Restaurant Gary Danko

Living in SF, we have dined at all of the city's top restaurants on special occasions and were saving Gary Danko's for such an occasion. So, after many years of much anticipation, I finally broke down and took my wife there on Dec 1 for her birthday - one of those that end in 0. I can say the ambience was superb, as was the service, though a bit officious and stuffy. The food, however, and wine we were served was abysmal. We had a St. Emilion that I should have had the good sense to send back, but I saw the Sommelier sniff and sip before bringing it to the table, so who was I to question this 'expert'. The only thing that adequately describes it is 'hard'. It was 'hard' on all parts of the mouth. 'Hard' seems to have been the theme that night. The foie gras was 'hard'. Its firm texture and light gray color was more like a piece of fried pate' or pork loin. No idea how they did that, since fixing foie gras is like frying butter - it melts. The pork-belly creation was 'h... Read more

Half a dozen visits and we're convinced, Gary Danko is a first class operation. Solid food, solid service, professional operation, what more could you want? This one is a SF must.

Definitely NOT over-rated. Excellent meal, perfect for special occasions. My husband and I went there for our first anniversary, and we were...

The food here is excellent. I recommend the ahi tuna starter. The wild mushroom bisque they offered before the meal and the pastry tray they offered after the meal were excellent too. I ate at One Market on the same trip and while the food there was very good, Gary Danko was much better. I think it deserves more than one Michelin star.

Beginning to end this was the best meal that I've had in San Francisco. Too many great items to cover all of them but I can say that the Foie Gras and Cheese Carts were the standouts. I recommend a conservative wine choice as price is not always reflective of quality. Next time you're looking for a superior fine dining experience in the Wharf area, I highly recommend givng Gary Danko's a call!

So, Gary Danko....good food, good service. You can chose between a 3, 5 or 7 course meal. We did the 7 course. Everything I had was super yu...

Absolutely outstanding! The food, the wine but especially the people that are so intent on you having a wonderful evening. Excellent in every way.

Hands down one of the best dining experiences in SF. Prior reviewers proclaim there's "snooty" staff. We've been here 2x and have experienced nothing but the best of service. You have at least 5 staff members servicing you, including the maitre d' and wine stewart. I don't know of many places where the maitre d' comes by to chat with the guests at each table. The food is very, very good. Some more memorable than others like the asparagus soup, seared ahi tuna, choc souffle, foie gras and cheese. The cheese cart is amazing if you're a cheese connoisseur. There's almost 20 varieties to select from including Bay Area, US and international choices. You can pick 3-4 types presented with thin bagette slices and grapes. The menu consists of 3, 4 and 5 courses and you can interchange between the appetizer, entree or dessert. If you don't like dessert, you can have 2 appetizers + entree or 1 appetizer or 2 entrees instead. Or, 3 entrees! At $65 for a 3 course meal, you are quite full.... Read more

i ate at gary danko's with a group of 6.. we were seated in a private dining area to celebrate a special occasion. i had never been served "courses".. normally i do the whole appetizer, entree, & dessert thing... but this restaurant you must order by courses. The staff was EXTREMELY professional and knowledgeable on everything from the wine, to the food, to the chef [gary danko].. The food was great. Everything i had was absolutely delicious and had no complaints on the flavor. The only problem was that every course was too tiny for me =( Its almost like they tease you because its so delicious yet so small! My overall experience was definately something new, the service was perfect, food was delish, courses were tiny, and it is the most expensive resaurant i'll probably ever go to. A check for 6 came out to over $1,000 but we each got 4 or 5 course meals and bottles of wine as well.. I would reccomend this place if you really are trying to impress someone.

