Headed to SFO in July with the wife (few days away from the kids). Will be staying at the Palace. I have my calendar set for 60 days out to make a reservation at Gary Danko, but was looking for a few additional dining recommendations. The French Laundry is out for this trip, as we will be cabbing it/using public transportation everywhere in the city.
David, I wouldn’t miss out on Hotel Biron when you are in SF. More wine bar with charcuterie than restaurant, but a very cool hole in the wall. Anyone else been here?
We love Atelier Crenn, though it isn’t for everyone, as the food pushes some boundaries. For intensity of flavor and both sensory and intellectual pleasure, though, it is hard to beat her cooking. If what you like is rich, comforting food, it won’t be for you, though. The sommelier’s name is Ian and he is both knowledgeable and friendly. They allow BYO on a limited basis. We are also fans of State Bird if you can manage to get in, and numerous Japanese places. Standbys like Delfina won’t let you down.
I’m going to sound a bit cynical or jaded, but Gary Danko isn’t a special restaurant in the competitive SF arena. Most people eating there will be tourists, out of town biz folk, or people who just look at the Zagat guide.
That being said, the service is always top notch. Excellent service.
The food is Califonian/American and used to be interesting back in 2002, but these days you can find similar food like Gary Danko in any large city in the US. The last time I went several years ago, I had crunchy (severely undercooked) risotto. That was the final straw. A restaurant of that caliber can not be serving crunchy risotto.
If you want to try new things, there are better restaurants than Gary Danko.
If you just want a good meal with familiar sounding proteins and nothing too ornate, excellent service, a solid cheese cart, Gary Danko would work (along with a number of other restaurants in the city). At that price point and experience, I’d much rather eat at Passot’s La Folie restaurant. For a more casual feel, and still French, Chapeau! is a city favorite, but can be annoying to get to.
I appreciate the info! We are going to be in town for 3 nights, and thinking of having ONE really nice dinner (e.g. pricey) and two a little easier on the wallet.
If you want to try another concept, State Bird Provision Co is really good. More of a Dim Sum concept but with a wide mix of foods…
Commonwealth was great the last time I was there. Fairly-priced tasting menu with good, quirky wines.
Una Pizzeria is fantastic Pizza if you happen to be in town Wed. - Saturday and can get a table. A bit pricey for pizza ($22-24 per person) but it really is the best Naples-style pizza I’ve had outside of Italy.
Never been to Saison, but there is no way in hell I would fall for the chutzpah of charging what they charge. If I wanted high end, I would go to Quince. If you really want to go to Gary Danko, consider eating in the lounge (which, frankly, I find a good practice in just about any restaurant, as I’d rather have the comfort and lower key service of that environment, but I’m a southern Californian, what do I know).
Flour and Water is pretty good, I’d rather go to La Ciccia. Rich Table is almost the quintessential SF restaurant, for me. Low key, good food, good energy but comfortable. If you’re going to be in town for dinner on a Sunday, Cotogna’s Sunday Suppers are a good way to go. Within walking distance of the Palace are RN74, Piperade (as well as Quince/Cotogna). Agree with Cary on AQ (though I haven’t been since they went to a fixed menu only) and SPQR.