Crustacean - Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My experience at this restaurant was that the food was good, though not quite as good as the old spot on Polk. The atmosphere here is very upscale, again, not like Polk. Personally, I preferred the old place, but now I know this one is much fancier. There’s a dress code, so if you’re a tourist coming straight from a tour and not dressed up, this may not be the place for you. Expect to be asked to remove your hat and to feel judged by other guests and staff if you don’t fit the look. They 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.

I have been dining at the original Crustaceans restaurant for over 30 years, celebrating everything from 1st dates to special occasions. I was SHOCKED when it closed, but then I was absolutely delighted and wowed by this new Crustacean restaurant. The menu has been improved, featuring the traditional, world-famous Roasted Crab & Garlic Noodles. This new spot is truly the NEXT LEVEL of opulence and enjoyment. I eagerly anticipate at least 30 more years of loyal patronage. My only critique is the absence of a loyalty program to reward dedicated customers like myself, who have introduced hundreds of new patrons over the years. WHERE IS THE LOVE? I feel I should receive some type of recognition 🤔 😌 LOL.

As a first-time experience with Vietnamese fine dining, Crutacean in San Francisco's prime financial district proved to be a great option for business meals. We enjoyed the dumplings, which were delicious. My garlic noodles were a tad dry, but they paired well with the chicken skewers. The ambience is fantastic and the service is top notch, as expected from a restaurant of this caliber. It's definitely worth a shot.

My lunch experience at Crustacean was a mixed bag. While the elegant, upscale atmosphere and excellent service were definite highlights, the food unfortunately didn't quite live up to expectations. I ordered the mango salad, calamari, shaken beef, garlic noodles, and wagyu fried rice. The shaken beef was on the tough side, and its sauce was overly salty, leaning too heavily on soy or fish sauce. The wagyu fried rice was greasy, with soggy rice texture instead of fluffy. The garlic noodles were decent but unremarkable. Overall, it feels like the price point reflects the FiDi location more than the food quality.

My experience at Crustacean was fantastic! The 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. We opted for the whole crab, which was a messy but fun experience, complete with bibs, crackers, and plenty of napkins. The crab was huge, super meaty, and generously coated in their famous garlic sauce. The presentation was on point, and I appreciated that the crab butter remained intact. The hot towel provided afterward was a nice touch. I also had one of the best Garlic Noodles I've ever tasted. They were cooked perfectly, tossed with garlic and butter, and not greasy at all – simple yet addictive. The Shaken Beef was tender and flavorful, although I secretly wished it had been served sizzling. The twice-cooked potatoes were surprisingly divine and crispy, even for someone who doesn't usually eat potatoes. For dessert, both the fried banana and the baked Alaska were great, but the baked Alaska is a must-try. Its toasted meringue, rich chocolate cake, and warm-and-cold combination made it a showstopper, big enough to share and truly unforgettable. Overall, Crustacean delivers a high-end Vietnamese dining experience that feels fresh and modern. It's a perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. Pro tip: there's plenty of street parking after 7 pm!