Aqui is a self-serve, self-seat restaurant, which can be either simple or chaotic. When there is a full house, you cannot order until you find seats, and you’re left scanning the restaurant for an empty seat like vultures. Although the ordering method follows a fast-food restaurant’s, Aqui serves fine dining with a family style atmosphere. The interior resembles a rustic adobe village, completed with expressive paintings and old memorabilia. No matter what part of the restaurant you’re in, chatter is an ambient background noise.  

Start out the meal with the Aqui Sampler ($5.59) — warm tortilla chips served with avocado, hummus and black bean dip. All three dips are filled to the brim with flavor, and you can have them all instead of ordering them separately.



Moving into the main courses, the Grilled Salmon on Organic Polenta ($7.79) is a light but satisfying dish. The salmon is perfectly cooked, juicy and tender and the polenta, a kind of cornmeal bread, is moist and flavorful with an extra zing from the tomato sauce.



The Potato and Cheese Enchiladas ($8.19) are the classic enchiladas; the twist comes in the filling.Instead of just having a cheese filling, potatoes are added, making the enchiladas heartier and more satisfying. Still think it needs more flavor? No problem — just splash some of that mango and habanero salsa on top for an extra kick.



If you want the perfect end to a great meal, try Mango and Guava Cheesecake ($5.25) served with mango and guava sauce. The tangy flavors in the cheesecake perfectly complement the spice and seasoning in any main dish.



Providing a new way to look at "fast food" and California cuisine, Aqui is known for it’s quick fine dining of authentic Mexican and fusion food. Don’t worry, it’s all right here.