I walked past this restaurant over 10 times a year everytime I went to the Santa Monica pier. I finally stopped by this time and I am glad I did. Loved this spot. We ordered the following items: 1. oyster sampler 2. Grilled main lobster 3. Grilled octopus 4. Alaskan king crab legs 5. Crab fried rice 6. tuna tartare We loved everything. Definitely recommend this spot with great views.

+6

What an amazing first meal in Santa Monica! Service was fast and efficient. The black linguine is every seafood enthusiasts dream. The crab cakes are delicious and the grits are divine. What an amazing view too, cannot wait to go back.

+1

We are here while on family vacation looking for quality seafood. The staff were friendly and helpful. Charlie was our waitress and was amazing! True customer service with a smile! All the food was awesome, you gotta have the banana cake for dessert! We had: clam chowder, crab cake, yellow fin tuna, king crab legs, halibut, lobster Mac and cheese, and banana cake

+3

Beautiful ocean front view and amazing menu!! Our server Blake was on point with great recommendations and very friendly. We dined for lunch and tried the Gulf Shrimp & Octopus Ceviche Tostada (YUMMY), the Yellowfin Tuna and the Grilled Day Boat Scallops- all were full of flavor and cooked perfectly. If you’re reading this review, you must try!

+6

Andrew, Candice and Alex really elevated our special afternoon to a Very Special Day. Kudos to the whole staff for the great vibe! Best bloody mary.

Our group went before sundown midweek and were treated to a spectacular meal and sunset. Service and the food were on point and a little live jazz only heightened the experience. Order lobster and stay for dessert.

+4

Surprisingly good seafood, considering the touristy location overlooking the Santa Monica Pier. I started with New England Clam Chowder, followed by delicious albacore tuna for the main course. Great view. Validated parking.

The view by the windows is great! Our waiter was very attentive and they brought a cute little slice of cheesecake with a candle at the end for my birthday. The lobster roll was tasty, although there was more bread than lobster. The clam chowder was good but not sure if worth the price. The Ocean Breeze Margarita was very strong. Definitely pricey but a very nice experience for a once a year celebration.

I have seen this place for years, that includes living and visiting LA. My wife and I were craving seafood and decided to finally try this spot. Gosh, we didn't know what we were missing! We made a same day reservation on a Friday. We arrived early and we were able to order a drink in the bar area while they got our table ready. It didn't take long at all before we were seated next to a window with an ocean view. As for the food, we ordered the lobster cocktail, lobster salad, clam chowder, and the gumbo. The lobster cocktail came with lemon, butter, and was served over lettuce. I loved how fresh and meaty the lobster was! There was plenty of it on the salad too which was nice. The clam chowder was hot, creamy, and had soft pieces of potato and delicious clam. Finally, the star of the show was the gumbo! It was very flavorful, had plenty of meat, and two large pieces of delicious shrimp. I liked that the gumbo wasn't heavy, it had just the right amount of rice and a hearty base (not creamy and filling). The service was great and we were assisted and greeted by multiple people. I would definitely come back next time in Santa Monica!

My husband and I had a fantastic visit to The Lobster which is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its new owners. We had been to the original Lobster in the 1980's but the new owners have created a wonderful dining destination. There is an attractive comfortable space for dining, along with a great bar area and patio. We started with the Lobster and Corn Bisque with Crisp Smoked Bacon and Chive Oil, which was so delicious and bursting with flavor. My husband then had Half of a Grilled Main Lobster with Housemade Pasta and Red Sauce, which he thought was incredible. He said it was one of the best lobster dishes he's ever had which is quite an accomplishment - kudos to the restaurant and its Chef. I opted for the Orchiette Pasta with Gulf Shrimp Sausage, Broccolini, Chick Peas, and Salsa Verde. I found it to be a unique combination of flavors and textures and totally enjoyed it. We finished up with a Double Chocolate Tart accompanied by Whipped Creme Fraishe and Vanilla Anglaise, which was the perfect sweet ending to a truly unique and amazing meal. There are many other items on the menu we want to come back and try, but these were all home runs and beautifully presented and plated. Another great and very unique aspect of this restaurant is the great view of the adjacent Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica beach and Pacific Ocean through its large windows, as well as the busy pedestrian walkway with hundreds of locals and visitors strolling to and from the historic Pier. It was somewhat like watching a TV show, very engrossing and fun—providing an enjoyable ongoing people-watching view that we loved. The staff was friendly, well-trained and totally professional, and we appreciated the attentive service. Our server, Jose Luis, has been with the restaurant for 17 years and was a delight. It was also fun to chat with Chef Govind Armstrong and one of the owners as well during our wonderful meal. Chef Armstrong really has a great sense of how to combine ingredients, textures and flavors in our opinion. The restaurant was well decorated, very spacious and attractive, and the chairs were especially comfortable. The bar was also really nice, and we learned that they have all-day Happy Hour every Friday with a full bar, plus a great bar menu with tempting appetizers and more. We know that this restaurant would be great for parties and family meals. The menu is expansive, and there's something terrific for every diner to enjoy. Parking was a breeze with valet parking in a lot below the restaurant and an elevator that took us directly to and from the restaurant. Between the amazing views, the fantastic food, the outstanding staff, and the lovely ambiance, this is a must for any local or visitor to check out! Very highly recommended!

