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h2opoloali
(33) reviews
5/29/2008
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ A-MAZE-ING!!! Best dining experience ever! The service is impeccable. The ambiance is nice, without being snooty. They encourage you to ask questions and don't make you feel stupid while doing so. We both got the 5 course dinner so that we could experience the maximum amount of food. They helped pair wine with each of our courses - a half bottle of white for the seafood, half bottle of red for the red meat. Our favorite- the lobster risotto and the CHEESE PLATE!!! Also- the mascarpone cheese dessert. MMMMM. If only I didn't have to to into debt to dine here I would be here at least once a month. ”
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LISAD
(109) reviews
11/30/2007
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “
I took my husband to GD for his birthday and we had an amazing evening. We went with the chefs tasting menu and wine pairing and I actually thought it was a good deal. The portion were large (almost too large) and the wine pairing was perfect! I can't wait to come back!! ”
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alexyu650
(1) review
10/6/2007
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Great service and great food. This is how service and food should be. I will definitely be going back soon. I would suggest trying out of the ordinary foods. If you plan to just order steak and so on you should go to a steak house, but if you're interested in trying and exploring your palette Gary Danko's is the place to go. ”
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Joey
(77) reviews
9/23/2007
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Time once again to review with my 2 cents, however this is more like giving my 200.00 opinion? Why you may ask...Gary Danky is pretty swanky(lol) ! On a serious note, had the opportunity of coming here 2 times, once for business the other for pleasure. The food is OK..not great but not bad. The presentations are great and the service is awesome. Again both times the food was ok. It reminds me of traits of 3 establishments, first being Chez TJ, Masas and then lastly french Laundry. This place is much too loud for me. But it is the place to be seen", having said that, make sure you have seen your VISA or AE before you get the bill!
To me it is incredible to even imagine that there are drinks served at the Bar that range upwards of 750.00...that is just crazy! But you know what, to the clients that this venue serves...thats just pocket change.
I have tried this twice, will I try it again..sure..but I will not be paying! ”
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clubmonacopants
(69) reviews
3/12/2007
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Outstanding fine (post-Michelin honor) dining. My recent-March 2007- experience was as positive as my 1st in 2002. The dimmed lighting & multi-pedestal/level flower & candle arrangements in the dining room gave a much more intimate vibe this time. We had the 4 course option each: seared foie gras, the best in the city in my opinion, roasted lobster, duck breast, beef tenderloin, upside-down pineapple cake & chocolate souffle. The sauce chef was on FIRE-each reduction & sauce was perfection! We shared one half-bottle of real champagne & Australian merlot. The total was $300 including tax & tip. I couldn't help making comparisons to french Laundry (FL). GD draws a younger, more vivacious crowd. You could hear a pin drop in FL, it was so hushed. The GD service is professional but a little looser. Four courses @ GD was a palate delight while 14 courses @ FL was palate overload. NOT that I'm complaining. Don't dwell on minutiae, Gary Danko is worthy of your dollar, time & travel. ”
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spazatck326
(17) reviews
2/15/2007
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “
I absolutely fell in love with this place. The decor is beautiful and service is excellent. I went here with my cousin a couple years ago and even though I haven't made my way back there again the place sure did leave a memorable impression. We ate at the bar because we didn't plan ahead enough to make a reservation but it didn't matter because the food was incredible. I started with a 3 course meal but finished with 5 instead because my palate wanted to taste and experience more of what they had to offer. Highly recommended for an excellent dining experience in a great location. ”
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jpierson
(412) reviews
1/23/2007
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ To walk out of here complaining has me thinking of what kind of legs Hemingway would have had if all he had to say about his visit to Pamplona was that it smelled like cow plop, the flight cost too much, and the flight attendant gave him warts. Not that a review needs to meet any literary standard to be good, but the story you're telling isn't the story you think you're telling. The only foul air this night was from the few patrons expecting Chez Paul and not a modern world-class California restaurant. If you want to see a stiff floor staff, try Aqua or french Laundry. Our guy was conversant on the dishes, the wines, the cheeses, the desserts and the tea - Just the sort you would expect in a place like this. The tasting menu and wine pairing was excellent. My favorite dish had to be the oyster/caviar thing. It really sang. The dessert was perhaps too rich, but I was recovering from scarfing the last of the wife's delicious birthday squab, so I may have thrown off the chef's master plan ”
