Flexible fine dining Heard about this place from a friend and figured we would try it out. It was pretty easy to secure a resy on open table. The inside is dimly lit yet warm and the staff were extremely friendly. The intriguing thing about their menu setup is its modularity - choose between 3-5 courses with any combination of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Not being super big on desserts, we opted to share 2 x 3 courses, which was more than enough (too much) food. Seared Ahi Tuna 4/5 - Fresh tuna with a gentle sear, paired with avocado and an herbaceous dressing Seared Scallops 5/5 - Perfectly seared scallops on a bed of pasta. The earthiness of the cumin paired well carrots and pumpkin seeds. Branzini 5/5 - Fish was incredibly flakey with a satisfying crispy skin. Didn't know raisins and capers went together, but it does. Sweet and salty. Roast Lobster 5/5 - Can't hate on lobster when it cooked right. Edamame in mashed potatoes surprised me in a good way. They actually both have mild flavors with different textures and absorbed the sauce well. I used the bread to soak up the extra sauce Roast Quail 4/5 - Quail is always tough to do right. Their quails were really tiny, which was kinda cute and welcome (I didn't really want to eat a large quantity of quail anyway). The only bones is just from the drumsticks, which makes it very easy to eat. The meat itself was tender and the inside contained a sweet stuffing. The pasta on the side was al dente and the addition of lightly cooked spigarello provided a nice contrast in texture and taste. Filet of Beef 5/5 - Juicy steak, cooked medium rare. Potato gratin seems like the appropriate pairing, though I wish it was slightly crispier. Bone marrow bearnaise tied it all together. If I were to summarize the menu, it feels classic at first glance with unexpected ingredient pairings. They were quite intelligent about their menu in that they provide a solid number of choices. I did notice that they do recycle some of their sauces across dishes, which is probably how they get away with a larger menu. We were celebrating a special occasion and they did provide us with a complimentary cake and small bites, which was welcome. I am really glad we didn't order actual dessert because that would have been too much. They also give you a pineapple cake to take home, which was nice. If I were to go back in time, I would have not eaten the complimentary bread as it turned out I needed the stomach space. PSA: If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve, this restaurant is part of their exclusive tables and eligible for the dining credit read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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I celebrated my birthday here and was not disappointed. Service - Professional yet personable , I felt welcomed, the waiter had a great sense of humor, but remained polite and professional throughout my experience. For my birthday a custom dessert was presented as well as the chef including a taste of the Sturgeon caviar. Gary Danko gave the impression that they genuinely cared about my celebration. Food - They allowed me to choose 4 courses including entrees, I greatly appreciate this setup and I did not leave hungry. The filet was excellent as was their duck. The lobster itself was very good, but I did not enjoy the split peas and sides with that dish. The cheese cart can use a refresh, I recall the last time I visited cheeses included honey and nuts and the presentation was more robust. Standard red grapes were used, instead of large or seasonal grapes. The vibe is traditional and has the high end refined feel that fit the occasion. Gary Danko is not inexpensive, but the quantity and quality of their food did not disappoint. read more

Gary Danko - New American Near Me - San Francisco, California

I can see this restaurant was stellar 25 years ago, and that it has not elevated with the times. There's a restaurant called Charleston in Baltimore that has a similar concept of menu. Pay one price, order any combination of things. I would say that Charleston does it much better by including dessert for free. It is hard to justify wasting a full order on dessert. In addition, the food at Charleston just tastes way way better. The food was consistent, quite good but very very safe. Salt was generally lacking, which was very noticeable on two dishes- one, the branzino, while cooked perfectly, had absolutely no salt, relying instead on a very mild citrus sauce. Could have been excellent had they seasoned the fish. The filet was same, I finally caved and asked for salt on the side, and then I did enjoy it. The oysters were good but pretty basic.. tuna was fine. The lobster was a good lobster. Nothing exciting, but solid meal. I sat at the bar and the service was a bit lacking. For one, I was literally never asked how I was enjoying my meal? They came and went with dishes, and no engagement. Very odd. Near the end, I craved a palette cleaner, so I asked would they possibly bring me a tiny scoop of sorbet. They said, sure, and promptly charged me $12. Was it unreasonable? No, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Part of the joy of going to very nice places is that small requests can be accommodated without being nickel and dimed. Anyway I am glad I tried it. SF has many many better options. read more