+2

The Lobster is a high-end dining experience with fabulous views of  the Santa Monica Pier. I came in to enjoy a glass of chardonnay while listening to the jazz band, The Alchemy Sound Project, during the Sunset Jazz & Pizza event that happens on Fridays. Abraham was my server and took wonderful care of me as a solo guest at the bar. I got to meet the bassist from the band and had an overall enjoyable experience. The Lobster is on Ocean Avenue, next to the pier, and across from Cirque de Soleil. They have a prix fixe menu on performance nights, too. I'm so glad the locals recommended this restaurant!

+6

Delicious seafood with a beautiful view of the Santa Monica Pier. Loved the staff and the atmosphere. The food was very delicious. I would recommend the grilled lobster. It's great for a fancy night out on the town. We had a wonderful evening.

The service was great. The food was amazing. The view was fabulous. Highly recommend. Cannot go wrong with the lobster roll!

Sat at the bar a few different times while in town and it was a nice, yet relaxed atmosphere. The bartenders and chefs were amazing! All of the drinks and food were delicious. It was also fun to watch the hustle and bustle of everyone going to the pier.

First off. Our waiter Simon was the best. He was friendly, very helpful, and informative. It was my birthday and we wanted to share everything. He went above and beyond. We first had drinks. My husband ordered Simon's beer of choice and I got 99 problems and peach ain't one. Which we both enjoyed. Then appetizers are clam chowder, calamari, prawns, and crab cake. The main course was pasta, the whole lobster grilled, and Brussels. For dessert the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, and caramel or butterscotch pudding with salted mascarpone. Every single thing was delicious and fresh. The atmosphere was beautiful.

+6

My daughter loved the black shellfish pasta. Andrew did a great job as waiter. Alex asst waiter was amazing as well.

The moment you step into the Lobster, you’re greeted with a cozy yet elegant atmosphere that evokes the charm of a seaside bistro. The Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff eager to share recommendations and ensure your dining experience is flawless. Wait times were reasonable, and the staff appeared genuinely passionate about the food they serve. The star of the show is, of course, the lobster. You can choose from a variety of preparations, each crafted to highlight the sweet, delicate flavor of the lobster. The grilled California spiny Lobster , a fan favorite, features generous fresh herbs lemon and dawn butter was out of this world, It's fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The accompanying sides such as the cured salmon salad and the Santa Barbara Uni are equally delicious and complement the lobster well. We love this place definitely we’ll be back again. Great experience!

+6

This place is great! They have all day happy hour at the bar and the views are amazing but what really keeps bringing me back is the phenomenal service and hospitality. They have a new brunch menu and I can wait to try it out! Perfect beach restaurant in Santa Monica eight in the pier. Some of my favs are the clam chowder, Brussels spirits, the skirt steak on the HH, and the kimchi shrimp fried rice the crab fried rice and great wine selection.

ANDREW our server made this dining experience the absolute BEST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. From the moment he approached us, so super friendly. I asked him to space out our food so it's not rushed. He did a FABULOUS job of the perfect timing with each plate coming out at the appropriate time and each drink refill. He gave the perfect amount of chatting and interacting. Knowing just when to stop and check in on us and when to leave us to enjoy the atmosphere. I would definitely be back. Whilst this place is expensive, it's well worth the cost. 2 persons, we had the following: 3 Virgin Mojitos 1 half bottle of Moscato 1 Mineral Water 5 appetizers 2 entrees 1 dessert 1 Expresso Cost with Tip $418 Parking: Valet $15 for 3 hours and $5 per hour after. Views: Romantic and a nice view of the boardwalk, ferris wheel and beach

+3

The view of the Santa Monica Pier is wonderful. Happy Hour is all day on Friday.

Still a great place to go! Have been going here since 2002! Our bartender was great! The rest of the staff were super friendly and attentive. We arrived at 8:30pm and were able to get spots at the bar for cocktails and dinner.

+6

This was the best restaurant by far that we experienced on our trip to LA. From the food to the atmosphere to the customer service everything was a 10/10. Our server Andrew was the best and most down to earth guy that made our visit feel like we were at home. He went above and beyond. Definitely will be back!

PROS: - Excellent Service: Our server was very friendly and helpful! It was our first time here, so she explained everything in detail and what dishes were popular. - Excellent food: The appetizer (charred octopus), lobster, lobster mac and cheese, and dessert (chocolate truffle cake) were very good! The truffle cake was moist and not too sweet. - Ambiance: The restaurant was very classy, and the view was beautiful. - Wait time for food: Very reasonable! By the time I was finished with the appetizer, the main dishes came right away. NO CONS! Would I come here again? YES

They had a variety of food and drinks. The service was superb. The food was delicious and the bartender/waiter looked just as delicious as the food. I almost asked for his number, but I couldn’t handle that type of heartbreak if we would have said he was taken. The vibe was nice and the staff was very attentive.

Stumbled in with no reservation for dinner but got a window table for the sunset. Location is great (besides the touristic area) and the service was very friendly. Food was abit pricey, but amazing and worth it. We had scallops with asparagus and the grilled lobster (for two), chocolate cake..plus the sunset. Incredible.

Such a fancy restaurant near Santa Monica pier! There are a large scale of windows so the view is pretty amazing. No harsh wind inside. I feel so warm and good service from Andrew. Risotto and dessert is so delicious. I will bring my family over here. But you have to pay for the parking

+6

Andrew was stellar! He gave amazing recommendations and the food was impeccable. Black steamed mussels, Crispy calamari and prawns, and truffle fries were to DIE for! We even ended the dining experience with an espresso martini Andrew offered to split in half, because we were stuffed with the large portions. Overall, amazing experience! I can’t wait to come back soon!

