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The Lobster Trap, Asheville, NC

The Lobster Trap

4.8
4.8
1952 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Discover Ashville's freshest seafood at The Lobster Trap. This casual eatery, located in historic downtown Ashville, specializes in seafood, delighting locals and tourists alike with a tantalizing array of dishes. The Lobster Trap's seafood is incredibly fresh and sourced from trusted, domestic providers, using sustainable techniques. Salads feature fresh, seasonal produce, served with homemade dressings. The Lobster Trap's menu showcases dozens of seafood specialties, including oysters, fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, mussels and, of course, lobster. Instead of traditional entrees, the inventive menu features "Maine courses", featuring everything from lobster rolls to clambakes and Lobster Newburg, as well as regional seafood dishes like cioppino and shrimp and grits, plus steak and surf and turf entrees. Large and small bite dishes, including an award-winning Sunburst Trout dish, are available for sharing.

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (828) 350-0505

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Mike McCarty

  • Neighborhood

    Asheville

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,952 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. JM0769

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding! We had a mixture of cold water oysters to start recommended by our server and they were delicious. Followed that with lobster bisque, salad, then crab cakes. Each dish was delicious. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. Atmosphere was cozy, laid back, and even though the restaurant was full, we had no problems hearing each other. Overall, a great experience. Highly recommend!!
  2. RussellH

    Western NC

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and food. Always a positive experience
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Don’t miss the Lobster Mac & Cheese!!
  4. Ronald

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There were four in our party. It was my 75th birthday so my husband hired a Limousine to take us from Kingsport T the the Lobster 🦞 Trap in Ashville TN. We had the Lobster Trap Clam Bake for two with lobster and lobster newberg and appetizers and Bloody Mary’s WTH shrimp and lobster claws. The food was amazingly delicious. The waitstaff was so personable and attentive. We had a blast and plan on returning again. Thank you for a memorable night !
  5. SueS

    Western NC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good oysters, seafood and service! Would definitely go back and recommend.
  6. Avlrealtor

    Western NC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food during restaurant week. Fresh cold water oysters on the half shell were excellent. Service was great. All the food was super.
  7. pattieatte

    Western NC

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food as always and service was exceptional! Very busy, had to wait 30 minutes past reservation time. Turned out to be Restaurant Week and I wasn’t aware of that when I booked the reservation. We ended up sitting in the back of the restaurant where the kitchen is preparing food so it was extremely loud and when the fan was on, it was cold enough to need our jackets. Not ideal ambiance. Food was great but very pricey.
  8. StephanieE

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lobster Trap is a staple of amazing food in AVL. Always excellent and servers are awesome.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate here 10 years ago when kids were little and we decided to come back with them grown. The food didn’t disappoint us at all. It was worth the drive. Kids are grown and so is their appetite so we had a humongous bill. They were busy and I suggest making a reservation because they are very popular. The portions are hefty and you will leave full and satisfied. I don’t like collard greens much but it is the best that I ever had. I wish they have rice as a side dish because it was really tasty with my meal that was served special that night. There was live music in the evening but it didn’t start till 630 pm so if you like to eat and listen to music, you can reserve that time slot. Not sure if they have it every night but it was there Saturday evening. Our server was very attentive and she didn’t hurry us out of our dining table unlike some other restaurants. The alcoholic drinks are also outstanding. Make sure you order their lobster bisque because it was delish.
  10. MBMCD

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing! Partner & I shared the salmon & lobster roll with lobster Mac & cheese. All of it so good! Def suggest this place.
  11. AnneM

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Food was excellent. I had the lobster Newberg, my husband had the shrimp and Grits. Both we brought out piping hot and great presentation. I would recommend this restaurant and would come back again.
  12. MicheleF

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are always pleased when we eat at the Lobster Trap!
  13. Murphy

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and service Busboys were superb. Clare did a great job and made us feel most welcome.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    My fault totally but I got a lobster roll and lady asked if I wanted the bigger lobster portion and I said yea. That added $30 to my $31 meal.
  15. RichH

    New Orleans

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Lobster Trap is one of our favorite restaurants in Asheville. Over the past 15 years the quality of food remains excellent and the service is always attentive. The seafood is fresh. The lobster roll is a favorite.
  16. JenniferS

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Was looking for some good seafood. It was fantastic. Will come back.
  17. Alexandra

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic restaurant and great seafood. Great prices and service!
  18. HughF

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about our experience was excellent- the service, the cocktails and the meal. We love dining at The Lobster Trap when we visit Asheville and will return soon.
  19. JayM

    Western NC

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Server was excellent! The host lacked people skills and was setting empty tables rather than greeting new customers.
  20. ErikaA