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I booked this through OpenTable, where reservations open up about 60 days in advance. Since I was planning a 50th birthday and really wanted the private room for our group of seven, I actually set an alarm for midnight to snag a Saturday night spot right when it dropped. For the private room, you have to choose between a 5:30pm or 8:45pm seating. Even though I've been hearing about this place for decades, this was surprisingly my first time actually eating here, and it did not disappoint. For parking, they don't offer valet so the easiest options are to take an Uber or park a block down at the Ghiradelli Square garage. We showed up 15 minutes early and were escorted to the private dining room in the back, up a few steps. As noted on the reservation site, there is no wheelchair access to the private dining room. The room had a great vibe. Much quieter than the main dining room and dimly lit but not so dark that you couldn't see anything. Even though the large oval table seats ten, it was perfect for our group of seven; we had plenty of space to stretch out. They kicked things off with a massive wine list and cocktail menu. I thought about bringing a bottle of wine but corkage was $100/bottle. Our party stuck to cocktails, and I started with the "Breakfast of Champions." It's a twist on an Old Fashioned made with cereal milk-washed Maker's Mark, which was interesting and actually pretty good, but for the second round, I just went back to a classic Old Fashioned, my go-to drink. Their menu is available as a 3-course ($130), 4-course ($165), or 5-course ($185). The menu lets you pick from appetizers, seafood, meat and game, a cheese selection, which they curate, and dessert. The cool thing about Gary Danko is that you don't have to follow a set order. You can customize the whole meal however you want. If you really wanted to, you could even just pick main courses! We all went with the 5-course meal. Why not? I chose 2 appetizers and 3 main entrees: 1) Crab salad - although it appeared "small", it was beautifully plated with a fresh spring salad, grapefruit and orange wedges, and 4 pieces of dungeness crab leg pieces on top of an avocado quinoa "cake". It was the perfect dish to start with. 2) The lobster and rock shrimp risotto was the star of the show! While I expected a small appetizer portion, the dish was surprisingly generous. It was packed with seafood and was the best risotto I've ever had! 3) Next up was the roast lobster, and it definitely did not disappoint! The plating of the tail and claw was stunning (see my picture), and the sauce was next-level. I actually had to use some bread to soak up the leftover sauce, yes, it was that good. 4) Keeping with the seafood theme, I went for the seared scallops with fregola, cumin carrots, and arugula pesto. The scallops were perfectly seared, and the whole dish was so flavorful that I had to grab another piece of bread just to get every last bit of the sauce. By now I was stuffed and had no idea how I was going to fit the 5th course coming up! 5) To be honest, by the time the beef filet with potato gratin and bone marrow béarnaise arrived, I was already so full I could barely enjoy it. The steak was incredibly tender and came conveniently pre-sliced into four pieces, which made it easier to pick at, even though I was stuffed. The timing of the meal was perfect, with about 25 minutes between courses so we never felt rushed. The service was also top-tier and the staff moved in sync to present everyone's plates at the same time, kept our water glasses full, and cleared everything quickly. Plus, they kept the table stocked with fresh bread between every course. I wish I went easy on the bread and butter. The several slices I ate definitely put me over the top! Since we were celebrating a 50th birthday, they brought out a slice of chocolate cake with a candle. It arrived right alongside the chocolate soufflé one of my friends had ordered as a course, so we all just dug in and shared. That soufflé was incredible. They also included two plates of petit fours to share. Because there wasn't a booking after us, they let us hang out as long as we liked, and we finally headed out around 9 PM. It was honestly one of the best dining experiences I've had. If you have a group of 6 or more, I highly recommend booking the private room, it makes the whole night feel so much more intimate. read more

