
The Lobster
Classic seafood institution on Santa Monica Pier, renowned for exquisite lobster dishes and unparalleled ocean views, especially at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Lobster

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Classic seafood institution on Santa Monica Pier, renowned for exquisite lobster dishes and unparalleled ocean views, especially at sunset.
"The sunset views are simply breathtaking, painting the sky with vibrant hues as you dine."
Secure a Window Seat
Request a window seat when booking for prime sunset views.
Consider Happy Hour
Great value on wine and appetizers, especially during sunset.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Ocean Views
Dine with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier, especially stunning during sunset.

Signature Lobster Dishes
Indulge in perfectly prepared Maine lobster, a must-try for seafood lovers.

Vibrant Happy Hour
Enjoy great deals on drinks and appetizers with a fantastic ocean view.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secure a Window Seat
Request a window seat when booking for prime sunset views.
Consider Happy Hour
Great value on wine and appetizers, especially during sunset.
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance, especially for prime times or to avoid crowds.
Dress Code
While not strictly formal, smart casual attire is suggested for an upscale experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secure a Window Seat
Request a window seat when booking for prime sunset views.
Consider Happy Hour
Great value on wine and appetizers, especially during sunset.
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance, especially for prime times or to avoid crowds.
Dress Code
While not strictly formal, smart casual attire is suggested for an upscale experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lobster is celebrated for its absolutely breathtaking ocean views, particularly at sunset, and its signature, perfectly cooked lobster dishes. While many praise the fresh seafood and attentive service, some diners find the lobster bisque and whole lobster to be less impressive given the price. Happy Hour is a popular draw for its value on drinks and appetizers.
"Perched perfectly above the iconic Santa Monica Pier, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience. The sunset views are simply breathtaking, painting the sky with vibrant hues as you dine. But the real star is undoubtedly the lobster – unbelievably fresh and cooked to absolute perfection. Each succulent bite is a testament to their quality. The ambiance is lively yet romantic, perfectly complementing the stunning backdrop. Service is attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall enjoyment. While the price reflects the premium location and seafood, the taste and the view make it entirely worthwhile. A must-visit for lobster lovers seeking a memorable Santa Monica evening. Prepare for a truly special culinary treat with a view you won't soon forget."
Moe Aly
"The restaurant is located right where the pier begins. You can’t miss it. I was traveling solo and some Michelin star restaurants wouldn’t take reservations for a single person. A friend had been to this restaurant and recommended it to me. I am so glad that she did. The service from the entry point to hostess to the servers was warm, welcoming and impressive. I visited on a Sunday evening. There was not much rush so they let me have a table by the window all to myself. It was my first visit to the Santa Monica pier and I had just a couple of hours to dine as well as to enjoy the evening view. I achieved both at this restaurant. The view was spectacular. The food and cocktail were both decent."
sals
"Authentic pizza from a pizza oven and
Jazz night on Thursdays? Yes, please.
Amazing happy hour with an ocean view? Yes, two times!
Coming to the Lobster is always a pleasure; regulars are fantastic people! It's an excellent place to make new friends and memories!"
D K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lobster is most famous for its prime location offering spectacular ocean views, especially at sunset, and its signature Maine lobster dishes.
Yes, The Lobster is widely recommended for its incredible sunset views due to its location at the beginning of the Santa Monica Pier.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for window seats and during peak hours, to enjoy the best experience.
Yes, The Lobster offers a happy hour with deals on wine and appetizers, which is a popular time to visit for value and views.
The menu features a variety of premium seafood, with a strong emphasis on fresh lobster, oysters, crab, and various fish dishes.
Yes, the combination of stunning sunset views, upscale ambiance, and delicious seafood makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner.
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This Santa Monica institution, which has stood sentinel at the mouth of the pier since 1923 (and 1999 in its current form) features glass-siding to accentuate the views, along with a seafood focus. Chef Collin Crannell cooks up fresh seafood options for brunch, lunch and dinner, including a hefty lobster roll stuffed with fresh lobster meat, little gem lettuce and Japanese mayo, held together by a toasted butter roll. A side of pickled cucumbers and fries rounds out the meal.
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This old-school restaurant at the corner of Main Street and the Santa Monica Pier has been serving seafood for almost 100 years; their seasonal options include all types of oysters from across the continent. Now helmed by executive chef Govind Armstrong, it’s one of the best places to catch a seaside sunset.The deal: Four of each daily oyster for $32.How to book: online.
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It sounds like you're getting great advice from locals, but as a tourist I LOVED The Lobster (on the pier). Fun atmosphere and fabulous lobster. Definitely not cheap but, hey, it's vacation!
