The Lobster - (Near Santa Monica, CA)

4 /5 Mairead Howe: 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.

5 /5 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.

5 /5 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!!!

4 /5 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 didnt feel any friendliness. They didnt smile at all; it was clear they were tired and didnt really want to be there. The woman who was pouring water spilled it on the table and didnt 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.

3 /5 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.