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When people say, "Gary Danko is an experience," that is honestly an understatement!! Everything was done so beautifully and eloquently, each dish was like a own work of art! From a Picasso to a Van Gogh and Frida, goodness! What a night!! Our server was a very helpful and informative Asian gentleman who was very sweet and honest about different dishes as well as the pairings. We decided to go with the four course meal along with the wine pairings. As we ordered the dishes, I asked the gentleman what were the most popular ones. He suggested the scallops and the lobster. Since my boyfriend and I were somewhat sharing bites, we wanted to try eight different dishes so we both got the four pairings along with the four wines. Each dish had its own theme along with a wine that was just as lovely to pair with the flavors, emulated one another, and matched bite for a bite!! The ambience Was very romantic and dark with a beautiful look and what would look to me like a cherry blossom tree that would give some ambient lighting within the restaurant. Since all the tables were full, I didn't want to take any pictures of the seating area. It was definitely a sight to be seen! My boyfriend and I both decided next time we'll do the five course meal because we feel like we missed out on cheese cart explanation as the cheese went by with the wine pairing. Goodness did it smell and look delicious!! The desserts were equally matched with the dinner and wonderfully prepared with these delicious little gum drop like morels that were a perfect two bites only because you could eat it in one bite, but you had to save for the moment and take 2 to 3 bites. it was so delicious!! I will definitely be coming back here again!! I can't wait to try their other seasonal dishes!! I also want to try a couple of their cocktails since they also have a different list from wine pairings. Maybe my girlfriends and I can do cocktails and dessert or something? Hee read more

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Dining at Gary Danko was such a memorable experience, and honestly one of the most enjoyable fine dining experiences I've had. What really stood out to me was how different it felt from the typical 3 fixed course meal formats. I loved how flexible and customizable the menu was, and my husband and I were able to order completely different dishes throughout the night, which meant we got to try so many more items on the menu together. We had the beef tartare, glazed oysters, roast lobster, rosemary crusted tuna, and seared filet of beef, everything was delicious. The cheese platter was also a nice part of the experience, although I'm not a huge cheese person so I probably didn't appreciate it as much as others would. For dessert, we tried the baked chocolate soufflé and the French toast dessert, and the soufflé was definitely the better choice. Overall, such a fun and memorable dining experience with great food and service. I would definitely come back again. read more

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I had dinner here previously in a private room and it was excellent. This time it felt a bit lacking attentiveness. The waiter would disappear for a long time. The food was definitely mediocre. Everything seemed to lack something compared to my previous experience. Wine pairings is a bit pricey considering they will serve you lesser known wines and quality. My advice if you like wine is to order your own. read more

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Went for my sister's birthday. The restaurant decor is upscale without being stuffy. Very comfortable seating. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Had so many great dishes it's hard to single out just a few to highlight. I will, however, do my best. The seafood risotto was perfectly cooked and just what you want from a risotto. Great seafood flavor and wonderfully creamy. The crab salad was like and refreshing with a good amount of crab and beautifully presented. We each ordered dessert and we're surprised when my sister got even more desserts since it was her birthday. She ended up having to take them home since we were so full. Awesome night out. read more

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Excellent meal and service. This is a reliable spot for a special date night or celebration. Food is always great, wonderfully presented, good variety of options on the menu no matter what meat or seafood you're feeling like. Through the years many dishes remain staples, with slight variations made to the sides Some food favorites- -lemon pepper Duck. duck hash on the side was unique and yummy -Dessert menu changes occasionally. And they're all so good! The pear sorbet baked Alaska was fantastic!! The pear flavor was delightful and the liquor drizzled on top of the whole piece was a strong contrast -lobster risotto - pork chop -cheese cart! How fun Tip! Go early to find parking! This area can be tough and watch for 2 hour only street signs. No valet parking available here. read more

I have been wanting to come here for some time now and I was finally able to make it out here for a thank you dinner for a friend. We arrive 15 minutes early from our reservation time, unfortunately they did not have any tables available so we had to wait in their lobby until a table was freed up. Ambiance was interesting and it was just a little funny having our server pull out our table for us to be able to sit. I got the 5 course meal and for the most part kept the same courses as the tasting menu suggestion except for the appetizer and dessert which I opted for risotto and the french toast. For my next visit I would likely opt for the 4-course and skip the cheese selection. 1) Risotto with Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Shimeji Mushrooms, and Fall Vegetables Overall good, rice was cooked perfectly, seafood was nice and tender still, however lacking any concrete flavor and tasted somewhat bland. 2) Horseradish Crusted Salmon Medallion with Dilled Cucumbers, and Grain Mustard Sauce Perfect medium rare temp. Very very tender, I do feel like the dish could have used some acidity to balance out the mustard/horseradish combo. 3) Seared Filet of Beef with Potato Gratin, Broccoli, Miso Butter, and Wild Mushroom Essence Very tender meat, no strong comments, everything was great in this dish. Extra sauce was leftover so I was able to enjoy some of the bread with the sauce. 4) Cheese selection: Purple Haze, Edel De Cleron, Rush Creek Reserve and the Mckinley Cheddar I could've gone without this. The cheeses come with grapes, bread and you get to select 4. I usually prefer goat cheeses, mild cheeses and softer cheese. I was not that impressed by the selection overall. 5) French Toast with Caramelized Apples, Vanilla Cream, and Brioche Ice Cream Not your typical french toast, brioche bread had caramelized sugar, leading to a beautiful crunchy and sweet exterior, but soft interior. My only wish was that there were some more apples to accompany the dessert. read more

