Gary Danko

Gary Danko, at 800 North Point Street on the border of Fisherman's Wharf and Russian Hill in San Francisco, is a long-running fine dining restaurant opened by its namesake chef in 1999 and has held a Michelin star for many years. The cuisine is modern American with French technique, served exclusively as a prix-fixe menu in which diners choose three, four or five courses from a list of seasonal options rather than a single fixed tasting sequence. Emblematic dishes include the glazed oysters with lettuce and caviar, which has appeared on the menu since the early years, the souffle desserts and the restaurant's famous cheese cart, wheeled to the table with a large selection that servers describe course by course. The dining room is elegant but not stiff, with warm lighting, polished service and well-spaced tables; noise is low, and the dress code leans toward smart casual to formal, with jackets common but not required. The wine programme is substantial, with a deep list that covers California and international producers, a sommelier team and cocktails from the bar, and pairings are available. Reservations are essential and are made through garydanko.com, where tables are released well in advance; weekend and holiday evenings often fill weeks ahead, while a few bar seats can be possible for walk-ins. Service is dinner only, Thursday to Monday from 5:00 PM, with the restaurant closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Spending is about $150 to $250 per person before drinks and gratuity, depending on the number of courses and the wine selection. The location is a short walk uphill from Ghirardelli Square and the Aquatic Park waterfront, so it combines well with an afternoon on the bay. Visitors who want the full experience should save room for the cheese cart, which is offered as a course choice, and consider the five-course option when marking a special occasion in San Francisco, California.