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Crustacean Beverly Hills
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Crustacean Beverly Hills
8.7
Chef Helene An's modern Vietnamese institution features a dramatic walk-on water entrance and serves weekend dim sum-style brunch from roaming carts. Known for the secret kitchen's famous garlic noodles, this 30-year Beverly Hills gem offers innovative fusion like ube soufflé pancakes and filet mignon hash.
Must-Try Dishes:
AN's Famous Garlic Noodles, Dungeness Crab, Ube Soufflé Pancake
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Secret kitchen recipes and theatrical water entrance
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking unique fusion
When to visit: Weekend brunch for dim sum cart service
What to order: Garlic noodles, any crab dish, pop-lini cocktail
Insider tip: The secret kitchen is only accessed by family and decade-long chefs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on surrounding Beverly Hills streets
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - no shorts or flip-flops, jeans acceptable if dressed up
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several tofu and vegetable dishes, can modify most items
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options, chef can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Moderate - rice noodle dishes available, but cross-contamination risk in wok cooking
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the dramatic water entrance sets the tone, dim lighting creates intimacy, and the unique fusion menu provides conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, but weekend brunch and dinners require reservations 2-3 weeks ahead. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for special occasions - high chairs available, but the upscale atmosphere is better suited for well-behaved children 8+
Best For
Better for: Theatrical dining experiences and innovative Vietnamese fusion that you won't find at traditional spots - perfect when you want to impress
Skip if: You're seeking authentic street-style Vietnamese or budget-friendly pho - try Saigon Flavor in Little Saigon instead
Crustacean Beverly Hills
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Chef Helene An's Vietnamese fusion landmark serves her famous garlic noodles from a Secret Kitchen accessible only to family members. Weekend dim sum-style brunch arrives via roaming carts, featuring innovative An Sum offerings alongside signature dishes like turmeric whitefish and ube soufflé pancakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
An's Famous Garlic Noodles, Ube Soufflé Pancake, Filet Mignon Hash Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Secret Kitchen recipes passed through generations since 1997.
Who should go: Asian fusion enthusiasts and garlic noodle devotees
When to visit: Weekend dim sum brunch or dinner celebrations
What to order: Garlic noodles, An Sum cart selections, Pop-lini cocktail
Insider tip: Ask about the daily An Sum assortment from the cart
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 or challenging street parking on surrounding blocks, especially evenings
Dress code: Beverly Hills chic - smart casual minimum, many dress up for the scene
Noise level: Energetic buzz - conversation-friendly but lively on weekends
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several wok vegetables and tofu dishes, plus vegetarian dim sum
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modifiable dishes, call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes and seafood, alert server about soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - dim lighting, shareable plates, and conversation-friendly acoustics create romance without being overly formal
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating often available for walk-ins, but dining room requires reservations Thursday-Sunday
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - sophisticated atmosphere and prices lean adult, though staff accommodates families
Best For
Better for: Celebration-worthy Vietnamese fusion and Instagram moments - no one else has the Secret Kitchen mystique
Skip if: You want authentic pho under $15 or quick casual Vietnamese - try Saigon Flavor in Chinatown instead
Crustacean Beverly Hills
8.6
Chef Helene An's modern Vietnamese temple features dishes from her legendary Secret Kitchen, including the famous garlic noodles that launched an empire. Since 1997, this atmospheric spot with koi ponds has defined fusion cuisine while maintaining authenticity through family recipes.
Must-Try Dishes:
An's Famous Garlic Noodles, Garlic Roasted Crab, Tuna Cigars
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: The Secret Kitchen where only family prepares signature dishes
Who should go: Vietnamese cuisine explorers seeking authentic fusion
When to visit: Tuesday-Thursday for quieter Secret Kitchen experience
What to order: Garlic noodles, roasted crab, heart-of-palm crab cake
Insider tip: Request the off-menu whole lobster with garlic sauce
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking on Bedford requires meter until 8pm
Dress code: Smart casual - collared shirts and nice jeans work, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for conversation despite open dining room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, reservations recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8-10 options including tofu dishes and vegetable spring rolls
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 dishes can be modified, ask server about fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes clearly marked, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic koi ponds, dim lighting, and tables spaced for privacy. The $$$$ price shows you're serious without being ostentatious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely Thursday-Saturday. Try Tuesday/Wednesday or sit at the bar where they serve the full menu. Call day-of for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children. No kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. They accommodate but it's clearly designed for adults.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Vietnamese with upscale execution - more refined than Republique, more Vietnamese-focused than Night + Market
Skip if: You want casual Vietnamese pho experience or budget-friendly options - try Pho 2000 or Golden Deli instead
Crustacean Beverly Hills
8.4
Pioneering modern Vietnamese restaurant by Chef Helene An, recognized by the Smithsonian as introducing Vietnamese cuisine to mainstream America. Known for the legendary AN's Famous Garlic Noodles and dishes from the exclusive Secret Kitchen, where recipes are closely guarded family secrets.
Must-Try Dishes:
AN's Famous Garlic Noodles, AN's Famous Garlic Roasted Dungeness Crab, Vietnamese Caramel Whitefish
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: The only Vietnamese restaurant with a literal Secret Kitchen accessible only to family members.
Who should go: Special occasion diners and fusion cuisine enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend brunch for AN Sum dim sum experience
What to order: Garlic noodles, roasted crab, tuna cigars
Insider tip: Ask about the power lunch special on weekdays for exceptional value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in adjacent garage $8 with validation, street parking nearly impossible during peak hours
Dress code: Upscale casual - dark jeans acceptable but pair with elevated tops, many dress for the Beverly Hills scene
Noise level: Moderate buzz - intimate conversation friendly, livelier near the bar area
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typically, business crowd clears by 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated section with tofu preparations and vegetable-forward Vietnamese classics
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modifiable dishes, best to call ahead for special preparation
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice-based dishes naturally GF, staff knowledgeable about sauce modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, conversation-friendly acoustics, and sharing plates create natural interaction. The glamorous Beverly Hills crowd adds excitement without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for prime times (7-9pm Fri/Sat). Best bets: weekday lunches, early dinner (5:30pm), or try the bar for full menu. They often hold tables for hotel concierge calls.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. They accommodate families at lunch and early dinner but it's primarily an adult dining scene after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Vietnamese with proven dishes and Beverly Hills glamour - more polished and consistent than newer Vietnamese spots, with unmatched garlic noodles
Skip if: Seeking authentic street food vibes or budget-friendly Vietnamese - try Saigon Flavor in Westminster or Pho 87 for traditional experiences at 1/3 the price