A bold new chapter in the House of AN legacy arrived in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Crustacean San Francisco opened its its doors in July at 195 Pine Street, bringing the culinary dynasty’s signature blend of modern Vietnamese cuisine and family tradition to the city’s Financial District. At the helm of this new opening is Master Chef Helene An, the visionary force behind the House of AN and a 2024 California Hall of Fame inductee. Her pioneering approach introduced Vietnamese flavors to American fine dining over 50 years ago, and now, her legacy continues with her daughter Monique An and son-in-law Kenneth Lew, who lead the team behind this reimagined destination.
“We are proud to introduce the next evolution of Crustacean San Francisco in a way that honors my mother’s incredible legacy and also reflects the spirit of our new home in the Financial District,” said Monique. “We are excited to continue to connect with diners and share the culinary heritage and stories that have shaped our family.”
“From the design to the menu, every element of this location has been thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable elevated dining experience for our guests,” said Kenneth. “Whether it’s a quick business lunch or celebratory dinner, diners will find themselves immersed in a culinary journey that’s rooted in tradition.”
Where Elevated Modern Design Honors Asian Heritage
Crustacean San Francisco marks a new chapter in the storied legacy of the An family’s culinary empire—one that honors the brand’s roots while embracing the distinctive spirit of the city. Inspired by its sister restaurant in Beverly Hills, the San Francisco location reflects modern Asian sophistication with Vietnamese architectural influence, while carving out its own identity shaped by the city’s energy, light and iconic sense of place.
Set in a historic building with soaring ceilings and abundant natural light, the restaurant’s design begins with its surroundings. The layout balances openness with intimacy, with each room flowing seamlessly into the next while honoring traditional feng shui principles. The kitchen, representing the “fire” element, is placed in the south to activate success, warmth and fortune. The House of AN Secret Kitchen also faces a lucky direction, complemented by other auspicious details including high ceilings, a thoughtfully oriented entryway and graceful cranes—symbols of longevity and harmony—suspended above the workstations.
The An Family’s Vietnamese heritage is reflected through thoughtful architectural and interior details, including one-of-a-kind 18th-century carved Asian wood doors and intricate wood accents that welcome guests into the striking rose gold bar. Sleek, movable panels with luxe Arte fabric contrast traditional bamboo wall coverings to create intimate spaces. Custom furnishings made of exotic wood, rose gold metal lattice artwork, and antique mirrors add richness throughout. Dramatic amber lighting warms the grand space and highlights the multilevel ceiling. Two private dining rooms, equipped with audio and visual capabilities, accommodate groups of up to 50 guests, offering an experience that is both visually stunning and gastronomically exquisite.
The interiors are brought to life by a seasoned design team: architecture by JH2, interior design by Elizabeth An of House of An and Mercan, lighting by Electro Light and art elements including Phillip Jeffries wallpaper. Custom touches reflect the An family’s heritage, from Vietnamese antiques and handcrafted tableware to sculptural lighting installations that blend modernity with cultural memory.
Generations of Flavor Meet Contemporary Craftsmanship
The new menu at Crustacean San Francisco honors the legacy of Master Chef Helene An. Featuring fresh, healthy ingredients, the menu embraces the yin and yang philosophy—food that not only tastes great but is good for you. A highlight is the House of AN Secret Kitchen, where the family’s most cherished recipes, including AN’s Famous Roasted Dungeness Crab and Garlic Noodles, are prepared with inimitable craftsmanship and accessible only to the An Family and extended family members.
The menu is designed for a family-style experience, with à la carte and prix fixe options available for business and lunch diners, featuring dishes like Grilled Prawns with Mango Salad and Vietnamese Filet Mignon “Banh Mi” with “Pho” Dip. Guests can explore sections such as “Hot Starters,” “Dumplings,” “Cold Starters,” “Large Plates” and signature “From the Secret Kitchen” offerings. The restaurant staff will be prepared to assist guests in creating a gastronomical adventure, with menu highlights including the Kohlrabi Caesar Salad, Escargot & Bone Marrow Toast with Asian Pesto, King Crab & Wagyu “Banh Khôt” and Artichoke “Banh Cuon.” The Tuna Cigar, served smoking in a cigar box, adds visual flair and social media appeal. The menu also features a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, with flexible modifications available. Seasonal specials will rotate, while staples like the beloved garlic noodles remain year-round.
The beverage program features a curated selection of wines and cocktails designed to complement the bold, balanced flavors of the menu. Napa and Sonoma wines are highlighted alongside international selections, with special pairings available for Secret Kitchen dishes. Cocktails draw inspiration from Asian and Vietnamese ingredients, including Asian pear, Vietnamese So Cai Gin, Mal Bien Lemongrass Mezcal, soursop juice, candied ginger garnish and rose agar.
Crustacean San Francisco’s new location at 195 Pine Street is open for lunch Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
