How is The Lobster restaurant rated?

Name: The Lobster
Address: 1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United States, 90401
Telephone: (310) 458-9294
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

The Lobster

4.3

3520 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Sitting high on a bluff where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean overlooking the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster is an internationally recognized seafood and fine dining establishment. As a landmark restaurant with nearly a century of quality service, The Lobster specializes in Maine and California spiny lobsters, in addition to entrees composed of fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

The Lobster is a popular destination for Los Angeles locals, visitors, families and groups looking for the ideal place to enjoy casual fine dining while celebrating special moments in true California style. We invite you to relax, take in the stunning ocean views from our beautifully appointed, glass-walled dining room, and enjoy an unparalleled seafood dining experience.

After many years of successful business, The Lobster has become a Santa Monica institution, serving as a cornerstone and internationally recognized landmark adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 11:00 pm Bar Menu available Monday - Friday: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Phone number
(310) 458-9294
Website
http://www.thelobster.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Govind Armstrong
Private party facilities
We have several different private rooms.Our private terrace seats up to 53 people.Our inside dining room seats up to 100 people.We have full buy-outs for seating up to 150 and 220 standing cocktail reception.
Private party contact
Lynne Thomas: (310) 458-9294

Location
1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
Colorado Ave.
Parking details
$10-$12 with validation for 3 hours and then $15 after that.<br />
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Oyster Sampler$32.00
4 of each Daily Oysters with Mignonette, House Hot Sauce or Cocktail Sauce
Wild Gulf Shrimp Cocktail$24.00
Yellowfin Tartare$24.00
Kimchi Aioli & Toasted Ciabatta
Maine Lobster Cocktail$30.00
Chilled Seafood Platter$93.00
Half of a Maine Lobster, Tuna Tartare, 6 Oysters, 4 Gulf Shrimp & 6 Black Mussels

Soup, Salads & Appetizers

New England Style Clam Chowder$21.00
House Smoked Bacon, Heirloom Potatoes, & Parsley Croutons
Caesar Salad$19.00
Little Gem Lettuce with Herbed Croutons & Parmesan
Maine Lobster Salad$32.00
Little Gem Lettuce, Avocado, Citrus Segments & Fried Leek
Seared Dungeness Crab Cake$22.00
Remoulade, Wild Arugula Salad & Lemon
Steamed Black Mussels$21.00
Piedmontese Pepper Paste, Preserved Lemon, Vermouth Butter & Grilled Bread
Maryland Soft Shell Crab$28.00
Shaved Brussel Slaw & Comeback Sauce
Charred Octopus$26.00
Piquillo, Edamame Hummus, Pee Wee Potatoes, Pickled Baby Fennel & Black Garlic Aioli
Crispy Calamari & Prawns$20.00
Fennel, Anchovy-Stuffed Olives with Garlic Anchovy Aioli, Ponzu & Sweet Chili Sauce

Lobster & Crab

Steamed Maine Lobster
Gloria's Blue Lake Green Beans, Weiser Farms Heirloom Potatoes & Drawn Butter
- per lb.$40.00
Grilled Maine Lobster
Fresh Herbs, Lemon & Drawn Garlic Butter
- per lb.$42.00
Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs
Lemon & Drawn Garlic Butter
- per lb.$80.00

Sandwiches

Served with Fries & Available only until 3pm Daily

Certified Angus Beef Cheeseburger$22.00
Special Sauce, Charred Onion, Bacon Jam & House Pickle
Lobster Roll$34.00
Little Gem Lettuce, Japanese Mayo on a Toasted Butter Roll with Pickled Cucumber

Entrées

Tagliatelle with Wild King Crab$42.00
San Marzano Tomato, Toasted Garlic, Calabrian Chili & Lemon Breadcrumbs
Black Chitarra Pasta$42.00
Black Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Dungeness Crab & Calamari with Garlic, Tomatoes, Basil & Chili
Wild Dungeness Crab Gumbo$42.00
Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Organic Chicken & Buttered Rice
Seared Rare Yellowfin$46.00
Dungeness Crab Fried Rice & Green Mango Salsa
Wild Alaskan Halibut$47.00
White Asparagus, Maitake Mushroom, Preserved Lemon Aioli, Crisp Quinoa & Almonds
Grilled Day Boat Scallops$48.00
Risotto, Garden Peas, Braised Fennel & Shaved Prosciutto
Seared Dungeness Crab Cakes$38.00
Avocado Puree with Arugula, Oven Dried Tomatoes & Shaved Fennel Salad
Hand-Cut 8 Oz Filet 'Steak & Frites'$68.00
Certified Angus Beef, Truffle Parmesan Fries & Green Peppercorn Sauce

Sides

Butter Poached Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Sea Salt & Chives$34.00
Roasted Weiser Farms Heirloom Potatoes$12.00
Gloria's Blue Lake Green Beans$16.00
Grilled California Delta Asparagus$18.00
Yukon Mashed Potatoes$14.00
Truffle Parmesan Fries$16.00
Dungeness Crab Fried Rice$20.00
Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Jam, Fuji Apple & Pepitas$18.00
Lobster Mac 'N Cheese with Butter Poached Lobster & Lemon Breadcrumbs$36.00

