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The Dead Fish
20050 San Pablo Ave., Crockett
(510)
787-3323

Perched above the Carquinez Straits and the new Al Zampa Bridge, the Dead Fish crab house and prime rib restaurant is a lively place to eat, drink and enjoy the view. Tugs, barges, and sailing vessels animate the water below. Lights and the endless flow of traffic over the bridge enliven the eastern view. For those who need something more athletic, the new bridge?s footpath leads right to the lower parking level of this restaurant.

Although tables in the main dining room and sunken bar have been terraced so that everyone gets a good view of the Carquinez Straits, the interior is cozy. Knotty boards, model sailing ships, and photos of celebrities line the walls. The leopard print carpeting is the first sign you aren?t in transit anymore, but some place special.

The Italian style food is fused with California influence. Large slabs of prime rib cooked to order come alone or with a choice of shrimp, crab or lasagna. Pastas featuring seafood such as crab or clams, or a heavy meat sauce, are another option. Pizzas and salads are also available.

The main seller here is the Dungeness Crab roasted in a secret garlic sauce. Diners who order this get the special tools, and optional bibs to keep the juices off their clothes. Other seafood options, or ?Recently Demised Fish of the Day,? include dead fish stew, Salmon, Halibut or Sea Bass plates, an exceptional crab enchilada and fish and chips.

On my recent visit, the staff was welcoming and professional. Although reservations are recommended, we were seated immediately at a table next to a window. The table came equipped with the warming platter for the crab, extra plates and a water pitcher. But we weren?t left to fend for ourselves for long. The server was friendly and efficient.

There is a full bar here with a specialty in making ?Drink like a Fish Cocktails,? but we stuck with wine. The list features California wines, many of which are offered by the glass.

The man who delivered our drinks palmed the glasses of wine down by his hips and swaggered in a swashbuckling style. There was nothing wrong with the wine, but his style tainted the professional service we received throughout the rest of our experience.

Our food arrived quickly and at the proper temperatures. The garlic French fries were hot and full of flavor. The Spinach Chicken salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, pine nuts, Maui onions, and Maytag blue cheese was cold and crisp. This is a dish for which I will return. The Garlic Steamed Clams were hot and came with an abundant sauce for dipping.

Coffee was strong and made a nice counter taste to the Martini Tiramisu. This was not just a tiramisu served in a large martini glass, it also had a layer of raspberry sauce at the bottom. My dining partner didn?t like this variation from the traditional, but we agreed it made a fine dessert.

Once fine weather returns, outdoor seating will become available, making the view that much better.

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