Dinner nightly 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
About the restaurant and décor: Gary Danko thrives amid San Francisco's fine dining scene. Along with a classy but comfortable ambience and delightful food, the restaurant has what many consider the best service in the city. Tasteful modern art adorns the walls, and subdued brocade on banquettes and touches of light wood mesh in serene style.
About the food: Diners may select three ($92), four ($113) or five ($134) prix-fixe courses. To fully appreciate the experience, go for the five-course tasting menu ($134) with wine pairing (add $95) since the captains and sommelier are well versed in the all-encompassing list. To start, there's crab salad with Thai mango dressing, or glazed oysters with caviar, zucchini pearls and lettuce cream. For seafood, one may opt for the branzini complemented by a saffron-orange emulsion, while meat entrées might include juniper crusted bison or a seared beef filet with potato gnocchi, olive oil, Swiss chard and Stilton butter. The cheese cart requires exploration; it's a shrine that epitomizes Danko's enthusiasm. Choose from the local and international artisan selections, or head straight to dessert. The tableside flambéed cherries with vanilla tres leches cake and the chocolate soufflé with two sauces are standouts.
About the wine: The wine list boasts plenty of intriguing options among its 1,800 selections, including verticals from Bordeaux and Burgundy and a section devoted to old and rare Madeira by the glass.