The Lobster

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1602 Ocean Ave (at Ocean & Colorado)
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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(310) 458-9294
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The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
The Lobster - Santa Monica, CA
Reviews
( 63 )
( 46 )
( 18 )
( 3 )
( 7 )

Best

Our service was great and the waiter was adorable. Ambiance was romantic and definitely recommended. For the music,,,I would recommend jazz or house and the people were cool. Port...

Worst

Great view. Everything else....over rated. Over priced decent food. Service below average. Great view. Pros: view Cons: price, staff, food

great 2/19/2006

i am a huge seafood lover, so my boyfriend took me to the lobster on my last birthday. we didn't have reservations, so we expected a wait. what we didn't expect, however, was the fantastic service while we waited! the cocktail waitress was so nice and attentive, it made the time fly by. once seated, we dined on several delicious dishes--most notably, my scallops with lobster home fries. incredible! there wasn't much of a view when we went (too foggy) but i imagine it is usually lovely. it is rather noisy, but i don't mind that sort of thing... oh, and our waiter was less-than-fabulous. otherwise, the evening was perfect! Pros: seafood, wine, cocktail waitress Cons: dour waiter, loud, fog more
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What's all the hype about? 2/14/2006

Based upon several recommendations, on a mother-daughter trip to southern California, my mother and I decided to make reservations for our last night in town for a fun and delicious dinner... Boy were we in for a shock! The restaurant was noisy, crowded, and we should have just sat in our neighbors' laps because our tables were entirely too close for comfort. Our servers were curt and unknowledgeable. The food was definitely rushed in preparation - mine was serverly undercooked, and my mother was entirely overcooked (it should have just been called blackened). By the time our server came over to ask how our meal was we were so frustrated that we asked for the check and left, and being sure to note that our food was not at all up to par. Pros: The view Cons: Noise, Service, Food more
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Surprisingly not a tourist trap! 2/11/2006

I called ahead (2 weeks) and requested a ""view table"", when we arrived (to celebrate an early Valentine's Day) we were lead to the best table in the house. Besides the unobstructed view of the lighted pier, we were surprised by reasonable prices (except lobster, which starts at 2lbs and goes up to 5lbs). We had lobster salad with corn pancakes and the crab/arugula salad followed by the scallops and rare ahi with a bottle of Sav. Blanc. While the service was terrible when we arrived, waiting 15 mins for a hello and a glass of water, it picked up after we ordered and our food arrived quickly. Dessert - buttersctoch creme brulee and tawny port. Excellent. We'd definitely go back. Pros: valet, view, romantic Cons: busy, crowded, water service more
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Thoroughly Impressive 2/9/2006

Have avoided this place at the SM Pier for a while, but boy was I missing out. After reading the great reviews I made an anniversary of it with the girlfriend recently and was extremely impressed. Crabcake starter was nearly flawless, dungenous crab salad was good and the scallops were absolutely complex and refined. Our service was fantastic - Thanks Richard! The only knock was the girlfriend's fish that was a little too rich and not overly complex - it was probably a poor choice on our part. Needless to say we walked away very happy and intent on a return visit. Pros: Service, Crabcakes more
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great place 1/22/2006

I'm a vegetarian so I don't usually go to seafood restaurants. But a friend wanted to take his parents so I went along, figuring I could just get a salad and enjoy the view. We had reservations but arrived early and were seated right away. While we didnt have the best view as we weren't right by the windows, it was a good view none-the-less. The service was excellent - our waitress was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer our questions and provide recommedations. I asked about a vegetarian option even though it wasn't on the menu and they accomodated me and made a dish without lobster and it was delicious. OUr server also recommended the wine we ordered and I was very pleased with that as well. Over all, great service, delicious food, a chill atmosphere - well worth the money (as it is more expensive). more
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A great experience at The Lobster 12/8/2005