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our holiday dinner at The Lobster Trap was a delicious seafood treat. We were seated in a section near the large window overlooking the street with only about five tables total so the noise level was moderate, and we could have a conversation. I started with the two dozen PEI mussels in a savoury broth (that would have been great on its own as a soup) and they were all open and FRESH. I could have ordered another serving, but I'd also ordered the Maine lobster that came with small potatoes and drawn butter. The lobster was so sweet, I hardly needed the butter at all. My partner had the Caesar salad—crunchy Romaine with just the right amount of dressing—as well as the Alaskan crab legs, which were tasty but a lot of work. We had sides of fingerling potatoes and one oyster each. The potatoes were grilled and had a side of zesty dip, while the oysters were just as fresh as the mussels. My partner had a French martini that was juicy and refreshing, and we ended with a dessert order of locally made dark chocolate ice cream that was lip-smackingly good. Our server, Matt D, was great. He handled taking and serving the orders for all five of the tables in our section and didn't forget a request, no matter how small (like an extra container of the potato dip to take home). The ambience was busy and bustling, but everything looked under control. The restrooms were quite clean for how full the place was at the time. This restaurant is not an inexpensive one but, if you want great seafood on a special occasion, I highly recommend The Lobster Trap for a satisfying meal.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food!!!
  22. Darrell

    Charlotte

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    My wife and I visited last night, Dec. 28th and was surprised that our food was cold. We've visited this restaurant multiple times during our travels to Asheville and I must say we didn't enjoy our meal this last visit, especially when you factor in the amount we paid for dinner.
  23. Chrisk

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    This was a return trip from 2020. We ate here in January. Our experience then was a 5 but this time was just okay. The food is still good but pricey. I understand things have dramatically changed but my husband's lobster Newburg was barely warm when it arrived at the table. My shrimp and grits were good along with the scallops wrapped in bacon. Our server acted like she just didn't care to be there. I get it, those who are willing to work are stretched thin but you need to leave that attitude at home when you go to work. There were many empty glasses and beers before we got refills. Try if you like, maybe you will have a better experience.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great oysters on the half shell. Great service sitting at the bar topped off with a delicious martini. Definitely go again next time in Asheville.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One off the reasons we went to Asheville
  26. JamesG

    Exclusive

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have a great meal at the Lobster Trap. It’s a place we always look forward to going.
  27. JyeL

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food here never disappoints! The cold oysters that they had were excellent. And food portions are great, always end up taking home leftovers!
  28. JasonD

    Greensboro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing!!!! F*%#! Amazing! Everything we had was a work of art! The service was friendly, spot on with their recommendations, and made you feel welcome. Go here, you will not be disappointed.
  29. MattH

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Lobster Trap is an absolute treasure in Asheville. We enjoyed a great family dinner. It was pricy but worth it. The 2 lobster clambake was a mountain of seafood. An experience we will never forget!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service AMAZING. Food was amazing (as always) but our server went above and BEYOND. An absolute pleasure
  31. paulL

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fresh seafood all around: A little pricey , but worth it.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    December 27, 2022. We always eat at The Lobster Trap when we come to Asheville for a 3 day stay. My wife always gets the Lobster and I get the trout. Both are excellent. Casual atmosphere with great food.
  33. Atlmarta

    Atlanta Metro

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Matt was amazing and attentive. Maybe could have used 1 more bar tender. But we will definitely come back!
  34. frank

    Indiana

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    I have always had great servicre ntil this evening. Because of the cold weather, it waas not that very busy and the cooks seem to be fully staffed, but our food and drinks took a long time. I waas wondering if there was new management?
  35. DarraP

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent! Definitely recommend the surf and turf!
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Enjoyed every bit of it!!
  37. Luigi

    Minneapolis

    71 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Great food. Superb lobster bisque and lobster newburgh! Biggest problem was the restaurant temperature was about 55 degrees! Even the wait staff was wearing coats and hats! No explanation provided other than it was cold outside.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Ate at the bar. The server was FANTASTIC. Food is usually better. It has been on previous visits. But I would definitely return. Walkable downtown.
  39. Mainer

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    We are from Maine, we were so excited to eat here. The cioppino is very smoky tasting which was a first for us, my husband gets it often in restaurants, esp in Maine. Perhaps a southern twist? We were not charged for it after my husband did not eat it, and we did not request a refund, it wa simply provided which was unexpected, thank you. The cornbread had no sweetness and the honey butter needed more honey in order to accommodate it nicely. Too bland. My lobster roll was double stuffed, at a whopping 61.00. Yes, 61.00 dollars, I asked to be sure this was correct, it was. Again, we paid for it but I missed the pricing. No problem, as I did order it. The chocolate cake however was great! Overall it was not a great experience food wise but the service was excellent.
  40. KathyW

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went for our 45th anniversary. The food was great. We started with Lobster bisque. It was warm and thick. We had a few raw oysters that were so good with the horseradish cocktail sauce. Then we overdid it with the lobster double clam bake and added crab legs. It was so good. My husband’s only complaint was he was too full to finish it all. Our server was great as well,I’m sorry but I can’t remember her name. My personal favorite was the shrimp.

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Lobster Trap using the Order Online button. The Lobster Trap also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (828) 350-0505.

The Lobster Trap is rated 4.8 stars by 1952 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for The Lobster Trap

35 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Asheville

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Mike McCarty

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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