Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Gary Danko – San Francisco
Gary Danko - San Francisco
Photo from Gary Danko
Gary Danko at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#847 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
912
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Pricey Experience
- Inconsistent Food
The restaurant Gary Danko offers an unforgettable fine dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. You’ll discover a sophisticated ambiance perfect for a romantic evening or a special celebration.
Known for its exceptional culinary creations, this establishment truly shines with its great dessert offerings, ensuring a sweet conclusion to your meal. Prepare for an evening of exquisite tastes and impeccable service.
Overview: Introducting Gary Danko
Gary Danko offers a fine dining experience where the culinary creations often impress, with many guests praising the food as artistic and delicious. However, some diners have found the overall experience, particularly the value, to be a point of contention, feeling it doesn’t always align with expectations for the price.
The establishment is noted for its impeccable service, with staff often described as attentive and knowledgeable, making guests feel well-cared for. Yet, there have been instances where the atmosphere or certain aspects of the dining environment, like tables being too close, detracted from the experience for a few.
Good
7.8
out of 10
912
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
166
negative
53
neutral
693
positive
Gary Danko achieves a solid overall score of 7.8, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 76%.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 912 customer observations, with 693 positive remarks outweighing 166 negative ones, indicating a largely favorable reception. Guests consistently commend the exceptional Service (8.2), often highlighting the attentive staff.
The Food (7.9) also receives high marks for its quality and presentation, while the Ambience (7.8) contributes positively to the dining experience. However, the Value (4.8) stands out as an area where opinions are more mixed, suggesting that while many find it worthwhile, some feel the cost doesn’t always align with expectations.
What people like
- Impeccable Service
- Artistic, Delicious Food
- Upscale Ambiance
What people don't like
- Value Concerns
- Inconsistent Food Dishes
- Cramped Tables/Noise
Gary Danko presents a compelling option for those seeking a refined dining experience, particularly if you prioritize exceptional service and an elegant setting. With a strong recommendation score of 8, it’s clear many find the overall offering quite satisfying, especially for celebratory moments.
While the culinary journey can be delightful, be mindful that the value proposition is a common point of discussion. If you’re prepared for a significant investment and appreciate attentive staff and a sophisticated atmosphere, Gary Danko could be a memorable choice.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Fine Dining Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
661
91.8%
- $$$
- Lower Pacific Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fine Dining Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
643
90.8%
- $$$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fine Dining Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
521
86.6%
- $$$
- Civic Center
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fine Dining Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
586
81.7%
- $$$
- Civic Center
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fine Dining Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
598
81.8%
- $$$
- Polk Gulch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fine Dining Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
683
80.5%
- $$$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Gary Danko
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 76.8%, its clear that many diners are leaving happy. Out of 526 observations, a whopping 404 were positive, praising everything from the exquisite lobster risotto and decadent chocolate soufflé to the creative presentation and overall culinary journey.
Expect delicious flavors and generous portions! However, its not all perfect, as 81 negative comments suggest theres still room for improvement. Some found certain dishes, like the Bronzino or lamb, to be bland or overcooked, and a few felt the portion sizes could be too large or that the flavors lacked depth.
There were also mentions of inconsistent quality and some surprising misses.
Food
526
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
81
negative
41
neutral
404
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exquisite flavors
- Creative presentation
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland flavors
- Overcooked items
Often praised
- foodIt's my favorite restaurant in the entire world. I've dined at many Michelin-starred establishments, but I consistently return to Gary Danko for its impeccable service and incredible food. While some high-end dining experiences can feel overly ambitious, Gary Danko strikes the perfect balance.
- lobster risottoMy experience at the restaurant offered a mix of delightful and disappointing dishes. There were some real gems on the menu, including the scallops and lobster risotto, which were highlights. However, there were also some surprising misses.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food and drinks were delicious, and the service was top-notch. The atmosphere was also very enjoyable, contributing to a great overall dining experience.
- FoodFood was artistic & delicious
- chocolate souffléthe chocolate soufflé was light and every bite was a decadent pleasure.
