PHILADELPHIA, PA - While seafood is a year-round favorite in Philadelphia, there's something about summer that makes the sweet, succulent taste of lobster especially craveable. From classic, butter-drenched lobster rolls to extravagant surf-and-turf burgers and inventive global preparations, the city's chefs are showcasing this prized crustacean in delicious and creative ways. Here is a guide to ten of the best restaurants in and around Philadelphia to find your next unforgettable lobster dish.
1. Luke's Lobster (Rittenhouse Square)
- The Lobster: A go-to for lobster purists, Luke's Lobster is famous for its authentic Maine-style lobster roll. Served on a buttered, toasted split-top bun, the roll is overflowing with a quarter-pound of chilled, wild-caught lobster knuckle and claw meat, finished with a touch of mayonnaise, lemon butter, and a secret seasoning.
- The Vibe: A bright, casual, and quick-service spot that consistently delivers a high-quality, sustainable product.
2. Barclay Prime (Rittenhouse Square)
- The Lobster: One of Philadelphia's finest steakhouses, Barclay Prime offers an elegant and luxurious lobster experience. Begin your meal with a classic whole Maine lobster cocktail or a decadent lobster bisque. For the main course, indulge in their perfectly butter-poached lobster, served out of the shell with fresh lemon.
- The Vibe: An incredibly sophisticated and modern library-like setting, perfect for a special occasion.
3. Oyster House (Center City)
- The Lobster: A historic Philadelphia seafood institution, Oyster House is a master of all things from the sea. They offer a fantastic classic lobster roll (available in both warm Connecticut-style with butter or cold Maine-style with mayo) and serve whole steamed or grilled lobsters.
- The Vibe: A bustling, timeless, and classic American seafood hall with a fantastic raw bar.
4. Steak 48 (Center City)
- The Lobster: This upscale steakhouse offers one of the most beloved and unique shareable dishes in the city: Chicken Fried Lobster Tails. Lightly crispy on the outside with tender, sweet lobster meat on the inside, these tails are seasoned with Chesapeake Bay spices and served with a side of green chili aioli.
- The Vibe: A high-energy, glamorous, and modern steakhouse with a stunning two-story dining room.
5. The Continental Midtown (Rittenhouse Square)
- The Lobster: The Continental Midtown puts a delicious and comforting twist on a classic favorite with its Lobster Mac & Cheese. This decadent dish features tender lobster combined with creamy gruyère and fontina cheeses, all made with orzo pasta for a unique and rich texture.
- The Vibe: A stylish and energetic spot with a retro-modern feel and a popular rooftop patio.
6. Buddakan (Old City)
- The Lobster: Stephen Starr's modern Asian palace, Buddakan, features several standout lobster dishes. The Shanghai lobster is served with a flavorful curry lobster sauce, and the lobster fried rice is infused with saffron and Thai basil. Don't miss the fan-favorite lobster egg rolls, packed with shrimp and a kick of chili sauce.
- The Vibe: A dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful restaurant dominated by a giant golden Buddha, offering a high-energy, see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
7. Buena Onda (Fairmont)
- The Lobster: Celebrity Chef Jose Garces brings a taste of New England summers to his Baja-inspired taqueria with JG's Maine Lobster Taco. This unique dish features fresh Maine lobster, shredded romaine, baja butter, and chipotle lime crema on a soft flour tortilla. It's one of the best lobster deals in the city.
- The Vibe: A casual, relaxed, and beachy taqueria.
8. Forsythia (Old City)
- The Lobster: At his contemporary French restaurant, Chef Christopher Kearse offers an elegant and unexpected twist on a classic with his Beet Deviled Eggs topped with Lobster Bottarga. The lobster roe is cooked and then dehydrated, creating a rich, luxurious, and savory "bottarga" that is grated over the dish.
- The Vibe: An intimate and sophisticated modern French bistro.
9. Butcher & Singer (Center City)
- The Lobster: A classic, timeless steakhouse, Butcher & Singer offers an extensive raw bar featuring a pristine lobster cocktail. For an unforgettable entrée, guests can indulge in perfectly prepared twin lobster tails served with drawn butter.
- The Vibe: Step back into the glamorous, old-Hollywood era in this grand and elegant dining room.
10. Hook and Ladder Sky Bar (Conshohocken, PA)
- The Lobster: For the ultimate surf-and-turf moment, the extravagant Fireman Burger at Hook and Ladder Sky Bar is a must-try. This indulgent creation starts with a premium Wagyu patty wrapped in edible gold and is topped with a perfect butter-poached lobster tail, truffle aioli, and aged cheddar béchamel sauce.
- The Vibe: An elegant rooftop bar and restaurant with great views, located in the historic Hotel West & Main.