I've been going here for years. The food and service are good. The garlic crab is my favorite. Unfortunately, after a recent dinner visit, I do have a few negative things to share. One, automatically adding 20% to the bill for a party of 2 is ridiculous. Tipping needs to be left with the customer, not the restaurant. Second, their "dress code" is a joke. Based on their website, it sounded like they strictly enforced their stated dress code. Based on that, we dressed up for the occasion even though we were walking around Pier 39 a few hours before dinner. When we arrived, many customers were wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. When I asked our server about it, he said they don't enforce their dress code anymore after receiving lots of complaints. I have no problem with allowing customers to be comfortable and to wear casual clothes. But hey Crustacean, update your website! Don't continue to try to represent that you are some high end restaurant that demands its customers adhere to a certain dress code. You owe it to your customers to be honest about what they should expect when they arrive. read more

Trader Joe's frozen dinners are better, which isn't surprising given that they premade their meals and thawed them in an oven and/or microwave just like I would with Trader Joe's foods. The pasta was flavorless, the crab tasted almost like faux-meat, and the dumplings were almost Walmart-tier frozen. The server was rude, and shocked when I said the meal was bad. 20% gratuity forced, which is funny because paying for this food at all is charity (unfortunately without a worthy cause). I wish I could negative tip. The only saving grace was the environment, but the food-ambiance contrast made the quality of the entrees even more noticeably poor. The decor provided a veneer that was spoiled as soon as i bit into the rubber they serve. Truly an embarrassment. Enjoying this meal would have required some form of brain damage read more

Amazing service. Tiger prawns had a slight char taste I didn't like, the noodles were still good but not like years ago. It's just decent and very expensive now, dish was $48 before tax. I'll likely not return anytime soon, thanh long is probably better read more

this restaurant has been completely remodeled doowntown at 1 post stretw with gorgeous Asian art pieces glorious flowers beautiful seating options..the cuisine is imaginative add wonderfully prepared..a wonderful Asian inspired cocktail menu with an Asian twist to many of the drinks..yuzu martini..etc.. staff very well trained and interesting to listen to the presentation of the dishes as well as consume them..next time you want a glorious setting flawless service and atmosphere and wonderful crab try crustacean..you won't be disappointed read more

The new location is absolutely STUNNING! Everything about it was ELEVATED!! Shane was AMAZING, walked us through the menu and made some amazing recommendations for when we got to the table! The food, the service and the location was PERFECTION! Next time we will be sitting at the bar with Shane and Ivan!! read more

Crustacean - Lemongrass infused mezcal Negroni - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Amazing place to take your sweetheart out to celebrate on any occasion. I will recommend this place $$$$

Downtown location for Thanh Long. Elegant setting, great food and professional staff. We always want a meal from these restaurants.

It was an overall disappointment. The food did not have much flavor other than soaked in butter. The crab had minimal garlic and did not taste fresh. The wagyu dumplings were incredibly oily and falling apart. The redeeming dishes were the tuna cigars and the garlic noodles. Dessert fell flat, the molten chocolate cake was not molten and overcooked. Beautiful ambience and great service, but I was there for the food. read more

New location, good for them!!!! Super nice inside. Great ambiance and service. The Garlic noodles are the star in my opinion. The drinks were good and the bar looks really nice. Great food. I'll be back read more

Came here for dinner for 7. Staff took care of us right away. Was patient and attentive to the kids with us. Food was great, that garlic noodle was fire. Best I've had in a while. Definitely down to come here again. Only down side is traffic is horrible in this area. Just leave a bit earlier to be here in time. read more

We brought a group of 8 to celebrate a birthday. After my visit here, I think this restaurant is highly overrated. We ordered a couple of filet mignon plates. To our surprise, the steak was tough and full of gristle. The other order was the sea bass dish. It was a tiny portion with not much flavor. The risotto was hidden under the small piece of fish, which was very little. The ice cream scoop with the deserts was the size of a ping pong ball. Not enough to go with the chocolate cake. We complained to the manager about the tough cuts of filet mignon. We didn't even get an apology. No complimentary desert or anything to make up for it. The manager made no effort to make it right. After spending over $800., we were highly disappointed, and will never return or refer it to anybody. read more

