When food lovers come to San Francisco, one of the places that's on the top of the list is Gary Danko. It won the James Beard award when it opened in 1999 as the best new restaurant in America, and Danko has also been named by the group as best chef, California. The restaurant offers a fixed-price menu, but diners can mix and match between categories. The elegant interior has a very Armani feel, with plantation shutters at the windows and an earth-tone palette. Service is professional and not stuffy.
Cuisine: California Specialities: Glazed oysters with leeks and salsify; roast lobster with black trumpet mushrooms; horseradish-crusted salmon with dilled cucumbers. Seats: 75 Prices: $55-$74 (depending on number of courses) Parking: Valet $10 Vitals: : 800 North Point St. (at Hyde), San Francisco; (415) 749-2060. Dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
