Aqua - Downtown

Aqua really pioneered the crap outta the prix fixe menu here in SF back in 2001. And no one better to do it than Michael Mina. But alas, in 2002 he left to start his own gig with Andre Agassi, that's right. That badass tennis player we all love. Who is making Aqua swim these days? Laurent Manrique, he used to work back in Paris at this awesome place we used to go to Taillevent. And man he can whip up some grub! This guy is so good he's even making his own vino!

On to the food: Someone at your table HAS to order the Tuna Tartare. Schmantzy and prepared at the table with the egg thing goin' on. Ya got yer Fois Gras, yer Caviar, not into it. Go for the Dayboat Scallop, no plural on that one.

Then, you cannot go wrong with the Yellowfin Tuna, the Alaskan Black Cod, or the Scottish Salmon ...mmmmmm. Then get absolutely ANYTHING on the dessert menu! Want to strap a feed bag to your face? Go for the tasting menu, tiny plates but f'ing good!

Their wine encyclopedia is too big for words so I'll just say, they got it covered.

Oh and this same group owns C&L Steakhouse, Cafe de la Press, and Pices in Burlingame.

Aqua Restaurant
252 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415)956-9662