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The Lobster, at the base of the SM Pier, has good ocean views. Mélisse and Michael's are excellent, well-established eateries in the area. If you like seafood, Ocean Ave.
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Spectacular Seafood and Sunsets at The Lobster Restaurant Santa Monica
Fine Dining: My family and I recently had the pleasure of visiting a piece of Santa Monica history -- The Lobster restaurant -- where fine cuisine and sensational sunsets merge to deliver the perfect seaside dining experience. Perched at the very start of the famous Santa Monica pier, the modern iteration of The Lobster restaurant is an exquisite combination of sights, scents, sounds and flavors that have been captivating diners for more a decade - duly living up to its legacy from the original The Lobster restaurant that opened in 1925.
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The 2021 Michelin Guide Awards continue to recognize Santa Monica as a culinary dynamo in a landscape of diverse restaurants that populate the greater Los Angeles area,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “Michelin Guide award recipients have much to be proud of for the prestigious recognition, which is a reflection of the hard work it takes to succeed in this competitive industry and culinary talent needed to standout above the competition throughout the city.
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The Lobster was originally established in 1923 and revived in 1999 at the point where historic Route 66 meets the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Chef Govind Armstrong took over the kitchen in 2017 and makes sure that the food is worthy of the prized views, and not just a touristy afterthought. Lobster remains the preferred culinary path, whether steamed, grilled, butter poached, featured in mashed potatoes, or punctuating a little gem salad with avocado, citrus vinaigrette and crispy leeks.
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Located at the start of the iconic Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster specializes in seafood and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes, The Lobster has been a staple in Santa Monica for decades, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Named one of Santa Monica's Michelin Guide's Michelin Plate Restaurants, its menu offerings include the signature whole Maine lobster and the Santa Monica seafood tower.
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We’ll give you three guesses of what The Lobster seafood restaurant specializes in, but we bet it’ll only take you a second to figure out how tasty dinner here can be. The Lobster opened its doors at the corner of Ocean Avenue and the Santa Monica Pier in 1923, giving it a century-long track record of culinary excellence. Its position at the western end of Route 66 makes the restaurant an icon for travelers who come for the name and stay for the grub.
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Sitting high atop a hill with a 190° panorama view that spans Santa Monica Bay all the way up Malibu’s extended coastline, this “Michelin Plate” restaurant has been around for almost a century. It delivers on classic seafood such as Maine or California spiny lobster, as well as other dishes using locally-sourced produce. Check your sunset timing before making that reservation for a memorable, and essentially Californian, experience.
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Perched atop the iconic Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster offers a quintessential California dining experience with breathtaking ocean views. Indulge in fresh seafood specialties, including their renowned lobster dishes, expertly prepared by skilled chefs who capture the essence of coastal living in every bite. Enjoy a culinary journey that epitomizes the coastal charm of Southern California real estate.
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Santa Monica's most beloved landmark restaurant The Lobster, whose original restaurant opened in 1923, has a newly remodeled and luxurious interior offering sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic pier. Restaurant visitors come here for one reason: their delicious lobster options. The menu is classic American seafood featuring whole live Maine, and surrounding areas, lobsters.
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The Lobster, perched at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, is a go-to for seafood lovers seeking panoramic vistas. Coast at Shutters on the Beach blends upscale beachside charm with fresh seasonal plates, while Moonshadows in Malibu brings a chic lounge vibe and waves crashing beneath your table. Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica offers East Coast–style seafood with a West Coast view.
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For more than 25 years, The Lobster has been one of Santa Monica’s premier spots for seafood by the sea. The elegant venue sits right next to the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier, offering a unique perspective of Pacific Park and the beach it sits on. Large glass windows make for prime sunset viewing with a dirty martini in hand, though you can also visit for lunch or happy hour.
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Even though it's in a touristy area, the Lobster is still a romantic hotspot for couples since it overlooks the Santa Monica Pier. As the sun dips into the ocean, you can catch a nighttime view of the glowing Ferris wheel as you nosh on butter-poached lobster and steamed mussels. And since the beach is so close, you can have a nice stroll along the water's edge after dinner.
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While Santa Monica is a beautiful area to visit in Los Angeles, most of the restaurants are quite touristy with mediocre food. However, The Lobster is certainly an exception with not only fresh and flavorful seafood, but scenic ocean views as you’re just a stone’s throw from the Santa Monica Pier. Don’t let the tourist location fool you, the food is worth every penny.
