Lobster Shop

Lobster Shop

4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States

+1 253-759-2165

Seafood restaurant
(3183)
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About This Place

Nestled along the scenic Ruston Way waterfront in Tacoma, Lobster Shop offers a distinguished seafood dining experience that celebrates the rich bounty of the Pacific Northwest with a refined touch. This seafood restaurant masterfully combines fresh, flavorful ingredients with an inviting atmosphere, making every visit feel like a coastal getaway.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, cozy ambiance that perfectly complements the menu’s upscale yet approachable offerings. Whether it’s a special occasion or an intimate night out, the combination of waterfront views and attentive service sets an inviting tone.

The cuisine centers around succulent seafood preparations, boasting a menu that delights every palate. Start your meal with standout appetizers like the Oysters on the Half Shell — fresh, briny, and elegantly presented — or the irresistibly creamy Baked Lobster Dip, bursting with savory richness. For the main course, the Lobster Carbonara captivates with its indulgent pasta enveloped in a luscious lobster-infused sauce, while the 10 Oz Lobster Tail paired with Filet Mignon offers surf-and-turf perfection, delivering tender, buttery lobster against a backdrop of expertly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth steak.

Seafood aficionados will also appreciate the Northwest Cioppino, a fragrant, tomato-rich seafood stew that brims with fresh shellfish, or the hearty Fish and Chips — crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. Don’t miss the classic Lobster Roll Sandwich and Fries, which captures the essence of coastal comfort food with its sweet lobster meat and perfectly toasted bun.

No meal here is complete without indulging in dessert. The Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée offers a rich, silky custard beneath a crisp caramelized crust, paired thoughtfully with fresh fruit for balance. For a more decadent finish, the Flourless Chocolate Cake drizzled with caramel and served alongside Madagascar vanilla ice cream is a divine choice. Dessert cocktails like the robust Espresso Martini or the spiced Mexican Coffee bring a luxe close to your dining experience.

The Lobster Shop’s commitment to hospitality shines through as much as its menu. Customers frequently praise the attentive, friendly service, embodied by staff like Leah who make guests feel truly valued. While a few diners have noted occasional inconsistencies, such as steak doneness or vegetable preparation, the majority express deep satisfaction with the overall quality, food, and ambiance. As one happy guest reflected, it’s a "lovely experience" that’s "warm and charming," perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings.

In every bite, from the sweet, buttery lobster to the hearty, comforting chowders and the thoughtfully crafted desserts, Lobster Shop delivers an authentic taste of the sea with a Pacific Northwest flair. It’s a place where fresh ingredients, welcoming ambiance, and thoughtful service converge to create memorable meals that keep diners returning again and again.

If you’re seeking a seafood restaurant with a view, a vibrant menu, and a warm hospitality that feels genuinely heartfelt, Lobster Shop on Ruston Way invites you to savor a dining experience that’s as rich and refreshing as the ocean breeze itself.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy Quiet Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking Valet parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Hailey Owens
    3 week ago

    Went here for the first time for dinner. The atmosphere was great and the food was even better! Our server did a wonderful job as well. Would highly recommend for a nice dinner

  • Jill Schwahl
    1 month ago

    Nice view. My steak was undercooked as was my Lobster tail. Ordered Medium. Same for another dinner with us. We didn’t care too much for the oysters however the crab cakes were very good. Drinks were also very good. One thing I would suggest is remove tough skin off broccoli as it was tough to eat. We went off the reviews and pictures and were a little disappointed.

  • Alice Shen
    2 month ago

    We’ve been here twice in a month already — yes, we came to use a gift card and the 25% veteran discount — but honestly, we would’ve come back anyway! Love the food, love the view, and the service has been great both times. Everything was just as good as I expected. For our first dinner visit, we had the Baked Lobster Dip, Lobster Risotto, and the 3-course Twilight Dinner (with chowder, Sockeye Salmon, and the Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Torte for dessert). Everything was so good we were practically licking our plates! The second time, we came for lunch — the crab cakes were spot on, and the fish & chips were perfectly chunky and crispy (I was full after just one piece!). My husband had the Wagyu burger, which was juicy and flavorful. We’ll definitely be back again — great food, great view, and always a pleasant experience.

  • Faircloth
    2 month ago

    During a recent girls' trip, we had the pleasure of dining at The Lobster Shop. From the moment we walked in, the management and waitstaff, esp. Leah, made us feel incredibly welcome. Their friendliness and attentiveness were evident throughout our meal, making us feel like valued guests rather than just another table. It’s always refreshing to encounter such genuine hospitality. Now, let’s talk about the food! Each dish we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality. The most unexpected and memorable part of our experience came at the end of our meal. The manager surprised our group with a complimentary dessert and a toast of champagne. This thoughtful gesture truly topped off our evening and made us feel special. It’s these little touches that elevate a dining experience from good to unforgettable. Overall, The Lobster Shop exceeded our expectations in every way. If you’re looking for a fantastic meal paired with exceptional service, I highly recommend stopping by. We left with full bellies and happy hearts, and I can’t wait to return!

  • James ST
    2 month ago

    I chose this restaurant to celebrate my birthday dinner, and it turned out to be a lovely experience overall. The ambiance was warm and charming, especially comforting on a gloomy, rainy evening. It felt cozy and inviting the moment we walked in. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and delicious. The flavors were thoughtful, and the seafood in particular was cooked perfectly. I couldn’t stop thinking about the lobster risotto and scallop. My other dining companions also got shrimp scampi and rockfish which they enjoyed. The only miss for all four of us was the lobster bisque, which unfortunately leaned a bit too salty for our taste. Aside from that, everything else exceeded expectations. A special shoutout to our server, Scott E. He was impeccable. Attentive without being intrusive, incredibly professional, and genuinely thoughtful throughout the night. His service truly elevated the experience and made the dinner feel enjoyable. I’d absolutely return and would happily recommend this place for a special occasion!

  • Clint Harding
    3 month ago

    We attempted to have dinner here but came across an issue and were not able to attend. We seen the good reviews and did not want to miss trying this restaurant, so we had lunch. The sourdough bread was very good to start. We had the soup and sandwich combos. We tried the lobster bisque (delicious) and had both the Connecticut and Maine lobster rolls. The rolls were both extremely tasty and worth getting. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The view is pleasant. We will definitely return to try their dinner service. Don't miss on this gem!!

  • M. Tanoa
    3 month ago

    We went here for our anniversary last year, October 24, 2024, we didn’t have reservations but we had our 3 kids with us. We arrived at 7:30, told the host that we didn’t have reservations and that it was our anniversary. We both worked and went straight to dinner so we weren’t dressed up, but also didn’t look we just walked up off the streets. They gave us the best table in the house, explained to us the menu as we told them it was our first time there. Let me tell you, the host and our waiters went out of their way to make us feel welcomed, this was one of the best dining experiences of our lives. The oysters were fresh, they gave us a few toppings to try on them, wow, I still haven’t had any other oysters that tasted like the ones we had that night. My husband and I opted for the 3 course dinner, mind blowing, the lobster bisque was heavenly, if I could pick my last meal on earth, that would be it All in all, we could’ve been served a crappy meal but would still left a wonderful review because of how we were treated, even our kids said they loved this restaurant. I don’t know if the host and waiters are still there but if they are, I hope they read this and realize how so very special they made our anniversary evening. Thank you

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