THE LOBSTER
1602 OCEAN AVE, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401 · RESTAURANT (151 + ) SEATS HIGH RISK
Inspection summary
THE LOBSTER has been inspected 2 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since April 18, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 24, 2026, recorded 10 infractions.
None of the 2 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 10 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.
What these findings mean
Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.
PestsHigher risk
Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.
Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 24, 2026. For example:
NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT
Food temperature controlHigher risk
Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.
Recorded 2 times on September 24, 2026. For example:
PROPER COOLING METHODS
Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk
Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.
Recorded once on September 24, 2026. For example:
IMPOUNDMENT/VOLUNTARY CONDEMN AND DISPOSE (VC&D)/SAMPLING
Equipment and utensilsLower risk
Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.
Recorded 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 24, 2026. For example:
EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS AND LINENS: STORAGE AND USE
Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk
Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.
Recorded 3 times on September 24, 2026. For example:
FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS PROPERLY BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN
About this data
These results come from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.
2 inspections
- ROUTINE INSPECTION
10 infractions
- F124: NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT
- 2 points
- F110: PROPER COOLING METHODS
- 2 points
- F137: EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS AND LINENS: STORAGE AND USE
- 1 point
- F145: FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS PROPERLY BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN
- 1 point
- F151: IMPOUNDMENT/VOLUNTARY CONDEMN AND DISPOSE (VC&D)/SAMPLING
- F134: NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
- 1 point
- F108: PROPER HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
- 4 points
- F136: EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY
- 1 point
- F138: ADEQUATE VENTILATION AND LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS, USE
- 1 point
- F122: HOT AND COLD WATER AVAILABLE
- 2 points
- F124: NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT
- ROUTINE INSPECTION
3 infractions
- F023: # 23. NO RODENTS, INSECTS, BIRDS, OR ANIMALS
- 2 points
- F035: # 35. EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS - APPROVED; INSTALLED; CLEAN; GOOD REPAIR, CAPACITY
- 1 point
- F052: # 01B. FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION
- 2 points
- F023: # 23. NO RODENTS, INSECTS, BIRDS, OR ANIMALS
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