The staff is a little on the "snooty" side, but it was overall a good experience. However, my husband and I did get sick the next day.. and we figured it was the oysters. We wrote to them and warned them, and they wrote back and apologized, but that was it. It was kind of hard to have paid $400 for dinner and then end up deathly ill for 2 days afterwards... :-(

Visited Gary Danko for a special evening - a 50th friendship anniversary - and loved every second of it. The service was impeccable, the food amazing, the wine list superb (if pricey), and the room lovely and inviting. The 4-course menu and the ability to select more than one item from any of the courses made it a tasting menu beyond anything we have experienced. Well worth the cost and perhaps the most memorable meal of our trip.

for what it's aiming for, it's a good luxury restaurant. i wasn't really blown away by the originality of the food, but the dishes were all excellent. no doubt a place of this caliber won't screw up a dish, or be poor on service or atmosphere. what you're paying for is Michelin starred quality, service, wine, and atmosphere...any establishment of this caliber will always meet or exceed the service, wine and atmosphere levels. but compared to restaurants i've eaten at around the world, i would rate the food as average (note: the food is phenomenal if you're comparing to your average place to eat, but average if comparing to restaurants that are trying to stay at this type of level). i'd go again because it's a stable place for san francisco and i live here now.

While I've dined at Gary Danko's several times, the best part of the experience for me has always been the cheese and dessert. The food is really good but too salty for my tastes and not as original as Michael Mina, Jardiniere or Fleur de Lys though the prices are comparable to those restaurants. Nonetheless, I do keep going back for the cheese! NOTE: While reservations are very hard to come by, walk-ins can select the full dinner menu and sit in the bar area anytime.

Gary Danko is an unforgettable experience - I chose to have the three course meal instead of the five course. I regretted it immediately since all of the options on the menu were absolutely fantastic. Of the courses I did have, my favorite one was the cheese plate. I recommend switching it up by requesting an assortment of both mild and strong cheeses. Finally, given the immaculate service and setting (well, I was in the private room so that helps), the price is definitely right.

Maybe my expectations were just too high, but this place didn't live up to any of the hype I'd heard about Gary Danko. The neighborhood is way too touristy, you'll probably climb a hill at some point to get there. The entryway is cramped and disorganized, and it was being managed by a young woman who looked and talked like a teenager. But worst of all, the place smelled bad! I mean, it really didn't smell good at all. There was the aroma of something spoiled that pervaded the place, which was crowded and noisy. I lost my appetite and after that, nothing tasted good. I'd been looking forward to dining at Danko, but wouldn't recommend it at all.

There's not much else to write, other than Gary Danko's top notch service. I enjoyed every aspect of the restaurant and planning a returning visit. Read the other positive reviews, because their all correct about this restaurant.

So, let me tell you about Gary Danko's wait staff. They were very knowledgable. Our waitress was fanastic, professional, intellgient, all the good things a waitor should be. But, as they say, it's a lot easier to write a negative review than a positive one, so let's get on to the easier to write portion of this review.... Maybe I came in the wrong season and hence got the wrong menu, but this food was mediocre at best. Having eaten at several high end restaraunts in recent years I have to say that I was really looking forward to what many seem to proclaim as the Holy Grail of the San Francisco restaraunt industry. I've had far better food at Cafe Zuni, Sumi, (and low end Chow for that matter) in San Francisco, or Butter in Chicago than I had at Gary Danko's. My disapointment was hard to contain, a friend was paying for this night out, and I had suggested Gary Danko's be where we go. Oh regret! I've never been so embarassed. Given an opportunity to return to Gary Danko on s... Read more

This place is fantastic! Great service, great food, wonderful ambiance. I would def recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone. The cheese platter is to die for!

From the moment you walk into Gary Danko, you feel like a special guest. The doorman, the hostess, the waiters, the table clearer...everyone was so warm, friendly, and helpful. We went for my birthday and it was just a beautiful experience. We were each given a glass of champagne on the house to help celebrate the night. The food was divine. The portions were much more plentiful than I expected them to be. The cheese cart is an experience in itself that is not to be missed. Certainly, at these prices, this is a special occasion place for sure. But Gary Danko has got to be one of the best special occasion places on the planet, so find an occasion and go! One tip - bring your own wine. At $35, the corkage fee is a lot more affordable than the huge majority of wines on their list. Have fun!