Really good food! We had fried calamari, gumbo, and grilled lobster. It was fresh and delightful. Andrew was our server and he was amazing.

Magic views of the Santa Monica bay. Seared Tuna over Fried Rice, Black Chitarra Pasta with Seafood, and Glazed Roasted Carrots.

+2

Absolutely amazing food, staff, and atmosphere. I’ve been recommending the Lobster since my visit. Arrived in time to have the lunch options still available. MUST: ask for the Garlic anchovie aioli, it is heaven. Ordered : Lobster roll - delicious, not overly sauced. Do not overlook the pickles served on the side, they are fabulous. Curred salmon salad - I dream about the whipped burrata. Charred Octopus - requested a spicy sauce a staff member suggested, it was delicious on this dish, also the charring was perfect. I paired my meal with a Chardonnay suggested, my apologies but I do not remember the name. Well done, and thank you so much for this experience.

It is a phenomenal experience with a wonderful waitress, Ms. CJ. The atmosphere was tranquil, and the cuisines were top notch. I appreciate the prompt services, and it was too difficult to leave such a beautiful restaurant. Hope you enjoy as much as my family did!

+6

I had an amazing time at Lobster today. The food was fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed the view of the pier and watching people stroll by. The atmosphere is always pleasant and clean, and the flavors are consistently excellent. However, I did notice that today’s lobster roll seemed smaller than usual, and it appears to be shrinking over time. Nevertheless, the taste was still delightful.

+6

Excellent service! The staff was awesome. I don't recall my servers name, but she was superb! The atmosphere, ambiance, the views... Everything was fantastic. Every bit of food ordered was cooked/prepared to perfection. The drinks (I love margaritas) some of the best. I will definitely be back.

+6

The Lobster in Santa Monica was such a great experience you really can’t beat those ocean views right by the pier. We started with the clam chowder and oysters (both incredibly fresh and flavorful), and the lobster was just as amazing as you’d hope. Andrew, our server, made us feel so welcome with his friendly, attentive service, and between the food, the atmosphere, and the view, it turned into one of those nights we’ll be talking about for a while.

The restaurant is located right where the pier begins. You can’t miss it. I was traveling solo and some Michelin star restaurants wouldn’t take reservations for a single person. A friend had been to this restaurant and recommended it to me. I am so glad that she did. The service from the entry point to hostess to the servers was warm, welcoming and impressive. I visited on a Sunday evening. There was not much rush so they let me have a table by the window all to myself. It was my first visit to the Santa Monica pier and I had just a couple of hours to dine as well as to enjoy the evening view. I achieved both at this restaurant. The view was spectacular. The food and cocktail were both decent.

+6

Good food and beautiful views. I can’t think of a better way to soak up the California sun on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

+1

An amazing dining experience and happy hour! Abraham was incredible and took exceptional care of us. We had the calamari, lobster, and lasagna and it was all fantastic. It was chilly and the staff worked together to get the heaters working properly. Don’t miss an opportunity to dine here!

Mancho Popova

Very tasty lobster roll. Delicious asparagus. The view is gorgeous. The service is top-notch. It's nice to be greeted with a smile and to explain everything. We'll be back

Black & Gold

I got the 1.5 pound lobster, it was cooked to perfection. The butter liquid thingy on the side compliments the lobster very well, also they already help you crack the lobster so it is fairly easy to eat it. The carbs and veggies included with the lobster were not bad. Waiters were very nice and friendly. The view is also in GTA V which is super cool. However the sun was blasting us like a high beam. Would definitely come here again but only for special occasions as the price is high but well worth it. Price was around 190 I think.

Genevieve Leveille

The usual adage is a great view equals bad food and bad service. The Lobster negates that saying 100 folds. Being across from the Santa Monica Pier with a view to die for, the food is nothing to sneeze at. The freshness of the oysters and the amazing temperature of the lobster was perfect. We tried the clam chowder and love the crunchiness of the celery and the velvety broth filled with Clams not bits but huge pieces. The crab fried rice was amazing and a great folder for the buttery spiny lobster. The chowder was served by the chef and the whole restaurant was at our service in a very non intrusive way. Andrew our waiter was amazing. His attitude and recommendations were on point. I had to skip the Expresso Martini as it would have been a tip too much. Now what we cannot wait for is that hour during happy hour when the oysters are a gift. As at $2 it is a major give away. About to take a wonderful nap while still having dreams of the amazing lunch. Thank you, The Lobster.

+3

Melanie Goodwin

We had a great dining experience for our first dinner in California! We had a great server Andrew, who was super attentive and really helpful! The garlic bread with the cheese fondue was amazing! My son got the lobster roll which he loved and I got the fillet which was perfectly cooked

Marcela Rodriguez

This place was great. We made reservations and were seated right away. Our server came by in less than 5 minutes to take our drink order and appetizer. The drinks came out fairly quickly and so did our oysters. The oysters were delicious, they were different kinds. The miyagi ( not sure if I'm spelling it right) is usually our go-to because they are meaty but the other one that was served with it was sooo good and had a naturally salty taste (too bad I can't remember the taste). The view was great, we could see the entire pier and the faris wheel. We ordered our food before finishing the oysters. This time we got the main lobster and octopus to share. The octopus came out shortly after finishing our appetizer abd the lobster followed. It was prefect timing, our server kept checking on our drinks so we had food and drinks in front of us the entire time. My husband and I both agreed the potatoes that come with the octopus were bland, there was no seasoning on them which left all the work to the octopus. It was tasty and full of flavor and we enjoyed it very much. The lobster was really good as well. We were left wondering if we messed up by not ordering the spiney lobster which is native to Cali and we've never tried before. We will most definately be back. The desert was alright, I always gravitate towards chocolate deserts. I didn't care forbthe gooey center and wouldn't order it again. The raspberry sauce was amazing though!

