Located just steps from the iconic neon sign welcoming you to Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster is a local classic that first opened in 1925 specializing in—you guessed it—whole, grilled, and steamed lobster.

After a storied history, The Lobster sat empty for more than 10 years before reopening in 1999, newly renovated and under new ownership. Today, gaze out of the contemporary dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, or from the expansive terrace for big views of the beach while enjoying Chef Collin Crannell’s grilled Yucatan or California spiny lobster. It isn’t all about crustaceans here: other seafood choices include pan-roasted rockfish from Morro Bay, espresso barbecue Columbia River king salmon, and assorted oysters from an extensive raw bar.

Afterwards, make your way down the pier for a spin on the solar-powered Ferris wheel—especially beautiful at night.