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Some of the best food at the pier is actually just above the pier on Ocean at The Lobster. The food is good and it's a great view over the pier, but the tables are too close together and it's quite costly (especially the lobster). If price isn't an issue, ordering a picnic from The Lobster to enjoy the sunset on the beach, or the bluff, can be a nice option.
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Originally opened in 1923, the current incarnation of The Lobster opened in 1999. With romantic 180-degree views from its location at the top of the historic Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster has famously hosted several marriage proposals a day. If you're planning on popping the question, be sure to book one of the highly-requested window tables.
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This favorite Los Angeles restaurant is all about the seafood and views. It has been named one of Santa Monica's Michelin Guide's Michelin Plate Restaurants and has offered fine dining in Los Angeles for almost a century!. Situated on a high bluff where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean, The Lobster restaurant overlooks the Santa Monica Pier.
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The Lobster is home to a 2 Buck Shuck from 5 to 6 p.m., as well as a Happy Hour menu in the bar and outdoor patio (where you’ll want to be to take in the amazing Pier view). Specials include $8 Draft Beers, $12 Cocktails, a $13 Smash Burger, and Crispy Florida Gulf Shrimp for $21. When to Go: Daily Happy Hour takes place from 3 to 6 p.m.
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For a more upscale experience, head to The Lobster, a Michelin-rated restaurant located just steps from the pier. With its stunning ocean views and delicious seafood, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset. Make sure to time your reservation right for an unforgettable dining experience as the sky changes colors.
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From a ginger honey bourbon to a rum martini, you’ll find an excellent list of $6 cocktails during this ocean view spot’s Happiest Hour running Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oh, and while you’re there you might try some their food offerings, including $12 lobster rolls, $9 crab taquitos or $2 oysters of the day.
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If you’re looking to enjoy a classic surf-and-turf dinner at sunset, The Lobster should be at the top of your list. This historic establishment first opened in 1923 and has been a Santa Monica staple for a full century now. As the name suggests, lobster is the star of the show, but there are plenty of other seafood renditions.
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Located next to the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster has gorgeous sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Palisades Park. This restaurant offers locals and visitors the freshest seasonal seafood available. For a fulfilling lobster and shellfish experience, try the “Santa Monica Style” Cioppino.
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The Lobster is situated near the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, deep in tourist territory (and trust me, people are back), but the views from the covered deck are prime and Armstrong’s gumbo, with maybe some steamed King crab legs or a lobster salad on the side, creates its own calm sense of place.
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The Lobster: With its iconic location on the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster offers a quintessential Southern California dining experience. Enjoy succulent lobsters, fresh seafood, and classic dishes with unparalleled ocean vistas. Watch the sun set over the water while indulging in a memorable feast.
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This seafood restaurant is also a great choice if you’re looking for places with a view in Santa Monica. The fresh seafood at The Lobster is what has kept people coming back since it opened in 1923. It’s also impossible to ignore the never-ending view of the ocean as a picturesque backdrop.
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Right where Ocean Avenue meets the Santa Monica Pier is The Lobster. This venue has a great 180-degree view of the pier and ocean, but the area can get insanely crowded with tourists on weekends, or even a Thursday night. I would recommend this place only during the quieter weekdays.
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Overlooking the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster has been in business just shy of a century. And if you couldn’t piece it together, lobster is their expertise. From butter poached lobster mashed potatoes to lobster cocktail, The Lobster incorporates this shellfish in many of its dishes.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by The Lobster (@thelobstersm). We’ll finish off our list with one of the best seafood restaurants in Santa Monica: The Lobster.
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I'd say try either The Lobster Restaurant at the top of the Santa Monica Pier or Marisols at the end of the pier on a Thursday night and then go to the free concert on the pier. A true taste of Santa Monica.
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Cora’s Coffee Shoppe – Located next to Le Merigot Hotel, a few steps from the Loews, this popular day-time cafe offers delicious burrata omelets and gourmet huevos rancheros.
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Located at the start of Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster is a delicious seafood restaurant, established in 1923, is one of our favourite places to dine in Santa Monica.
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Good, rather over-priced seafood, but spectacular view of the Pacific & the Santa Monica Pier. Should not be difficult getting a table by the window at 5:00-5:30.
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This iconic seafood restaurant overlooking the Pacific ocean at 1602 Ocean Drive offers incredible food, and an unbeatable view from 11:30-10:00 PM.
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1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401Phone: 310-458-9294 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Lobster (@thelobstersm)
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The upscale restaurant is on Ocean Avenue near Coloardo Avenue, overlooks the Pier and offers a view of the ocean.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit