Gary Danko
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My family and I have been coming here for years! They've always been consistently good and their portions are not unbearably small like other high end restaurants. My favorite thing about this restaurant is how they do their tasting menu. 1) not everyone in your party has to order the same amount of dishes. They will time the dishes as best as they can so no one is sitting there awkwardly without food in front of them. 2) there's no real structure to the tasting menu. You can order all main courses or all desserts, it's up to you! I usually do 1 started, 1 seafood, and 1 meat dish and I'm stuffed. We usually have one person order one more course so we can all share a dessert. But if you don't have a strong sweet tooth, they do give small complementary dessert bites at the end. Everything we ordered was cooked perfectly and plated beautifully! The staff was attentive and the vibe of the restaurant felt elegant without trying too hard.
I've had the pleasure to dine at Gary Danko three times in the last 20 years. The quality and preparation of the food is impeccable, and has stood the test of time. So too has the service; always gracious, knowledgable, efficient and friendly. Wine and cocktail selection is amazing and supplied by the talented staff behind the bar. While speaking of the bar; my last two visits were enjoyed while sitting at the bar. If you want a more interactive meal with on-the-go pairing suggestions, this is the option for you (Shout out to Michael). Wine selection is international and available by the glass, half and full bottles. BYOB is acceptable with a minor corkage fee. Ambiance and decor are classy and relaxing. Wood, glass, lighting, materials all offer a warm and settling environment to sink into while enjoying your culinary adventure. The most difficult part of your evening will be deciding on the 3, 4 or 5 course meal. First world problems! I'm already salivating, need to plan my next trip to SF! Cheers!
I've been to Gary Danko a few times over the years, and it continues to be one of San Francisco's classic fine dining restaurants. The service is consistently warm, attentive, and professional, and the atmosphere is elegant without feeling overly formal. This visit, the lobster risotto, scallops, and seafood dishes were fresh, beautifully presented, and well executed. Every plate showed great attention to detail. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that while the food is consistently good, it hasn't quite delivered the same "wow" factor I was hoping for compared to some of the newer Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area. The menu also feels a bit traditional. Overall, it's still a wonderful place for a special occasion, and I'll gladly come back again. If you're looking for classic fine dining with outstanding service, Gary Danko is definitely worth a visit.
What an icon. To survive as a restaurant. Last time i was here in 2010, 16 years later. Arrived for 6:15 pm reservation. Before coming, got an Open Table message asking if I was coming with my party of 3? Confirmed. I wrote and asked if there's room for a walker. Yes but no valet parking. We scored a parking in front with yellow zone only up to 1 pm. SF has so many parking restrictions that this was unbelievable. Who gets to park in front of a restaurant? The hostess was super nice. She said parking was ok and she came out to make sure I park properly. To celebrate my friend's birthday, I made sure birthday was in my comments in the reservation. We were welcomed and my friend was wished happy b day. We studied the menu from their website prior to coming. I had 4 course and the one guest had 3. We had a tiny gazpacho to start our dining journey. Lobster risotto was my 2nd favorite. That green oil was called "herbal tarragon" and can I get a bottle to go? (Just thinking in my head). The ahi tuna was way too salty. Presentation is a 10, not worth anything when you ruin it with salt. My next course was brazino fish. I enjoyed all the taste from the rasins to the endive sauce. Crispy skin on fish. The breast of the duck was next. I asked for less salt (a yelper said the dish was too salty). The hash was salty, but intriguing. I tasted duck fat. The lighting in the dining room is on the dark side but you get acclimated. Duck didn't taste like duck. My eating mate had filet of beef. Very tender. The seared scallop looked good. The Finale was my favorite part. The chocolate souffle with vanilla and chocolate sauce poured in front of you. Perfection. That souffle was purely fantastic. So chocolatey, light and airy. I savored it as long as i could. We were served tiny little assortments of miniature desserts. Well, lastly the presentation of a slice of chocolate raspberry mousse cake for the birthday person. That was so tasty. Perfect to end this special occasion. Service was impeccable. Slices of bread served automatically, water topped off. The cheese cart looked amazing. If ever I come back, I want to try the lobster. But im grateful to have come. Dining room was not full at all. Before you leave, each guest presented with a gift. I really like the hostess. She brought the walker back. Another person bid us goodbye.