Talk about going down hill. First of all the restaurant was very dirty. Bad smell when you first walk in. The staff was very rude and not we...

I heard loads of good things about this restaurant so I had to try it out. The food was great, but I felt the quality was similar to several other restaurants in San Francisco. However, one major difference that probably pushes this restaurant at the top is the customer service. The customer service was excellent and definitely top notch. I would highly recommend this restaurant and would definitely dine here again.

after the reservation wait of 4 months...i cant say how worth the wait was!!! i worked with chef danko in sonoma county at chateau souverain in the late 1980's...when i learned of his endeavor in san francisco, i had to go!! the dining room is impeccible....the artisan cheese cart wasnt my thing, but for those who enjoy this, all i can say is that you will be impressed!!! i tried frog legs for the first time....yeah!! i LOVED it!!! the food was french with a twist, but still presented in a traditional way....the presentation was just to die for!! very reminiscent of french laundry, an experience in fine dining you wont forget anytime soon!!

With every dish, all I can say is "Wow!" and the menu changes quite often. The wine list is superb, as well as the cheese assortment. Service is incredible! The private room makes for a fine dining experience, as well. The restrooms are often mentioned in discussions with those who have dined here. Great overall experience!

The best meal of my life! I especially loved the seared foie grois, the lobster, the stuffed quail, and the cheese cart.

Risotto Fra Diavolo with Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Fennel and Tomato Marmalade to start, Roast Maine Lobster with Chanterelles, Corn and Tarragon for your main course, 16 cheeses to choose from, Roasted Banana-Chocolate Tart with Macadamia Nut Cream and Caramel Créme Fraiche Ice Cream to end the meal with. This is absolutely one of my favorite San Francisco restaurants to go to because of its appetizing dishes and excellent service. The waiters at the restaurant treat you with respect and will go into mouth-watering detail of all of their dishes. The portions are generous for the price that you pay. Definitely recommend this place if you're visiting San Francisco or looking for a great date restaurant.

This was our first trip to San Francisco. What a wonderful dining experience Restaurant Gary Danko turned out to be. The food, wine, service and atmosphere were great.

This is currently my favorite restaurant in the U.S. The service is outstanding - more attentive and seamless than any I've seen. The food is consistently spectacular. Each time I'm there is like an event to be thoroughly enjoyed. The last time we were there, we were seated late so we received complimentary champagne and extra amuse bouche from the chef; then I had the oysters (bursts of creamy/briny flavors), lobster with corn (tender and sweet) and steak (perfect, tender and flavorful); we shared a cheese platter (delectable)... as usual everything was superb. I make an effort to come here every time I'm in San Francisco and it's always worth it!

This is one of my favorite restaurants! I have been here about 4 times now and am never disappointed. The food is impeccable, the servers are so attentive and knowledgeable, and it is always a great time!

I absolutely love this restaurant, just wish it was more affordable so I could enjoy it more often but hey, that's the deal with "fine dining" I suppose. The wine list is great, menu has so many unique and delicious creations. Everything pretty much melts in your mouth. I highly recommend trying the cheese platter, I have yet to try one that I'm not impressed with. The staff is great and very accomodating. Very pricey, but perfect for a special occasion.

After hearing all the rave reviews about Gary Danko, I decided to finally try it out. I had just been to Masa's pretty recently, so I was e...

The food here is amazing, I don't think there is any question about that. It is one of the best meals around, especially for the price. I have eaten here 3 times now, and each time it gets better. You can be totally full on the 3 course, and you don't need a 4 course at all. The one gripe I have about it is the way some of the patrons come. I am far from a snob, wearing khakis' and a dress shirt, but some of the patrons are so underdressed, it's painful. One man was wearing jeans and a colored collarless shirt. Another man was dressed like he was ready to go to a Harley convention. I was just a little shocked at how unde-dressed some people are who come here. It doesn't make the food taste any different, but I will admit that it detracts somewhat from the whole experience.

