Thursday, October 10, 2024

The Lobster: Santa Monica’s Seafood Shack at the End of The Trail

Dining room at The Lobster restaurant with tables and chairs, offering a picturesque view of the Santa Monica Pier during late afternoon sunlight.
The Lobster restaurant celebrates its 25th Anniversary Celebration on National Lobster Day in Santa Monica, California on September 25, 2024. All pictures by Eric Harris / TTDILA.



By Eric Harris


The Lobster restaurant in Santa Monica recently celebrated its 25th anniversary since its re-opening, and Things To Do In LA had the privilege of attending its VIP and media preview event. This exclusive occasion offered a chance to taste some of Executive Chef Govind Armstrong’s favorite dishes and cocktails, along with a preview of his latest creations designed to mark this milestone.

Group of people enjoying drinks at The Lobster restaurant's bar in daylight.

Perched above the Santa Monica Pier, where historic Route 66 meets the ocean and next to the iconic Santa Monica Pier Sign, The Lobster boasts extraordinary views. The restaurant provides a breathtaking 190-degree panorama of Santa Monica Bay and the Malibu coastline, delivering one of the premier ocean views in Southern California dining.

Diners in The Lobster’s dining room and pedestrians outside observe the sunset over Santa Monica Bay and Malibu coastline.

The Lobster’s current menu features a diverse array of seafood dishes, with lobster as its centerpiece. During the commemorative event, we experienced several of Chef Armstrong’s signature dishes.

Plate of fresh tagliatelle with Maine lobster and lemon breadcrumbs, featured as a new entrée for The Lobster's 25th anniversary menu.
Fresh tagliatelle with Maine lobster and lemon breadcrumbs, a new entrée created for The Lobster’s 25th anniversary menu.

Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to complete a full review of Chef Armstrong’s menu. Nonetheless, we enjoyed an extensive tour of the restaurant, bar, and kitchen and had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Chef Armstrong about his cuisine and latest offerings. The view from The Lobster is extraordinary, easily ranking among the best panoramic ocean views of any Southern California restaurant. Although we cannot fully endorse The Lobster based on its food alone at this time, we can certainly recommend the restaurant for its spectacular view. The Grilled California Spiny Lobster remains on our radar, and we look forward to returning soon to provide a more comprehensive review.

Group of diners sitting at tables, eating and admiring the scenic views of the Santa Monica Pier


Location

The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 90401

Parking

Valet parking next to restaurant
Public Parking nearby

Hours

Monday - Thursday
12:00 – 9:00 pm

Friday - Saturday
11:30 am – 10:00 pm

Sunday
11:30 am – 9:00 pm

Reservations are recommended

Contact

www.thelobster.com
(310) 458-9294



Woman wearing a lobster sweater overlooking the Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park, a family amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier.

Woman wearing a lobster sweater overlooking the Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park, a family amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier.

Kitchen staff and Executive Chef Govind Armstrong posing for pictures in The Lobster's kitchen.
Kitchen staff and Executive Chef Govind Armstrong (rear) posing for pictures in The Lobster’s kitchen.

Dining room of The Lobster with tables and chairs, offering views of the Santa Monica Pier at twilight.

Dining room of The Lobster with tables and chairs, offering views of the Santa Monica Pier at twilight.

Group of people enjoying drinks at The Lobster restaurant's bar at twilight.

The Lobster restaurant bar during twilight hours, with ambient lighting.

Group of people taking pictures under the “End of the Trail” sign marking the end of historic Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier.
A group of people taking pictures under the famous “End of the Trail” sign on the Santa Monica Pier.