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The Lobster


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
4.5 of 5 stars 135 ratings
135 ratings
5.0 of 5 stars
43
4.0 of 5 stars
54
3.0 of 5 stars
24
2.0 of 5 stars
9
1.0 of 5 stars
5
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveler satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#12 of 311 restaurants in Santa Monica
  • Cuisines: American, Seafood
  • Price range*: $31-$40
  • Neighborhood: West
Traveler Description:
Familiar with The Lobster? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
lochsa4 2 contributions
Montana
Jul 18, 2009

My wife and I tried The Lobster on the advice of family. We weren't dissappointed. We had the crab cakes and sushimi appetizers. They were delicious. The crab cakes' black bean sauce had depth and the sushi was surprisingly refreshing. A quick fresh salad and a couple of delicious drinks later (compliments to the bar staff) our entrees arrived. I... more

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3 of 5 stars
benjybee 3 contributions
new york
Jun 23, 2009

The restaurant is in a great location right next to the Santa Monica pier. The inside looked nice and the bar scene looked pretty good. The food was decent but the only problem I had was the service. The waiter was rude and not friendly at all. I dont expect to get my butt kissed but for a 215 dollar... more

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5 of 5 stars
Yabayee 7 contributions
Cardiff, Wales
May 18, 2009

I actually agree partly with the last 2 reviews, the tables are close together and the service did seem a tiny bit haughty at first. It was loud when we got there due to a large party, but the sunset and views made it all worth it. It quietened down after sunset too. We both had the lobster and it... more

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1 of 5 stars
BettysDaughter 2 contributions
New York
Apr 15, 2009

Pricey, yes. We knew this going in, but the view is something else. But the food was mediocre at best and my lobster (char-grilled) was dry and tasteless. Drinks were pricey; service was haughty. There are too many wonderful meals to be had in Santa Monica. Don't waste your money. more

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2 of 5 stars
Chrissie_Nikki 11 contributions
Bucks, England
Apr 4, 2009

Tables too close together, extremely poor service (waiter ignored comments about poor food). We both had scallops which were nicely cooked but the accompanying food was not seasoned at all. Spent $200 and we were out within the hour. There are much better places to eat in Santa Monica - don't waste your money in this crowded tourist production line. more

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4 of 5 stars
HoundDogMama 73 contributions
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Feb 19, 2009

We had a large party and the service started out good but went downhill about mid way through our evening because another large party was in the restaurant. Something about the place feels a littly touristy as other reviews have suggested but our food was really top notch. From appetizers through desserts, the food was excellent. We particularly enjoyed the... more

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4 of 5 stars
madison0821 2 contributions
chicago
Feb 17, 2009

The food and service were amazing. The only complaint would be that although we (and the majority of other patrons waiting in the bar area) had reservations, we had to wait approximately 30 minutes. The restaurant overbooked due to the Valentine's Day holiday. I would go back regardless because the bar staff patiently attended to the multitude of patrons in... more

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Contributor
Nov 30, 2008

Great Lobster, Great ocen view. more

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5 of 5 stars
Floridot 6 contributions
Oxford, United Kingdom
Oct 5, 2008

We found The Lobster on our stay in Santa Monica/LA when we were on the US leg of a round the world trip. How pleased we were to have stopped by at this place - certainly one of the very best restaurants we have eaten in. Congratulations to the owners and to the staff who provided such great service. We... more

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Contributor
Sep 23, 2008

Amazing view. Fantastic food. Great service. (Although in retrospect, possibly for tourists?) more

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The Lobster Address

1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 458-9294
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.