Since 1925, The Lobster has been a staple in Santa Monica. With a brief closure in the late 1980s, it’s back in full force. The Lobster is what California is all about - dining on the beach. Located right on the Santa Monica Pier, sunset dining is a must.
The restaurant space is crowded, with tables really close together (a little uncomfortable), and they’re all within a few feet of the panoramic windows that surround the place. Request table no. 102 for a seat right in the front so you won’t miss a second of the sunset. The service can be good and it can be bad. I’ve had both. It gets extremely busy right before sunset, so take an ounce of patience.
The menu is more traditional, with some specialties thrown in for fun. There is everything from shrimp cocktail to New Zealand dorade to filet mignon. We started the evening off with lobster bisque and the ahi carpaccio with marinated onions and wasabi tobiko. The bisque was SO fresh and creamy, I almost licked the bowl. This was soup made for a king, complete with a lobster claw in the middle of it.
The ahi was perfectly paired with the wasabi sauce and onions. I like a little heat, so it was perfect. The plate was so pretty that I was really disappointed that I didn’t bring my camera, like I normally do.
Steamed lobster is always on the menu and very tasty. I’ve read reviews that say the lobster here can be tough and chewy, but we didn’t experience that at all. This was a 2-pounder complete with drawn butter and roasted potatoes, but don’t waste your time on the starch and go straight for the lobster.
I had the Maine sea scallops Saint Jacques. It had a wonderfully creamy sauce and was served with spinach, grilled tomatoes, and grilled asparagus. This was just about the beast meal I’ve ever had. The scallops were as tender as and tasted like butter. If I die today, I will be happy I had my last meal here. Other wonderful dishes include sesame-roasted black bass, three-pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna, and fabulous crab cakes.
Take a jacket, because it gets chilly with the sea breeze, especially at night. The price for lobster is a little high, but the atmosphere can't be bought. Be prepared to spend some money, as this place isn’t cheap by any means. It’s a good place for a special dinner.
Walk it all off after dinner by going to the Ferris wheel at the end of the pier.