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.
In Short Southern California doesn't get any better than this--top-notch seafood and 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 the airy room of glass walls and wood-beamed ceilings. The crowd is a mix of tourists, beachgoers, families and celebrating couples while the rocking patio bar seems to be where the locals hang. As for the food, the menu has all that's expected of a beachfront seafood spot, from Maine lobster and Manila clam chowder to seasonal fish and plenty of sides.
It sits right at the base of the Santa Monica Pier with fabulos views of the pier and the ocean beyond. It has it's own valet parking, (not a small thing in hard to park Santa Monica), a bar with a great view and pretty good food. But it is expensive. A great place to bring a date you want to impress.
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The Lobster has great sea food along with an even better view of the ocean and the Santa Monica pier. The view includes the interesting lights of the ferris wheel and roller coaster of Pacific Park in the evenings. The salads and fish dishes are very good. Also good mojitos and grilled artichoke.
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I only ate here once. It is a very expensive place. The food is also top-notch. Still, I'm, a believer that when a restaurant charges a zillion dollars for lunch, everything must be flawless. I found the lobster a little too noisy and my waiter a bit too rushed to fit the bill.
PROS: Very fine food, great views
CONS: For the money, everything should be perfect.
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I wanted to have lunch and look at the view and this was the perfect place. However it does have a small lunch menu mostly sea food. The prices are on the high end 18-26 per meal. The service was kind of slow because it was pretty packed. We got a nice seat outside that over looked the pier and the beach.
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If you're available for lunch, this is an excellent option -- although having dinner there is not too shabby either. The variety in their seafood are splendid, and there are plenty of styles of lobster dishes to choose from. The traditional steamed lobster is stellar, but there are some lively sandwich options, too.
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i love the lobster here too. fine dining, but you can dress casual. you got the ocean view. its right next to the beach. the place is very tight. you sit very close to the next person. it gets loud in there. the desserts are delicious.
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The Lobster sits right in front of the Santa Monica Pier. You can see the ferris wheel from the window. The John Dory fish and Kobe steak are delicious. A plate will cost you about 35 dollars. The house gave my boyfriend and I a free chocolate bread pudding when I mentioned that we've been dating for eight months. A a nice place to have appetizers and drinks with your girlfriends after a day of shopping on 3rd street promenade!
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I feel bad giving this only 2 stars because it isn't a bad place. Great location on the pier in Santa Monica, and the food is good. There isn't a whole lot of selection or variety to the menu, however, and the prices are high. For that kind of money, I expected... more.
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
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Great Atmosphere, Moderate Food
By EconomicArmageddon
The atmosphere is great- at the base of the Santa Monica pier, overlooking the ocean. The scene is very Santa Monica trendy. You do pay for the view.
Went for DineLA, and they were out of Lobster! Terrible.
Service was really poor. I understand that it was a crowded Friday night, but at the prices you typically pay at that place, that's not an excuse.
Pros: Water front view, on the pier
Posted 02/01/09
I've been many times- always a great experience!
By BrigitteTols
I'll start of by declaring that I'm a jaded West LA native who spends most of my dinners at restaurants, and comes from a family of European chefs. I initially passed off The Lobster as a tourist trap with a beautiful view...then 3 years ago, fate would have it that my boyfriend wanted to check it out. Upon entering without a reservation, we waited and got a great table with an ocean view (on a Saturday night!), and our meals were perfectly portioned (not too small!) and rich with flavours that paired beautifully with every ingredient in the dish. I've consistently been treated like a welcomed guest- and I'm very familiar with places that do treat you like "table number 118" and not like individuals trying to have a great experience- this is not one of those places. We have consistently been treated with warmth and authenticity from every staff member I've met. The usually remember me when I come back and greet me by name.
Things to keep in mind: ALWAYS MAKE RESERVATIONS atleast 4 days before. I see a lot of reviews by people who were outraged to have to wait, or not get a great table. The Lobster is the only restaurant with that kind of a view and good seafood in downtown Santa Monica- you will have to wait atleast an hour for a table without reservations, and the tables with direct ocean views are limited. My only criticism is just that- I've had lengthy conversations with the person booking my table about it being a very special night (anniversary, my birthday just last night), and how I will even wait for an ocean view...and it never seems to actually effect where we are sat- but none of the tables are truly crappy views.
I think The Lobster may actually be my favorite restaurant for a nice evening in LA- it's the best combination of ambience and food I know!
Pros: Best view, food, and service in Santa Monica! Cons: No way to guarantee a direct window table!
Posted 01/10/09
SO-SO SERVICE MAKES THE MEAL UNREMARKABLE
By LondonLeslie
First and foremost, I like The Lobster, just not the same way anymore. Probably will happily never return or at least never book a reservation again. If it is logistically convenient to walk in and have a drink or bite to eat at the bar that will be fine. If it is unavailable, no problem, many other restaurants work hard to earn your patronage. We booked a dinner last night for 2 and I notified the restaurant via opentable that it was my wife's birthday. We arrived dressed in formal attire. The host greeted my wife with a happy birthday which was nice and he told us to proceed to the bar and have a drink and we will come find you. We grabbed a nice bar table and a waitress quickly gathered our order and returned with a glass of wine and a martini. In a blink of a eye, a hostess came up, told the waitress she was going to seat us next, fully aware we just got our drinks. We were then ushered off to what I believe to be the worst table in the restaurant. A 2 top squished against a wall of interior glass in a dark corner with a family of four or five with their children's faces smashed against the glass looking at us. Reminded me of an interstate McDonalds or worse an Arby's. I told the hostess that this was unacceptable and she rifled off - that was the only 2 top available. I notified her we were happy to wait. She responded it would be awhile. I reminded her it was my wife's birthday and that the table was unacceptable now as well as any other time and we were happy to wait. We went back to the bar, of course we had nowhere to sit or stand but outside at this time and wait. Disappointing but not a big deal. I quickly went back to the main host and reminded him of the occasion and if he could find us a suitable table. He had the nerve to tell me that that table was his favorite. Please! Finally the host took us to a so-so skinny table that basically summed up the dinner as well. So-so. Done. Meal marred by seating. Many 4 tops available for the majority of our meal.
Pros: The busboy flipped a leave to make the twig of a table we were at bearable. Cons: Tiny 2 top tables for 6ft plus people. Move-em in, move-em out mentality.
Posted 11/29/08
Great view, good food
By krznlv
I went here for my bday and the food was very good. I'd the scallops and they're just delicious, and the fish was just really good. I loved the view even tough we did not get to sit at the window like I requested because we're 20 minutes late. My fav part was the chimichurri w the bread it was just delicious, I never expected chimichurri in a place like this, and it was totaly delicious. Plan 2 be there for my bfriend's bday.
Posted 11/05/08
my review
By clementine23
my review here my review heremy review here my review heremy review herev my review here my review here