The manager is horrible, my reservation was at 8:30pm I called because we knew we would be running late the manager gave the phone to a girl and that person said we had to be there by 8:40pm she told me there was parks available in the yellow when I got there no parks where available, I arrived in the door at 8:38pm I told the girl my reservation name she runs to the back and walks back out with the manager and he says he sat the last person at 8:30pm then walks away, I looked at the girl and asked her where you the one I was on the phone with and told me to get there by 8:40pm she smiled and said yes, I wanted to crash out but I didn't I sat there for a min at the bar because I just drove a very long distance for my boyfriends birthday dinner, the bartender gave me a menu asking if I would like to order anything and the manager came up to the bartender to whisper in his ear not to serve me after that the manger kept walking back and forth from the front to the back , the last time he walked up I let him know what the girl on the phone said he said I know but I sat the last person down at 8:36 , I thought he said 8:30 the last time horrible management, they should of just said no and I would had canceled it's not that serious for that dry ass food read more

Atmosphere beautiful, service good. Crab not good, for being in crab season I was surprised it has a fishy tase and the size was very small for $98. Bouncing beef was great as was the eggplant appetizer and the snap peas. Garlic noodles were bitter and dumplings very dry. Staff very friendly. Overall for 2 people with 2 drinks each I thought is was not worth $392 read more

Celebrated my birthday at the new location and it didn't disappoint. Staff was the same as the Polk location but the decor and overall experience was top notch read more

Crustacean - Lobster and shrimp dumplings - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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15-year SF foodie here. I can't say enough good things about the new Crustacean. From the ambience, to the food quality and creativity, to the service, to the overall experience, the new Crustacean 10/10. Absolutely gorgeous new space, the vibe is sizzling, and every dish is beautifully prepared and delicious. Every dish deserves recommendation, though really have to try the classic An dungeness crab (get it cracked out of the shell if you don't want to crack yourself). You eat at enough hot spots in a culinary mecca like SF, and it's hard to be truly surprised and delighted anymore, but Crustacean delivers. Can't wait for my next visit. read more

A bit of a disappointment. Perhaps being a classic fan of the original Crustaceans (SF & LA), as well as the more casual Thanh Long, this newest edition didn't hit as much. It was a gorgeous & magnificently designed space, a 10+, centrally located in the heart of FiDi. Service was attentive & impeccable, but the dishes, while arranged very prettily, were almost void of personality. Both favorites of mine, the crab & noodles here seemed lackluster, to be honest. My companions and I agree it was a bit of a letdown for the price, and compared to our past dining experiences at previous locations. Maybe it's the newer, more innovative dining style I'm not used to, or perhaps I'm just longing for the tastes of yesterday/yester-years..sigh. Damn, I sound like my mother! Lol. Will leave this to the new Gen Zers to enjoy and will probably not return... but will definitely pay a visit sister Thanh Long soon. 5***** Service 5***** Setting 2** Food read more

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The food was amazing and the staff were pleasant and welcoming. I love the new Decor. The shrimp toast was delicious. I recommend you eat it before it gets cold. read more

The only thing good was the location, the food is bland. And that service fee is ridiculous nothing like the old location pay attention to your bill it's a rip off read more

Food is always amazing here. I love the new venue. There are definitely some bright new comers on the menu that are worth discovering. We had the ahi cigars and the langostine crisp. The cocktails were served in tiny glasses and bot boozy at all. I will choose wine or beer next time. They were too similar so I would definitely opt for something else next time. For the main course, we had the roasted garlic crab and garlic noodles. We had the chocolate lava cake and the baked alaska for dessert. Both were solid choices. Service was attentive and excellent without being overwhelming. Ambience was definitely high-end fine dining. The noise level was tolerable. I am definitely planning to come back. The garlic crab and garlic noodles keep beckoning at me. read more

Love Crustacean ...That was first time there since they moved from Polk we were told we needed to be dressed sheik and people in there were not dressed up sheik style ..we had nice dress jeans I didn't get that ..And the crab was dry a little dry ...Polk st never had a complaint from me read more

I made the mistake of ordering the deconstructed crab and paying the extra $10 for the privilege of being served a small mound of crab meat on my plate. I will never do that again. Part of the pleasure of eating crab is going through the messiness of deconstructing it yourself. A place as fancy as Crustacean's tends to discourage the messiness of the process. The garlic noodles, which of course Crustacean's is known for we're not anything special. I can make them better myself now. Service was excellent, and the new Crustacean's in the Financial District is very elegant. But I would much prefer the less pretentious place for such a food that I have long associated with wooden mallets and paper tablecloths. read more

I was there and the meal was amazing but Im sure one of their employees stole my credit card information.