Where do I begin? From the minute you enter, you are greeted warmly. Asked if this was our first time (it was), we were welcomed and thanked. The atmosphere was superb. Tables were spaced apart nicely so that you couldn't hear other tables conversations. The service was impeccable!!! The staff was friendly and very helpful. Didn't feel talked down to like some fine dining establishments. The food was amazing. We all did 4 courses and were comfortably full when we left. As far as cost, it was worth every penny. Recently went to Masa's and spent way more money than we did hear it didn't even come close to our experience at Gary Danko. We will definitely be back!!!!

This is by far the best restaurant in San Francisco. Well, worth the advanced reservations. The service is flawless and food amazing. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu.

Great place to dine! Although you have to try to get reservations early, they are very good about keeping you on a waiting list and trying to accomodate for a smaller size party if they can. Every time I've eaten here I've been impressed with the food and wine, highly recommend it!

Went here while visiting San Francisco from Philadelphia and expected a lot with the good ratings...Although I really liked the diversity of the menu, I felt as though the food was at most above average...NOTHING EXTRAORDINARY. I wasn't really "wowed" by any of the food that me and my guest ordered and it was def. over-priced. The restaurant was very crowded and snug...the environment is a clash between a trendy place and a tacky chinese restaurant. For the price, it should have been much better and the service was not up to par. I think it is a good place to try but don't expect a "life changing" experience from this restaurant.

I have been to this restaurant several times and just ate there last night. This is my favorite high-end restaurant in San Francisco. Over...

Below my lowest expectations. And I am not that picky, mind you. GD was very crowded & we had to wait at the door. Tables are too close to each other (not romantic!). The other waiter knocked down the vase & didn't notice it. Every time he squeezed in between the two tables, his a...s was in our faces!!! Food was nice, lovely presentation, painfully slow. I am talking 30 minutes b/n the courses with no waiter in sight. Were never asked if we'd care for another drink, had to bug a food runner. Dessert was great as was the cheese cart. But for a restaurant that big they should have at least two cheese carts. Overall: loud, crowded, potentious. Dress code is not enforced. People wearing jeans & sneakers! Bad policy for a $200 dinner-kind-of place. For what it offers, GD is overpriced & managed badly. Will not recommend.

Gary Danko, like Aqua, is a place to be seen. The service is ridiculously over the top. It's some of the best ass kissing you'll ever find. The food is solid Californian cuisine and the prices are reasonable for a high-end restaurant such as this. During my three visits I've never found the food to be on the level of Daniel Humm at Campton Place or Siegels at The Ritz Carlton, but still enjoyable.

Tourist-packed cable cars rattle over the hills, but once diners enter this plush retreat, they're treated with deference and delight by skilled, approachable staff. Butterscotch-hued plantation shutters, warm wood paneling and luxurious floral arrangements practically beg diners to bask in understated extravagance. Although his restaurant has been heralded as a must-eat since its 1999 opening, chef-owner Gary Danko is hardly resting on his laurels. From house-cured duck prosciutto to frog legs that are frenched and then wrapped in pancetta, nearly every dish is interesting and original yet perfect. The ever-changing menu always features some signature creations, such as glazed oysters dotted with osetra caviar in silky cream sauce and beautifully cooked medallions of horseradish-crusted salmon. But it's the meat and game dishes that really thrill, such as herb-rubbed slices of duck breast and wild mushroom-stuffed roasted quail. Save room for artisanal selections from the cheese cart ... Read more

You've got to try this restaurant. It is pricy but worth the money. Cheese choices were fantastic! After spending a little more than $300 for two, this is a restaurant for special occasions only. Our waiter had a great sense of humor. He made our dinning at this restaurant very enjoyable.

Great wine list. Great food. Great atmosphere. Ok maybe it's not the best but it's pretty damn good. The menu is always changing. The la...

i'm no gourmand but i do consider myself a real foodie, and maybe i just went in w/too high expectations. the menu was more varied than most prixe fixes but even with the 5 courses, something was lacking. don't get me wrong, the food was all very good, solid, but neither me nor my fiancé was blown away by our selections. since he drinks red and i drink white, we usually order by the glass and the lowest price was $28/glass. i know it's GD, but c'mon, that's a little ridiculous. the service was so great tho. our servers were so helpful and not pretentious. decorated for christmas, the place had a festive atmosphere and we liked the ambiance but who knows what it's like when it's not a holiday. since the menus are seasonal, we're definitely going back to give the food another try.