My mom and I are in SF this weekend enjoying our first ever mother / daughter trip while my Dad is home holding down the fort. As everyone knows, we're foodies, and we thought that coming to Gary Danko would be a very special memorable meal here in the city, and while there were certainly positive moments of our two hour dinner, overall, I would not return. We arrived a bit early for our 6pm reservation, and we were seated promptly at a deuce in the side, dimly lit dining room. The decor was all mirrors and dark abstract paintings - heavy, and a tad depressing. My mom sat in the booth and I took the chair. I could see my mom, and a door to the street that was diagonally to my left, and it was a bit off-putting because at one point a pedestrian used the door as a mirror, and she was picking her teeth. A curtain to shield this vestibule from the dining area would be a welcome addition. Additionally, GD's flowers are lovely, and I appreciate the attention to detail there, but the extremely tall arrangement next to our table was all vase and the pretty flower arrangement was so close to the ceiling that all I could see was water unless I craned my neck upwards to peer at the blooms. Anyway, the dining experience commenced as soon as we sat down, when the spring pea gazpacho amuse bouche was brought to the table. It was refreshing, but nothing overwhelming. It really felt rushed, and this too, set the tenor for the evening. Despite my reservations, we took a few minutes to peruse the menu, and then decided on the four course option. I ordered: Glazed Oysters - Deliciously buttery, extremely buttery - in fact, butter is the primary ingredient in the majority of the dishes. If you don't like butter, don't come here! Lobster Risotto -tasty & generous portion-size Roast Maine Lobster - Also buttery, I did not need the shells to be on the plate as they did not add anything to the dish, and instead got in the way of enjoying the buttery potato puree. Shells are not a garnish. Chocolate Souffle - with dark chocolate and vanilla sauce - I wanted top layer to be a little crispier, and it was a little too soupy - it needed more time in the oven. Mom ordered: Tuna Carpaccio - Fresh and simple - her favorite dish. Scallops - Too salty and there were only two scallops, disappointing. Duck - Very salty, unattractive plate - Duck was prepared well but the crust it was smothered in took away the fine flavor of the duck itself. She could not finish the sides due to the saltiness. I told one of the servers about this, and nothing was done. No apology, nada. Chocolate Souffle - Same notes as me, too soupy and crust not crisp enough. We each had a glass of Prosecco to accompany the meal, and it was fine. Gill was our lead server and he did a good job of taking care of us. Overall, the service was very good, and I do want to recognize the folks working on the floor for their attentiveness. My bread plate and water glass were always full, and I appreciate that I did not want for anything while in this restaurant. Gill even showed me the way to the ladies room, and opened the door for me, which was a first. The little pastries that were given to us after the souffle were cute, but we had no room for them, so we had to have them boxed. We also appreciated the little pineapple cream cakes that were given to us as a parting gift. I really had high hopes for this restaurant, but upon reflection, Gary Danko did not deliver the experience that I expected from an establishment with this price point. I have had absolutely perfect meals before at places like 11 Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, Le Cirque, and the former La Grenouille in NYC, and the Ritz in Paris among others, where attention is paid to absolutely very detail of the dining experience from start to finish and even beyond. I guess I should have known better to come here when they lost their Michelin star, but again, I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. I will not make this mistake again.
Thank you Lauren and Ken Morrison for Reddy's Birthday Dinner Celebration. What an amazing time. Gary Danko Server - Dee and all the team were so friendly and helpful. Amazing service! Drinks This Must Be The Place Never Darling Never Provincetown Sprite Chardonnay Starters really kick off the start our meal and experience. Choice - 3 entrée, 4 entrée, or 5 entrée Beef Tar Tar Lobster Risotto Beef Filletl With No mushroom and potatoes Sheared Tuna Lamb 8 - Mixed Cheeses Chocolate chiffon - Dark Chocolate Gary Danko special cookies. The both we got had all bunny pictures and the place is setup perfectly for any occasion. A must visit.
This is an institution for a reason. The food was very well executed and I like how they kept the portions generous and the price is still very reasonable. You can't beat this place for a 3 course meal that costs $135 before tax and tip. The service was top notch and attentive as well.
