Gary Danko is a fine-dining restaurant at 800 North Point Street, at Hyde Street, in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, California, United States of America. Chef Gary Danko’s namesake restaurant combines classic French technique with seasonal California ingredients and carefully paced service. Travelers come for celebratory dinners, flexible multicourse menus, tableside cheeses, and an intimate dining room decorated with orchids and colorful artwork.
What to Expect at Gary Danko
The experience centers on choosing a three-, four-, or five-course dinner rather than simply ordering an entrée. Signature dishes on the published menu include glazed oysters with Osetra caviar, leek fondue, zucchini pearls, and lettuce cream; horseradish-crusted salmon with dilled cucumbers and grain mustard sauce; and lemon-pepper duck breast. Seasonal accompaniments change, so treat familiar dishes as reference points rather than building your entire evening around one preparation. The restaurant’s published dinner menu lists three courses at $130, four at $158, and five at $178.
Tableside farmhouse and artisanal cheeses provide one of the meal’s defining rituals; baked chocolate soufflé with two sauces offers a classic finish. Bar-counter reservations accommodate one or two people, with à-la-carte or prix-fixe ordering, making the counter worth considering for a shorter evening. The upstairs private dining room seats five to ten, but its separate location matters for accessibility: it does not have wheelchair access. Specify your preferred seating when booking rather than assuming every reservation offers the same experience.
- Flexible dinner formats: Choose three, four, or five courses.
- Signature seafood: Look for glazed oysters and horseradish-crusted salmon.
- Tableside cheese: Explore farmhouse and artisanal selections with your server.
- Classic pastry: Consider the baked chocolate soufflé with two sauces.
- Wine pairings: Published supplements are $99, $125, and $140 for the respective menus.
Gary Danko at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Fisherman’s Wharf, at Hyde Street |
| Operating Hours | Thursday–Monday, 5–10 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday; holiday exceptions apply |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission ticket; dinner costs $130/$158/$178 for three/four/five courses, plus a 7% employee-mandate surcharge; drinks, tax, and gratuity additional |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Allow 2–3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Powell–Hyde cable car at Hyde and Beach; garages at 655 Beach Street and Ghirardelli Square; no valet |
| Official Website / Phone | Gary Danko official website; +1 415-749-2060 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose a 5–6 p.m. reservation if you prefer an early finish, and arrive about ten minutes beforehand. Reservations open within a 60-day window and require a credit card. Change or cancel at least 24 hours before your booking to avoid the $50-per-person cancellation charge. Book through the official website, and mention allergies, celebrations, or seating needs before arrival. Business-casual clothing suits the room. Avoid scheduling a show immediately afterward: a leisurely dinner is the point, not an obstacle to work around.
The Powell–Hyde cable car’s Beach Street terminus is a short walk away, but leave extra time for queues. For parking, use the garages listed above rather than expecting valet service. Pair dinner with Ghirardelli Square, roughly five minutes away, or Aquatic Park’s waterfront, about five to ten minutes away. These make easier pre-dinner walks than climbing Russian Hill. Main-restaurant wheelchair access is available; request an accessible table explicitly, since the upstairs private room is inaccessible. Families bringing strollers should discuss placement when reserving rather than relying on space beside the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gary Danko open, and when should I arrive?
Dinner reservations run Thursday through Monday, 5–10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday are closed. Choose an early seating for an earlier finish, and check holiday arrangements before booking.
How much does dinner cost, and are reservations required?
The published menu starts at $130 for three courses; four cost $158 and five cost $178. Reserve ahead. Dining-room guests must order at least three courses, and the 7% surcharge is additional.
How much time should I budget?
Allow two to three hours, especially for five courses, wine pairings, or cheese service. Private-room reservations specifically follow a three-hour dining format.
Is Gary Danko suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families should consider whether children will enjoy a long, multicourse dinner. Request wheelchair-accessible main-restaurant seating; the upstairs private room has no wheelchair access. Discuss stroller space and children’s dining arrangements directly when booking.
When planning your San Francisco travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in San Francisco, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hotel Zephyr San Francisco, Hilton San Francisco Financial District, Hotel Del Sol, and Cartoon Art Museum (0.1 km away).