K V

Everything was perfect, we went for lunch and found a table with no reservation even we were able to choose our table, all the people were so kind and educated, the food was so tasty, and the service was fast, Andrew and Julio our waiters were very helpful. We always came back.

Kels

Wow! Hands down best restaurant we have ever been to. Looking down on the pier shortly after sunset was incredible. We are on vacation (family of 4) and all had a great experience. Highly recommend the New England Clam chowder (coming from New England I have experience) and the duck fat potatoes… omg, we’ve never had anything like it and I don’t even like potatoes. My daughter got the Caesar salad and it was perfectly balanced with a delicious dressing. Also recommend the Ocean 75 cocktails. As we walked in we passed Chef Armstrong as he was preparing mini pizzas and he was so warm and welcoming, walking around asking guests how they’re enjoying the meal. It was so neat and a wonderful experience. The fried calamari and prawns are also delicious! I have no idea what the parking looks like; it appears nonexistent besides valet parking down below? We had stayed a few streets down at the Sea Blue hotel and we were able to walk everywhere, although I don’t necessarily recommend that hotel. You will not regret going here, as long as you’re prepared to pay. $273 for my family of four - my husband and I got two drinks each was about $80 itself; but worth it for that view and atmosphere and quality! Can’t wait to be back!!!

Bridget Cramer

Stopped in at the Santa Monica Pier and was impressed from start to finish. They offer a fantastic oyster happy hour with fresh $2 oysters — a deal that’s hard to beat. I tried their mojito and can honestly say it’s the best I’ve ever had. The Rhode Island–style calamari on the happy hour menu was unique and unexpected — light, flavorful, and so good it didn’t need marinara at all. While I was there, another guest ordered the 3-pound lobster. The presentation was stunning, and the aroma alone was enough to turn heads. Their head chef has a well-deserved reputation in culinary circles, and it shows in every detail. They even sell their signature spice mix, which I brought home to keep a little of that pier-side flavor with me. Highly recommend if you’re in Santa Monica and want great seafood with a memorable atmosphere. 🦞🍹🦪

Dora K.

Authentic pizza from a pizza oven and Jazz night on Thursdays? Yes, please. Amazing happy hour with an ocean view? Yes, two times! Coming to the Lobster is always a pleasure; regulars are fantastic people! It's an excellent place to make new friends and memories!

N S

Loved Andrew and the rest of the staff here. Delicious food with beautiful views. really enjoyed our experience here. they offer valet for $15 and that includes 3 hours. hubby and I got a chance to walk the pier after our meal.

Henry Ting

This restaurant has the BEST VIEW of Santa Monica Pier. The restaurant is actually located at the entrance to the pier. Location. Location. Location. You cant beat the view of the ocean and the iconic Pier with this place. The entire 3 sides of the restaurant is glass with miles of sea and sand to absorb and chill. The dining area, the bar, the patio waiting area (next to elevator) all have spectacular views. We had a 745pm reservation and were able to catch the sunset at 806pm. FOOD. The 3 of us ordered a 3 lb and 1.5 lb lobsters prepared 2 ways: Steamed and baked. Both were very good, but I felt the lobster was slightly overcooked. I prefer slightly undercooked. I should've mentioned this upon ordering. We also shared an order of lobster gumbo with a side of sourdough bread for dipping. Wow, I loved the spicy flavor. Perfect. DRINKS. A nice selection of wines and some cocktails. The cocktails seemed small, but the waiter was very generous with the pour SERVICE. We booked our dinner reservation online with OpenTable requesting a window seat for iurnout-of-town guest. The waiter gave me a refill of my chardonnay because he was apologizing for making us wait for their othee customer so they can prep our table. They were very accommodating and gave us a prime corner window table.

+2

David Chang

Wife ordered the 1 1/2 lb. Lobster since the place is called “the lobster”. It was cooked just right. I ordered the seafood pasta. Super tasty with generous portions of squid, prawns, clams & mussels over squid ink pasta. All ingredients were absolutely fresh. The highlight of the meal was the grilled octopus appetizer though. Perfectly grilled for flavor and tenderness. The edamame purée put the icing on the cake. The best grilled octopus I’ve had this side of the Mediterranean!

Tiina

The food was amazing! First the Brussels sprouts were fantastic, calamari was fresh, yellow tuna and rice was amazing and seafood pasta amazing. It was big portions just to be aware. We sat at the bar area, because we had a dog with us and they are allowed in the bar or in the patio. Service was excellent. They have a Happy Hour all day on Friday until further notice. Yay!

Moe Aly

Perched perfectly above the iconic Santa Monica Pier, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience. The sunset views are simply breathtaking, painting the sky with vibrant hues as you dine. But the real star is undoubtedly the lobster – unbelievably fresh and cooked to absolute perfection. Each succulent bite is a testament to their quality. The ambiance is lively yet romantic, perfectly complementing the stunning backdrop. Service is attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall enjoyment. While the price reflects the premium location and seafood, the taste and the view make it entirely worthwhile. A must-visit for lobster lovers seeking a memorable Santa Monica evening. Prepare for a truly special culinary treat with a view you won't soon forget.

