Franciscan Crab Restaurant
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 362-7733
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-11pm
Message from Franciscan Crab Restaurant
Where to go for great food AND a great view!
- Dining Daily from 11am-11pm
- Validated Parking (3 hrs free)
- Only Housemade Burrata in SF
Paid advertisement by Franciscan Crab Restaurant.
Editorial Review for Franciscan Crab Restaurant – by Davina Baum
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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkBeer, wine, and specialty martinis like the Siren of the Sea (rums, orange and pineapple juices) are on offer.
Where to SitWhile great views can be found throughout the restaurant, the outside patio is perfect for sunny days and warmer nights.
Know Before You GoChef 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).
ParkingUp to three hours validated parking for patrons.
User Reviews for Franciscan Crab Restaurant
08/23/2008 Posted by wagkat
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
08/17/2008 Posted by Chefamy2008
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!!!
