AQ Restaurant and Bar Mark Liberman THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED AQ Restaurant & Bar

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED AQ Restaurant & Bar

1085 Mission St. (7th St.)
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-341-9000
Map
AQ’s sleek décor changes seasonally along with its menus.
Openings: Dinner Tues.-Sat.
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED AQ Restaurant & Bar, San Francisco, CA


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED AQ Restaurant & Bar Restaurant Review:


When most folks see the letters AQ (“As Quoted") next to an entrée, it typically symbolizes a dish with a sky-high price tag. However, executive chef-owner Mark Liberman’s intention in naming his mid-Market restaurant this well-known acronym was to emphasize the “fresh at market” nature of his ingredient-driven menu. In fact, AQ’s prices, grouped by category, are surprisingly moderate. The long, narrow space features a 65-seat dining room and 22-seat counter at a large, open kitchen. Exposed brick walls, timber beams and 12-foot-tall warehouse windows make for a venue that is at once cozy and modern. That same duality is evident in Liberman’s cooking, where he delivers vibrant, earthbound food with sophisticated presentations. Bitter, juicy bits of grapefruit are placed between creamy morsels of charred avocado, further punctuated by tender hunks of Monterey squid. Cured local sturgeon is another exciting option, thanks to a smattering of flavors and textures: airy dollops of yogurt, potato chips, and tart pickled apples. Monkfish roasted in an IPA is hearty and uncharacteristically savory. Desserts are artistic, such as geometric discs of thyme blancmange, each with a tailored center of huckleberry compote. The wine list numbers more than 200 bottles, with the majority stored in what was once a glass conference room in the restaurant’s basement. Look to AQ’s website for special events like holiday brunches as well as cooking classes.