The Lobster
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (424) 214-0967
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Colorado Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Waterfront Dining 2005, Seafood 2004, Upscale Casual Dining 2004
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm
Message from The Lobster
Fine dining in a casual atmosphere and a 180 degree view of the ocean.
- Local Favorite
- Award-winning Seafood
- Private Parties
Paid advertisement by The Lobster.
Editorial Review for The Lobster – by Martha Burr
The Scene
Southern California doesn't get any better than this--top-notch seafood and dreamy cocktails while overlooking a 180-degree vista of ocean, beach and the twinkling Santa Monica pier. An L.A. landmark since 1923, this vintage "seafood shack" was remodeled in 1999 with a more luxe vibe. White tablecloths and candles lend sophistication to an airy room of glass walls and wood-beamed ceilings. The crowd of casually elegant beachgoers, families and couples are joined by a rocking patio bar scene in the salty, star-filled evening air.
The Food
Classic American seafood hits its zenith here under the kitchen's deft eye and imagination. Lobster and Manila clam chowder--fragrant with applewood bacon and thyme--offsets the lightness of lemon-tinged Dungeness crab and wild arugula salad. Fresh Maine lobster is the obvious draw; rich and tender, it's an irresistible classic. Seasonal fish may include moist and sweet oven-roasted black grouper, and boldly flavorful Hawaiian big-eye tuna seared rare.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitOverlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, glassfront patio tables 105 and 106 are this seafood spot's most coveted.
Know Before You GoWalk-ins are accepted at the bar and on the open air patio--graze on generous appetizers that can easily be enough for dinner.
ParkingValet parking is a reasonable $5, but you can get three hours free in the city lot two blocks away at Colorado and Second.
What to DrinkThe expansive wine list offers a wide selection of regional labels and global picks. Specialty cocktails are eye-catching, especially the giant bloody Mary adorned with jumbo shrimp.
User Reviews for The Lobster
07/04/2008 Posted by Annalisa00
My husband and I ventured to the Lobster on the 4th of July and we were delighted to have a table at the window overlooking the Santa Monica Pier. We had the dungeness Crab “Louis” Cocktail and it was delicious for an appetizer along with the Steamed Manila Clams & Black Mussels soup that was good but not great and had much less lobster and clams than the one shown in the picture on the menu page at the Lobster Website. We decided to split these items and to also split the the Lobster Stuffed Avocado entre salad and it was average as well and not as good as we expected. However, given all that we have said, we will definately go back but will stay away from the lobster dishes. The crab is great! Maybe they should change the name...
07/02/2008 Posted by snoop2nuts
I've heard about The Lobster ever since I moved to Santa Monica and finally decided to try it with my fiance. I will say that the location is great being so close to the Pier and the food is good. My main complaint is how extremely LA it is. When we were escorted to our table there was an open booth available but instead we got the worst possible table in the entire restaurant right next to the loud and noisy kitchen. Later on I saw that they seated another couple in that open booth who walked in no more than 5 minutes after we did. I was looking forward to this place and I am disappointed with how they treated us. I spent the first half hour after we sat down sizing up the patrons sitting by the windows and wondering what I had to do to get that beautiful ocean view. The service was a bit snooty and I felt a little rushed. We went on a Tuesday night and still had to wait 45 minutes for a table, or as I choose to call it, the dinner nook. Growing up in LA, I'm used to the idea that it's about who you know and how well connected you are. But this place doesn't deserve such high praises for the disparaging way they treated their non celebrity patrons. Now that I've tried it I know what I was (or wasn't) missing and I most likely will not be back.
Pros: Location, near the beach
Cons: Service, Attitude
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