The salty air of Balboa Island just got a touch sweeter with the anticipated arrival of Luke’s Lobster. The renowned East Coast eatery officially opened its first Orange County location on Friday, Aug. 22, bringing its Maine-style lobster rolls and other Neptunian fare to Newport Beach.
Residents and fans arrived by rideshare, foot, golf cart and vehicle to the parking-parched enclave, with a line stretching down the block. “I love lobster,” said Balboa Island resident Jeanine Raab said. “Even before they came to Balboa Island, but I was very excited when I saw the sign go up announcing they were coming.” Raab, a self-proclaimed fan, who has visited a couple of Luke’s East Coast locations, added, “It’s a good addition to the neighborhood” and “the fact that I can walk here is awesome.”
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Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, who appeared at the opening, shared her enthusiasm after presenting Luke’s general manager Evan Lee with a certificate of recognition. “The people in line that I talked to, they are followers of Luke’s. They get the kits at Whole Foods. Ad so they’re very excited to be able to to come and get the real lobster rolls here in person.”
Noting the positive impact the eatery will have on the local business landscape by drawing in more visitors, Foley added, “Look, anytime we can change out some of the businesses and refresh, it gets a lot of excitement and energy.”
For those unfamiliar with the buzz, Luke’s Lobster, founded in 2009 by third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden, has garnered a loyal following for its dedication to simple seafood. The star of the show, undoubtedly, is its signature lobster roll.
As for the roll itself? It’s great — as it should be for $30 and up. The split-top bun is toasted to a golden hue with crispy edges, its butteriness complimenting the rich filling. A thin swipe of mayonnaise is subtly hidden beneath a generous portion of lobster meat that is sweet and briny, all enhanced by a drizzle of lemon butter and sprinkle of Luke’s proprietary house seasoning. But the natural lobster flavor shone through most, possibly a testament to Holden’s deep rooted understanding of the crustacean and all those years hauling traps with his father.
Extending beyond the lobster roll (which costs $30 for a quarter pound roll and $41 for a six-ounce roll), guests can opt for shrimp rolls ($17 and $22) and crab rolls ($22 and $30). A seafood roll flight, featuring crab, lobster and shrimp, runs $33.
Each roll comes with a bag of chips and beverage. New England clam chowder and poppyseed slaw also available.
Luke’s Lobster joins a couple of other new spots on Marine Avenue, including Hello Candy, a Swedish candy store that opened in July, and the upcoming Jasper Coffee set to open later this summer next door to the new lobster joint.
With one location already established in San Francisco, Luke’s made its first foray in Southern California after opening its Santa Monica spot in late 2024.
Find it: 329 Marine Ave., Newport Beach