Restaurant Review: The Lobster in Santa Monica, California

The Lobster located at 1602 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California is one of the most famous restaurants of this area. The restaurant is located at a strategic location providing a wonderful view of the Santa Monica pier. The whole coast line is visible from some of the window tables without obstruction, giving a beautiful view. I often visit this restaurant with my friends.

The restaurant is usually crowded and it is a good idea to make reservations in advance if you are visiting for a special occasion or are dining with friends. Though reservations are generally accepted for window tables, there is no guarantee that you would get a window table on arrival. The best strategy is to arrive a little earlier, that way you can be seated as soon as a table is vacated or have some drinks in the meantime.

The restaurant is known for its excellent selection of sea food, though they are lacking a bit on the fish side in their menu. I would recommend clam chowder which is very light and healthy or the mushroom soup for starters. I would recommend that you have crab cakes, the halibut, their oyster sampler and the calamari are very good, and you can also try seared ahi tuna along with Asian salad which is delicious. I generally order the oysters, Dungeness crab and arugula salad and the pan-roasted lobster. The oysters are fresh, the salad is amazing (lots of crab, not drenched in dressing, good texture with the pine nuts) and the lobsters are great (how can a place called The Lobster mess up their signature dish anyways).

The portions served at the lobster are pretty generous. The staff at the lobster is very courteous and helpful. They would always help you make selections from the menu; most of the staff is pretty old and knows their customers by name. The pricing at 'The Lobster' is reasonable depending on your wallet, A table with a good view with a glass of wine or two will cost about $60-75 per person ($12 for salad, $45 for the lobster, $12 for a glass of wine, $12.50 for oysters).

The bar at the lobster is nice and cozy, though a bit loud at times, the bartender is nice and entertaining. The wine list could do with some additions but overall it is a good selection. The parking at the lobster is not a problem, they have a valet parking and it is best to leave it to the valet.

Overall it is a good place if you want to indulge for sometime, not a place for people who don't like seafood. There are other eating places in Oceans Avenue but 'The lobster' scores over them due to its great view and food. If you have planned for a special occasion it is best to make reservations in advance and arrive a little early.