BEST seafood/fresh lobster in LA - where?

[susiequeue]

A very close friend of ours is graduating college -- um, let's just say later in life than 22. (Much!) She's done it all while working a VERY intense full time job and we're so proud. Sadly she can't attend the graduation ceremony in Boston (due to her overwhelming job and business trips) but longs for the seafood of the area. She mentioned lobster (although I think of lobster as a Maine thing, but it's the thought that counts -- and it's HER well-deserved graduation!).

So we want to take her out for the BEST fresh (flown in daily??) lobster. My personal favorite "fish" restaurant is Providence, hands down. I've also had a good meal at The Water Grill (previous chef, though)... but are they the best for fresh lobster?

I'd LOVE any suggestions. Since I mentioned Providence, you can assume money is (proverbially) is no object (heck, it's only once!!) We want it to be very special!

Thanks everyone!

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Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[foufou]

Lobster at the Water Grill was sweet and succulent and on Sundays there is a New England clambake which includes lobster......and there is no corkage fee if you want byob for your celebration

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Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[Phurstluv]

Great idea, I must try this.

[foufou]

check it out and I didn't mention that this meal was relatively inexpensive for both the quality and quantity of food

[Local]

http://www.foodgps.com/water-grill-su...
definitely looks good (circa 2009)

[foufou]

it was $49 and it would have been a bargain at 2009 price of $55!

[maggielyn]

Palm is probably the best choice currently. . . but the fact that it is broiled instead of steamed is main reason for toughness. Not true that native New Englanders prefer tiny lobsters - which are much more shell than meat. About 2.5 to 3 lbs - steamed is the best. Better to order a pair of those than a 6-pounder, for sure . . . And the problem with Sea Harbour (I would imagine) is that it is an Asian prep . . . Always looking for good steamed Maine lobster though . . .

[Baron]

If you love lobster, you should give the Aisian prep a try such as at Sea Harbour just for a change. Really good! Way different experience than the Palm, but just as memorable if not more so.

[mc michael]

Along those lines, hard to beat Newport Seafood House in San Gabriel with the XO sauce.

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Newport Seafood House
835 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776

[Baron]

Oh yes.... I've been to Newport Seafood and had their lobster with some kind of sauce. Can't remember exactly what kind. Maybe ginger, garlic and green onion? Out of this world good.

[New Trial]

The Palm lobsters, even at 6 pounds, are usually not tough at all even for being broiled (which I prefer to steamed). Not sure what their secret is but they are at least as good as, if not better than, many 1.25-1.5 lbers I have had elsewhere.

[monku]

Have had a few 3 pounders at The Palm over the years and despite the size and being broiled, they are some of the best lobsters I've ever had.
Pricey, but great.

[carln]

Generally Mainers believe that large lobsters are tougher and not as desirable as the smaller ones. I spend quite a lot of time in Maine and the 1.25 - 1.5 lb lobsters are considered the best. I dont know where the best place in LA to get them is, but be aware that your friend may not be thrilled with a 6 lb lobster, even if it does look pretty impressive.

[Phurstluv]

That's true, Mainers always say they get tougher and less sweet with age.

[Mattapoisett in LA]

That's because most Mainers don't know how cook a lobster larger than 1.5 Lbs

[Phurstluv]

I wouldn't say that to a Mainer. My ex's family were lobstermen, and were able to cook large lobsters just fine. Most ended up in lazy man's lobster casseroles.

[ipsedixit]

Sea Harbour.

[New Trial]

The best "Maine" lobsters are the huge ones served at the Palm (they actually come from Nova Scotia and are flown in regularly), which are served broiled and with drawn butter.

[monku]

Agree, for the best large lobsters go to The Palm.

[wienermobile]

+2 for the giant Palm lobsters. Available in 3, 4, 5, and 6 pounds.
http://www.thepalm.com/Los-Angeles-We...