Restaurant Gary Danko
San Francisco, CA 94109-1228
Phone: (415) 749-2060
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Hyde Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Fine Dining 2006, Fine Dining 2004
- Hours:
- Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm, Bar: 5pm-12am
Editorial Review for Restaurant Gary Danko – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
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.
The Food
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, every dish is detail-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 and the textbook Grand Marnier souffle.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIf you can't get a reservation, the full menu is also served at the 11-seat bar. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
The ExtrasA private room for up to 10 people is available by special reservation.
What to DrinkThe wine list features few bottles less then $70. Wine pairings, priced just a bit higher, are an excellent choice.
User Reviews for Restaurant Gary Danko
06/29/2008 Posted by foodielover
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. They automatically add on the valet parking fee to your bill if you parked with them for $11 (the local garage charges $2.20 for 20 mins). And, they offer you the unfinished bottle of wine to take home and will leave doggie boxes at the door and hand it to you on your way out w/o you even needing to ask. The bathrooms are gorgeous. Food is a very important part of the dining experience but you can have great food and have it all spoiled by poor service and staff. At Gary Danko's the experience is whole and well worth a visit. They understand that food and service are intergral to a satisfying dining experience. The wine list is an extensive book, very few bottles under $100.
Pros: Excellent service and food for a complete dining experience
Cons: Parking limited in area, valet is available and recommended, reservations 2 mos advance
04/15/2008 Posted by jmlee1001
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.
Pros: staff is great, food is delicious.
Cons: too pricey. small portions.