- duckI particularly enjoyed the lobster risotto, roast lobster (my favorite), lamb loin, and quail. My friend also loved the scallops, roast lobster, duck, and tenderloin. The caviar bites at the start were a delightful touch.
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was excellent, especially considering the generous portions. I chose the 3-course option and it was a fantastic decision.
- risottoThe service was amazing, and we were delighted to receive numerous complementary items, including appetizers, dessert, and a cake to take home. We shared the risotto, lobster, quail, and duck. The lobster and duck were the highlights, though all dishes were enjoyable.
- scallopsreal gems in the menus including scallops
- tasting menuI had a memorable experience at this restaurant a few years ago. We opted for their tasting menu, which consisted of about 10 courses and lasted for approximately 2 hours. There were about 8 of us in the group.
Frequently criticized
- foodOverall, the experience was not Michelin star worthy. The service was awkward, and the food was inconsistent. Given the $650 bill, we rate this restaurant 3 stars at best.
- breadThe wine pairings ranged from okay to senseless. Even the bread was cold, resembling sad school lunch slices, and the butter was rock hard and unsalted. There was nothing good to report.
- kitchenFor the price and prestige, I expected much better. While the service team deserves five stars, the kitchen needs serious improvement.
- beef tartareI had the beef tartare as a starter. It mainly tasted of pickles. I had the seafood curry, which was disappointing.
- duckThe food was generally good, with the lobster risotto being great and a huge portion, and the chocolate soufflé being amazing. However, I did not enjoy the Bronzino or the duck. The price tag was insane, with the restaurant being priced like a Michelin 2-star establishment.
- filetMy filet was overdone
- 4 coursePedí la de 4 me faltó estómago
- Beef TartareBeef Tartare - not the best
- BronzinoI did not like the Bronzino
- FoodFood:2
If you're looking for a generally good dining experience with many standout dishes and beautiful presentation, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many find the food exceptional, a few experiences suggest some dishes might not always hit the mark, so choose wisely!
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With a strong score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of nearly 80%, it's clear guests are generally well taken care of. Out of 213 comments, a whopping 170 praise the attentive and professional staff, highlighting their impeccable hospitality and stellar service that makes you feel truly special.
However, not every experience is perfect. About 37 comments point to areas for improvement, mentioning instances of slow service, pushy servers, or even rude staff. Some guests also noted awkwardness or issues with reservation handling, suggesting that consistency could be a challenge at times.
Service
213
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
37
negative
6
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable service
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Pushy staff
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceIt's my favorite restaurant in the entire world. I've dined at many Michelin-starred establishments, but I consistently return to Gary Danko for its impeccable service and incredible food. While some high-end dining experiences can feel overly ambitious, Gary Danko strikes the perfect balance.
- staffFrom the moment you enter, the service is impeccable – attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm without being intrusive. The staff anticipates your every need, making you feel incredibly cared for throughout the entire meal. The food is a masterclass in flavor and presentation; each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted and bursting with incredible taste.
- ServiceService was excellent!
- serversThe servers were present all the time and ready for any question
- StaffStaff was super friendly in taking care of us
- attention to detailMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The service was outstanding, with great attention to detail. Every dish was prepared to perfection, which is a significant achievement given the vast array of choices on the menu.
- bartenderFor our Valentine's Day dinner, we had a fantastic experience. We arrived a little early and enjoyed a drink at the bar, where the bartender was great. I particularly enjoyed a yummy espresso martini.
- experienceIt has been such a great experience
- hostessWe were blown away and had the best possible experience. Starting from the hostess that was super sweet and pleasant, the service was amazing; we never had to ask for anything, everything was on point. Our waitress Kira made our dining experience unforgettable and second to none; she was very pleasant and knowledgeable.
- serverGill our server was absolutely amazing
Frequently criticized
- servicereally long gap for at least thirty minutes before someone came to talk to us
- ServiceService was just awkward
- alcohol salesWhat started as a lukewarm but pleasant experience quickly soured after a fellow diner used a slur against me. Our waiter, who had initially seemed friendly and was pushy about alcohol sales despite my repeated statements of sobriety, became outright rude and hostile. He sneered, acted irritated when we asked to box our leftovers, and deliberately mixed different flavored crème brûlées into one container, ruining one of the best parts of our meal.
