Restaurant paul k in the Hayes Valley of San Francisco—a short stroll from the Opera House and Civic Center— is a feast for the senses, an artistic medley of modern and Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate, elegant setting. From crisp skin arctic char to eggplant napoleon to pressed sumac chicken and amazing desserts, the complex and sumptuous menu never fails to delight.

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...
AQUA reviews paul k:
We seem to like great food and staying power; the combination sure works for AQUA... 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

Tuesday - Thursday
5:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday - Saturday
5:00pm - 11:00pm

Sunday
5 - 9:30

Closed Monday