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Angelly Roscoe
(57) reviews
12/5/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ No wonder it takes just about 2-months to score a reservation. The price is pretty reasonable for all they offer. Places in Chicago and NYC cost a lot more. It's not cheap but a great value for one of the best and most respected in the world! One thing though, service can be pompous at times. There was this snot of a captain --- I don't want to name names and I do remember who you are --- he was like a robot, seriously! Immediately I felt uncomfortable. It was like he was going over some script in his head, not faltering from any of his well rehearsed lines or motions. And the terrible thing was that I knew him, at least on a professional level. It still irks me to this day. Maybe he was nervous, but I highly doubt it. Not everyone is like that but if you get him you'll know it right away. Restaurant GD still gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking of that. Otherwise, everything else was perfect and delicious!!! ”
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kourosh
(1) review
12/1/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “
Hello, It was my third visit and still no luck. This time I had to write about it. When we first walked in I noticed the stinky smell again, it just wouldn't go away. Then when I visited the restroom I noticed pea stains all over the toilet seat. NOT GOOD. My soup arrived cold and too salty. My salad, too much dressing. My fish under cooked. The wines, way over priced. Top it all of, our coffee arrived way after we finished our way too rich chocolate tart. Whats going on GARY. Maybe you should spend more time in the kitchen. Did I mention our server? Well, he was as stiff as cardboard.
I guess I'm never going back ever and I dont recommend it.
Good luck to all future GD clients. ”
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whitecamero
(50) reviews
11/22/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “
We went to Gary Danko to celebrate my partner's birthday and we left happy - yet a bit less than satisfied. The service is impeccable - no complaints about that at all. From the time we entered the restaurant until we left, we were showered with thoughtful and comfortable service. It was the food that left us a little bit disappointed. I enjoyed most of my dishes while my partner didn't enjoy many of his. We each had the four-course option. I think what surprised us most was the quality of the ingredients. While the finished products came out very nice, we were surprised to find out that a high-end restaurant in SF doesn't always use local, organic meats and produce. They offer a salmon dish where they use farmed salmon year-round, even when wild salmon is in season! I was very surprised by that as there is a distinct taste between the two. Same with the meats - none are free range and organic. The wine list is also a bit rich on the mark-ups. ”
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tenortom
(138) reviews
11/14/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Food at Gary Danko's speaks for itself. Course after course of superlative culinary creations unquestionably attaining the equivalence of cuisine served at Michelin three-starred establishments in France. Superlative culinary masterpieces follow one upon another in rapid succession, including a stellar foie gras with heavenly rich vanilla flavors in caramelized red onions and fuji apples, spectacular roast lobster swimming in a stunning tarragon chanterelles cream sauce, superlative moroccan spiced squab served whole and beautifully flayed, succulent rich and moist breast of guinea hen augmented by divine boudin mousse, superb lamb tenderloin, state-of-the-art cheese selection including such rarities as a stupendous Pierre Robert triple cream or a Tasmanian bleu. Archetypal spectacular desserts, each superbly crafted, irresistible and remarkable, delectable moist pumpkin spice cake with outstanding fruit compote, gorgeous peanut butter cheese cake, rare pear souffle. Divine sustenance. ”
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gourmandadventurer
(26) reviews
11/9/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ The food is delicious, the service superlative, and convenient prix fixe menus to meet your budget. However the evening ambiance is stark and businesslike, not particularly romantic. The entrees are fairly small.
For me, the highlight was the "Selection of Farmhouse and Artisanal Cheeses Presented Tableside." Despite the fact that we were full, we opted for 2 cheese plates, each with 4 cheeses selected from a choice of about 20 cheeses from around the world and which the restaurant sources from several distributors.
I've been to nice restaurants but had not experienced such knowledgeable, attentive staff who managed not to hover yet quickly meet our every need. The staff worked as a real team, tending to our needs and answering questions even if they were not our official waiter. Friends who have dined here agree. ”
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Chunky_Monkey
(309) reviews
7/12/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ WOW! I have never spent this much money on dinner until I came here. It was definitely worth living on crackers for the next couple days. The steak filet was really good and the dessert was wonderful but you have to go for the cheese cart! Excellent service. If I ever decide to spend that much money on dinner again, this would be my pick.
