Lobster West — Restaurant in Encinitas

I know your reading this because you want to know about the Lobster roll and if it's worth the money. Lobster in and of itself probably isn't, but your getting an authentic Maine lobster roll. Unlike the California spiney's here, Maine lobster meat is more tender and sweeter. The colder waters are the trick to that and our West we have none.

I prefer the Connecticut style as it's served warm. While both have butter I was under the impression a true Maine doesn't. Either way I like both. A handful of lobster meat and what I'm told is claw meat is proven by the shapes you'll see of the little red chunks inside. The roll is a sweet and soft, buttery even without the additional, almost dinner style filling with a split top.

Shrimp roll sounds unappealing as we get shrimp all the time, but Maine shrimp have the same difference that Gulf shrimp and Maine shrimp have, colder waters equals sweeter meat. The shrimp themselves are pink and not white, smaller and no vein. Better to me than Langostina, slipper or spiney in the regard, closest to Maine meat as possible.

Crab roll uses Dungeoness and Blue, but I would totally prefer all blue. The slaw they use for the combo's is a good amount, chunkier and substantial, not watery. I think it could use more kick and pepper, but as good as it is I don't think it has a place as a true compliment to the rolls, but rather just a generally accepted side dish. I prefer the chips (kettle for crunch) and would almost rather have a pickle and potato salad.

Tip: The Maine Event Combo isn't a lot of food, but expensive for a lunch. To me worth it as each meat has such a complexity.

Bisque to me was simple and classic, but I am not a fan of covering the clean fresh lobster flavor. I was hoping for more spice like a chowder, but without the chunks.

Chowder was bold, tons of clam juice and flavor, large chunks of potato and the spice I was looking for. It's easy to make a good chowder with good ingredients, but harder to make a good bisque.

Maryland Crab soup was a bust to me, Manhattan clam chowder with crab and it totally doesn't do the crab justice. To me tomato based anything is tricky due to paste vs. puree vs. natural vs. kind of tomato. It's so hard to get right. This was doomed a bit.

I kind of went a little overboard on the seafood as I tried all the rolls on 1 visit, all the soups on 1 visit and all the salads on 1 visit and although I was looking forward to a Socal-ish crab Louie I was surprised to not see 1.The lobster tail salad is pretty killer with avo and the tangerine butter dressing. The lump crab salad has another really great dressing, maybe too strong though. To me the strawberries actually kind of hurt it and the cheese as well. Keep the flavors in the seafood salad light and not overpowering, let the most expensive item shine you know.

Whoopie pie's a Maine staple are a delight fully worthy of following excellent lobster rolls. Light in texture, but large in flavor, it's something most west coasters are indifferent to. Surprisingly good, I mean bad for you.

It's a small family run business. Chad, the manager is a great guy, super enthusiast. Customer service is spot on. Owners Joel and his wife Kim handle the business end of things while Larry does the kitchen/ops duties. It's a small shop on the corner and would get better traffic if their sign went higher on the building instead of the banner. Price is decent considering they overnight lobster daily, overnight blue crab 6 days a week, Maine shrimp are never frozen and if I recall the Dungeoness crab is local. They source fruits and veggies locally as well. Tables are basic, décor is more sub shop with some flair than restaurant persay. Very beachy summertime vibe, though I kind of wish it was just a shack for authenticity.

To me it blows Bite of Boston out of the water and the Lobster Truck in OC as well and that is...

Service was quick.and.friendly.

I thought Lobster rolls were supposed to be hot with butter and that's what I was most excited for but IT WASNT. 😔

I Researched it later and apparently they are both served hot and cold just in General. But I don't know if the place will do a hot one.?

They did not ask me which I preferred which they might want to consider too.

I also thought because it's Seafood. I might get an automatic butter cup but no dice. I also ordered to go and they did not give me any utensils or napkins by default. But they did have plenty available near the exit. They have 3 levels of meat stuffing for more or less money and I got the largest size crab roll, and compared to other rolls I've had it seemed normal sized if that. The meat was also coming way more out of the top than it was actually inside the roll. Even though it was cold it still did taste good .I just would've much preferred it with hot lemon butter.

I know Seafood and especially shellfish are expensive and seasonally priced but I felt like the price was too much for the experience. About17% too much. Not many people were there so maybe it's not much of a...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lobster West, and I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The lobster rolls here are simply phenomenal—fresh, delicious, and packed with generous chunks of lobster. Each bite was a delightful blend of perfectly seasoned lobster meat and a buttery, toasted roll that made for an unforgettable meal.

The quality and freshness of the lobster were evident in every bite. It's clear that Lobster West takes great care in sourcing and preparing their ingredients to ensure the highest quality. The lobster rolls are not only delicious but also offer great value, given the generous portion sizes.

The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. The staff were friendly, efficient, and genuinely passionate about their food, which added to the overall positive experience.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, Lobster West is a must-visit for any seafood lover. I can't recommend it highly enough and will definitely be returning soon!

Gluten free rolls available, if not, you can order...