Best Crab Restaurant in Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf

The Simmons family has been a part of the San Francisco waterfront for over 40 years. The family created and developed PIER 39, Chevys Fresh Mex and continues to own and operate the most unique dining destinations on Fisherman’s Wharf. They are third-generation restaurant purveyors and pride themselves on being a family-owned and operated business and a sustainable seafood company.

Crab House is widely known for being the best crab restaurant in San Francisco. Located on PIER 39, the restaurant is famous for its delicious and addictive San Francisco crab served on a hot iron skillet. In addition to shellfish skillets, they offer a wide range of delicious seafood like salmon, clam chowder and seafood cioppino. The dining room overlooks the San Francisco Bay with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. A trip is incomplete unless you visit San Francisco crab restaurants and the Crab House is hands down serving the best crab in San Francisco.

In addition to crab, Crab House serves many other incredible specialties like famous garlic noodles, vegetables on a sizzling skillet, cheesy sourdough skillet, truffle garlic fries, and heirloom tomatoes and burrata appetizer, and of course, chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. This PIER 39 restaurant also offers a full bar with amazing California wines and a long list of hand-crafted cocktails for you to sip while overlooking the bay. Whether you are craving crab or dining with non-crab lovers, there is something for everyone at Crab House. 

There is a lot of competition for crab in San Francisco since the city is famous for ever-desirable Dungeness crab local to the area. If you were to search for a restaurant Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco you would be overwhelmed with the type of restaurant near PIER 39 that comes up claiming to serve the best crab in San Francisco. Crab House sets you up with everything to enjoy digging in including a crab cracker to start the process, a bib to keep you tidy and freely crack away, a mini fork to dig out the tender meaty bits, a big bowl placed under the skillet to dispose of your shells and a nice moist toilette to help you clean up your feast at the end. 

The meat from these local crustaceans is a bit sweet, delicate, and tender compared to other crabs you may be accustomed to. For instance, if you are used to King crab you will be surprised that Dungeness crab legs are much smaller yet still offer succulent delicious bites of crab meat. Dungeness crab season is typically November through March when San Francisco crab restaurants are able to catch and serve fresh, local, 2 pounds and larger Dungeness crabs right from the local waters. Do note that this season moves around a bit due to algae spikes and whale patterns so as not to harm whales in the crab nets.

Another seasonal seafood San Francisco dish you may plan your trip around is the King Salmon season. The salmon season is open from April through May and again from late June through October. There is something about being on the water that immediately makes you salivate for fresh seafood. When you are craving and searching for seafood San Francisco, you will likely also use the restaurant Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco which helps you browse restaurants along the San Francisco Bay and of course serve the best seafood Fisherman’s Wharf has to offer! Many of these San Francisco Wharf restaurants take their boats out and fish right there in local waters and serve fresh local seafood to guests every day.

The best restaurants PIER 39 offers serve fresh sustainable seafood where you can find the local salmon as well! You can enjoy the local delicacy mesquite grilled, topped with beurre blanc, served over noodles with wasabi, and many other preparations to entice your taste buds depending on how you are feeling that day.

You will also want to venture out and explore more of the beautiful city away from the water. The city is packed with incredible food, culture, and sights to see. A visit to San Francisco is not complete if you skip the “Full House” house painted ladies or the most crooked street – Lombard street. We also recommend visiting the parks, like the new Presidio Tunnel Tops, Golden Gate Park, and more as well as catching a Broadway Show downtown and maybe a Warriors game or performance at Chase Stadium. After you step away from restaurants near Fisherman’s Wharf you will find a wide range of cuisines including many restaurants with Michelin Stars that San Francisco is well known for.

Of all places to eat in Fisherman’s Wharf, if you are looking for the best crab restaurant in San Francisco – Crab House on PIER 39 is the place!