What People Are Saying About Franciscan Crab Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – This two-level, seafood-centric eatery rises out of Fisherman's Wharf like a magnificent yacht, its broad windows perfectly positioned for optimal views of Alcatraz. Dark, sexy wood accents and Frank Sinatra's crooning set the mood, giving this place both tourist cred and old-time San Francisco flavor. Oysters and steaks are on the menu, but Dungeness crab, including crab cakes, crab chowder, crab enchiladas and whole roasted crab, is the star here.
08/23/08
Great Fish, Bad Service, Fantastic View, Definite Tourist Trap
by wagkat at Citysearch
We had read some fantastic reviews of the place and thought we would give it a shot. While the food was outstanding, the fish is baked in your choice of sauce in it's own pan and comes to the table hot which is a rarity, the service was poor and not timely. The noise factor was bothersome so we would definitely not recommend this restaurant for a romantic date. We should have known better for any restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf is likely to be more of a tourist trap than anything else. If you travel in from somewhere not known for great food or views The Franciscan would rate but we recommend folks residing in the greater Bay Area go elsewhere.
- Pros: Great Fish Creatively Cooked and Served
- Cons: Terrible Service, Noise, Ambiance
08/17/08
Tourist trap
by Chefamy2008 at Citysearch
I am not so bad that i would give a restaurant an unfair review. This place was a disappointment in so many ways. It was obvious they rely on tourists for their business because they were not overly polite. My first impression was not good. If you are at all leery of health standards at restaurants, then the fact that bread service area is within easy reach of the waiting area will disgust you. While we were waiting a couple walked up the bread table and put their hands all over the loaf of bread that was on the table. 2 seconds later a waiter walked up to the bread table, cut bread from the same loaf and delivered it to his table. My only thought was I dearly pray that the guy who was waiting had washed his hands!!! I told a waiter what had happened and I was appalled at his response, which was ?it?s ok! You can have some bread too!? I was shocked! We ordered the fried calamari; it was ok. Then we ordered clam chowder in bread bowls. The bread bowls were old and hard, the clam chowder was runny. For dinner, the prime rib and tiger prawns. The tiger prawns were over cooked. How could you over cook seafood if seafood is what you claim to be famous for? The prime rib was ok, the mashed potatoes were good but don?t you dare ask for substitutions. I asked our waiter if I could sub zucchini for the creamed collards and he said no, the price of the zucchini is higher than the collards. Wait a minute, I pointed out to the waiter that on the menu, the side items are all the same price, $7. So how is it more expensive? His only excuse after that was to tell me the restaurant does not allow subs. Well, All in all, the view was fabulous; the table was good, giving you the feel that you have some privacy from other patrons. The hostess could use an attitude adjustment but again, I think they cater to tourists so they feel like they just don?t care. Only reason I will ever eat here again is if we have a relative from out of town who absolutely insists on eating there.
- Pros: Ambience was good
- Cons: bread table within reach of waiting area patrons!!! GROSS!!!
05/31/08
Nice Views, absolutely gorgeous
by sarahlane15 at Citysearch
My bf and I went here literally after we had just ate somewhere in the marina, but we had a cocktail here. The Food looks great but I certainly couldn't judge it. The staff was friendly and we met a very nice security guard who chatted us us for awhile. We would definitely be back on our next trip up to the bay.
- Pros: Lovely view of the bay, parking validation, extensive menus
The Details on Franciscan Crab Restaurant
What to Drink:
Beer, wine, and specialty martinis like the Siren of the Sea (rums, orange and pineapple juices) are on offer.
Where to Sit:
While great views can be found throughout the restaurant, the outside patio is perfect for sunny days and warmer nights.
Know Before You Go:
Chef Andrea Froncillo hales from Naples, Italy, though he's been cooking his way around California and San Francisco for about 20 years. He and his partners own several tourist and local favorites, including The Stinking Rose and Bobo's (Boboquivari's).
Parking:
Up to three hours validated parking for patrons.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Waterfront Dining, Outdoor Dining, View Dining, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining
General Info:
Open 7 Days
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