+17

What a wonderful experience from start to finish. The chef was walking around the restaurant all night, checking in on guests and genuinely making sure everyone was enjoying themselves which was such…

Good times at The lobster for Dine LA Winter 2026. I sat at the bar where the bartenders were super attentive and friendly. There were 2 courses and dessert. For the 1st course, I enjoyed the Clam …

Always great! Creative food, I'm from the East coast, now local for years, Great ambiance Great service Great Chef, my best friends and I do Lunch often! Lauren

Always great! Creative food, I'm from the East coast, now local for years, Great ambiance Great service Great Chef, my best friends and I do Lunch often! Lauren

Always great! Creative food, I'm from the East coast, now local for years, Great ambiance Great service Great Chef, my best friends and I do Lunch often! Lauren

it was very fast service on MLK Day and it has a great view next to the peer. would definitely come back

it was very fast service on MLK Day and it has a great view next to the peer. would definitely come back

Food was great, great views of the water and service was superb with a wonderful list of menu items

Hubby took me here for my bday dinner as I was craving for some lobster :) \nVery nice ambience, romantic with an ocean view. \nService was great and food was delicious. \nOverall, a great experien…

Hubby took me here for my bday dinner as I was craving for some lobster :) \nVery nice ambience, romantic with an ocean view. \nService was great and food was delicious. \nOverall, a great experi…

The seafood Pasta at The Lobster is a seafood lover's dream plump shrimp, tender scallops, and perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful sauce. Every bite tastes fresh and indulgent.\n\nFor desse…

My favorite restaurant for special occasions. You cannot beat the view and the food is great. You must order seafood although their other dishes are perfect too. When friends come to visit LA I alw…

Natalie was a perfect server! The view and ambience is incredible a view of the ocean and Santa Monica pier. The food spiny lobster and everything else we ordered was just absolutely delicious!!

Highly recommend happy hour at the Lobster, my friend and I had not been there in years....sometimes you shy away from the tourist spots with the great views....well, shy away no more! from the war…

Walk in. Food, Service and Setting all very good. We both had the Maine Lobster Salad and shared a crab fried rice as Lunchtime meal. All excellent, the highlight being the crab fried rice (you have …

Walk in. food, Service and Setting all very good. We both had the maine lobster salad and shared a crab fried rice as Lunchtime meal. All excellent, the highlight being the crab fried …

Walk in. Food, service and Setting all very good. We both had the Maine Lobster Salad and shared a crab fried rice as Lunchtime meal. All excellent, the highlight being the crab fried rice (you hav…

Walk in. Food, Service and Setting all very good. We both had the maine lobster Salad and shared a crab fried rice as Lunchtime meal. All excellent, the highlight being the crab fried rice (you h…

We had a special birthday dinner here and our server Pepe took great care of us. They have a great wine list and so we shared a bottle of French chabils that went will with everything we ordered. …

I don’t know how it came to pass that restaurants that have spectacular views typically have suboptimal food. But not The lobster. They don’t sit on their laurels. They deliver an excellence expe…

I don’t know how it came to pass that restaurants that have spectacular views typically have suboptimal food. But not The lobster. They don’t sit on their laurels. They deliver an excellence experi…

I don’t know how it came to pass that restaurants that have spectacular views typically have suboptimal food. But not The Lobster. They don’t sit on their laurels. They deliver an excellence experi…

Great location at Pier de Santa Monica, sea view, fresh and elaborate lagoons with a lot of taste. Good service, good options of beers and drinks.

Great location at Pier de Santa Monica, sea view, fresh and elaborate lagoons with a lot of taste. Good service, good options of beers and drinks.

Great location at Pier de Santa Monica, sea view, fresh and elaborate lagoons with a lot of taste. Good service, good options of beers and drinks.

The food was incredible. My wife had the 1.5 pound Maine Lobster while I went for the Filet with a half of a lobster. Everything was outstanding. We were there for a beer at sunset the night before…

We turned up without a reservation but managed to get a table. We started in the bar as it was happy hour then moved to the main dining area for our meal. My other half had oysters, clam chowder th…

Little bit more on the expensive side, but the food and service was good. The clam chowder was so fresh and delicious. However, the Lobster Mac 'N Cheese with Butter Poached Lobster & Lemon Breadcrumbs was a little tasteless and bland on my end, but they weren't cheap on the lobster which was tasty. I feel like the Mac 'N Cheese can definitely be improved to match the price of the dish since it was pretty expensive. I've been seated on the inside and outside and I definitely recommend the inside seating more if you want faster service and better view. The outdoor seating were nice as well, but service is a little slower.

Beautiful views and great vibes, definitely a highlight of this restaurant. The seafood pasta was delicious, generously loaded with fresh seafood and full of flavor. However, the fried calamari and prawns were disappointing, overly breaded, bland, and lacking in actual meat. The dessert menu was also quite limited, which was a bit underwhelming to end the meal.

Stopped by for lunch before heading to the pier to walk. Came to enjoy a few cities for my wife’s birthday and our 20 year anniversary cruising California. The food was good. My wife ordered the Lobster Roll sandwich and I got the Cheeseburger. The only reason I rated it a 4 was because our hostess didn’t ask us if we wanted refills and the truffle fries were too oily. Had we known it was an oiled based fries we wouldn’t have ordered it. Still good and enjoyed the view!

+4

Great location by the Santa Monica Pier. Food was very good with nice views of the pier. Wine selection better than usual with some very nice French wines. Food very good, disappointed that they did not have Kung grab main reason I took my guest there, here is reason of 4 stars. Great knowledge service. Fresh seafood.