The crab - phenomenal. Amazing recommendation by an A1 server - Eric. He sold us on it and it was seasoned so well, I'll definitely be back. Carlos the busser, top notch. That man made me feel well taken care of, vip and at home. read more

LET'S GET INTO IT! This evening, I made my way to Crustacean's new Pine Street location for a late lunch, and it did not disappoint. I had hoped to grab a seat at the bar, and fortunately, it worked out which turned out to be a great decision. I had checked OpenTable beforehand and saw they were fully booked for the next two days. The hostess and bartenders were both exceptionally friendly and professional, creating a warm and welcoming experience from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere, decor, and lighting give the place a very sophisticated, grown-up vibe. There is a dress code, so make sure you put a little thought into your outfit nothing too athletic. I recommend calling ahead to confirm any specifics. I have to be honest the permanently closed Crustacean on Polk Street had declined quite some time ago, so I stopped going there, while I continued visiting Thanh Long in the Outer Sunset, even though the food was often mediocre. But this new Pine Street location? Whoever is the chef there deserves a chef's kiss they know exactly what to do and how to do it. I ordered the prawns with garlic noodles and garlic rice, along with the filet mignon and chicken skewers, and every dish was perfectly prepared flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. This place more than lives up to its old reputation. I don't have any pictures because I was too hungry the food looked amazing, but it smelled so good I had to dig in right away! Parking in the heart of downtown can be a little difficult to find, but there are plenty of nearby parking garages, and meters are free after 6 PM, which makes it easier. I also noticed that gratuity was automatically included based on the total bill, but the quality, service, and attention to detail made it completely worth it. Crustacean's new Pine Street location truly lives up to its old reputation it was one of those rare "everything was perfect" dining experiences. read more

Great atmosphere. Outstanding food. Good service. Easy street parking. Will come again.

Great place for a business lunch! Also a nice romantic spot for drinks and dinner. I came here for the first time as the "new Crustacean" to have lunch on a weekday. It's a whole different vibe than their previous location. Decor is beautifully upscale. They also required Business Chic Attire. I can see why now. Our server was attentive and service was timely. Their lunch menu was limited but it still offers good options. My group and I had garlic noodles with wild pink shrimp, dungeness garlic crab out of the shell, and crab vermicelli. All dishes were delicious! We each tried their teas with our meals. The most impressive dish for us, however, was their Baked Alaska! A must have when you dine here. I will even come here just for this dessert! Will try their cocktails then in their pretty bar. read more

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I loved the ambience and the services was good but the food was bland and expensive. I had the classic garlic crab and noodles and it had no flavor and the crab was dry with hardly seasoning and zero garlic. I was really confused as to how you can order a garlic anything and it is missing the key ingredients. The sister restaurant still has the authentic taste but this place failed with the flavors. read more

Crustacean - Garlic crab and noodles - Vietnamese Near Me - San Francisco, California

I really want to love this place but I can't. Love: decoration, ambiance, good crab flavor (but kind of dry and small. Oh, I guess this isn't really a "love" part). Dislike: the service. My friend and I had about three different wait staff during our lunch. I felt like it was disorganized. No one picked up the dirty dishes or changed cutlery. We had to ask for new plates when the main dishes came out. The table was wiped down but he left a piece of food/crumb right in the middle. I know, it sounds rather snobby but for a restaurant this high end, shouldn't this be part of the service? The bill came with an automatic 20% service charge. I was really hoping for a well-rounded experience. Instead, I left feeling disappointed. read more

Had lunch with a colleague and shared the crab puffs, calamari and beef banh mi. Dining room was beautiful and we were seated immediately. Crab puffs had mainly cheese and came with a sauce that overpowered it. Calamari was crunchy but mixed with a chili sauce that was too salty and made me thirsty the rest of the day. Beef bahn mi was yummy with tender beef, caramelized onion served on a crunchy roll. While service was good, the bill came with a 20% service charge. After years of reading about the food, it was overall a disappointing experience. Giving it 3 stars for dining room ambiance. read more

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Everything you hoped it would be. Fantastic flavor and great service, highly recommend

Beautiful restaurant. Great food. The crab and garlic noodles are legendary. The appetizers were inventive and tasty. Service was food. It got slower as the place got busier. It was pricy but worth it. However, I didn't like that they tagged on a mandatory 20% tips for a party or 3. read more

Crustaceans needs to improve their phone etiquette ASAP. When I called to make a reservation, the attitude of the host was unwelcoming, which was disappointing. read more

Ambiance is beautiful and rich. Food was delicious. I had roasted garlic crab, garlic noodles, and cheese bread appetizer. I will definitely return. I wasn't able to get reservations however I got lucky and was able to sit at the bar and order. Would like to dine at a table next time. read more

Beautiful spot with ridiculously high prices. $88 for a small crab. $43 for 4 tiny shrimp on noodles. Bad value. The Martini's are in extremely tiny glasses despite the super high prices. Just all around not worth the expense. read more