Featured

Chef Govind's All Purpose Spice Blend
- per btl$12.00

What 3,520 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

3,520 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Reviewed on August 30, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
Great experience! Even though it is on the busy pier the food is great and not touristy like you would expect from the location. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the sunset.
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MK
MichelleK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing service and food. Highly recommend. We were visiting from Australia and if ever we come back again we'll be booking in for dinner again at the lobster.
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TD
TroyD
Edmonton
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
First time visitor. Referred to The Lobster by a friend. Amazing food. Had the Crab Cake as well as the Lobster cocktail as an appetizer. My wife and I shared the Yellowfin Tuna with the crab fried rice. That rice is addictive! And the side of Truffle Parmesan fries are on par with our favourite version of that from Prohibition below the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver. A great wine list and cocktails. Highly recommend visiting. Reservations are a must!
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RW
RobW
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again superb in every way. Nice table, relaxed service and fabulous food. Good value for money
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Small family gathering while in Southern California
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l
larnellc
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I wish I remembered my servers name it was on Valentine’s Day he served me a black dude with braids and my girl friend an Asian women we got the 2.5 pound lobster asparagus two alcoholic drinks lobster potatoes and lobster fried rice we sat near the window.He was funny he made us comfortable and just had our backs throughout the night.I never write reviews but I’ll be sure to come back hoping he’d be our server again thank u-Larnell
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t
telboy
London
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
A great experience, been to the lobster last Four years running always consistently amazing,
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Loved it! Stunning food and location. Highly recommend it!
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AP
AmyP
Los Angeles
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
Best customer service from reception, service staff. The view is great. The tables never feel cramped and crowded. Wait staff is welcoming. In LA, where too many hot restaurants let you know the minute you've sat down, they want to empty your pockets and get you off that table in 45 minutes, it's just great to have a lovely place with good food that actually qualifies as being in the hospitality business.
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HC
HeatherC
Edmonton
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience5
I enjoyed everything about the experience here, but it was very expensive as were all the other places in Santa Monica.
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AK
AnthonyK
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an excellent experience at The Lobster. Had to wait a little for the table. But well worth it. Food was extraordinary. Service was excellent. And the experience was amazing.
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I
Irvinite
Orange County
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came to the area after many years and to reunite with an old friend. The wait wait was more than we appreciated despite our reservation time but I have to say that the lobster was excellent! The house made pasta was better than expected and the drinks were spot on. Definitely worth the while.
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C
Cece
Las Vegas
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2019
overall2food2service1ambience2
Very disappointed! We use to go there several years ago regularly. The food was delicious and the ambience was classy but had a beachy flair. First of all we had to wait a half hour past our reservation to get our table. The restaurant was packed with a very casual and noisy clientele. Nothing like the upscale, sophisticated crowd that use to frequent there. After we were seated the waiter finally came by to take our drink order and we didn’t see him again anytime soon. Eventually we ordered and proceeded to wait again an exorbitant amount of time until it came. When we finally got our food it was average at best. I would not recommend The Lobster and don’t intend to go back.
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DZ
DeanZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
The service was it attentive but not overbearing. The food was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
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RS
RobertS
Tucson
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic dinner at The Lobster. Go there right before sunset to have a great view of the ocean and later the pier Ferris wheel when it gets dark.
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SB
ScottB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great steaks and seafood and great location by Santa Monica pier 👍
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every aspect of this meal was fabulous. From the ambience to the service (shout out to Mike) to the impeccably prepared food, we felt like royalty. M
Is this helpful?
MS
MarcS
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We took a friend and his wife for his birthday dinner. Everything was great. Food was delicious! Service was attentive without hoovering. VERY EXPENSIVE! With appetizers, drinks, dinner, tip, expect to pay $150 per person.
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4
4mytwocents
Los Angeles
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience5
Overall good food Waiter was pushy and inattentive
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MJ
MJD2inPDR
Los Angeles
111 reviews
vip
5.0
111 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of our very favorite date night restaurants and has the best seafood around. I had a wonder appetizer of really fresh and delicious oysters. My enter was delicious seasoned lobster done to perfection. My husband had salmon so fresh and flavorful. Always a special treat to go to the lobster. The service is A1!
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J
Jack
Hertfordshire
126 reviews
vip
4.0
126 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience3
Very nice evening with my husband,, excellent food & service
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BF
BrianF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, excellent service. Will be sure to return when next in LA!
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m
michaell
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very friendly service and great ambience. Food was great and the wine recommendation was greatly appreciated. Had dinner with wife and daughter and next time back in Santa Monica we will definitely return.
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MB
MBL1
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Seafood excellent, waitress Jackie and Bartender were very attentive and martinis outstanding, great view of ocean and beach
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t
teddy
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
Pleasant and efficient with a lovely view of the pier - always expecting great, always just a cut below
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V
Vanessaw
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
On Saturday, Jan 5th, my husband and I celebrated his birthday at #thelobstersm . The food was delicious and the service was impeccable! Our server, Natalie was so attentive to our desires and was so very sweet. A special thank you to our #family #govindarmstrong for making sure we received the VIP treatment😍 Itwas wonderful to have the Chef send over the delicious entree’s. All of the selections were amazing! It was nice to have Matt and Chris stop by our table and visit with us. Our first time experience at #thelobstersm was wonderful and we look forward to our next reservation and sharing our wonderful experience with family and friends! Vanessa and Larry Wood
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D
Denver
Denver
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite. Every time we're in the area, we always dine here. Excellent service, excellent food.
Is this helpful?
RL
RobertL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Was nice to meet my friend Hutch Dano who recommended the restaurant. had a chance to chat and enjoy great food without any issues. Was fun and had a wonderful time - Glad he recommended this place for lunch
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k
kyliek
Chicago
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
The food was pretty good. I wouldnt say fantasic though. Way better than restaurant across the street, red o, that place was not good. Here.. Service was njce. Butter poached lobster tastes pretty poor. It was over 60$ but not tender at all, it was very starchy. Californian lobster was 60/pound, we had 3pounder, so very expensive but it tasted the best. We had grilled main lobster, it was not as good as the cali one. Cocktail was Meh. Pineapple upside down cake was good, chocolate pave was good, cheesecake was Not good. It was more like cream cheese got solidified a bit.. We liked the server and prompt service people.
1 person found this helpful
C
Cilmara23
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent location, very near to Santa Monica Pier, delicious food, grilled lobster with crab rice. Even being New year, we were very well served by the employee Jaqueline excellent service and friendliness. Super recommended.
Is this helpful?
CK
CherylK
Los Angeles
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food here is always greasy and consistent Service is exceptional
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best place to get Lobster and a great staff
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
New Years Eve Dinner
Is this helpful?
FL
FoodLover
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been here countless times and the Grilled American Lobster is absolutely the BEST! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu ... everything is cooked to perfection!
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LR
LauraR
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been coming to the Lobster on New Years Eve for at least 10 years. Absolutley stunning sunset views, service is impeccable and food is delish. A little pricey but a good choice for a special occasion..
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2018
overall4food4service3ambience4
The bus boys were the highlight of our dinner. The food was very good.
Is this helpful?
JM
JerryM
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful delicious food with views of the pier. We had crab cakes, jambalaya and truffle Parmesan fries. We were very pleased with the food, staff, ambiance and value for the quality of the meal.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
New year holiday
Is this helpful?
DT
DamianT
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
Can’t go wrong sitting by the window overlooking the pier at sunset. Great food, especially the brussel sprouts. My biggest gripe isn’t the food, but the $12 valet parking. A meal this price should include parking. Everything else was solid.
Is this helpful?
K
Khattak
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2018
overall1food1service2ambience1
This place is very expensive and food quality is average.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Lobster is rated 4.3 stars by 3520 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Additional information