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Before coming in, I was curious to see whether my dining experience would live up to my last visit nearly 10 years ago. I'm happy to say it was just as memorable this time around. My partner and I opted for the four and five course menus, both with wine pairings. We began the evening with two cocktails. Mine was called "For Reason Unknown" unfortunately, I can't recall the name of my partner's drink. Interestingly, both cocktails had very similar flavor profiles; the only noticeable difference was that one came topped with foam while the other did not. Our first course featured lobster risotto and seared scallops. Both dishes were excellent. The scallops were incredibly tender and paired with a beautifully flavorful sauce. For the next course, we had the branzini with fennel purée and the horseradish-crusted salmon medallion. I thoroughly enjoyed the branzini the skin was perfectly crispy, with flaky, moist meat inside. My partner loved his salmon, though he found the sauce accompanying my branzini a bit too sweet for his taste. Personally, I loved every element of my dish. The following course included roasted lobster and crusted tuna, and both were absolutely divine. The tuna dish alone could easily stand as a main. It featured three generously sized pieces and was incredibly satisfying. By the time we finished this course, we were already quite full. For our final savory course; the filet of beef and lemon pepper duck. We each took only a bite or two before deciding to pack the rest to enjoy later at home. Even from those few bites, it was clear that both the beef and duck were exceptionally tender and full of flavor. We concluded the meal with the baked chocolate soufflé, served with two sauces--a perfect ending to the evening. Service throughout the night was flawless. Both our server and the sommelier were attentive and knowledgeable, pacing the meal beautifully from start to finish. This morning we also enjoyed the pumpkin muffins they gave us at the end to bring home. The muffins were so moist with some cream cheese on top. All in all, we loved our dining experience and would not hesitate to return again someday. read more

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It was my boyfriend and I's anniversary. I was absolutely blown away by this new experience. We had a three course meal and everything was wonderful. Never did, I think that my bread and butter was going to be so scrumptious. There is always a waiter one glance away. My water was always full and same with my bread. Each meal was definitely an experience. And our waiters were so nice. Everything looks so fancy and beautiful. The fresh flowers were one of my favorites, as well as the dark ambience. The only thing that I did not enjoy, was the coffee. I got a cappuccino with my cake and the coffee tasted burnt. I know coffee and toasted beans and such . But the pull of the espresso shot was too short and it probably sat out for a little too long . Other than that a job well done. read more

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This restaurant is one of a kind. In a city that's all about embracing change and fusion and trendiness, Gary Danko has remained relatively traditional and does it so well. The restaurant is classy; it's dimly lit, and the waiters and servers are suited up, professional, and knowledgable. Most importantly, the food is absolutely exquisite. I've been here for my birthday before, but most recently I came with my family on a Saturday evening. This time around, I went with 3 courses knowing the portion sizes would be more than enough. Appetizer: seafood risotto. This was so warm and comforting, and there was so much lobster and rock shrimp in the dish. An absolute classic; you can't go wrong with this dish. I also tried a bite of the glazed oysters with caviar and it was heavenly. I wish this dish had more quantity wise ! But I understand given the high quality ingredients in this dish. Seafood: Seared scallops. Wow. Each scallop was perfectly seared and tender. The fregola with carrots and carrot top pesto paired so well with the scallops as well. The sauce was so good I had to wipe the plate clean with my sourdough bread on the side. Meat: Filet of beef. Very tender and had amazing flavor, especially paired with the bone marrow bearnaise. Delicious! While I didn't order a dessert course, the meal came with a cute complimentary platter of sweets, along with a wrapped pastry to take home, which was a nice touch. Overall an amazing experience. Gary Danko always leaves me wanting to come back to try their other dishes. I'll be back! read more

