GREAT EATS HAWAII: LOBSTER - SANTA MONICA PIER

LOBSTER

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

After enjoying the Pier scene in Santa Monica, we ventured up to Ocean Avenue and found Lobster. This award winning seafood restaurant was voted one of the best Seafood Restaurants in Los Angeles. We were just looking for some fresh oysters but ended up having a delicious lunch with an incredible view of the Pacific. We did not have reservations, but the man at the reception desk said they would have a table ready in a few minutes. We were taken upstairs to a beautiful restaurant with a commanding view of the Santa Monica Pier and the crisp, clear blue Pacific Ocean. Does not get much better than this. We started with the Oyster Sampler ($19.50). There were around eight fresh shucked oysters on a platter of crushed ice. These were delicious but did not hold a candle to the fresh Cherry Stone Clams ($3.50 each). Huge pieces of fresh clams that everyone said were actually two clams per shell. They were sweet and delicious. Actually the best fresh clams I have ever tasted. I tried a bowl of Clam Chowder ($10.00). It was thick and full of clams and a lot of potatoes. Not the best chowder I have every had but really good. Also tried a Lobster Roll ($24.00). Loved the bread and thought this was just o.k. for the money. My girls absolutely loved the thin and crunch french fries served with the Lobster Roll. Dad enjoyed the Jumbo Crab Cakes ($26.00). These were huge crab cakes that were stuffed full of lump crab meat and topped with a nice salad. Shirley tried the Fresh Filet of Sole ($26.00). The fish was cooked perfectly. Meaty and delicious. Served with mashed potatoes and some artichokes. Heide tried Crab Louis Salad ($18.00). Large pieces of lump crab meat and a nice fresh salad. Keli went for the Pasta with Shrimp ($10.00). She loved it as usual. The wines by the glass here were quite expensive. The Cake Bread Chardonnay was $20 per glass! This is an expensive lunch but a great location with good food and service.