Crustacean
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 776-2722
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- California Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-3:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 11:30am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Message from Crustacean
"The birthplace of Fusion Cuisine.." --Michael Bauer. SF Chronicle.
- Fusion cuisine
- Seafood dishes
- Friendly service
Paid advertisement by Crustacean.
Editorial Review for Crustacean – by Bethany Jean Clement
The Scene
The exterior elevator still has a neon crab on it, but a recent renovation has transformed the erstwhile '80s-style decor into an elegant destination. Dimly lit, the dining rooms are strewn with Asian accents, such as bamboo and tassled lanterns. Quietly attentive, unfailingly pleasant service befits the high prices. A muffled, rich festivity envelops the well-groomed patrons, while hosts suavely monitor the dining rooms.
The Food
Most dishes are more reminiscent of early Asian fusion than today's elevated Euro-Vietnamese fare. Appetizers include fried wontons stuffed with a creamy crab-cheese mixture, and minced shrimp served atop broiled baguette rounds. Signature garlic noodles make an addictive complement to the whole garlic-roasted Dungeness crab--the restaurant's most popular dish. Fancily attired diners sport plastic bibs while dismantling buttery-slick shells to reach the sweet, succulent meat.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe dress code is meant to ensure customers are "appropriately sophisticated"--no T-shirts, caps or athletic wear (doesn't apply to lunch or patio dining).
Where to SitWindow seating beyond the bar is fun and festive; for privacy, request the section above and behind the bar. Outdoor seating is available when weather permits.
ParkingValet is available for a fee on the California Street side of the restaurant.
User Reviews for Crustacean
05/06/2008 Posted by Landshark3888
I first experienced Crusaceans and their Garlic Roasted Dungeness crab w/garlic Asian noodles while entertaining a Client from Hawaii. This being my first time at the restaurant, I was hesitant, but my associate so strongly recomended the dish, I knew it must be good. It was EXCELLENT! Accompanied with a bottle of Gwerstermeiner to cleanse your palate between bites, in combination of eating with your hands as you break the cracked crab, the experience is both satisfying and filling. Finish your meal with the Mango Cheesecake and an Espresso...well, I could die now, but then I would miss my next visit to my FAV restaurant. I no longer care to go to Fisherman's Wharf, or anywhere else in the Bay, as long as I can go to Crustaceans. I have since moved to Arizona, but I still fly to The City every year for my birthday, to entertain Clients, or to meet friends over a Garlic Roasted Crab and Garlic noodles. Is it time for another birthday yet??? Don't let the address/neighborhood keep you away. Valet parking is great and makes for an easy 'drop off the car and dine' experience. Are we there?
03/09/2008 Posted by damian_esq
I understand that Crustacean did the upscale Vietnamese seafood thing first, but I don't know if they're still doing it best. With places like PPQ, Ana Mandara, Le Cheval, Slanted Door, The House, and Straits Cafe offering similar dishes at lower prices, Crustacean is now just one of many. With all that having been said, I loved the food and thought the service was good. The wine was good and not too overpriced. Our appetizers were just okay, the fried starters were very ordinary, but the vietnamese seafood salad was really good. For entrees we had a crab, shaking beef and sea bass. All were delicious, fresh and interesting. The mango cheesecake was a great way to end our meal.
Pros: Fresh, Tasty Seafood with Bold Flavors
Cons: Pricey, Parking is a Headache, Kind of Noisy