Cross street
Colorado Ave.
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Hours of operation
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 11:00 pm Bar Menu available Monday - Friday: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
$10-$12 with validation for 3 hours and then $15 after that.<br />
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Govind Armstrong
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thelobster.com/
Phone number
(310) 458-9294
Private party facilities
We have several different private rooms.Our private terrace seats up to 53 people.Our inside dining room seats up to 100 people.We have full buy-outs for seating up to 150 and 220 standing cocktail reception.
Private party contact
Lynne Thomas: (310) 458-9294

Featured in

100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Lobster

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Raw & Chilled

Oyster Sampler$32.00

Wild Gulf Shrimp Cocktail$24.00

Yellowfin Tartare$24.00

Maine Lobster Cocktail$30.00

Chilled Seafood Platter$93.00

Soup, Salads & Appetizers

New England Style Clam Chowder$21.00

Caesar Salad$19.00

Maine Lobster Salad$32.00

Seared Dungeness Crab Cake$22.00

Steamed Black Mussels$21.00

Maryland Soft Shell Crab$28.00

Charred Octopus$26.00

Crispy Calamari & Prawns$20.00

Lobster & Crab

Steamed Maine Lobster

Grilled Maine Lobster

Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs

Sandwiches

Certified Angus Beef Cheeseburger$22.00

Lobster Roll$34.00

Entrées

Tagliatelle with Wild King Crab$42.00

Black Chitarra Pasta$42.00

Wild Dungeness Crab Gumbo$42.00

Seared Rare Yellowfin$46.00

Wild Alaskan Halibut$47.00

Grilled Day Boat Scallops$48.00

Seared Dungeness Crab Cakes$38.00

Hand-Cut 8 Oz Filet 'Steak & Frites'$68.00

Sides

Butter Poached Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Sea Salt & Chives$34.00

Roasted Weiser Farms Heirloom Potatoes$12.00

Gloria's Blue Lake Green Beans$16.00

Grilled California Delta Asparagus$18.00

Yukon Mashed Potatoes$14.00

Truffle Parmesan Fries$16.00

Dungeness Crab Fried Rice$20.00

Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Jam, Fuji Apple & Pepitas$18.00

Lobster Mac 'N Cheese with Butter Poached Lobster & Lemon Breadcrumbs$36.00

Featured

Chef Govind's All Purpose Spice Blend

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is The Lobster restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day