I remember when my parents went to Gary Danko when I was a kid. They came home and raved about it. Maybe 2 decades later, and I got to experience it with them for my mom's birthday and Father's Day! We had a reservation. It's a cool location near Fisherman's Wharf, but it's not touristy. It feels old-school SF. Service is wonderful, of course. I like that it's a customizable tasting menu. You can pick 3-5 courses! There'll be something for everyone. The lobster and duck were wonderful. The Squab pasta was fine, but not as good as the other mains. The desserts (including the souffle) were such a treat! So light and fluffy. Best souffle I've had in SF! They were accommodating to my mom's allergies. Staff handled a misbehaving child so well. She carried him and walked around! I will be back for sure! They also gave us Pineapple cakes to take home.
WONDERFUL! 5.0+ After having dined here more than 40 times in both the two dining rooms and at the bar, an updated review is in order. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance: upscale yet comfortable, refined without ever feeling pretentious. Business casual fits right in, though dressing up never feels out of place. What I appreciate most about GD is their remarkable consistency. With each passing year, they hit the mark every single time with delicious dishes, beautiful presentation and polished, exemplary service. It's rare for a restaurant to maintain such a high standard over time, but GD manages to do it with ease. En route to the restaurant, the choices of a 3, 4 or 5 course dinner weighs heavily on my mind. It never fails; 5 courses always win. With the variety of options available, I change it up a bit each time, with some visits heavier on the seafood; other times, more protein centric. The one dish I order without fail is the Roast Lobster. It is amazing! Their great food and service is what keeps us coming back.
I've been fortunate enough to have been able to visit Gary Danko a few times, although its been a while since our last visit. Made reservations about a month in advance for a Friday night 6:30pm reservation. 5 courses for $185. Good sized portions and we were quite stuffed - probably overly so. All the dishes we ordered were good but the standouts for me were the glazed oysters, scallops, and the salmon. The cheese course is always my fave course - wish I could remember the names of the ones I liked. Could never pass up the chocolate souffle, but I really liked the profiteroles. The French toast was another good one. Service has always been excellent. Although not right away, I'm sure we'll return again.
Dinner was at 5 pm - they didn't open early for us to sneak in first to freshen up. Only 2 other tables were there at 5pm and we were the first one through the door, Enjoy the food there still. We haven't been back since 10 years exactly next month. Came to celebrate Father's Day , my bday, and anniversary! The 3 course went up in price due to inflation from $83 to $130pp. It's more expensive than getting the 5 course back then. 3 course is a good size to share for 2 people so you get to try 6 dishes. Cheese spread is intense but counts a dish for 4 Types of cheese. They bring the cart to you, we didn't order but saw many did. We skipped the appetizer and dessert to ge the most bang for the buck. We saw others getting salads though. Scallop, Lobster, Branzini fish, duck, Lamb, and filet Bonus starter soup My fav dish was the scallop Though most dishes I would say are on the salty side They gave us each a small dessert plate to celebrate Get to leave with the breakfast pineapple goodie Ambiance was a bit chiller than I recall though I was naive to fine dining back then. They do still fold the napkins for you when you step away from the table though.
We went to Gary Danko for my birthday in July, and it was our first time visiting the restaurant. I am so glad I chose it for my special day. The restaurant is well known for its flexible prix fixe menu, with three-, four-, and five-course options, and there were so many wonderful choices. Since we love seafood, it was easy to find dishes we were excited about. The service was outstanding, and what made the evening feel especially warm and personal was that the staff took the time to acknowledge the note I had included in my OpenTable reservation mentioning our love of seafood. That thoughtful attention to detail truly impressed me and made us feel welcomed and appreciated. The food was delicious, and both my husband and I really enjoyed the entire experience. I would highly recommend Gary Danko for a special occasion, and we will definitely be back.
Although I dined with three non-vegetarians, I wanted to share a vegetarian perspective because I went in expecting to spend the evening feeling disappointed with limited options. Instead, I was blown away. Every single bite was delicious, and my meal ended up being one of the highlights of the night. I chose the four-course menu, and my only real criticism of the entire experience was the pacing. There were a few longer gaps between courses, and I think the meal could have been staged a little better by combining or rearranging some of the courses. That's honestly my only complaint. The service, however, was outstanding from start to finish. The hostess who greeted us was incredibly warm, friendly, and welcoming. Before dinner, we enjoyed drinks at the bar while waiting for the last member of our party to arrive. The bartender was knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely fun to talk with. One small note: the Chinotto didn't taste anything like Chinotto to me--it was much closer to grapefruit juice. On the other hand, the bartender created two custom mocktails for my friend, and they were the best mocktails any of us have ever had. None of us drink alcohol, so having such a great bar experience really added something special to the evening. Once we moved into the dining room, the experience only got better. Two of us had four courses and two had five, and every dish was excellent. Returning briefly to my comment about pacing, I do think some of the courses could have been served closer together. That said, I suspect things might have flowed differently if our server, Blake, had taken the order himself rather than the random staff member who all of a sudden was taking our order. Speaking of Blake, he was fantastic all night--friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Honestly, I almost don't need to describe the food in detail because everything we ordered was exceptional. Every dish was beautifully prepared, every course felt thoughtful, and every bite was delicious. Overall, this was an outstanding dining experience, and despite a few pacing issues, I would happily return.
