Crab's House

Review

Crab's House opened in 1976, and the Michelin Guide describes it as Kaohsiung's first restaurant themed on Penghu seafood; it now appears on the guide's list. Diners say it grew from a small shop into a three-storey operation on Minsheng 1st Road in Xinxing, and for decades it has been a go-to for local family dinners and company banquets.

Ingredients arrive from Penghu daily, and Michelin suggests asking staff what is in season. The signature is salt-crusted fried crab, crisp shell and sweet meat; also recommended are stir-fried clams with seaweed, using Penghu clams. Diners note that the owner suggests special dishes, not necessarily the priciest but the most distinctive of the day.

Praise focuses on fresh seafood, authentic cooking and attentive staff who change plates and refill drinks, making it good for families. Complaints include the fried crab being too salty for some, a menu without listed prices so a solo diner was surprised by the bill, and some staff attitudes needing work. Asking prices before ordering avoids surprises.

It opens daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. The dining room is bright and spacious with private rooms for banquets, there is a car park next door, and cards are accepted. Diners say weekday lunch usually needs no booking, but weekend dinners and banquets, especially private rooms, should be reserved.

Best for groups of three to five or more, for taking visitors to try Penghu seafood, or for business dinners needing a private room. Start with the fried crab and seaweed clams, then ask staff for the day's fish and a vegetable. With few people, portions and prices are harder to judge, so tell staff your budget and let them help plan the order.