+4

It's a luxury restaurant with Santa Monica Pier view. Ita recommended for special occasions or just wanting to try out. Be aware that food is pricey.

We came here for my birthday week at night. It was quiet and we had a nice view of the Ferris wheel. We had a New England clam chowder, a black chitarra pasta, a steamed main lobster, and a fish (but I can’t remember what it was). We asked them to bring the entrée out one at a time so we could enjoy but for some reasons everything we’re out at once. We had the lobster first and then the pasta and then the fish. The lobster and the pasta were delicious, but the fish was cold as we left it for the end. The service were good. The waiter came over to check up on us and refilled water. At the end, they had a nice birthday cake for me as well. It was a good birthday night for me.

+6

Great atmosphere, great service, love the hot towel at the end. Food was good, lobster Mac and cheese in my opinion was too cheesy, too much fancy cheese took the lobster taste away. The gumbo was a bit on the salty side. The potatoes and crab cake were the best. They have valet parking btw. Also great view duh!

+3

Second time we try this restaurant in Los Angeles at Santa Monica. Dining here with the beautiful beach view. Recommend to come on sunset time. Keeping with the great service and great meal. Lobster is the signature dish. Ordered one set Oysters (8pcs), one clam chowder soup, one crab cake and one grilled lobster.

+1

Had a nice dinner there looking out to the ocean. Food was good but prices reflect the view/location. Service was great and we caught a beautiful sunset. Not too many kid friendly food options but mine liked the clam chowder and fried shrimp and calamari.

+4

I was contemplating where to position this restaurant on my lists, well, the food is good and very well presented, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best, besides the lobster Mac and cheese, that one is of the charts, I can’t deny. The hamachi crudo and yellowfin tartare were fresh, but the sauce on the yellowfin did not keep up with the dish. We ordered the lobster, that I would give it a 5, it’s the house specialty. The black chitarra pasta was good, but needed something in the sauce. Overall, it’s good food, but preserving those exquisite places, I am happy with the review I just did. If you’d like a nice sunset view, go for a table near the window.

+3

View is perfect. Servicewas great. Food was just okay.

+1

I would like to say thank you to Aaliyah, the best server!!! she made our experience special. The best lobster rolls in Santa Monica! Accommodated by the best service.. don’t forget to get the extra bread on the side with the garlic butter… also they have crab available if you’d like on their special. It was so delicious.

The view here is breathtaking and it was a great spot to celebrate an 80th birthday. One of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had- so light and fresh. The oysters were also delicious. Unfortunately the steak (which is $72!!!) was overcooked and when it was sent back they took 20+ minutes to make another one and it was literally exactly the same if not worse. The photo shows the second ‘medium rare’ steak. By the time the second steak came everyone else was finished with their meals so we didn’t send it back a third time and they only took half of the steak off the bill. Not a huge deal but expected a bit better from such an expensive restaurant.

The Lobster at 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica is the perfect spot for an upscale seafood experience with stunning views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is cozy yet refined, capturing the charm of a seaside bistro with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re seated indoors or on the patio, the ocean views elevate the dining experience to another level. The seafood is incredibly fresh, with highlights like buttery lobster, perfectly seared scallops, and rich, flavorful clam chowder. Every dish is expertly prepared and beautifully plated, making it both a treat for the eyes and the palate. Service is exceptional—the staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, always happy to recommend the best dishes and pairings. They ensure that your experience is seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. If you're looking for a premium seafood meal in Santa Monica, with fantastic service, breathtaking views, and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, The Lobster is a must-visit! 🦞🌊🍷✨

+6

The appeal of this place is its iconic location; just to the left of the boardwalk onto Santa Monicia Pier. The food was "nice." Oredered the Halibut on mashed potato with a side of two stems of asparagus and a nondescript dressing on the side. Was it nice? Yes. Was it worth the price at $60 a plate?No. Add on to that a potato side dish on blue cheese and ranch at $38 and glass of beer $18. The location is fantastic. The food was nice. This.place.is for tourists who are not price sensitive. However, if you are from CA and value high quality food and value, this is not the place for you. BTW this place has amazing views, and that is exactly what you pay for here.

Ashley Page McGovern

Upscale seafood fair, amazing views and ambiance. Nice spot for special occasion. Great Happy Hour offerings.

+7

Kate

We booked a table for the evening. When making the reservation, I noted that we would like a table by the window, and a friendly hostess granted our request. Thanks to her, we got to admire a beautiful sunset – thank you so much for that! Service: The staff did everything that was required, quickly and efficiently, but we didn't feel any friendliness. They didn't smile at all; it was clear they were tired and didn't really want to be there. The woman who was pouring water spilled it on the table and didn't even apologize. She had such a displeased look on her face, as if we were the ones who had spilled the water. Food: The lobster was a bit dry, but the pasta and mussels were good. We really enjoyed the desserts and cocktails.

+10

Jack Galanty

A nice, upscale seafood meal with views of the Santa Monica Pier. The seafood was nice. I recommend the calamari appetizer dish to start as it was really good!! The ambiance was all right except there were a bunch of loud families with kids that were sitting next to us. The restaurant was quite a bit loud for the cost of the meal. I really wish the restaurant atmosphere was a lot more inviting. The restaurant was extremely dark and made reading the menu very cumbersome. Even once our meal was delivered we had to use a table lamp from a nearby empty table just so we would have enough light to eat our meal. Overall, it was a nice experience and the food Tasted good. Very dim restaurant. Good service.

