryl Mc Daniels's innovative,
Mediterranean-styled menu.
Emphasis on low-key, because while this place is pretty and the food is
all moan-worthy, the service and the prices are friendlier than most
you'll find. Complementary black and white hummus that is startlingly
delicious is served upon seating, along with refreshing glasses of water
infused with cucumber. The wine list is well-priced and playfully
categorized, with imports heading up most of the choices. Having to
designate a food favorite elicits sighs of indecision, but we loved the
cumin/caraway crusted lamb kofte as a starter. The Syrian spiced duck
breast with lentils, ragu of duck confit, pomegranate molasses is
spectacular, as is the pressed sumac chicken, the restaurant's signature
dish. Let Richard Freeman, whose art also decorates the walls, "perform"
the dessert menu; it's an act not to be missed."
AQUA
Intimate... and
Urbane Chic
"This intimate eatery exudes
urbane chic. White linens, stylish lamps, warm wall colors, cool art
exhibit, along with an exposed stainless kitchen create the hip
environment that reflects its "happening" Hayes Valley neighborhood of
"ease and edge." The cuisine focus is an exploration of eastern
Mediterranean flavors in updated, modern style dishes. There is an array
of unusual small plates, for sharing or sampling while dining or at the
bar with cocktails. Entrees are sensual and satisfying: juicy roast
chicken crackles with a crispy sumac crust and chili harissa atop the
grilled prime rib eye exemplifies eastern flavors."
Restuarant.com
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