- attitudeTotal "attitude".
- awkwardnessmore apparent awkwardness of the random IS trying to make conversation
- boxed dishestrying to withhold one of our boxed dishes
- boxing upmade me feel foolish for even asking
- courtesythey didn’t have the courtesy to call
- customer serviceunacceptable customer service for something that should have been resolved immediately
- dishes came very fastthe dishes came very fast
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, making it worth a visit if you value attentive and professional care. While there are occasional hiccups, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you're likely in for a great experience.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
Diners consistently praise the restaurants atmosphere, with a good score of 7.8 and 78.8% customer satisfaction. Many of the 108 positive remarks highlight the romantic atmosphere, elegant and refined ambiance, and low lighting. Guests also loved the fresh beautiful flowers, contributing to a truly special dining experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 27 negative comments pointing to some issues. Some found the noisy environment and cramped dining area problematic, especially when tables were too close. A few even mentioned feeling cold and drafty, ' which detracted from their overall comfort.
Ambience
137
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant, refined ambiance
- Romantic atmosphere
- Fresh beautiful flowers
What people don't like
- Noisy environment
- Cramped dining area
- Tables too close
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food and atmosphere were exceptional. It felt like stepping into a scene from Miss Maisel, with its art deco charm and great vibes.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceFrom the service, to the food, to the ambience.
- experienceThe food is great, the service is outstanding, and the menu is so fun with many options to enjoy. I love the flexibility and ability to create a new experience by trying new menu options. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a lovely fine dining night out in SF.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- restaurantWe came here for my bday since the rooftop bar experience wasn’t good. We decided to go to a more 5 star ⭐️ restaurant! Def will be back, so yummy!
- ambianceThe intimate ambiance and attentive staff enhance the dining experience
- environmentVery upscale restaurant and environment
- eveningWe had a lovely evening
- settingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a true SF staple with a classic setting. The service was on point and very attentive.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereEven the salmon could have been better fully cooked. Despite occasional highlights, the poor service and unsettling atmosphere made this an experience to forget. I would recommend dining elsewhere if you are Black, sober, or simply seeking decent treatment.
- tablestables are way too close to each other
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- boothrequested a booth ahead of time. ... seated at a small table
- clienteleEvening ruined by the quality of clientele
- cold and draftyIt was cold and drafty
- cramped dining areathe dining area is extremely cramped
- kid-friendlinessThis is not a kid friendly place
- kidsNot for kids
- noiseThe people at the bar were so loud, it was hard to have an audible conversation
Overall, the ambience here is largely a hit, offering a sophisticated and romantic setting for special occasions. While most guests adore the elegant vibe, be aware that some found it a bit noisy or cramped. If you prioritize a high-end, intimate atmosphere, it's definitely worth a visit, but manage expectations regarding potential noise levels.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Looking at the value, some guests certainly felt it was worth every penny, especially for a special occasion, noting it was well priced for the experience. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.8, 11 positive comments out of 36 total indicate that for a segment of diners, the perceived value was definitely there. On the flip side, a significant number of diners, with 21 negative comments, expressed strong concerns about the overall prices, cost, and the final bill or price tag.
Many felt the food didn't justify the expense, leading to a poor customer satisfaction of just 30.6%. This stark contrast with the average score suggests that while some found it acceptable, many others felt the value for money was simply not there.
Value
36
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Great for occasions
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor value
- Food not worth price
Often praised
- priceIt's definitely an upscale, a bit swanky place. The five course meals were amazing and not too expensive, with a great selection of wines. Their cheese cart was so much fun for learning new things.
- worth every pennyand with was worth every penny
- plenty for your moneyoffering plenty for your money
- price tagsuit the price tag on them
- priceyIt’s pricey but totally worth it!
