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oChef » Crustacean – San Francisco
Crustacean - San Francisco
Photo from Crustacean
Crustacean at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#539 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#23 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
136
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Elegant setting
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- Premium pricing
- Modest portions
The restaurant Crustacean is a Vietnamese Restaurant located in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco. When you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience in the city, you’ll find a welcoming spot here.
You can enjoy a delightful meal with options for both lunch and dinner, ensuring a satisfying visit whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
Overview: Introducting Crustacean
Crustacean offers a dining experience where the atmosphere truly shines, providing a gorgeous and elegant backdrop for your meal. Many guests appreciate the attention to detail, from the decor to the stylish bathrooms, creating a memorable setting.
While the culinary offerings are generally well-regarded, with standout items like the garlic noodles and baked Alaska, some diners have noted that small portions can be a concern. However, the staff often makes guests feel like VIPs, contributing to an overall positive visit.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
136
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
108
positive
Crustacean holds a solid 8.1 out of 10, indicating a good overall experience, complemented by a strong 79.4% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that most diners leave feeling pleased with their visit, reflecting a generally positive sentiment across 136 customer opinions, with 108 positive remarks against 23 negative ones.
The restaurant particularly excels in Ambience (8.7) and Service (8.1), where guests frequently praise the beautiful surroundings and the attentive, knowledgeable staff. The Food (8.1) also receives high marks for its quality and presentation, though some specific dishes and portion sizes draw mixed comments.
However, Value (4.5) is an area where the restaurant falls short, with many finding the pricing to be on the higher side.
What people like
- Exceptional ambience
- Attentive service
- Quality food offerings
What people don't like
- High price point
- Small portions
- Occasional service issues
If you’re seeking a refined dining experience with a beautiful setting and attentive staff, Crustacean is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, it’s clear that many guests find the overall experience compelling, especially for special occasions where the atmosphere and service can truly elevate the evening.
However, be prepared for a premium price point, as the value score suggests it’s not a budget-friendly option. While the food quality is generally high, those sensitive to portion sizes or looking for a more casual, everyday meal might find it less suitable.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Crustacean
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.1 and boasting a fantastic 81% customer satisfaction! With 64 positive remarks out of 79 total, guests rave about the authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially the signature crab dish and garlic noodles. Many also praised the beautiful presentation and innovative dishes.
However, not every dish hit the mark. A few of the 13 negative comments mentioned issues with the crab's flavor or temperature, and some found portions to be small. There were also a couple of remarks about dry shrimp toast and even soggy rice, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
79
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Signature crab dish
- Delicious garlic noodles
- Elevated Vietnamese cuisine
What people don't like
- Inconsistent crab flavor
- Small portion sizes
- Soggy rice texture
Often praised
- foodI was here 20 years ago and they are still as good as I remembered! It's one of those must-visit restaurants in SF.
- baked AlaskaFor the sheer quality of their poultry, meats, and produce, let alone presentation, the prices are great! Some standouts include: hamachi crudo, viet chicken satay, wagyu dumplings, tuna cigars, baked Alaska, and of course, the crab and garlic noodles. Upon visiting our table, the owner spoke to the process of creating their newest menu, revealing that each dish has its own unique backstory and connection to the An Family.
- crab and garlic noodlesFor the sheer quality of their poultry, meats, and produce, let alone presentation, the prices are great! Some standouts include: hamachi crudo, viet chicken satay, wagyu dumplings, tuna cigars, baked Alaska, and of course, the crab and garlic noodles. Upon visiting our table, the owner spoke to the process of creating their newest menu, revealing that each dish has its own unique backstory and connection to the An Family.
- dumplingsWe tried the dumplings and they were delicious.
- menuordered most of the menu and each dish was divine
- tuna cigarsFor the sheer quality of their poultry, meats, and produce, let alone presentation, the prices are great! Some standouts include: hamachi crudo, viet chicken satay, wagyu dumplings, tuna cigars, baked Alaska, and of course, the crab and garlic noodles. Upon visiting our table, the owner spoke to the process of creating their newest menu, revealing that each dish has its own unique backstory and connection to the An Family.
- Chocolate Lava CakeCrustacean has really perfected this dessert
- FoodFood:5
- Garlic CrabThe crab was huge, super meaty, and absolutely drenched
- Garlic Noodlesone of the best versions I've had
Frequently criticized
- crabThe crab was just covered in spices, nothing special
- Wagyu Beef dishThe Wagyu Beef dish had 6 small bites
- foodI arrived for my 7: 45 PM reservation and was not seated until 8: 35 PM. The food was not impressive, no better than an average Vietnamese restaurant down the street, though the ambiance was nicer. The portions were small, with the shrimp toast being dry and the Wagyu Beef dish consisting of only 6 small bites.