Gary Danko will always be special to me. 5 gourmet courses that you can personally choose from? Sign me up!! You can opt for 3 or 4 courses as well, but go big or go home! I have yet to try a dish that was not up to their Michelin standards. I've gotten and do recommend: - Signature Buckwheat Blini Caviar Service; the blini here is so good! It's beautifully toasted and absorbs the creme fraiche and caviar delightfully. - Glazed Oysters with Osetra Caviar, Leek Fondue, Zucchini Pearls, and Lettuce Cream; a MUST for caviar lovers! - Risotto with Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Shimeji Mushrooms, and Seasonal Vegetables - Seared Scallops; best scallops I've ever had. Perfect consistency. - Roast Lobster with Potato Purée - Lemon Pepper Duck Breast with Duck Hash, Celery Root Purée, Bacon Braised Endive, and Rhubarb Compote - Filet of Beef with Potato Gratin, King Trumpet Mushrooms, and Bone Marrow Bearnaise - Baked Chocolate Soufflé Service is fine although not top-of-the-line; they could also be more proactive with the table crumb sweeping service, but not the biggest deal. The atmosphere is dimly lit; the interior kind of reminds me of HOPR. Overall, I highly recommend Gary Danko's for an upscale and fulfilling experience that won't entirely break your bank. read more
Juan Carlos' warm presence and over-the-top service was enough to make me want to come back! The service here alone is five stars, everyone is incredibly amicable and kind. I got the 3 course with ahi tuna; lamb; and branzini. I wasn't a fan of the lamb so I swapped it for the steak instead. We were showered with several extra treats like desserts and a small bite to welcome us to our first visit. I was intrigued by the open style seating where my friend and I sat next to each other facing the center of the restaurant. Love the ambiance, bold flavors, and would definitely recommend for a fine dining experience. read more
First time ever to Gary Danko after years of my coworkers telling me how excellent it is. Did not disappoint. Excellent service and my wife and I were so full. She got three courses and I got four courses. No wine, just water, so I was surprised that I got full so quickly. We had to get some of the food to go. Highlights were the lobster salad appetizer, roast lobster entree and pork tenderloin entree. While the salmon horseradish entree was one of the most unique dishes I have tried, not sure if I would try it again. Baked Alaska dessert was beautiful presentation, maybe not the best melding of flavors, but I ate it all. :) Definitely recommend. read more
Oysters and lobster were amazing. The lemon pepper duck was very tender and I love the pairing of it with the apple and the sauce. The duck hash was a bit too rich and I felt like it didn't go well with the duck. Great service and ambience. read more
This place is amazing!!! The location is cute and has a parking lot with charging near by very convenient We enjoy and wonderful experience for our friend Birthday who honored us with a phenomenal 4 course meal in their private room. Beautifully set up round table for the party of 10. The staff welcome was wow just like the food! All four dishes were incredible!! Visually and filled with flavor! Over all 5 stars! I can't wait to come back read more
6 months ago
Gary Danko has been on my list for a while, and it absolutely lived up to the expectations. The entire experience felt though The food was beautifully executed, with each course balanced and refined without feeling overly complicated. What stood out to me most, though, was the service--attentive, warm, and incredibly professional without being intrusive. The ambiance has that classic, elegant San Francisco charm that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the evening. Definitely a place I'd return to for a special occasion read more
Well where to start: there were cocktails all around & a house starter. I had ordered a mojito, but it was meh , so the server suggested a house cocktail, darling something - it was the bomb, it hit the spot. Let's chat about the menu: it's a set menu or you can pick your courses, 3, 4 or 5; when you order you order all courses at once. You can also choose to do a wine pairing with each course, which we all did. There was a little bit of everything, as in 1 person did the house set menu, while I did 3 courses, hubby did 4 & the birthday gal did 3. For the appetizers there was: seared ahi tuna, scallops, the salmon & the glazed oysters. I'm not doing this any justice, as the descriptions are elegantly written. As in - seared ahi tuna with avocado, nori, enoki mushrooms & sun burst squash. I won't bore you with every description, but they're putting items together that I wouldn't think go together, as in corn with scallops, it was wonderfully delicious. Then for the second course there was more salmon to be had. For the mains: there were filets of beef, duck & the herb crusted lamb. All the dishes were cleaned, not a morsel left. Scrumptious, delicious & outstanding . Then there was a course comprised of cheeses. They bring out the cheese cart with so much cheese. The server described each, then cuts you bits to eat, helps with suggestions, just lovely. Last but not least, dessert. Here my companions all went for the baked chocolate soufflé & 1 order of the French toast with caramelized apples, vanilla cream & brioche ice cream. The wine pairings are unique; now consider for a moment the server must know all the various wines being paired with all the different items being served - stellar quality service! Ambiance, quiet, formal, top notch. Yes I'll be back, for some special occasion. read more