”
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dizlaly
(115) reviews
5/29/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Wow! I had an exceptional meal this evening at Gary Danko. This place does an amazing job of making every detail special without being snooty. It is definitely pricey but so worth it. I had 3 courses, which is plenty of food but there are so many delicious sounding dishes on the menu it was hard to narrow it down. The meal starts out with a taste of foie gras 'to open our palate' and it does just that. The servers are great at suggesting wines that complement your food well (and not just the most expensive wine on the menu). I had 3 courses + 2 glasses of wine, my boyfriend had 4 +2 glasses of wine and our bill was around $230 (pre tip). All dishes and wines were exquisite. Other important details: they brought out a plate of mini-pastries and desserts and since it was my birthday they added wrote Happy Birthday on the plate. And they sent us home with a breakfast bread. So cute. ”
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samarati
(443) reviews
4/22/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Last nite we had our splurge meal for the year. Barbara had 3 courses and 2 glasses wine, I had 4 courses with a 4 oz wine per course. Bill = $389 plus $60 tip. We both have good payin' jobs, still this is a little pricey. Okay, Full accolades. I was in a foul mood when we arrived late. I just got my 3rd speeding ticket in 6 months from CHP. I was doing 65 in a 55 zone locked in a line of cars on Hwy 101 approaching the GG Bridge. I was pissed! The servers and the first glass of champagne started to cool my spirit. I had seared foie gras-Excellent. Lobster meurniere-Excellent. Guinea Hen-Best plate so far. Raspberry souffle creme Anglais + coconut ice cream-Excellent. My mood was jubilant at the end. I completely forgot & forgave the CHP. That's magic! Barbara wants to come back again soon. I just can't afford $450 meals frequently. I eat out constantly, even though Barbara & I are both great cooks. I'd rather have 4 meals for $100 than Gary Danko again. ”
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Superswank
(237) reviews
4/17/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Amazing service that far exceeds any restaurant in the city. It is quite pricey, but their food is really spectacular and well worth it. We thought we would go big with 5 courses, but ended up barely being able to finish 4. If I went again I would do 3 courses. They have an unbelievable wine list that goes on for 65 pages. A restaurant you definitely have to visit once while living in SF.
”
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Doveman
(19) reviews
1/26/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ In my opinion this is the premiere "Splurge" restaurant in the city. If I want to impress or just be treated like royalty by well informed servers this is the place. Both times I went with a friend and we had the tasting menu with wine pairings. Needless to say when we you are done with tip you are reaching the stratosphere. The glazed oysters with caviar were first presented and I'm not a foo foo type but wow they were good.
Next were sea scallops with squash puree and horseradish crusted salmon with dilled cucumber. Squab with orange-cumin carrots was my favorite.