Excellent food! I've been coming here for at least 35 years (old location) but still great food! Service is exceptional and consistent. Mussels, roasted garlic crab The new place is awesome! They've done well!!! read more

This place is phenomenal!! It's new so not a lot of reviews, but it was fairly busy so that's good! The food is incredible, the Asian fusion flavors and freshness of the seafood were a perfect combination. We had the smoky tuna roll that was one of my favorite dishes but every dish we had was unique and tasty! Great wine/cocktail selection too! Also, reasonably priced given the ambiance, quality of the food, and the experience. You must go! read more

Yummy garlic crab noodles. Not like blow my socks off wow but yummy, with maybe a touch too much oil at times. Food sort of carried this place as the ambience is somewhat annoying Tao in NYC except that it is not. read more

You can never go wrong with the crab and garlic noodles from Crustacean's. The new Financial District location is beautiful. I would come here over and over again if I could. It is a bit on the pricy side, but still worth it in my opinion. It's perfect for special occasions, but not kid friendly. If you do decide to come with young ones, ask for a booth so you're seated tucked away from others. The appetizers were interesting and tasty, but the star of the show for me is still their signature roast crab. My preschooler really liked the lobster crab dumplings. She could have finished an order all by herself since there's only 4 pieces. Drinks were solid. I do have to mention that the service was on the slower side and the desserts didn't wow us (lava cake had no lava ), but honestly, the crab makes up for everything. Beautiful new space, same unforgettable flavors. We will definitely come back. read more

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A Culinary Love Letter to Crustacean San Francisco Where Elegance Meets Legacy Few dining establishments in the world strike a chord so profound that they shape your relationship with fine dining itself. Crustacean in San Francisco is one of those rare gems -- not just a restaurant, but an enduring institution of opulence, culinary mastery, and cultural memory. From the moment you step inside, Crustacean seduces your senses. The ambiance is nothing short of breathtaking -- a symphony of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. The interior is a masterclass in refined design, where rich textures, graceful lighting, and architectural elements crafted from San Francisco's own urban forest come together to create a space that whispers luxury in every detail. It is the kind of place where every corner has intention, and every detail feels curated for excellence. My personal relationship with Crustacean spans over a decade and a half. I first dined here as a child -- dressed to the nines, only to be handed a blazer at just nine years old. That gesture, equal parts refinement and respect, etched an indelible memory in my soul. It wasn't just about dressing up -- it was about rising to meet the occasion. That evening, as my family delicately cracked into their crabs using silver tools, I chose to abandon pretense and sink my teeth in. And to this day, I still do -- some rituals are sacred. I have since returned approximately fifteen times, and each visit rekindles that original sense of awe. While the dress code is no longer mandatory, I would advocate fervently for its return -- particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings after 4:00 PM. A restaurant of such iconic prestige and atmosphere deserves an equally elegant clientele. There is something deeply harmonious about the interplay between a crisp tuxedo or flowing gown and the rich scent of roasted garlic crab in the air. Now, let's talk about the food. Crustacean doesn't merely serve dishes -- it orchestrates culinary performances. The roasted garlic crab remains an absolute triumph -- buttery, fragrant, and impossibly tender. Paired with their legendary garlic noodles and succulent prawns, this holy trinity of flavor is a rite of passage for any serious gourmand. The textures, the aroma, the balance -- it's the kind of meal that silences the table in reverent appreciation. But this time, I plan to elevate the experience further. I will begin with one of Crustacean's exclusive craft cocktails -- a libation found nowhere else, designed to prime the palate and stir anticipation. From there, an appetizer -- something exquisite and bold, perhaps a seasonal offering or a reinterpretation of a classic. My main course will follow, accompanied by a wine chosen by their in-house sommelier -- a pairing that promises to enhance and refine the plate's every nuance. Then comes dessert, where indulgence meets artistry, paired with a silky dessert wine. And to close the evening? A glass of celebratory champagne, a few photographs beneath the ambient light, and a toast to a restaurant that continues to define what fine dining should be. Crustacean is not simply a place to eat. It is where heritage, innovation, and elegance converge. It is a space that honors tradition while embracing evolution. It is, in every sense, a San Francisco icon -- and perhaps one of the finest dining experiences in the world. read more

My experience was great! The food was just as I remembered from the California location. I ordered the garlic crab and noodles already cracked out of the shell and loved it! My waiter was very nice he was attentive, the bartender was very pleasant. I felt that the ambiance was beautiful and had a nice modern touch to it. The only thing i wish was the it could've been a little quieter but other than that I loved it and will be back. read more