+5

Main reason to come here is for the seafood with a view. Best time to dine is right before the sunset, as it is on the pier. My recommendation is for the seafood tower and lobster, of course. It is…

Main reason to come here is for the seafood with a view. Best time to dine is right before the sunset, as it is on the pier. My recommendation is for the seafood tower and lobster, of course. It …

Main reason to come here is for the seafood with a view. Best time to dine is right before the sunset, as it is on the pier. My recommendation is for the seafood tower and lobster, of course. It is…

Had a free night on our trip and wanted a simple protein filled clean meal- lobster. I had the steamed lobster and hubby had the Black Chitarra pasta. We shared a salad and the mushrooms- o…

Had a free night on our trip and wanted a simple protein filled clean meal- lobster. I had the steamed lobster and hubby had the Black Chitarra Pasta. We shared a salad and the mushrooms- oh an…

good lobster, but service leaves much to be desired. Living in Europe, I sincerely don’t understand why I should leave 20% for the fact that I asked several times to bring napkins and poured the ch…

I was there last year and the lobster was wonderful! This year I invited friends to celebrate our birthdays! 2 of us had grilled lobster! We both agree that the lobster was not really cooked! The meat was like pudding and I was disappointed! Pepe, the service person was excellent! Kind of hesitating to go back!

Location is nice. Reception staff were friendly. Restaurant atmosphere is nice. Food presentation is good. But tastes very very ordinary, or even felt missing some seasoning…. and felt expensive for that quality of food.

We were a group of five adults, three kids, and one baby dining at the restaurant. The hostess at the entrance had such a bad attitude for no reason. She seated us at a very cramped table even though there were plenty of open seats in the restaurant. They did give the kids crayons and paper, which we appreciated, but she tossed them onto the table, which really showed a lack of proper staff training. On top of that, the restaurant automatically charged a 22% service fee—seriously, that’s outrageous! Might as well call it robbery! We don’t mind paying a 22% service charge, but the staff should really take a lesson from Din Tai Fung and see what true service looks like.

Okay so this is my review of this place. 1. Service 6/10 ( the waitress came three times to tells us they didn't have the wine we wanted. Also, she was so afraid that we couldn't pay that she pass my credit card 3 times and it got block. I told her to wait until I get my fraud alert text so I can accept. Had to pay cash 800$) 2. Decoration 8/10 it a nice place with a lovely view of Santa Monica pier. 3. Food 6/10 (am sorry but for 800$ super for 4 people I was expecting way better. The meat on my plate had to much fat the lobster was way to small for a 95$ plate. The lobster pliers for the lobster don't work very good. The only thing good was the drinks. The presentation is nice) 4. Cleanest 9/10 the restroom was clean and didn't smell bad, the floor was also clean. 5. Ambience 5/10 (okay so this place is not so friendly, I went to more expensive places and it was way better. It feels like everyone is looking at everything without a smile. Look at picture

food was great service was sub par. The waiter told us that we HAD to choose which % tip to give him and demanded we owed him. We were going to tip regardless of course, but the attitude was uncalled for. Very odd great food though.

Food was really mid, not at all worth the price they are charging (132 menu price for a grilled lobster). Service was not good at all, the staff were aloof, and they make you select the tip before you present the card, and the waitress checks how much you tip before taking your card away, very unconventional and made me feel uncomfortable. Would not come back.

Candy Cruz

I went to The Lobster during happy hour and the drinks were the best part. $10 glasses of wine with a good pour which was nice. The lobster bisque was $26 on the regular menu but half off for happy hour at $13. Thank God I tried it at happy hour because it was not that good. Lots of veggies but, bland, and honestly not worth even $13. I ordered the pound and a half lobster for $63 and it was watery and disappointing. On top of that it came with eggs and a mess inside that turned me off completely. The green beans and potatoes on the side were actually the only thing I enjoyed. My bill was around $100 with tip and I honestly wish I had just grabbed something casual on the pier. Beautiful view but the food was not it.

+2

So I stopped into The Lobster at the Santa Monica Pier during happy hour from 3 to 6. happy hour itself was solid. $10 glasses of wine with a real pour and a nice variety of appetizers.\n\nI was …

This place offers stunning ocean views. The atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed, making it a great spot for special occasions or a nice meal by the beach. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, with lobs…

This place offers stunning ocean views. The atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed, making it a great spot for special occasions or a nice meal by the beach. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, with lobs…

The atmosphere is great especially the scenic view outside the window however the food was not worth the money. The oysters were average and the crab dish I got tasted odd. The crab smelt like ammonia and was dry. The dip didn't taste like anything and there were clumps of hard noodles in my dish. It was over cooked... I wouldn't recommend this place especially for the price.

Service was very professional and attentive. For the price, the food wasn't that good. The clam chowder was like chewing sand. They really need to spend more time cleaning the clams. The lobster was ok. Nothing outstanding except for the butter that came with it.

My 4th trip here, probably my last. Something has changed here, flavors aren't the same, service wasn't that great. They charge you for a 3 lb lobster at $44 a lb, they just take the average , seems sketchy to me. The pasta that came with my lobster was really bad. I also don't like that they automatically add a 20% tip for a group of 6, I know house rules but I should decide what I tip, waitress didn't deserve $120, she didn't even bring our food out and it was difficult getting her to the table. Thanks for the memories but time to find a different spot when I visit the area.