My husband and I went to The Lobster for my 40th birthday dinner in November. It was our first time in California and we visited The Lobster at the beginning of our vacation. Everything was absolutely wonderful!!!! The hostess was extremely nice and we were promptly seated. The waiter was friendly and we received very good service throughout our meal. The food was excellent!!!! I could not have asked for a more perfect, special place to celebrate. Of course, the very best part was the dessert- Chocolate Bread Pudding, MMMMM!! Throughout our entire trip we did not have a dessert as delicious as this one. I highly recommend The Lobster and cannot wait until I have the opportunity to return to California and visit this great place. It has left a lasting impression and will remain a great memory. Pros: Great food, Friendly staff, Nice view Cons: Semi- Expensive more
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Crab cakes are heavenly good!!! 11/5/2005

Loved this restaurant...crowded yes but also romantic and the view is breathtaking. As appetizer we had crab cakes and they are the best by far. The drinks were small but good, as entree try the jumbo shrimps or the grilled yellowtail with yummy risotto. if you make reservation ask for a table by the oceanside. Pros: food, service, ocean view Cons: expens.valet more
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Delicious 10/31/2005

I went here for dinner for an anniversary. We didn't have reservations but we were seated very quickly. The hostess was great and the waiter was great. Didn't take long for our food to arrive. The food was very good, no complaints. The only thing I didn't like was where we sat. The view was beautiful but it was a little too crowded, not quiet at all. It is great for a birthday dinner or out with some friends but not for a romantic dinner even though the scene is romantic. Pros: Great food, Great service Cons: Too busy, Too crowded more
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User review by stacylynne 10/20/2005

After reading all the great reviews of this restaurant I made reservations for my husband and I for our one-year anniversary. Upon checking in at the restaurant the hostess immediately wished us a happy anniversary and showed us to beautiful table by the window overlooking the Santa Monica Pier. My husband ordered the filet mignon and I ordered the crab cakes entree. Both dishes were delicious. I would definitely recommend this spot for a romantic evening or special ocassion. Our night ended with our waiter wishing us a happy anniversary and presenting us a piece of chocolate cake with a candle in it. The Lobster's staff went above and beyond to ensure my husband and I enjoyed our anniversary. Pros: Great view, Delicious food, Friendly staff more
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Times when you're oh-so-happy you're an Angeleno 10/13/2005

You can't beat the views from this light and airy restaurant that practically spills out into the ocean. The food was fantastic, and the wait staff was kind and attentive. The chocolate bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream at the end was the ultimate cap to a lunch of indulgence. The grilled spiny lobster was fabulous. My friend and I enjoyed our lunch--we had no reservations and went on a lark--and had the best seat in the house to boot! Highly recommended. Pros: Awesome views, Great food Cons: Pricey, but hey! more
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A horrible disappointment 9/16/2005

We had a horrible experience here! Don't waste your time or money. It funny, after we went to the Lobster, we talked to a lot of people who thought this place was overrated... What a disappointment after I read good reviews on Citysearch. It must be the management writing these good reviews. more
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its good 8/21/2005

I went to the Lobster for a birthday dinner. We ordered the crabcakes (best I've had so far), the crab bisque (very good), the pan fried lobster (very good) and a curried lobster dish (so- so). Overall the food was very good. Prices were definitely steep, but the overall experience was nice enough to want to come back on special occasions or once in awhile. The nighttime ocean view wasnt as impressive as I was expecting. Perhaps really only spectular on a clear night with a full moon. But the the hostess was very friendly and helpful and the servers and busboys as well. Ive heard good things about the spiny lobster...have to go back to try it. Very hip, relaxed, romantic ambience, but not stuffy and very elegant. more
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Best Crabcake Ever 7/26/2005

Thanks to the waiter for pointing us in the right direction for what to order. Everything he recommended was outstanding and everything we ordered on our own was very average in comparison. The best was the crabcake - you can't go wrong. Thanks again! Pros: Staff, Food Cons: Expensive drinks more
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Fabulous food but average atmosphere 7/14/2005