We were a little nervous to come back after six years (our last visit was right before COVID and we'd been living off the memories of eating here). We've been to a lot of Michelin restaurants since, and honestly this is STILL our favorite and the best. The food is obviously incredible, but the service really sets it apart. It's so much more personable than most "high end" spots. I love that you can literally order five of the same dish if you want and they're totally chill about it!! Shout out to Michael at the bar. So experienced, amazing recommendations, thoughtful touches, and fun stories (he even worked at the restaurant The Bear is based on lol). We also gifted our cousins a reservation here and they said it was the best meal they've ever had and still talk about it. Highly recommend as a WOW gift for newlyweds etc. And shame on Michelin... give this place back its star. read more
been here twice and always marvel at the amazing service. the minimum 3-course ($130) grants you a variety of selections, and surprise compliments in between. I tried the lobster risotto and guinea hen breast this time, both of which were so fresh and tender! read more
4 months ago
If you are looking for the pinnacle of fine dining in San Francisco, Restaurant Gary Danko remains the gold standard. From the moment you walk through the doors, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between high-end luxury and genuine warmth. The Service The service here isn't just attentive; it's intuitive. A standout moment of the evening was the seamless coordination of the staff--they actually slid the table out for me to ensure I was seated comfortably, a rare touch of old-school class that you just don't see often enough anymore. Every need was anticipated before I even had to ask. The Menu & Wine The decor & ambiance is very romantic, low lights. Nice art on the walls. The flexibility of the menu is a major draw. Having the option of a 4 or 5-course meal allows you to tailor the experience to your appetite, and every dish was a literal work of art. To pair with the meal, their wine selection is world-class; the sommelier offered impeccable recommendations that elevated the entire evening. The Finishing Touches What truly sets Gary Danko apart, however, are the "extras." We ended the meal with a beautiful complimentary treat from the chef, which was a delightful surprise. To top it all off, we were sent home with their signature pineapple breakfast treat. Enjoying that the next morning was the perfect reminder of a flawless night. Verdict: An absolute must-visit for foodies and anyone celebrating a special occasion. Five stars doesn't feel like enough! Small gripe: only 1 rest room. Unika B. & Co. Mindset Maven read more
2 months ago
I was fortunate enough to be able to snag a reservation during restaurant week and it was a 10/10 experience. The service was excellent taking my coat as I entered. They paid attention to details and even gave us a pumpkin muffin to go at the end of our meal to savor the next day. The food was perfection. Elegant ambiance is so nice and rarer to find nowadays. I love being able to dress up! read more
We went to Gary Danko for my birthday dinner and it was incredible. The staff were incredibly attentive and made the whole evening feel special. The space felt calm and cozy with soft lighting and a relaxed vibe, which made it easy to enjoy each course. The lobster risotto was a standout for me, and the filet of beef with potato gratin, king trumpet mushrooms and bone-marrow béarnaise was my husband's favorite. They rolled out a cheese cart for one of the bosses which I thought was cool. We ended the evening with the vanilla crème brûlée, which was a perfect sweet finish, and they even sent us home with a little box of treats. It is definitely on the pricier side, but it's a great choice for a special occasion. read more
1 year ago
This was one of the best meals and experience that I've had ever, starting with a welcoming service, great timing for every course, with a sommelier really knowledgeable and willing to give you an broad explanation about the pairings. The music, room temperature and ambiance are also fantastic. It was delightful and unforgettable dinner. read more
5 months ago
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7 months ago