My husband and I celebrated my birthday at Restaurant Gary Danko last night. All I can say is that everything was absolutely spectacular! We choose not to have any alcohol, so they provided sparkling cider, which I have never seen in a restaurant before. Every course we had was delicious and the presentation was stunning. The atmosphere was romantic and the Christmas decor was modern. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and helpful with the menu and the evening. This is now my favorite restaurant. I would recommend anybody and everybody to at least once in their lives to visit this wonderful restaurant near Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco.

Upon arriving I was less than impressed with the stuffy atmosphere and the terrible decor. The meal started out great. I had the best foie gras I've ever tasted and my boyfriend had an equally impressive sweet corn and lobster soup. Unfortnately, the meal only went downhill from there. Our entrees weren't anything special, and my boyfriend's panna cotta tasted more like a a sour cream flavored jello. My ice cream sandwiches could've been great if not for the stale cookies. The cheese cart was good, nothing blew my taste buds away. As for the service, our waiter was attentive to our needs, but not without giving me the feeling that I was a culinary novice. The staff took themselves too seriously. Overall, I was glad I went, but I am sad to say my experience went from an 8 and to a 4 by the end of the evening.

Gary Danko's has never let me down, the food is great and worth every penny. I've been there twice, and pretty much ordered the same thing. If you do go, order the Fois Gras appetizer, the Steak filet for dinner, and then the souffle or 3 different creme brulee's for dessert. You will not be disappointed, I went to Fleur De Lys for my birthday, and all the time I was thinking to myself the service at Gary Dankos is way better, more knowledgeable & quite a bit more professional than Fleur De Lys. The staff is definitely unpretentious and willing to make recommendations.

I have been to Gary's 4 times over a period of two years each time while visiting San Franscisco. Each time my service and the food was consistently the finest. I have lived in Europe for 3 years and dined well. I have visited many of the world's great capitals and enjoyed the dining. This restaurant is among the best you will find anywhere. Mobile's 5 stars are well deserved.

I have eaten all over the world and I honestly thought that with all of the hype I would be mildly disappointed...BUT it turned out the be the best experience I have ever had at a restaurant from the delicious courses (I loved that you could make an entree an appetizer portion so you could sample multiple dishes), to the very unpretentious (and incredibly patient) staff that bends over backwards to make your experience unforgettable, to the perfect unique wine list (the sommelier is so gracious AND incredibly knowledgeable). It is worth every penny!! I can't wait to go back. Reward yourself and indulge at Gary Danko! (By the way...get the Lobster dish - even if it is as an appetizer....melts in your mouth DELICIOUS!)

Great Ambiance, WONDERFUL service, and make sure to get the flambeed bananas with crepes and the chocolate souflee! It was all sooo good!!

For the amount of food you received for a 3 course meal? I was stuffed and the prices are reasonable. My friend and I each ordered a 3 course meal and shared all of our food. The lobster risotto, roast lobster are excellent. They served me 2 quails stuffed with wild mushrooms and foie gras for my entree (we couldn't even finish 1)....the steak was ok. Apricot souffle was good. Service was excellent. I was very impressed. The nice part is you can order any 3 courses you like. 1 appetizer and 2 mains for 2 appetizers and 1 dessert....

Everyone already knows that Gary Danko is one of the best. There is nothing about the food that hasn't already been said but what makes this restaurant truly stand apart from the rest is the service. One of our servers took service to a whole new level when she slightly adjusted her style to accomodate us. We are young foodies and do not like the dated and stuffy formal service style and she picked up on this right away and became less formal and more engaging but still delivered unqualified excellent service. That server made us feel as though we had been dining there for years, when in fact, it was just our first time. This is a level of service and attention to detail that is exceptional.