Paul K Restaurant
(415) 552-7132
199 Gough St
San Francisco,
CA
94102
37.7749
-122.4226
Neighborhoods: Central North, Hayes Valley
What People Are Saying About Paul K Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This intimate eatery exudes urbane chic. White linens and stylish lamps punctuate the darkness, beneath a ceiling painted like the night sky. With 30 tables and an open kitchen in the corner, the small dining room gets noisy, especially when pre-theater crowds descend. In a witty nod to the kitchen's sensual treats, large black-and-white paintings of a mouth, nose, finger and eye cover the walls.
The Food
Spices and a chef's steady hand combine to create fresh takes on traditional Mediterranean fare. Complimentary caraway-flecked hummus and cooling cucumber-infused water are the first clues. For an appetizer, order delicately charred treviso studded with Humboldt Fog cheese or tiny lamb riblets braised in finger-licking-good pomegranate sauce. Entrees are sensational and satisfying: Juicy roast chicken crackles with a crispy sumac crust, and chili harissa atop the hefty grilled rib eye packs eye-watering heat. Pistachio creme brulee with blueberries is a decadent finale.
User Reviews
1sunny
July 09, 2008
been there the 3rd time, love it! Not only great food but the service is nice! Love to see how chefs preparing foods right there ( we like seating at the "Bar") The flower arrangements deco in the restaurant is always so beautiful and perfect for my Romantic date. "Paul" the owner is always there to make sure everything came out great! not a lot of restaurants do that anymore, show how they care about their foods and guests. the worm salad was different but love it! the home made bread that they serve while waiting for meal is mouth watering. looking forward to the next visit there again.
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dianeedillon
November 14, 2006
ts a very cute spot. The service was good. Food was decent if not completely un remarkable. We had the mezza sampler to start. It was OK. I had the seabass and my bf had the chicken. Neither of them were bad but neither of them had any flavour and the chicken was a bit dry. THe huckleberry cake was the same...non-descript and blah. A very BEIGE meal.
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foodiegirl88
October 02, 2006
We ate at paul k on Friday. I had heard great things about it, so I was excited. The ambience of the restaurant is hip and fun. Nice bar area as well. They have an innovative and interesting wine list with a great selection for all tastes and wallets. The service was attentive but lackluster--nothing overtly bad but nothing very impressive, either. We had two appetizers--the artichoke hearts (bland preparation--more oily than anything) and steamed mussels (delicious, with feta/mint/tomatoes mixed into the broth). Our entrees were disappointing...the grilled lambchops were so fatty that I could barely cut them with my knife (surprising since lamb is usually lean). The grilled prime ribeye tasted more like flank steak. We had the cheese plate for dessert--very good with a glass of their tawny port. All in all, it was good, but nothing to write home about.
read full reviewThe Details on Paul K Restaurant
What to Drink:
Divided into engagingly descriptive subsections, the well-priced wine list is downright user-friendly.
Know Before You Go:
For those heading to the symphony or opera, the small bar is an ideal spot for a drink or a light meal.
Parking:
There is a lot on Franklin Street about a block away.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