I was here six years ago in a private room with family. This time it was nice to eat in the dining area. From the get go, great service and wonderful ambiance. The menu was explained to us by our server that we can choose a prix fixe menu on the left or select our own prix fixe menu on the right - 3-courses at $130, 4-courses at $158 or 5-courses at $178. We chose the right bc it was more fun to choose two seafood or two salads and whatever we wanted. We chose the 4-course. Among the five of us, we had the lobster salad (beautiful colors and plated - delicious!), seared ahi tuna, roasted lobster, scallops (delicious!), branzini (loved the crispy skin, delicious!), complimentary bread to soak up the sauces, glazed oysters, baked chocolate soufflé with two sauces (vanilla or milk chocolate), crème brulee, baked Alaska (quite a show with the fire), complimentary tiny cookies and sweets, Būche de Noël and complimentary wrapped pumpkin muffins to take home. Everything was delicious, beautifully plated and thoughtfully done. What a wonderful way to treat customers you want to return. Come early to find street parking. The restaurant was packed. Highly recommend for a special occasion because it's pricey. read more
If a restaurant had an NBA All-Star team, the Gary Danko staff would be it. The service was excellent. Everybody was always very attentive and pleasant. Shout out to Aaron who made our night extremely special. The staff were excited to see you, walked you through all of the menu, and suggestions of their own. They are truly world class! We picked the five course option where we could pick any five dishes from any of the categories. We regrettably forgot what we ordered because the menu changes every night however we ordered a dish with duck, beef, and lobster that were separate adventures in themselves. The taste, texture, and presentation of every dish, made it a piece of art for the eyes and for the palate. The atmosphere inside is very lively, and some may consider it loud; however, it adds to the entire experience as you can have a private conversation and still nobody would ever be able to make out what you said so you can truly be yourselves and be open and have great meaningful conversations. A+ for food and effort ! read more
Splurged on a dinner as a friend gave us a gift certificate. Incredible experience- definitely four courses fills you up. There aren't any bite-sized selections. All the food was amazing as was the service. The lobster risotto was incredible as were the seared scallops. And the desserts were also wow! read more
7 months ago
took myself on my 40th birthday here, then my mom on mothers day, then Christmas dinner with my friends (it was their first time) I love how consistent the food, preparation, ambiance and service here! Thats the reason i always go back, worth the price! so good! read more
I had a wonderful experience! The service was superb. The host greeted us with 'Happy Anniversary'! The staff made sure that we enjoyed our meal. We were immediately welcomed with a soup. My partner and I opted for the 3 course dinner. The risotto, lobster entree and soufflé were amazing. We even opted for caviar because it was a special occasion for us. I loved every part of it. We were stuffed by the end of the night. They even served cake for our anniversary and a selection of complementary desserts. It was pricey for sure but I would be back again for a special occasion! read more
9 months ago
Dimly lit space with exceptional service. Never disappoints and didn't tonight. Lobster 3-Ways via salad, risotto and roasted. Soufflé to complete the delicious ensemble. See you again soon Gary Danko! read more
1 year ago
My friend Ces treated me to an AMAZING Birthday Dinner at one of my FAVORITE SF Restaurant... Gary Danko's @garydankosf The STAFF, The SERVICE and the FOOD CONTINUES to be EXCEPTIONAL!! Not only is the food Beautiful and Delicious, I LOVE that you can CHOOSE your Prixe Fixe! The STAFF with their warmth and professionalism beats MANY of the Michelin Restaurants that are usually cold and impersonal! They DESERVE their star back! HIGHLY RECOMMEND DINING GARY DANKO's when you're in SF!! @garydankosf read more
This place has a very special & unique menu! People usually order 3-4 dishes with a start, entree, and dessert. I ordered the lobster salad, Filet of Beef, and Cheesecake. Lobster Salad & Filet of Beef: 10/10. Highly recommend! They were both amazing and the presentation was phenomenal. Cheesecake: 6/10. It honestly didn't taste like cheesecake and more like a strawberry cream cake with a very hard base that wasn't fun to bite through. Cheese Offerings were also an interesting touch and conversation starter since we ranked our favorite & least favorite ones. read more
