The Lobster

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

4.3

3508 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Great for scenic views
Romantic
Good for special occasions

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
Mon–Thu 11:30–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–23:00 Bar Mon–Fri 16:30–18:30
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
Area
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 SamplerUS$32.00
4 of each Daily Oysters with Mignonette, House Hot Sauce or Cocktail Sauce
Wild Gulf Shrimp CocktailUS$24.00
Yellowfin TartareUS$24.00
Kimchi Aioli & Toasted Ciabatta
Maine Lobster CocktailUS$30.00
Chilled Seafood PlatterUS$93.00
Half of a Maine Lobster, Tuna Tartare, 6 Oysters, 4 Gulf Shrimp & 6 Black Mussels

Soup, Salads & Appetizers

New England Style Clam ChowderUS$21.00
House Smoked Bacon, Heirloom Potatoes, & Parsley Croutons
Caesar SaladUS$19.00
Little Gem Lettuce with Herbed Croutons & Parmesan
Maine Lobster SaladUS$32.00
Little Gem Lettuce, Avocado, Citrus Segments & Fried Leek
Seared Dungeness Crab CakeUS$22.00
Remoulade, Wild Arugula Salad & Lemon
Steamed Black MusselsUS$21.00
Piedmontese Pepper Paste, Preserved Lemon, Vermouth Butter & Grilled Bread
Maryland Soft Shell CrabUS$28.00
Shaved Brussel Slaw & Comeback Sauce
Charred OctopusUS$26.00
Piquillo, Edamame Hummus, Pee Wee Potatoes, Pickled Baby Fennel & Black Garlic Aioli
Crispy Calamari & PrawnsUS$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.US$40.00
Grilled Maine Lobster
Fresh Herbs, Lemon & Drawn Garlic Butter
- per lb.US$42.00
Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs
Lemon & Drawn Garlic Butter
- per lb.US$80.00

Sandwiches

Served with Fries & Available only until 3pm Daily

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

Entrées

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

Sides

Butter Poached Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Sea Salt & ChivesUS$34.00
Roasted Weiser Farms Heirloom PotatoesUS$12.00
Gloria's Blue Lake Green BeansUS$16.00
Grilled California Delta AsparagusUS$18.00
Yukon Mashed PotatoesUS$14.00
Truffle Parmesan FriesUS$16.00
Dungeness Crab Fried RiceUS$20.00
Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Jam, Fuji Apple & PepitasUS$18.00
Lobster Mac 'N Cheese with Butter Poached Lobster & Lemon BreadcrumbsUS$36.00

Featured

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

What 3,508 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
1.6Value

Noise • Energetic

3,508 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Reviewed on 30 August 2019
1. Overall 5
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.
Is this helpful?
MK
MichelleK
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 7 May 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
Is this helpful?
TD
TroyD
Edmonton
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 28 February 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
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!
Is this helpful?
RW
RobW
New York City
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 23 February 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Once again superb in every way. Nice table, relaxed service and fabulous food. Good value for money
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 18 February 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Small family gathering while in Southern California
1 person found this helpful
l
larnellc
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 February 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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
Is this helpful?
t
telboy
London
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 4 February 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A great experience, been to the lobster last Four years running always consistently amazing,
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 January 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Loved it! Stunning food and location. Highly recommend it!
Is this helpful?
AP
AmyP
Los Angeles
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on 22 January 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
Is this helpful?
HC
HeatherC
Edmonton
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 21 January 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
I enjoyed everything about the experience here, but it was very expensive as were all the other places in Santa Monica.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Lobster is rated 4.3 stars by 3508 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Additional information

Cross Street
Colorado Ave.
Area
Santa Monica
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:30–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–23:00 Bar Mon–Fri 16:30–18:30
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

There’s more to explore

Additional information

100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Raw & Chilled

Oyster SamplerUS$32.00

Wild Gulf Shrimp CocktailUS$24.00

Yellowfin TartareUS$24.00

Maine Lobster CocktailUS$30.00

Chilled Seafood PlatterUS$93.00

Soup, Salads & Appetizers

New England Style Clam ChowderUS$21.00

Caesar SaladUS$19.00

Maine Lobster SaladUS$32.00

Seared Dungeness Crab CakeUS$22.00

Steamed Black MusselsUS$21.00

Maryland Soft Shell CrabUS$28.00

Charred OctopusUS$26.00

Crispy Calamari & PrawnsUS$20.00

Lobster & Crab

Steamed Maine Lobster

Grilled Maine Lobster

Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs

Sandwiches

Certified Angus Beef CheeseburgerUS$22.00

Lobster RollUS$34.00

Entrées

Tagliatelle with Wild King CrabUS$42.00

Black Chitarra PastaUS$42.00

Wild Dungeness Crab GumboUS$42.00

Seared Rare YellowfinUS$46.00

Wild Alaskan HalibutUS$47.00

Grilled Day Boat ScallopsUS$48.00

Seared Dungeness Crab CakesUS$38.00

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

Sides

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

Roasted Weiser Farms Heirloom PotatoesUS$12.00

Gloria's Blue Lake Green BeansUS$16.00

Grilled California Delta AsparagusUS$18.00

Yukon Mashed PotatoesUS$14.00

Truffle Parmesan FriesUS$16.00

Dungeness Crab Fried RiceUS$20.00

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

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

Featured

Chef Govind's All Purpose Spice Blend

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is The Lobster restaurant rated?

Is The Lobster currently accepting bookings?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

100 Los Angeles Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day