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I've been looking forward to this meal since moving to San Francisco, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. Our server Dean was so warm and kind, and the ambiance felt like a throwback to old San Francisco. I loved the real candlelit setting, and you could tell each course was set with care. The food was spectacular, especially the roasted lobster, the scallops, branzini, and the baked Alaska. Portions were also generous for a multi-course meal. A couple small hiccups: our table felt a bit tight (an extra chair made the aisle cramped and people kept bumping into it), and our leftovers didn't make it home with us. Still, I'll definitely be back. Next time I'm trying the steak, seared tuna, and lamb. read more

Gary Danko - Branzini - New American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's fancy! Make opentable dining reservations. We walked from our hotel- uphill- so we were a bit of sweaty mess. Many people dressed to eat here-- we were under dressed. Many had suit jackets. Food tasting menu choices- 3,4,5 course sections. Celebrating birthdays so we both chose 3 courses- beet salad excellent. Thai curry- excellent. Beef dish amazing and awesome. Lamb beautifully presented and red- however, not my flavors. Chocolate soufflé amazing! Person generous and kind to us first timers there. Table De crumbed and everything. Napkin placed in your lap. Take home butter muffin as a memory. Really liked dining here. Definitely a spot to hit if you're celebrating love and happiness. read more

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Gary Danko is a timeless San Francisco favorite! The interior is simple yet elegant, creating a calm and refined atmosphere that lets the food shine. What really stands out is every dish is beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious, with classic flavors executed to perfection cooked to perfection. Also, liked the flexibility in choosing dishes across the menu. An exceptional spot for a memorable dining experience, with kind and welcoming service. read more

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Dined here with the family for Father's Day. We were seated shortly after checking in. As I took my seat a wonderful woman hooked my purse and gift bag to the table and served us water. Her attentiveness and cheery attitude was great. Our server, Israel not so much. He was pretty cold and not attentive. We ordered cocktails. He took the cocktail list without asking. He also removed the wine list without asking g if we were having g wine. He never came by to see how we were enjoying our food. We had to flag down another server to order wine. We all had the 3 course dinner. After reading reviews I was unaware you could opt of dessert and order another dish. This was not explained to us. The oyster appetizer ordered by two guests was too fishy, the oysters themselves. The steak tartare appetizer was enjoyed. Main entrees. The lobster and duck were delicious. Soufflé and profiteroles were good. However, servers came by with the smallest dollop of chocolate on my profiteroles. Another guest ordered the French toast. He was served 1:2 a teaspoon of apple compote although both the chocolate sauce and apple compote were served in silver saucers. We were not offered or asked how much we wanted. The sauces were never left at the table. What a waste as once it leaves the kitchen it can not be used again. The sauces should be left on the table or the guest should be asked how much they want. The last dessert was the passion fruit with merengue. The merengue was like a hard saucer that could not be broken, too hard. At the end the lovely woman returned with little sweets and pineapple cake to take home which was so sweet. She was awesome. Food was good some things can be improved. Also our waiter was not the best. read more

This used to be my fave place to dine. I've dined here a few times in the past. I haven't been in a few years so I decided to dine last night. I raved to my sister how this was one of my absolute favorite places to dine and experience and decided to take her. I left feeling extremely underwhelmed. The service wasn't as attentive as before. We both ordered the 5 course meal. The food has definitely gone down. Bigger portions but seems as if they are just filling the courses with extra veggies and potatoes. The food was bland and lacked flavor. The only item that tasted the same was the oysters. Everything else was lacking. The risotto used to be my favorite dish and now they added squash and mushrooms and it just didn't taste right. We ordered the oysters, risotto, filet of beef, scallops, creme brûlée and chocolate soufflé and two cocktails. Everything was mediocre. The scallops were undercooked, my steak was medium rate( asked for medium). The creme brûlée was really good though. The soufflé used to be my favorite and it just didn't hit like it used to. It was lacking something for-sure. The cocktails were ok. Nothing special. Maybe we came at an off night but for the price of our meal, I probably won't be back. Definitely much better options in the city for fine dining . read more