Hard to believe that I've lived in the city for 20+ years and it's only my first time dining here at Gary Danko. Decided to come here for a birthday celebration and my experience was phenomenal. Reservation for 2 was relatively easy to make for a Friday night. Upon arrival, we were seated at the bar for some drinks. Started the night with some champagne and about 10 minutes later, our table was ready. The menu was a bit confusing since I did not research the restaurant before booking; however, our server did an excellent job explaining the concept and it was smooth sailing from there on. -Signature Buckwheat Blini w/ Caviar - flavorful bite, so delicious! -Glazed Oysters w/ Osetra Caviar - soft texture went well with the warm fondue -Scallops with Carrot Top Pesto Couscous - Scallops was my fav this time! -Quail Stuffed with Golden Beets - Quail was a little too salty for my bland palate; however, very yummy -Moroccan Herbed Lamb - was a little gamey but enjoyed every bite Right before I was seated, I ordered an Espresso Martini. Vincent, bartender at the time did not forget. Halfway through my 3rd course, he gracefully brings my drink over with impeccable timing. Espresso Martini was the perfect mid-course pick me up because the food was so delicious I was falling into a food coma. 10/10 would recommend this restaurant for a special night. Great food, excellent service and dishes are beautifully plated. Can't wait for my next visit to try other items on the menu! read more
10 months ago
it's been awhile since i've had such a great time dining out solo. i arrived 15 minutes before open and waited in line next to a very polished gentleman. he said he's been coming here for over 12 years. he recommends the lobster risotto (it's very filling) and lobster salad, only thing he isn't big on is the branzino, and he thinks their caviar service is fine but there's better. i was already set on my choices for the night and he confirmed i was making good ones. doors opened 5pm on the dot, i was seated in the dining room. the interior feels intimate and old school, they dimmed the warm lighting shortly after i ordered. my waiter was fantastic - warm and friendly no notes. the people refilling water also bring a cloth napkin to shield you from any backsplash. rare to see but well appreciated. i was lucky to be seated next to a very friendly couple (hi rita and kent!) and we quickly became friends throughout the meal (we are literally texting restaurant recs back and forth as i write this). started with welcome bites - corn veloute and salmon caviar blini. the blini is delicious - crisp along the edge, warm and soft in the middle. if i had to nitpick one aspect it would be the bread and butter. bread is cold, not much of a crust, butter is served in a cute butter bell but is very pale and flavorless (or maybe i'm just spoiled with my freezer french butter). the risotto portion is massive, halfway through i was already very full. i thought it was not bad but expected more from the hype. duck breast was very tender and went well with the apple pieces, i had to stop halfway and ask for the rest to go. chocolate souffle was light and airy, i forced myself to finish it. they also served petit fours at the end which i didn't even attempt, also took to go. they brought my packed items over at the end of my meal and also included a pumpkin muffin, walked me to the hostess who had my coat ready, and hostess walked me out. overall great meal, food was pretty good but the people i encountered made it even better. read more
9 months ago
9 months ago
Our experience at Gary Danko was truly beyond expectations. This was my first fancy, fine-dining meal, and it couldn't have been a better introduction. We ordered the three-course menu with wine pairings and absolutely loved the flexibility of choosing anything from the menu for each course--no restrictions, just pure excitement. The service was exceptional from start to finish: warm, attentive, and never rushed. Every dish was beautifully executed, and it was the first time I really experienced how thoughtfully prepared food can completely elevate a wine pairing. Each course made the next even more memorable. To top it all off, we were surprised with a complimentary dessert for our anniversary, which made the night feel extra special and personal. Gary Danko absolutely lived up to the hype--and the price. A flawless experience and one we'll remember for a long time. read more
It's been a few years since we've been back. The restaurant is still very nice and the staff are attentive without being intrusive. I enjoyed talking with the hostess when we left. We all enjoyed the food very much and everyone ordered the 3 course with an appetizer and 2 entrees. My petite oysters with a dollop of caviar was tasty. Hubby's seafood risotto was delicious. We liked all the entrees too. Since we skipped dessert and was celebrating a birthday, they gave us a slice of chocolate cake to share. Don't know why we waited so long to return for dinner as it's such a nice place for special occasions. read more
10 months ago
