LobStar is a beachfront seafood restaurant in Santa Maria with themed décor and live music on some evenings. When it delivers, lobster and pasta impress. Prices are high and experiences vary, so go unhurried, informed and with a flexible budget.
When a restaurant feels like a stage set
Santa Maria has plenty of seafood restaurants. And then there’s LobStar, which seems to have decided that if you’re by the sea, the staff should dress like sailors and the building should lean slightly towards a “theme park” aesthetic. Not necessarily bad. Just… very aware of itself.
The curious part is that behind the costumes, there are nights when everything works beautifully. And others when you start wondering whether the price also includes the scenery.
A beach restaurant with ambitions
LobStar presents itself as a beachfront seafood restaurant, aimed at relaxed dinners, couples and small celebrations. There’s live music on some evenings — piano, vocals, even Tom Jobim — which, when it lands right, significantly elevates the atmosphere.
Overall, the vibe is polished and leaning towards romantic. Although atmosphere doesn’t depend on music alone — it also depends on what’s in front of you… and lately, that appears to include construction works.
On the beach, yes… with caveats
It’s right by the sea, which would normally end the discussion. However, several reviews mention that the view is no longer as clean as expected, due to a large construction site directly in front of the terrace.
You’re still close to the ocean, but the postcard moment isn’t always guaranteed. If you’re paying premium prices, some diners expect a view without excavators.
Between “excellent” and “not worth the price”
This is where opinions really split: the food divides people.
On the positive side, many guests praise fresh ingredients, well-prepared dishes, generous portions and what they describe as some of the best lobster in Santa Maria. Ravioli, lemon fish pasta and desserts like tiramisu also receive enthusiastic mentions.
On the negative side, there are harsh criticisms: dry and bland dishes, small portions of octopus, flavourless fish and, above all, prices that feel disconnected from the plate. Some reviews mention bills close to €100 for two dishes with wine and water, or a shared lobster tasting menu at €80 plus drinks.
More seriously, there are also mentions — not many, but present — of suspected food poisoning and concerns about frozen products. These aren’t the dominant voice, but they’re impossible to ignore.
At LobStar, dinner can be romantic… or a personal audit of your bank account.
Either very attentive… or noticeably absent
Service quality also seems inconsistent. Some guests describe it as exceptionally attentive, warm and professional, even naming staff members who made the evening special. Others report inattentive service, lack of warmth and poor responsiveness.
It doesn’t come across as consistently bad. It comes across as a place where a good night feels great — and a bad one feels frustrating.
Live music and calm evenings
The atmosphere is often cited as one of LobStar’s strengths: soft live music, relaxed pacing and a “long dinner” kind of mood. One practical note worth mentioning: several reviews point out that in the evening it is adults only. For some, that’s a bonus. For families, less so.
To avoid disappointment
– Go with a special-occasion mindset, not expecting a cheap casual meal.
– Ask about seafood prices before ordering, especially lobster tastings.
– If you dislike paying extra for aesthetics, this may not be your place.
– Adjust expectations if construction affects the view.
– Best suited for quiet dinners with no children around.
When you want a slow dinner
LobStar works best in the evening, especially on nights with live music and no rush. If you’re looking for a quick beach lunch, there are simpler and more straightforward options nearby.
A restaurant that asks for trust (and budget)
LobStar has a strong identity: themed décor, curated music and genuine culinary potential. But with high prices come high expectations — and those expectations aren’t always met consistently.
On a good night, it’s a place you recommend. On a bad one… you’ll remember exactly how much you paid.
The sea is right there, the music is soft and the bill arrives flawlessly. All that’s left is for the food to always keep up.