- indigestionthe post indigestion was not
- portionsPortions were small
- ricerice was the same
- rice texturethe texture of the rice came out soggy rather than fluffy
- saucethe sauce leaned too heavily on soy or fish sauce, making it overly salty
- shaken beefThe shaken beef was on the tough side
- shrimp toastThe shrimp toast was dry
Overall, if you're looking for elevated Vietnamese cuisine with standout dishes like their famous crab and garlic noodles, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, and portions can be on the smaller side.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Overall, the service here shines brightly, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.4%. Many guests, 24 out of 31, raved about the friendly, attentive, and timely service, often highlighting the extraordinary quality and personable hospitality. Shout-outs to specific servers and even the owners made guests feel like VIPs, ensuring everything flowed nicely.
However, its not without a few minor bumps, as seen in 6 negative remarks. Some experiences mentioned initial hiccups like two wrong items or service being a little slow and chaotic, leading to waiting time. A few guests also felt let down when special occasions, like a birthday celebration, werent acknowledged despite being mentioned.
Service
31
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional hospitality
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Order inaccuracies
- Special occasion oversight
Often praised
- servicethe service was excellent—attentive and friendly
- serverThe quality of service and food was outstanding. Our server, Zachary Johnson, was very knowledgeable about the food and wine menu.
- EvanHe expertly guided us through the menu, took our date night photos, and kept us laughing all evening, making us feel like VIPs. Evan was also wonderful, and the entire experience was truly exceptional from start to finish. Thank you, Shane!
- PauloPaulo is also a very great host
- ServiceService:5
- Shanehe’s a whole experience
- VIPsmade us feel like VIPs
- busserCarlos the busser, top notch. That man made me feel well taken care of
- date night photossnapping our date night photos
- entire experienceHe expertly guided us through the menu, took our date night photos, and kept us laughing all evening, making us feel like VIPs. Evan was also wonderful, and the entire experience was truly exceptional from start to finish. Thank you, Shane!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was a little slow & chaotic
- birthday celebrationWhat’s the use of asking if we are celebrating something special like a birthday or anniversary when you did nothing about it? When we tell you, it’s my friend‘s birthday😏😏😏😏 That’s why we are here.
- loyalty programno loyalty program that rewards loyal customers
- two wrong itemsserver brought two wrong items
- waiting timewe were not seated until 8:35pm
If youre looking for a place where youll generally feel well-cared for, this spot is a solid choice. While there might be an occasional minor hiccup, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy attentive and friendly service. Its definitely worth trying for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambience here truly hits the mark, with a good score of 8.7 and a strong 86.4% customer satisfaction! Guests consistently praise the ambiance, decor, and atmosphere, describing the space as gorgeous, modern, and elegant. Many also love the new location, noting the beautiful bar and fantastic interior, with 19 positive remarks out of 22 total.
On the flip side, theres only one minor point to consider from the 22 comments. A single guest mentioned the dress code as a slight inconvenience. Its a small detail, but worth noting if you prefer a more casual outing.
Ambience
22
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gorgeous, elegant space
- Beautiful bar
- Fantastic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dress code required
Often praised
- atmosphereCrustacean has long earned its status as an institution, with a sister restaurant, Thanh Long, in the Outer Sunset. Their brand new location in FiDi, though reopened as higher end, pays homage to its original through the retention of classic flavors, a diverse atmosphere, and personable hospitality. The service was exquisite, not to mention one of the owners who made their way around checking in with tables, greeting guests, and helping out their team as needed.
- spaceThe space is gorgeous - modern, elegant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancewith a nicer ambiance
- ambienceThe ambience is fantastic
- barThe bar is beautiful
- bathroomsThe restaurant has been beautifully renovated, creating a gorgeous, modern, and elegant space with thoughtful details that make it feel grand without being over the top. Even the bathrooms are stylish and sleek, showcasing the effort put into the renovation. Now, for the food: The Garlic Crab was a highlight.
- decorThe decor was classy and elegant
- heart, history, and prideYou can feel the heart, history, and pride in every dish
- iconic spotSo excited to have this iconic spot downtown
Frequently criticized
- dress codeThere’s a dress code
If you're seeking a restaurant with a truly stunning and elegant atmosphere, this place is a must-visit. The beautiful decor and vibrant vibe are major draws, just be mindful of the dress code before you arrive.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
While one diner found the prices to be great, the overall sentiment for value is quite mixed. With a score of 4.5, its considered average, and customer satisfaction sits at a low 25%, indicating significant room for improvement. This comes from just 1 positive opinion.
