The Lobster Awards

The Lobster Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Perched right on the Pacific, this seafood restaurant is one of L.A.’s most atmospheric oceanside spots. A fixture at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier since 1923, the original Lobster has been renovated into a dramatic wood, glass and concrete restaurant with a dining room, bar and sweeping terrace. The drop-dead ocean view --- complete with psychedelically-lit Ferris wheel --- makes it one hot reservation. But the food is also a draw, so don't fill up on the warm bread served with house-made chimichurri.

Food & Drinks: Start with an order of very fresh oysters before enjoying simple but sophisticated seafood dishes such as pan-seared crab cakes with avocado purée, arugula, oven dried tomato and shaved fennel salad, and Hawaiian blue King prawns sautéed and served with their heads still on. Of course, there's lobster, beautifully presented steamed, grilled or butter poached as well as in a satisfyingly light salad. Landlubbers can enjoy steaks, roasted chicken and skillfully prepared vegetable side dishes. The friendly staff will help with squeezing lemons on lobster-stained hands to pairing dishes and simple sweets with selections from the California-heavy wine list. Thinking of dropping in just for a signature cocktail at sunset? Plan ahead. The happening bar scene gathers steam long before then.