Gary Danko

Rated by many to be the number one dining room in San Francisco since it opened in 1999, the six-time Mobil Five-Star recipient is one of the few reasons to set foot in Fisherman’s Wharf. The casually elegant restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and offers menus of three to five courses that change seasonally, with seven or so tantalizing options per course. Anything with lobster or game is particularly recommended. Signature dishes, including roasted Maine lobster served with morels, asparagus and potato purée; seared foie gras atop caramelized red onions; and braised rhubarb and risotto with rock shrimp, lobster and Meyer lemon, are dazzling—and the service is even better. For the cheese course, you can choose from among twenty-five artisanal and farmyard varieties. Or try the flambéed pineapple and blueberries with oatmeal ice cream and brown-sugar cake (the chocolate soufflé and the trio of crème brûlée are also divine). Tip: If you haven’t called ahead for a reservation, try to snag one of the eleven seats at the bar, where you can dine à la carte.