Many feel the price point needs to be better, with some noting that the price largely reflects its FiDi location rather than the food quality. Youll definitely need to come with your wallet ready, as 3 negative comments suggest the cost can be a dealbreaker for some.
Value
4
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Value needs improvement
- Location inflates price
- Prepare for high cost
Often praised
- pricesprices are great
Frequently criticized
- priceNeeds to be better at this price
- price pointmuch of the price point reflects its FiDi location more than the food quality
- walletThey should make the dress code clear on OpenTable when booking, since it really changes the vibe. It’s a very nice restaurant, but just be aware—you’ll need to come with your wallet ready and dressed to the nines.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot, as the value proposition is a bit shaky. However, if youre prepared for a higher-end experience where location plays a role in the cost, you might find it acceptable. Just be ready to open your wallet.
How are the prices at Crustacean?
You’re looking at roughly 85 $ per person – reported by 16 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, that’s comfortably on the higher-end: not a steal, but definitely a premium experience!
Interestingly, while the average is 85 $, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests are actually spending over 101 $, indicating a mix of dining styles from a nice meal to a truly special occasion.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Vietnamese restaurant, 85 $ per person is certainly on the higher side. Wed say the pricing feels fair if the restaurant delivers an exceptional culinary experience, perhaps with unique dishes or a high-end ambiance. Its worth checking reviews to see if it lives up to that premium expectation.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Crustacean
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Dining Experience
Wow. What can I say. If I could get a table, I’d eat here every night.
The garlic noodles with crab are a must-try, and the shrimp and lobster dumplings are insane. Among the finest restaurants in the world.
- garlic noodles with crab10
- shrimp and lobster dumplings10
- finest restaurants10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Food and Service
My experience at the restaurant was extraordinary. The quality of service and food was outstanding. Our server, Zachary Johnson, was very knowledgeable about the food and wine menu.
- quality of service10
- food10
- server10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Excellent Food, Service Needs Improvement
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag, with food that was truly excellent, but service that needs significant improvement, especially considering the price point. The signature crab dish was a highlight, albeit expensive at $86, and definitely worth trying once. We also paid an extra $10 to have it expertly removed from its shell.
The starters were even more impressive than the crab, which is saying a lot. The interior was very nice, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, the service was slow and marred by several small mistakes, suggesting our waiter might have been the issue.
For the price, the service needs to be better. Despite these issues, we'll definitely go back.
- food10
- signature crab dish8
- starters9
- service3
- price4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Crab and Great New Location
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially concerning their amazing crab. While the server initially brought two wrong items, they quickly recovered, which wasn't a significant issue. The new location is a huge upgrade from the previous spot, and despite being busy, everything flowed nicely.
I will definitely be back.
- amazing crab10
- quickly recovered8
- new location9
- two wrong items4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Food, Exceptional Service
I arrived for my 7: 45 PM reservation and was not seated until 8: 35 PM. The food was not impressive, no better than an average Vietnamese restaurant down the street, though the ambiance was nicer. The portions were small, with the shrimp toast being dry and the Wagyu Beef dish consisting of only 6 small bites.
The crab was simply covered in spices and nothing special. While the service was exceptional, the post-meal indigestion was not. My expectations were too high.
- ambiance7
- service10
- waiting time2
- food3
- portions3
What Crustacean offers
Payments
- Credit cards
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
FAQs
What dining options are available at Crustacean?
At Crustacean, you can enjoy a full dining experience with table service available for both lunch and dinner. Seating is provided, and you can also indulge in dessert to complete your meal.
Does Crustacean accept reservations and offer takeout?
Yes, Crustacean accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. Additionally, if you prefer to enjoy your meal elsewhere, takeout service is also available for your convenience.
How does Crustacean rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Crustacean scores a good **8.1** overall, with customer satisfaction at **79.4%**. Its strongest areas are **Ambience** (8.7) for its gorgeous setting, and **Service** (8.1) for its attentive staff. The **Food** (8.1) is also highly rated for quality.
What are some of the standout dishes at Crustacean?
Diners frequently praise specific items like the **garlic noodles**, **baked Alaska**, **dumplings**, and **tuna cigars**. The **Garlic Crab** and **Chocolate Lava Cake** are also noted as highlights.
Is Crustacean considered good value for money?
Crustacean’s **Value** score is **4.5**, indicating that many customers find it to be on the pricier side. While the quality of food and ambience is appreciated, guests should be prepared for a higher price point.