I came there on a special occasion with my boyfriend. We had reservations so we were seated fairly quickly. As I passed through the bar/patio I got really nervous that it was just going to be another ""trendy"" bar/lounge. Their dining room is spacious, but like all California restaurants the ceilings are really high for some reason so you have to yell to have a conversation. The tables are also a little bit too close together (Another Cali staple) so if you can, request a booth. But the food makes up for the uncomfortable atmsphere. Together, my boyfriend and I had the lobster bisque (creamy and delicious), calamari (great), seared tuna (hmmm!), and grilled salmon (done just right). I really loved everything I had there and if it weren't so expensive, I would want to go every week! Pros: great food, good service, awsome view Cons: $$$, noisy dining room more
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Best dinner ever! 6/24/2005

My boyfriend and I came here on a friday for a 6:00 reservation. To begin, our server was AMAZING. He was so nice, so attentive, and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. The shrimp cocktail was the best shrimp I have ever tasted. I had the halibut but without the lobster sauce, which i dislike. It was presented to me without sauce and just a lemon wedge. It was still the best halibut though. It was soooo good! My date's lobster was great too. The banana brulee for dessert was the perfect end to the perfect meal. The panoramic of the coast was great. This restaurant is worth checking out!! I loved it. Pros: Food, View, Wine Selection, Ambiance more
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What a perfect find!! 6/18/2005

I love the view from the restaurant. The food, people, environment was great. The service speaks for itself. The staff treats you like royalty. I can't wait until I come back to this restaurant. more
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Great Restaurant! 6/14/2005

Great food, great service, great view. Very romantic. Have brought large parties and service was always excellent, and guests raved. Pros: great food, great view, great service more
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A little piece of heaven 5/27/2005

What an amazing place. The best view on the westside, delicious food, wonderful warm friendly staff who treated us like goddesses! We are so glad we found this place. It is truly the place to go for me! Can't wait to tell my friends! I loved it!!! Pros: view, food, staff Cons: none, none, none more
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The Lobster is always so good! 5/26/2005

I've been here a few times now. I've been on dates and had business lunches at The Lobster - its always so good! The location is amazing and the food is excellent. There's a lot more to their menu than just Seafood also. I will be back again. Pros: View, Menu, Service Cons: Parking more
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Worth the trip! 5/26/2005

A friend recommended the Lobster to us and we are glad we took his advice. What a terrific restaurant. I have the Halibut and it was the best piece of fish I have ever had. My girlfriend had the Lobster and loved it! We also had the Mojitos and they were so good. How can you go wrong with the view and the food at this place. We sat on the patio and watched the sun go down and really enjoyed ourselves. more
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Menu for The Lobster


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Voted "Best Seafood" in Los Angeles by Citysearch voters!

Owner Message

  • Rich in history, "The Lobster" stands as a tribute to the family that built its reputation. Established as a Lobster Shack in 1923, the remaining original structure within the foundation and walls of the main entrance and footprint still stand at the corner of Ocean Avenue and the Pier. "Established in 1923", recessed in the corner stone, greets guests in the spirit and heritage that only belongs to "The Lobster".

    The menu is classic American seafood featuring whole live Maine lobsters. Guests can sit at any seat in the restaurant or bar area and enjoy 180 degree views of the spectacular Pacific Ocean, accented by it's breathtaking sunsets, even celebrate the sea spun sunset phenomena called the 'Green Flash'. The terrace provides fresh coastal air for those who love to dine outdoors.

Editorial

  • This is a Santa Monica staple located at the Pier with excellent service. Come for happy hour with $6 cocktails and discounted food items.

  • 4/25/2012 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon - Thu 11:30am - 10pm Fri - Sat 11:30am - 11pm Sun 11am - 10pm
  • Payments: Discover, American Express, Master Card, Diner's Club, Visa, Carte Blanche
  • Neighborhoods: West LA, Downtown
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