Thanh Long

Every night, Thanh Long draws in crowds from all over the Bay. They’re mainly here for two things: to crack open phenomenal pepper-coated roast crabs and shovel down platefuls of butter-coated garlic noodles ( invented here in the '70s ). Do either of those things sounds like enjoyable things to do? Then get to this Sunset institution—it’s a seafood and garlic-centric party.

Inside the large dining room, you’ll likely see cakes in honor of 1st and 75th birthdays, friends participating in going away send-offs involving multiple rounds of lychee martinis, and coworkers posing for pictures in plastic bibs. You’re also taken care of all night. The staff are quick to bring you hot towels and tie your bib. And if you want your evening to have a bit more VIP energy, request the big booth with the curved, high back.

Like everyone else in the room, you’re here for the original roast crab. It’s loaded with what seems like a gallon of butter, garlic, and a secret blend of spices. And the secrets don’t stop there—you’ll also want to pair it with multiple orders of the Genius Grant-worthy garlic noodles, which are made in a top-secret kitchen. Once the crustacean lands on the table, crack open the legs, dig out perfectly cooked meat, and drizzle on even more butter before licking it off your fingers. You’ll only need to come up for air to throw back more forkfuls of noodles (and maybe to grab a hand towel). While there are starters and large plates, they aren’t the point. They’re good, but your stomach’s real estate is best spent on more crab and noodles.

At $80 per crab (at the time of writing), you might not be coming to Thanh Long every week. But you can make a trip here a yearly tradition, or reserve this spot for graduation dinners, birthdays, and last meals in the city with 10 of your closest friends. And if you’ve never experienced dinner at this iconic spot—or are past due for that yearly visit—use this review as a sign and get here now.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Erin Ng

Roast Crab

These buttery whole-roast crabs should be on every table. Leaving here without ordering one is blasphemous—no other crab in the city is doing it like this. If you need it spelled out for you: Order. This.

photo credit: Erin Ng

Garlic Noodles

We’re all for the Krabby Patty-levels of secrecy Thanh Long has going on with these noodles, since whatever they’re doing to them is clearly working. The springy noodles are evenly coated in a mystery blend of butter, garlic, and sorcery. Each bowl serves about two people, so consider multiple orders if you're with a group.

photo credit: Erin Ng

Shaken Beef

Yes, Thanh Long is a palace of all things from the sea, but this is a meat dish worth your attention. The cubes of filet mignon arrive shiny and charred over a layer of greens (for balance).

Shrimp Toast

A nice two-biter. The shrimp pâté stays juicy even after the toast is broiled. This is a great way to start off the meal. Three per order.

Dungeness Crab Puffs

Despite crab being involved, these fried puffs are a miss. They’re overpowered by the cream cheese filling and you can feel free to skip. Might we suggest ordering more garlic noodles instead?