The Lobster in Santa Monica, California

Variety Of Sumptuous Viands

I don’t eat lobster too often, though I enjoy it immensely. Why don’t I eat lobster often? Well, besides the fact that it’s high in cholesterol and calories, it’s an entree that I don’t feel comfortable ordering at just any restaurant. Because, in my past experiences lobster tends to be pricier than other items on the menu, portions are not substantial, and what arrives on my plate is often chewy and overcooked. This is not the case for The Lobster in Santa Monica. It’s an eatery that needs to be celebrated because of its pristine 180 ocean views and impeccably fresh crustaceans. That’s why the only time I ever indulge in lobster is at The Lobster in Santa Monica, California.

Location. Location. Location.

The location of this seafood restaurant can’t be beat. It is located at the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier, the pier is over a hundred years old. This restaurant can be considered a major tourist trap by locals, but suprisingly it doesn’t feel very touristy once inside. Due to its spectacular location customers enjoy phenomenal views of the Santa Monica pier, palm trees, and the California coastline.

Valet/Parking

$10 for the first three hours with validation. $15 after that. I’m sorry I can’t recommend any other parking options because we only ever do valet. It’s just easier to do valet, especially because in this area in Santa Monica it’s congested and crowded. So factor in parking when considering the overall budget of this restaurant.

It’s all about the view!

The interior is a minimal decor, because really, it’s all about the view. Sadly, on days when the weather is perfect, it can actually feel claustrophobic inside the restaurant because every table is full. The noise level can get uncomfortable as well. So on a gorgeous, sunny California day don’t come here expecting a peaceful meal, just enjoy: the food, the view, and your company and try your best to block out the noise.

Make Reservations

I recommend to always make reservations. Reserve a table by the window, specifically state that you’d like a table by a window. I’ve requested a window seat every single time, and every time I’ve gotten a window seat. If you don’t request a window seat, you’ll probably get seated in the middle of the restaurant, with no view, and in the center of all the noise.

Bar & Patio Seating

If you arrive without a reservation there is plenty of options at the bar, and there is patio seating as well which I’m sure is associated with the bar, you probably don’t need any reservations for those. On a warm, crowded day the patio gets crowded, beyond crowded and loud.

Cheers!

The drinks – we always order a couple of martinis when we eat at The Lobster. Their drinks are strong and delicious. Yes, and a little pricey, but everything here is pricey. There is an extensive wine list as well.

Dungeness Crab Cake

The Dungeness crab cake appetizer includes a remoulade, wild arugula salad and a lemon wedge. $18 for one crab cake, damn! But they are good. So go big or go home, lol (Pictured Above).

LOBSTER & CORN CHOWDER

Bacon, heirloom potatoes, wild fennel & lobster oil. So creamy, fattening, and yummy. I would order this soup again. I hardly never eat a chowder soup, but this one included huge pieces of seafood. This appetizer will set you back $16 (Pictured Above).

Caesar salad

Little gem lettuce with shaved kohlrabi, herbed croutons, and parmesan. The fresh and crisp salad shown above is their Caesar salad topped with a sardine, I think? My dad liked the whole salad but he wasn’t crazy about the fact that they topped the salad with a mini fish. Other than that he ate it all and enjoyed it. This salad was $15 (Pictured Above).

STEAMED AMERICAN LOBSTER

The meal includes green beans, heirloom potatoes & butter. This entree is $36 per pound. Honestly, I think because I’m a little lazy and I don’t like cracking crustacean shell, which is messy and smelly, I don’t enjoy eating steamed lobster. It is delicious, but I prefer the grilled lobster over the steamed.

Do you see the bucket with the handle behind the lobster? That’s where all the shells from the lobster go.

Oh, and you get a bib to wear during your lobster meal.

GRILLED AMERICAN LOBSTER

This is the best lobster in the whole world, IMHO. It’s topped with fresh herbs, lemon & garlic butter. It’s $38 per pound but so worth it! A simple but mouthwatering dish. The lobster is juicy, fresh, and the texture is amazing. I liked that it is already split opened and grilled, so you don’t really have to crack too much of the shell.

Generous Portions & Massive Meaty claws

These lobsters are filling, they are a very generous portion. The massive claw shown in the image below was stuffed with juicy meat. Oh my gosh, it was so insanely delicious. FYI, since it is such an expensive meal, I suggest that you share this dish with someone else, it will keep you from over indulging in calories and help minimize the overall cost.

Excellent Service

Every single time we have visited this establishment we’ve received excellent service. Honestly, we would not keep going back to this expensive restaurant if their service wasn’t up to par. Also, this place is clean and elegant. I’ve never received dirty utensils or encountered anything unsanitary, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.

I’m not saying this is the most perfect restaurant in the whole world, because it is not. As mentioned earlier – it’s noisy, it can get too crowded, major tourist trap, and very pricey. However, I love this place. I only crave lobster from The Lobster.

If you’re curious about trying The Lobster in Santa Monica, I suggest on your first visit order smaller items from the menu or share an entree. Don’t go big on your first visit in case you don’t like your food and experience.

Have you been to The Lobster in Santa Monica? Please leave your comments down below in the comments section.

Thank you so much 🙂

THE LOBSTER

1602 Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90401

If traveling North on Main Street: Take Main street to Colorado Ave. Take a left onto Colorado Ave., followed by a left at the light onto Ocean Ave. You will then take a right into our valet lot right after you pass our front doors.

If traveling North on Ocean Ave: Please take a left at the light onto Moomat Ahiko. After you pass our sign ‘The Lobster,’ take an immediate right before going under the overpass, up along side the restaurant. At the stop sign you will take a right, again arriving onto Ocean Ave. You will then easily be able to take a right into our valet lot.

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