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Franciscan Crab Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Franciscan Crab Restaurant
7.9
Vintage Wharf dining room overlooking the bay that lists an Angus ribeye in its ‘Turf’ section. Solid service, table spacing, and two-hour parking validation make it workable for longer midday meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Steak (pan-seared), Caesar Salad, Garlic Fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Bay-view classic with a true ribeye and easy validations.
Who should go: Clients who prefer scenic, unhurried lunches
When to visit: 12:45–1:45 for calmer floor and window seats
What to order: Ribeye; Caesar; crab add-on to share
Insider tip: Use the two-hour validated lot—ask for the stamp before paying.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated two-hour parking in the adjacent Wharf garage; street parking is limited and metered.
Dress code: Business casual—collared shirts and neat jeans or slacks are standard for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate—open dining room with steady tourist flow, but window tables are quieter for conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak tourist hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pasta primavera, salads, and vegetable sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—salads can be modified; few dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steak and seafood plates can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for business or family gatherings; the large, open room and formal pacing feel more professional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common at lunch, especially on weekdays; request a window table for bay views if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome, and there’s a kids’ menu; however, the setting skews adult and business casual.
Best For
Better for: Scenic bay views and convenient parking validation make it ideal for longer client lunches or out-of-town guests.
Skip if: You’re looking for intimate ambiance or quick service—choose smaller steakhouses inland instead.