- pricey nightIf you're up for a pricey night in the town Gary Danko was an awesome experience
- special occasionfor a special occasion, it's a great place
- valueworth every $$$ spent
- well pricedVery romantic, well priced, worth every penny.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe flavors didn't come together, and nothing tasted as good as it looked. For the price and prestige, I expected much better. While the service team deserves five stars, the kitchen needs serious improvement.
- billhaving spent nearly a thousand dollars for a $400 meal at best
- $250Still have not received my $250
- $650 billAt a $650 bill, GD is 3 stars at best
- Michelin star worthyOverall this was not Michelin star worthy
- cancellation chargeincredibly frustrating and unacceptable customer service for a cancellation charge
- costespecially for the cost.
- diet sodathe final bill showed $38 for just diet soda.
- flexibilityWe would have liked the flexibility to pick a la carte and not be forced to having a 3, 4 or 5 dish meal
- moneyMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good, I honestly felt it was not worth the money. I've had similar quality and taste for nearly half the price.
If youre considering this place, be prepared for a potentially high price tag. While some find it worth every penny for a special occasion, many others feel the cost doesnt match the experience. It's a place where you might need to weigh the splurge against the risk of disappointment.
How are the prices at Gary Danko?
On average, you’ll spend around 110 per person – from 121 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $101+ category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher end, reflecting its premium offering.
Looking at the data, prices aren’t spread out; almost all guests (115 out of 121) are spending $101+ or more, showing a clear focus on premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair for the experience offered. It aligns with expectations for this type of establishment.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gary Danko
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Hit and Miss Food, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was great, and the atmosphere was also rated highly. However, the food was definitely hit and miss.
While some dishes were excellent, others were just okay. Specifically, the Glazed Oysters with Caviar, Seared Scallops, Duck Breast, and Roast Lobster were delicious. On the other hand, the Beef Tartare and Quail were not the best.
We really appreciated the complimentary dessert and the carrot cake take-home gift.
- service9
- food6
- Glazed Oysters with Caviar9
- Beef Tartare3
- Quail3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Impeccable Service and Great Bartenders
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's truly one of the best in SF. The service was impeccable, and the bartenders were the best around.
I highly recommend this establishment.
- service10
- bartenders10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Mother's Day Experience
I brought my mom here for Mother's Day and had requested a booth ahead of time. Upon arrival, we were seated at a small table between two larger tables, despite several open booths being available. This felt dismissive, and the host seemed indifferent, which was particularly disappointing on a special occasion.
Unfortunately, the food didn't justify the price either, and the service didn't meet our expectations. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. We will not be returning.
- booth2
- food3
- price2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Outstanding Service, Disappointing Food
My experience at Gary Danko was a tale of two halves. The service was truly outstanding; everyone was kind and attentive, and the presentation of the dishes was beautiful. However, the food was a major letdown.
The flavors didn't come together, and nothing tasted as good as it looked. For the price and prestige, I expected much better. While the service team deserves five stars, the kitchen needs serious improvement.
- service10
- presentation9
- food2
- flavors2
- price3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Big Portions, Mixed Entree Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The portion sizes were surprisingly big for fine dining. While the appetizers and desserts were great, the entrees were a bit plain and didn't stand out.
The atmosphere was lovely, rated 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. Service was also excellent, rated 5, and food overall was rated 5.
- portion sizes7
- appetizers and desserts9
- atmosphere10
- entrees4
What Gary Danko offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Gary Danko accept reservations?
Yes, Gary Danko accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your table at this popular San Francisco fine dining destination.
What parking options are available at Gary Danko?
When you visit Gary Danko, you’ll find both free street parking and paid street parking options nearby for your convenience.
How does Gary Danko generally score as a restaurant?
Gary Danko holds a good overall score of 7.8, with customer satisfaction at 76%. Its Service (8.2), Food (7.9), and Ambience (7.8) are highly regarded, though Value (4.8) is an area of mixed opinion.
What do customers particularly enjoy about dining at Gary Danko?
Many guests consistently praise the impeccable service and the artistic, delicious food. The upscale and intimate ambience also contributes significantly to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners express concerns regarding the overall value, feeling the price doesn’t always align with expectations. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent food dishes and the dining area feeling a bit cramped.