We finally got to try Gary Danko during their first ever restaurant week! It is a 3 course menu with 2 choices each for an appetizer, main, and dessert. The menu is cheaper than their usual 3 courses but limited in choices which we didn't mind since we were excited to try the items they did have on their menu. Since there were the two of us, we were able to try everything on the menu which was the oysters, seafood risotto, duck, branzini, cheese plate, and chocolate souffle. Our favorite was the oysters which came with caviar and a delicious sauce. The cheese cart was also an experience. There was about 20 cheese on there organized in different categories. The server was very attentive in explaining the cheese and helping us narrow down on 4 cheeses that we would be interested in trying. There was an amazing Point Reyes quinta cheese that we will probably track down and buy. In addition to the food on the menu, there was also a special bite in the beginning from the kitchen start, a dessert sampler plate, pumpkin muffins to take back as breakfast, and a wine opener as a gift. The level of service here was impeccable and you can tell that you're at a fine dining restaurant. However, most of the food other than the ones I named was not too memorable. They were tasty but nothing too special and not the level I would expect for the price point of this restaurant. We did really enjoy the ambiance and the hospitality which made up for this! read more
Always have the best dinners at Gary Danko. The scallops and chocolate souffle are my faves. Appreciate the fine service, and attentiveness. The anniversary cake and truffles are appreciated, and the wrapped cakes to bring home are always a nice touch. The restaurant has an elegant feel, so it's always right for a special occasion, or a nice treat out for dinner in the city. The only mild issue was how loud it was, so it made normal conversation difficult. We've been to the restaurant many times over the years, but don't remember this being an issue. ???? read more
5 months ago
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5 months ago
More info about Gary Danko
800 N Point St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Russian Hill, Fisherman's Wharf
Directions
(415) 749-2060
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http://www.garydanko.com
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Ask the Community - Gary Danko
What is the menu?
It's a set menu, which is also seasonal, so it changes. You can do the set menu or order your own combination, be prepared to be adventurous. Minimum of 3 courses.
OK to bring my 2 & 4 YO kid here for an early dinner? Been numerous times and my kids are well behaved, and it's about the lowest key M star joint I've ever been to, but of course, super not low key still.…
For the best dining experience, I'd say leave the kids at home with a sitter. Your spouse will appreciate it.
What's your dress code?
When I dined here, I wore business casual. I didn't see anyone wear sweatpants/sweatshirts.
Do they still have a bar menu or must you order from the main menu?
I didn't notice a bar menu. You are able to choose whatever you like from the menu and in any combination.
Anyone not like the low backed hard chairs? Had a hard rung(only one pressing into the back?)it also had a huge space between the rung and the seat which they offered to give me a pillow for my back.seat fell 6 X during dinner..…
What is your corkage fee?
Their corkage policy is: One Hundred dollars per 750 ml bottle; the limit per party is two bottles.…
Can I make a reservation for a party of one for the dining room? Or is it only at the bar (first come, first serve)?
A party of one can only sit at the bar, which is first come, first serve.
Can people in a party order a different number of courses? For example, could I order 4 courses while a friend orders 5?
Yes they can. I was just there last night and one of my friends had a 4 course. I had a 3 course. There is a chef's. tasting menu. That was the only thing that I didn't know…
I wanted to dine alone but there is no selection for a party of 1? Do you not accommodate single diners?
Sit at the bar. It’s first come first serve. No reservations at the bar.
What cuisine they serve?
I would just take a look at the menu on the website to find out.
Are they open for indoor dining now?
According to their website, they plan on opening early this fall.
Are they still take out only? Website says take out only still. Weird that they haven't opened indoors yet
They are open! Make reservation on Resy.
How much for 3 person?
Depends each person can customize their menu between 3 or more courses plus the drinks.
What's the max amount of guests for dining as of March 2021?
Are there any updates regarding takeout? Their website says they're now accepting pickup orders, but their reservation/booking service says otherwise...
You have to order it on Sunday or Monday before they sell out. It's a pre fixed menu pick up is only Friday and Saturday
How much is their valet parking? Where is a good place to park around there?
We just parked in the street. They do have a valet but not sure how much. Heena might be correct about the cost.
Could two people share a 5 course?
I think it's frowned upon, but I would two three course meals and plan out the dinner together. It's nice cause you can choose multiple in any courses. For instance you can choose three main courses and no apps or dessert, or do all 6 apps. You will…
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Gary Danko - newamerican - Updated September 2026
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