It's already been a busy 2016 on Fisherman's Wharf, what with the addition of hip tea and coffee outpost Water + Leaves, the arrival of massive Scales Steaks and Seafood (which Daniel DeCamp reviewed last week) and, now, the debut of Crab House (717-4898).
It opened in February, and occupies the former Nino's Wharfside and Isabella's on the far right of the wharf, with nice harbor views and enough crab options to merit the name.
We're talking crab-and-shrimp burritos and enchiladas ($15.95 apiece), crab-and-shrimp mac-'n'-cheese ($19.95), crab-stuffed mushroom caps ($7.95), whole Dungeness crab and king crab legs (market price), shrimp-crab quesadillas ($16.95), shrimp-and-crab nachos $16.95) and the coup, a fresh salmon and crab "Wellington," with a salmon filet stuffed with crab meat and sundried tomato, wrapped in puff pastry and baked with Béarnaise sauce ($21.95).
The menu and some of the dishes appear above right; insiders tell me the fried artichoke hearts, calamari and, yes, the Wellington are keepers.
Michael Zaouk is managing partner. He designed the menu and leads the kitchen.
He says the cioppino and his $19.95 special—soup or salad plus a choice of half a Dungeness crab or a lobster tail—have been best sellers.
"We serve the best local fish the best we can," he adds.
He's a longtime industry vet, having worked some 30 years as a manager and GM at a range of landmark local places like Sardine Factory, Paradiso, Club XIX, Whaling Station and Fandango.
Hours are 11am-4pm for lunch, 5-9pm dinner.
Commercial crab season, which was delayed due to high levels of domoic acid and finally opened last month, arrived just in time.