Lobster West is a small restaurant in Encinitas offering Maine lobster rolls and other seafood sandwiches. Lately, I’ve been on a mission to find the best lobster roll in San Diego. Lobster West is high on many people’s list of favorite lobster rolls. Their lobsters are shipped overnight from Maine, so that they can offer the authentic Maine lobster roll experience.
Some of the other menu offerings include crab rolls, shrimp rolls, and seafood chowder. Of course, Cape Cod chips are sold as well.
Scallop Roll
We started with the scallop roll, which was on their specials menu. The sandwich was served on a soft and toasted roll, brimming to the top with scallops, with a little lemon wedge on the side. I found the scallops to be tender and seasoned just right.
Lobster Roll
The lobster roll was quite beautiful. The toasted roll had a light mayonnaise spread, with large chunks of buttery lobster sitting on top. The flavor was just like the lobster rolls served on the East Coast. The chunks of lobster were also quite sweet, but I did wish there was more lobster. It appeared to be full of lobster, but actually most of the lobster is just arranged closer to the surface. I realize that it costs a lot more for Maine lobster to be shipped over, so the lobster rolls served here are generally less full, but it’s still hard not to want more. And for the price, $13.95, we actually have had bigger lobster rolls in San Diego.
There is an option to add more meat, but it’ll cost you an additional $7.
Overall, we found that Lobster West offered a solid lobster roll and a tasty scallop roll. The service was also friendly and efficient. However, we both wished for a little more meat in the lobster roll.
Lobster West
765 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
https://lobsterwest.com/lobster-west-menu/
We paid $21 for a lobster roll at Sam’s Chowderhouse in Half Moon Bay and it was totally packed with lobster meat. That was the most we’ve ever paid for any kind of sandwich. It was one of those places we saw while driving down on the 1 (we were heading home from SF)…
Bert and I will have to try Lobster West one of these days.
yikes! Lobster rolls can definitely get expensive– even on the East Coast at the more touristy places. There’s a lot of good spots to hit up nearby Lobster West.
Have you tried Bite of Boston? Their lobster roll was about the same size, but more expensive. Taste-wise, I would go with Lobster West.
Now I want a lobster roll!
I have not! Hmm if it’s the same size but more expensive I’m not so sure I want to try it. So far, the most meat I’ve had was actually the one from Two for the Road. I’ve also been wanting to try Cousins Maine Lobster truck.
Totally agree with you about Lobster West – very tasty lobster roll, but I also wish there was more meat. I haven’t tried the more meat option to see how much more lobster you get. I really like the Maine style, so I haven’t gotten around to trying the Connecticut style yet.
I’m curious about the extra meat option too, but I was afraid to get it and possibly pay $20 for a lobster roll without enough meat. Glad to know I’m not alone. I heard so many great things about this place and I really did enjoy it, but just wanted more meat.