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PPQ Dungeness Island
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
PPQ Dungeness Island
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Vietnamese-style crab feasts—roasted Dungeness with garlic butter and peppercorn—paired with garlic noodles and shareable sides. It’s the Richmond go-to for celebratory seafood dinners with the whole table involved.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Dungeness Crab, Garlic Noodles, Imperial Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Signature Vietnamese-style crab with crowd-pleasing garlic noodles.
Who should go: Seafood lovers planning shareable celebratory dinners
When to visit: Reserve weekends; weeknights after 7pm see shorter waits
What to order: Roasted crab; garlic noodles; imperial rolls
Insider tip: Add peppercorn sauce to a half-crab for a two-sauce comparison.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—expect competition on weekends; best chances within a few blocks east on Clement or California.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—bib aprons are provided for messy crab feasts, so no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and loud during dinner rush—conversation possible but best for groups rather than intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without reservation; prime tables fill early.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mainly side dishes like garlic noodles or imperial rolls.
Vegan options: Minimal—most sauces and entrees include butter or fish components.
Gluten-free options: Partial—crab dishes are naturally gluten-free, but noodles and fried items are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is fun and unfussy—cracking crab gets messy, but it’s a great icebreaker for relaxed, shared dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends; walk-ins are manageable on weeknights after 7:30pm or for early dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and staff accommodate younger diners with rice and noodle dishes, but it’s not stroller-friendly during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Group seafood feasts and Dungeness crab lovers who want big, shareable portions with Vietnamese flavors.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining, delicate plating, or hands-free meals—this is all about cracking shells and communal chaos.
PPQ Dungeness Island
8.2
Vietnamese-owned seafood specialist famed for roasted and chili crab feasts alongside garlic noodles and family-style plates. Dining room is lively and service keeps big groups moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Dungeness Crab, Chili Crab, Garlic Noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Crab-centered Vietnamese seafood feasts built for celebratory groups.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and group celebrators
When to visit: Prime dinner hours—reserve weekends
What to order: Roasted crab; chili crab; garlic noodles
Insider tip: Wear the bib and pre-order extra crab if dining late.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but can be tough after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—comfortable for cracking crab, but most guests look put-together for group dinners.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours; conversation can be challenging for large tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; pre-booking strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quieter crowd and faster turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some stir-fried noodles and vegetable dishes available.
Vegan options: Very limited—sauces and prep lean seafood-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—garlic noodles and crab sauces may contain gluten; ask staff for alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both seafood lovers—cracking crab is messy but fun. Better suited for comfortable or playful dates than formal ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weekdays, but expect long waits on weekends. Reservations are essential for parties larger than four.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy seafood; no dedicated kids’ menu. Space is tight for strollers during dinner rush.
Best For
Better for: Best for group crab feasts and festive seafood dinners—few spots match its signature roasted crab and garlic noodles.
Skip if: You want a quiet, delicate dining experience or vegetarian-forward options—this is a hands-on seafood affair.