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5/5 for food. 1/5 for our waitress. I have wanted to come here for the last 20 years and finally did. The food is absolutely 100% amazing - quality, freshness, flavor, plating. Better than all other 1 Michelin stars in SF (maybe they lost the star for service....) Highlights were the risotto with lobster and rock shrimp, oysters and caviar & the lobster main. The stuffed quail was also really good but I enjoyed the other options better. I was really pleasantly surprised by the risotto (it was a cold crisp wintery sf night and it was a perfect app!). This was my first time having soufflé and WOW. It was a light feathery chocolate pillow that melts in your mouth and SO good. The service - we unfortunately had a really mean and unpleasant waitress. We really had to not let her ruin our special date night. I asked which cocktails were not too sweet. Her response "NONE of our drinks are sweet. they are ALL balanced". She could not even give a recommendation when I asked which mezcal cocktail was less sweet. Being our first time here my husband asked what the difference between the 4 course and 5 course meals and her response was literally, no joke, "exactly that." So horrible and RUDE! We ended up listening to the table next door's waiter explain the meaning behind the courses (able to choose any combo of options) and his recommendations in each category. Please come here for the food and I hope for your sake you don't get the same waitress as us. read more

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Gary Danko had such a lovely ambiance with an amazing service team. Everyone was so welcoming and filled with smiles. I love the constant refill with a piece of bread every moment my plate is empty. I ordered the four course($165) meal and my partner ordered the five course($185)meal, although I should have gotten the five course meal because the glazed oysters with Osertra caviar wsas absolutely delish! The warm leek fondue and lettuce cream was warm and soothing for my palate. To ensure that the courses were in sync, they split the oyster dish into two and I felt bad because he wasn't asked if it was okay. Luckily, he was willing to share the goodness. Another favorite of mine was the lobster, shrimp risotto. I don't like lobster and I never order risotto so I surprised myself by ordering it and I had no regrets. The lobster and shrimp was plump, tasted super fresh and the risotto was cooked to perfection. I wasn't too fond of the duck breast and although I took it to-go, the tender bite of the filet of beef was etched in my memory. I had a slight buzz from A Day at the Spa, which tasted like cucumber water, and that tired out of jaws from doing any more chewing that evening. I did pop the beef in the air fryer the next and it still tasteds delicious! Gary Danko was a great place for a celebration! read more

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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

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We came here to celebrate a very special birthday. Private room. Set menu with a good variety of choices. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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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

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We came here to celebrate our anniversary, and it was the first time we treated ourselves to such an elegant and expensive place. I was very excited. Everything felt special from the start. The atmosphere, the service, and the attention to detail made it feel like a full experience, not just a dinner. For appetizers, I had oysters with black caviar, and my husband ordered the beef tartare: both were excellent. I also did the wine pairing, which turned out to be a great experience. For the second course, my husband had lobster with mashed potatoes, which he said were the best he's ever had. I ordered the salmon croquette with horseradish sauce, perfectly paired with a rosé that pleasantly surprised me, as I usually don't choose rosé when we go out. For the third course, we both had filet mignon. My husband loved his. I enjoyed it less, but mostly because I was already very full To our surprise, they brought us several small desserts to try, which was a lovely and unexpected gesture. They also gave us pumpkin cheesecake-style cakes to take home, and they were delicious! Overall, I would recommend visiting this place at least once for a special occasion. Yes, it's expensive, but the experience, service, and atmosphere make it worth considering! read more

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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

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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

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With or without a Michelin Star, this place still offers an overall great dining experience. One thing that has not change it finding parking, but expand a few blocks and it'll be easier. Gary Danko has one of the best Risotto, and their lobster salad is beautifully crafted. For their meat their duck is excellent (although the other diners in our tables, their duck disk came out slight different.) Ambiance is good but more on the noisy side and they do offer lights for their menus. Wait staff was attentive and offered direction to the nearest open restroom (somehow they knew). But no matter how hard we try we couldn't get our order taker to smile. read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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I was not a big fan of this restaurant. Bit pricey, and the food didn't wow me. The staff was very friendly and attentive.

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

Gary Danko - lobster risotto - New American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food above average Ambiance not bad Service good The only negative thing is the rest room not clean with wet floor ! read more

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

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Went here to celebrate a friends birthday and was a little disappointed. I definitely had higher expectations for the food. I expected more flavor especially for the price you pay. You come to fine dining to experience quality and flavors in the dishes and I didn't feel like we got that experience. Our service was good, they were very attentive and the place itself was nice and had relaxing vibes to it. Might have to give it another try in the future. read more