They have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of cheese here in the presentation of the cheese board. I can't tell you the names but you choose four of five I believe. The two gentlemen that were the primary servers here were unfailingly nice without going over the top. They really are happy you are here and clearly love their jobs. dessert was a heavenly creme brulet. Class act all the way. ”
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sassypamela
(25) reviews
1/7/2006
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Ate here for the first time last night to celebrate my birthday - WOW! We've found a new favorite! We were seated right away & the reservationists worked above & beyond to get us in 3 days in advance for a Fri night b/c it was my birthday. The service was great (3 wait staff) & the atmosphere was great (quiet, beautiful, clean) We both ordered the 5 Course Tasting Menu which was $81. I was expecting much worse price wise. They even had a Truffle Tasting Menu - how decadent?! The cocktails were delish - I had 3(!) lemon drops & my husband even strayed from his usual vodka martinis for 1. I chose the lobster salad, seared ahi tuna, seared foie gras, beef filet & the chocolate souffle. All were exquisite! The only down side was that I couldn't finish them. They brought me out a plate full of sweets w/ a candle & sent me home w/ a breakfast cake to celebrate my birthday - how sweet! When we were leaving, the hostess already had my coat ready & our car was waiting for us - I love that! ”
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jacksondorado
(1) review
8/25/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ We ate here for the first time last week for our anniversary. I have to say it was incredible. It was not just dinner. It was an experience. Definitely expensive when you get a nice bottle of wine, too but well worth it as the food was incredible and the service was outstanding, too. ”
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cecilyc
(10) reviews
8/20/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Gary Danko did not float my boat. Of course, expectations were high. The only reservation I could get was for 9pm on a Tuesday. We were not seated until 9:30. The service was fine -- very formal. The food was good, but did not blow my mind. The valet messed with my headlight setttings and I woke up with a dead battery the next morning. That's $250 (for two) I'll never get back... ”
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marinfloater
(7) reviews
8/16/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Our favorite SF "special occasion" restaurant. We've been there for a birthday and an anniversary and are going back for another birthday -- all in the span of 8 months. The food is stunningly beautiful without being fussy, the portions are sufficiently generous that a 3-course (including cheese course) is all we typically order, and the service is quite warm despite its professionalism. We find that is makes sense to order wine matches with each course rather than try to select one or two wines to match the wide array of food in the various courses. I can't tell you the pricetag for a 3-course wine match -- but frankly the quality is good enough to make it worthwhile. It may be pricey, but in SF it is easy to spend this much money for much inferior quality and service. ”
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supersassy
(11) reviews
6/17/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Gary Danko Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the country. If you have not tried the buckwheat blini with smoked salmon and caviar you are missing sometihng amazing! The service is first-class and we always leave extremely happy. Wine list is fantastic and the sommelier is friendly and very knowledgeable. The cheese course is worth waiting for, but you must convince your dining partner to order one of the souffles - a Gary Danko specialty! ”
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bay area native
(8) reviews
6/13/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Expensive, yes, but wow this place is amazing. The service was efficient, warm, and informative without being snobby. As for the food, it was terrific. I did the 4 course pris fixe dinner. The prawn risotto, the salmon, the lamb, and the lobster were all beautifully presented and tasted fabulous, but the seared scallops with mushrooms were simply the best dish I've ever eaten in my life. The waiters knew it was my birthday and took steps to make me feel special. Overall, just a great experience. Next to Fresh Cream in Monterey, this was one of my best dining experiences ever. ”
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gourmetpalate
(14) reviews
4/28/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ After having heard rave reviews after rave reviews, I was really looking forward to a fantastic dining experience at Gary Danko's on the night that I got married at City Hall. Upon entering the restaurant foyer, we were hit with a pungent antiseptic smell. The smell lingered throughout our meal. The food was unmemorable for the price we paid. The service was cold and distant for what was a celebratory ocassion. We had a much, much, much warmer reception at the Neiman Marcus Rotunda Cafe earlier in the afternoon when we dropped in unannounced and told the Maitre'd we had just gotten married - they gave us free champagne on the house. Perhaps it was also the contrast in service, but we're not going back any time soon. ”
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xscientist
(223) reviews
4/18/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ The best the best the best of SF. Absolutely astounding food, creative, rich, profound, fresh, perfect. Very elegant decor and service, very pricey but well worth it. Choose between 3,4,or 5 courses and customize within food categories (you could order 5 fish courses if you wish to). If you are a fan: DON'T skip the cheese course, absolutely the best in the city. Inside SF, GD is the premier foodie joint. I think a lot of other restaurants in the city take cues from the GD menu, but few, if any, execute as well. ”
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wjboring
(180) reviews
4/16/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Details, Details, Details is what Gary Danko knows...from the fragrant soaps in the bathroom, to the giant flower arrangements and the elegantly designed oak wood restaurant...you cannot go wrong here - a three hour breath-taking extravaganza of tantalizing delight. Excellent seared foie gras and do not pass up the fantastic (and informative) cheese cart with some 15-20 choices from around the world. dessert - something indulging too - like flamed, carmalized bananas over a homemade sundae like you've never had. Service is leisurely timed, though extremely attentive. Still on the TOP of my list of favorites. sfSurvey needs to put a rating above "positive" for this restaurant. ”
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poolshark
(63) reviews
4/15/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Food was outstanding no doubt. But i have to make a statement about their absolutely ridiculous wine prices. Expensive wines are usually sold around 50% above retail value. Gary Danko sell ALL their wines at 3 times retail. Frankly i've never seen a wine list so overpriced (Opus One 2001: retail $120, GD $350). You've been warned. Bring your own bottles. $25 corkage per bottle, 2 bottles max per party. If you think i'm overreacting, the last Relais Chateaux i visited before GD was Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst, near Yosemite. Their wine list is about twice as big as GD's, and they sell their top wines about 20% above retail value...