View is good, service is good but it is super pricey. It costed me $300 there. I am not sure it is worth the $300. Check the price before go there. Also they offer free parking if you dine in there.

It was overpriced and overhyped. The food is not good, not memorable at all. You are paying for the location being walking distance from a lot of the hotels. A tourist trap, in my opinion. The view and the ambiance are pretty good, though.

I was so disappointed by my experience here. My friend, who is local , recommended it to me, so I was really looking forward to it. I was sat for quite some time before my order was taken. I chose the Clam Chowder & the oysters. The clam chowder was barely warm, and certainly far from hot. I always choose oysters if they’re on a menu. The oysters here were small, quite tricky to get out of their shells & the hot sauce & the vinaigrette just weren’t good at all. I paid $75 with the tip, for food that just left me utterly unimpressed. I wish I’d gone for a burger somewhere instead. I never mind paying the appropriate money for great food. But this was really poor. And I’m sorry to have to say that.

Stopped here for my son’s birthday and much has changed. Bright lighting kills ambiance including the top hits blasting from the 80’s. Service was slow and transactional, while the food was on the small side and pricey for the whole experience.

My boyfriend and I went to The Lobster on Valentine’s Day and even though we had a reservation, we still waited over 30 minutes to be seated. We had the oyster sampler as an appetizer, grilled lobster as our entree and the seafood pasta with champagne. While the lobster was pretty tasty, the shrimp in our pasta was not cleaned properly, so we both ended up with stomach aches after leaving the restaurant. You would expect higher standards when they charge such high prices, so we were very disappointed and felt sick after eating here. I’m rating the restaurant 2 stars because the views were lovely, but I don’t recommend eating here due to the lack of care of preparation of food and expensive pricing.

Your standard inflated beachfront seafood restaurant. $30 lobster cocktail with for a sprinkle of lobster. We added crab to our garlic bread and cheese dip, it came with a tiny dipping cup of melted cheese with no crab in sight We asked the server, who proceeded to dump out content of the dipping cup point out the two sad clumps of crab meat.

For somewhere advertising Michelin 2025, I'm beyond disappointed and wished I had gambled the 300 bill or gave it to a homeless. At least then I would not have remorse. I'll give praise where due and…

Pretty bad service. For how "fine dining" they claim to be, the experience we had was nowhere near ideal:\n\n- greeted with a condescending security guy who almost didn't let us in without confirmi…

We came for happy hour with a friend from Denver, sat at a table and watched as the bartender waited on newer tables and people at the bar. We left and let the hostess know why we left and her answ…

As someone who has been dining out for 60+ years, I don’t believe I have ever been treated more rudely at any restaurant. My party of two arrived on time for a 5:15 reservation. I had a bad headac…

It took me almost an hour without a joke to leave the store after I asked for the bill. They totally discriminate against us Asians. I'm really angry. When I think about it, the lobster was also impressive and tasteless, and I don't remember any particular delicious food coming out. I don't want to recommend it to anyone. It was a two-week trip and this restaurant was the worst.

This was one of the worst restaurant experiences we’ve had in the U.S. We came specifically for the lobster that was listed on the lunch menu. When we arrived for dinner, we were told it was not available. That was disappointing, but we decided to stay and ordered oysters and cake instead. We were dining with a small child and asked for a small piece of bread for her. The waitress responded that it would cost $8, in a very rude tone. It wasn’t about the price — it was about the attitude. At the end, when she brought the bill, she told us that we “have to” leave her a tip. Tipping should reflect the quality of service, and being told that we must tip — especially after such an unfriendly experience — made us feel very uncomfortable. The manager was polite when we spoke to him and offered us a free lunch as compensation, but we declined. It was never about getting something for free — we simply felt uncomfortable with the overall service. Very disappointing experience overall.

If I could give a ZERO I would! Today was my birthday and my husband wanted to create a memorable experience and asked our server to take a few pictures. After receiving our appetizer our table was touched by the server one time. I witnessed our server touch every table around us. A manager coming to my table to ask about my experience is NOT the one earning the TIP!! My apologies that my husband may have asked for too much when asking for pictures. We don’t mind paying for the experience we asked for. To start he asked for a table by the window when making the reservation and were told we couldn’t be accommodated. We waiting for an available table without a problem. When I asked for the manager, she didn’t even apologized…she just said oh do I want the free bday dessert…no ma’am I just would have like the same service as everyone else even though I may have asked for pictures for my birthday! I don’t need a pitty party or anything free…I just really need people to learn that it’s 2026…JUST QUIT and learn that we are ALL HUMAN AND BLEED THE SAME COLOR…REDDD!!! I came out for the same experience as everyone else…the food isn’t even GOOD…the best thing I had was the Brussel sprouts!! That’s says a lot about Lobster place with the seafood coming out taking like it came straight out the beach at Santa Monica!!!

R J

The restaurant was not good and the food was not tasty at all. Overall, the experience was disappointing. On top of that, a mandatory tip of at least 20% is required, which was frustrating and not clearly communicated.

Arsen Shahbazyan

Thinking of coming here for a nice lobster dinner? Pack a lunch. We ordered grilled lobster — they brought steamed. The lobster was half-cooked, the French fries showed up an hour late — and were still wrong. The menu reads like a fantasy novel: drinks you order magically disappear with a “Sorry, we don’t have that.” The beer “selection”? One lonely option. Bottled water? Forget it — only tap. It’s less of a restaurant and more of a patience endurance test, with a side of disappointment. We came hungry, left annoyed. Never again