Best Crab in San Francisco
5 restaurants compared
Price range: $18.00 – $58.00
Avg recommendation: 92%
Top 5 Crab in San Francisco (Quick Answer)
Our editors' picks across 5 restaurants:
- Swan Oyster Depot — score 94/100, $26.00 (Nob Hill)
- R&G Lounge — score 94/100, $34.95 (Chinatown)
- Waterbar — score 94/100, $58.00 (Embarcadero)
- Swan Oyster Depot — score 92/100, $18.00 (Nob Hill)
- Waterbar — score 88/100, $26.00 (Embarcadero)
Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.
All 5 Restaurants Compared
#1Score 94/100
Swan Oyster Depot
Nob Hill·$$
Dungeness Crab Cocktail
$26.00
Sweet Dungeness crab meat in a seafood cocktail sauce with shrimp.
Tip: The crab cocktail is more generous than expected. The ratio of crab meat to sauce is heavily weighted toward the crab.
#2Score 94/100
R&G Lounge
Chinatown·$$
Salt & Pepper Dungeness Crab
$34.95
Battered and deep-fried crab legs and claws tossed with crispy garlic and seasoning.
Tip: Order at least one whole crab for the table — it's a theatrical presentation and the meat is generous. Messy but worth it.
#3Score 94/100
Waterbar
Embarcadero·$$$
Chilled Dungeness Crab
$58.00
Whole or half fresh Dungeness crab, chilled and served with cocktail sauce and lemon.
Tip: Dungeness crab season peaks November through May. Order then for the best quality and most generous portions.
#4Score 92/100
Swan Oyster Depot
Nob Hill·$$
Crab Back
$18.00
Dungeness crab shell filled with tomalley, butter, and house seasonings.
Tip: The Crab Back is rich and filling—order it alongside oysters for balance. Ask for extra sourdough to soak up the butter.
#5Score 88/100
Waterbar
Embarcadero·$$$
Crab Cocktail
$26.00
Fresh Dungeness crab meat in a chilled glass with cocktail sauce, served with saltines and lemon.
Tip: The crab cocktail pairs perfectly with oysters—combine them for a balanced, light meal at the bar.