”
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shat88
(64) reviews
3/30/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ I would have to say this is the best restaurant in SF. The food is consistently amazing, the wine selection is outstanding, and the service is great. Prices will hurt the wallet, but for what you get, it's worth it. ”
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kushnir
(405) reviews
2/26/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ If one was to ask, what a great dining experience in the city was, I would have to say Gary Danko’s. Gary has come a long way from the chef at the Chateau in tiny little Geyserville. The ambiance and feeling you get the moment you walk in the door, you know is going to be a good night! Gary doesn’t over do the presentations and metamorphosing the dishes, like so many chefs seem to think is what is wanted! His menu is a great sampling of simple items such as foie gras or lobster salad. The crusted lamb chops were done to perfection!, and in addition to the food tasting how you would imagine it should, the service is professional, attentive and memorable. Although difficult to get in, it is worth the wait, unlike some restaurants that leave your wallet and stomach empty this will tap the wallet some but not the stomach. A must visit. And the crème brulee is like velvet! Oh, and the caviar assortment is great! Parking is a hassle, there is garage 2 blocks away. ”
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jadegyrlee
(106) reviews
2/10/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ This is my favorite fine-dining experience in the City. The service there is excellent, and I love how you can build your own dinner (3,4,5+ courses). Of course, it's an expensive restaurant, but I say it's well worth it...especially if it's a special occasion. The lobster dishes there were amazing, and I loooved the foie gras dishes. I've never ordered wine there, but they seem to have an extensive selection, and my cousin even got a tour of the wine cellar there. They really accomodate you for special occasions (she got to tour the kitchen and the wine cellar). The best part is that they give ladies a little cake at the end to take home, like a parting gift. I've never eaten it (as I've been stuffed full every time I go there), but it's wrapped very prettily and the person who I gave it to said it was an excellent cake. Make reservations early, they start taking them 2 months ahead (very much like french Laundry), but they're not as hard to get. ”
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Sailor Ger
(9) reviews
1/26/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
| “ Probably my best fine dining experience in this city ever. The service is excellent - not too intrusive. We went for the 7 course tasting menu and what a treat. Every dish looks spectacular and tastes even better.
Shame about the baggy suits he makes his female staff wear. Don't think they are too hot on them either.
All in all if you are going out for a very special night and feel like splashing then this is THE place to do it. ”
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silbakor
(167) reviews
1/26/2005
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Cuisine:
American (New)
|
Fishermans Wharf |
“ My God it was good. Fantastically, astoundingly, marvelously good. And the fact that you basically create your own tasting menu with as many dishes as you like is brilliant. Enormous wine list (that is, unfortunately, tilted toward more expensive wines, and with a very significant markup). But oh the food... So good. I only wish I could afford to eat there every month. Easily comparable to Masa's and the french Laundry.
Full review here. ”
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Nancy
(19) reviews
11/11/2004
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ The food is delicious and the presentation is absolutely stunning. Go with the 9 course even if you don't think you'll finish it because every plate is small. But save room for the amazing cheese cart and the decadent souffle with white and dark chocolate sauces! The soft dessert fruit candy is also delicious...by Michael Recchuiti. Great food and service from start to finish. ”
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punks
(110) reviews
4/22/2004
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Cuisine:
American (New)
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Fishermans Wharf |
| “ See what rude reservationists can do to a restaurant? Try to get a table there other than 5:30PM or 9:30PM (who wants those times) and then see what the place looks like at 8PM. Yeah, you got it, half full. They ain't all dat no mo.
Old review
Phenomenal service and food. Best steak in town albeit small.
After going there recently, I have more favorite restaurants in town that I prefer to go to because they don't have the snooty hype. ”
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