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No matter what style of fine dining you prefer—from that of the molecular– gastronomy whiz, to the latest Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef who re-invents the local scene, to the tried and true haunts that have earned the moniker “classic”—you will fine in these shortlists the pitch-perfect restaurant for a singular night on the town.
The Draw: Coi is avant-garde dining without the snobbery. The food (exquisite) and the place (serene) are like the most decadent massage—relaxing, transporting, and worth every penny. The Scene: Where minimalist design accents melt into the background, this unexpected North Beach haven provides little distraction for serious gastronomes. Look for well-read fans of chef-owner Daniel Patterson—a regular New York Times contributor—as well as a local following of rising-star foodies and hipsters attuned to philosophical fare. Tue–Sat 6–10pm. $$$$ Hot Tip: Big-ticket dinners at Coi are an ill-kept secret. More hush-hush is the à la carte menu available in the restaurant’s über-chill lounge.
Gary Danko 800 North Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf, 415-749-2060 garydanko.com
The Draw: Chef Gary Danko’s three-, four-, and five-course prix-fixe menus are the gold standard of fine dining in the city. The menu offers an exuberant array of dishes in French-influenced California style. The Scene: Light woods, showpiece floral arrangements, and seating in muted butterscotch tones create a refined setting in which to enjoy a five-star meal. Daily 5:30–10pm. Bar: 5pm–midnight. $$$$ Hot Tip: Chocolate lovers must have the baked soufflé with two sauces. Others should try the world-class cheese cart.
The Draw: Exquisite homemade pasta—both seasonal and standard traditional—prepared by Michael Tusk’s deft hands, in an elegant but comfortable setting. The Scene: What used to be the Myth restaurant space has been transformed into the most elegant dining venue in the city. The dining room has a low ceiling (with a 250-pound Venetian chandelier in the center), toffee-colored walls, and avant-garde photography all around. The upper-echelon of the city’s chic set dine here regularly, though now it’s harder than ever to get a reservation. Mon–Sat 5–10pm. $$$ Hot Tip: If you can’t get the reservation you want on Open Table, give the restaurant a call; they hold more than the usual number of seats back for phone reservations.
