What's more fun than to dine with every tourist in your city? Actually almost anything, but we love The Lobster so much that we put up with this small annoyance because a) tourists are a major source
of income for Los Angeles(this means you too Peoples' Republic of Santa Monica) and b) because the food and service are always outstanding! Don't be a tourist. Make a reservation well in advance or you will be dining at either 5:30 or
9:30 p.m. Enjoy the cantilevered, open-air deck and 180 degree panoramic ocean view while you dine on fresh seafood at the base of the Santa Monica Pier. We love to go for dinner or lunch and enjoy the Crispy Calamari and & Prawns
($14) with fennel and anchovy stuffed olives, garlic and anchovy aioli, ponzu, and sweet chili sauce. The Little Gem Salad ($13) is something we never miss. Blue cheese dressing, smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, heirloom cauliflower, pickled red onion, croutons
and basil combine to make one tangy, tasty pre-meal delight. Clam Chowder ($12) does not disappoint either. Starring applewood smoked bacon, and my favorite Weiser Farms heirloom potatoes, this is one of the finest"chowdahs" west of Boston! On our last
lunch visit I enjoyed the Dungeness Crab & Shrimp "Louis" Salad ($20) with romaine, eggs, radish, avocado, cucumber, olives, and cherry tomato. We also couldn't resist the Weiser Farms Whole Roasted Carrots ($5). For dinner we always go with the Steamed
American Lobster (1and 1/2 lb-2 lb $32) and the Truffle Parmesan Fries. ($7). Whether it's a special occasion, or you just fel like indulging, The Lobster has something for everyone! The Lobster 1602 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica (310) 458-9294. Hours: Sun-Thurs:
11:30 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.