Is there parking at Lobster West in Coronado?

The spot is located on B Ave in downtown Coronado, so street parking is your main option—typical for the neighborhood. Arrive earlier in the day or during off-peak hours if you want to avoid circling for a spot, especially on weekends.

Can we walk in, or do we need a reservation?

Lobster West takes both walk-ins and reservations. Since the restaurant is small with limited seating, calling ahead is smart if you're coming with a group or during lunch/dinner rush—it'll save you from a wait.

Is this place good for kids?

Absolutely. It's marked as kid-friendly and family-welcoming, with a casual vibe that works for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch with the family. The lobster rolls and soup flights are easy wins for most palates.

What should we order first?

Start with the Nor'easter (comes with 2 sides) and definitely get the Soup Flight—it's a smart way to try multiple soups without committing to full bowls. The lobster roll is the star; pair it with clam chowder or lobster bisque and you'll see why people come back weekly.

Are the portions worth the price?

Rolls are moderately priced but on the generous side based on most reviews, though portion consistency can vary. The Soup Flight is a particularly good value since you get to sample several of the restaurant's standout soups in one order.

What time should we go to avoid a long wait?

Mid-afternoon (between 2–5 p.m.) or early weekday evenings tend to be less crowded than peak lunch or dinner hours. Weekends in Coronado draw crowds, so if you're coming Saturday or Sunday, aim for off-peak times or make a reservation.

Do you have vegetarian or gluten-free options?

The menu centers on seafood rolls and soups, so vegetarian options are limited. We'd recommend calling ahead to ask about gluten-free bread or other dietary accommodations so the kitchen can prepare properly.

Is there outdoor seating or a patio?

The restaurant is small with limited seating inside, but it's clean and casual. Check directly about any patio or outdoor space when you call—conditions in Coronado are usually perfect for outdoor dining when available.

Lobster West Coronado — San Diego

“Lobster West brings New England lobster rolls to the island without the usual California reinvention — cold-water lobster, split-top buns, butter or mayo, end of story.”

While most Coronado seafood spots lean into local halibut or pan-Pacific preparations, Lobster West runs the opposite play: they're importing the entire East Coast lobster shack experience and refusing to mess with it. The Classic comes exactly as it would in Maine — chunks of tail and claw meat, proper knuckle-cut New England rolls, Old Bay if you want it. The Nor'easter adds warm drawn butter instead of mayo, which matters more than it sounds like it should.

The soup flight is the sleeper move, especially for two people splitting a roll. Three small cups — lobster bisque, clam chowder, and a rotating third option — let you taste through their technique without committing to a full bowl. The bisque runs rich enough to justify its place on the menu; the chowder skews creamy-thick rather than brothy, the kind that coats a spoon.

Portion consistency seems to wobble on takeout orders, which is worth noting if you're ordering for pickup. Dine-in, the rolls run generous — this isn't a precious two-ounce situation stretched across lettuce. Some cooks go heavy on the seasoning salt, so if you're sensitive to that, mention it when you order.

The space itself is small and straightforward, tucked into a B Avenue strip that doesn't try to compete with Orange Avenue's resort-facing storefronts. Limited seating inside means weekday lunch can fill up fast, especially when ferry-landing workers discover it. Pricing feels steep until the seafood weight registers — these aren't California-style deconstructed rolls with three shrimp and a lot of concept.

Grab the Nor'easter with two sides if you want the full commitment, or split a roll and soup flight if you're testing the waters. Either way, you're getting the closest thing to a proper New England fish shack this side of the Coronado Bridge.