The Lobster, Santa Monica CA

This place is expensive with terrible service. Spend your money somewhere else. I made a reservation and specifically asked for a table next to the window with an ocean view. We arrived on time for our reservation and was told window table was not available so we waited another 15min. Then we were placed to a table away from the window. There was a window table available but we were told it was for a VIP (some “donor” - not sure what they were donating to a greedy restaurant). Then at the same time another window table became available. So we kindly asked the manager about the second available table. Then the manager got impatient and upset and sat us down on another window table which has a road view instead of the ocean view, saying it was the best he could do. He was basically saying that we are not good enough for the “special” window tables. The food was mediocre but for the price was terrible. The toast was soggy for mussels appetizer. The herbed noodle was hard and undercooked. The waitress only cared that we picked the most expensive items. Only suggestion she had was for the $150 lobster. When the bill came she reminded us that we need to pay at least 18% or more for tips. The restroom had multiple big holes on the wall. In summary, this restaurant expects everyone to spend top dollar and only cares about their so called VIP who is only deserved the windows tables. For $200 a person, there are many other nice places. They can save the window for their VIP customers and “donors”.

The dishes are expensive and are not equivalent to quality and flavor, here you pay for the view. But I wouldn't go back!

Visiting Santa Monica found this place, good seafood, I order tuna and was delicious, the waiter was very friendly and bring me some chiles that give that little extra plus so totally deserved 5 ️

Went with friends from Japan, they liked it. I tried all of the dishes and they were incredibly over salted. The yellowtail was mushy the calamari appetizer was over fried and dry. The asparagus was served with the inedible stalks.bread was bone dry. Must have caught them on a bad night.

Oysters were amazing, the lobster was at the expected divine and the steak, was perfectly cooked.

Our server was great, and everything we ordered was very good. The view of the ocean and the setting sun was amazing.

Stopped by for quick happy hour 3-6 and their menu is FABULOUS! Check it out on your way to it after Santa Monica pier. Incredible views of the pier & sunset too

A nice restaurant in Santa Monica! Great service, nice ambience, fantastic food, wonderful location — a cool spot in Santa Monica! The mixed grill plater is not to be missed!

Great view, great truffles fries. Bring your friends and family. It’s California at it’s best!

The only thing that stands out is the location. Lobster is okay but way too pricey for the quality.

This place used to be a 5 star on all fronts! I think ownership changed hands, now fairly average: (

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

Beautiful view and nice serving
Recommend charred octopus, it was perfectly grilled, flavorful sauce
But Oh my: (
LOBSTER WAS UNDERCOOKED
(their main menu is LOBSTER)

This was my favorite spot to visit during happy hour. Their oysters are amazing! Haven’t been in a few years, but can’t wait to visit again soon.

Not a greate taste of food. Mashed potato did not have a potato taste. Salmon was very greasy. Lobster plate to lonely with normal taste. One LADY in particular was very pusshhy for me to leave a tip in a percentage without honoring my will to leave a certain amount desired. She made me very uncomfortable. Very bad experience.

The food quality is good, especially the lobuster! I came late but the staff were friendly and gave their recommendation patiently.

Oh my goodness. The food was phenomenal and service was great. The atmosphere was mellow I enjoyed everything. Thank you. The price of food was a little pricey but worth every bite. Will be back I don't know when.