The Lobster Pot Nottingham is a family-run seafood restaurant located at 199 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FS, United Kingdom. The establishment combines traditional seafood dishes with Thai-inspired flavors, offering a unique dining experience. The menu features a variety of seafood options, including lobsters, oysters, mussels, and king prawns, all prepared with homemade Thai sauces. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance and friendly service, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 507
- Google 4.6 455
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere The restaurant is described as a lovely and intimate space, providing a cozy and comfortable dining environment. The ambiance is often praised for feeling welcoming and relaxing.
- Delicious Seafood Platters The seafood platters are a standout item, offering a variety of fresh and flavorful shellfish. The platters are well-presented, generously portioned, and offer a great way to sample different seafood options.
- Excellent Service Many reviewers highlight the exceptional and friendly service, with staff going above and beyond to make the dining experience special. Servers are knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Fresh, High-Quality Seafood The restaurant consistently receives praise for the freshness and quality of its seafood, making it a great choice for seafood lovers. Diners often mention the delicious taste and high quality ingredients.
- Thai-Inspired Flavors The Thai-inspired dishes offer a unique and flavorful twist on traditional seafood. This sets it apart from other seafood restaurants, providing an exciting culinary experience.
Criticised
- Bottled Beer Only The restaurant only offers bottled beer, which may be a drawback for customers who prefer draft options.
- Can be Quiet The restaurant atmosphere can be very quiet, even when the restaurant is only half full, potentially making for a less lively dining experience.
- Inconsistent Food Quality A few dishes, such as the Ga Pow, have been reported as dry with few ingredients for the price. Scallops have been reported as small and gritty.
- Limited Vegan Options The restaurant offers literally zero vegan options, making it a difficult choice for mixed groups with vegan diners.
- Slow Service Service can be slow at times, particularly when trying to get the dessert menu or the bill, even when the restaurant isn't very busy. This can lead to feeling forgotten and requiring effort to get a server's attention.
The longer read
The Lobster Pot Nottingham is highly praised for its seafood, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite for special occasions and regular dining. Many reviewers specifically recommend the seafood platters, noting the freshness and quality of the lobster, prawns, mussels, and oysters. The grilled oysters, in particular, receive frequent mentions as a standout dish. The Thai-inspired dishes, such as the Ga Pow with prawns, crispy duck, and Thai green chili mussels, are also well-received, offering a unique twist on seafood dining. Several reviewers highlight the freshness and quality of the seafood, emphasizing that the food is cooked to perfection and the flavors are well-balanced. Some found the restaurant atmosphere felt like dining in France. The homemade sauces, especially those served with the oysters, are also appreciated. Many reviewers compliment the staff, particularly Scott, for their warm welcome, attentiveness, and knowledge of the menu. The service is described as friendly, informal, and accommodating, with staff going the extra mile to make the dining experience special. The cozy and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, with reviewers appreciating the relaxed and comfortable setting. The Lobster Pot is often described as a "hidden gem" or a "fabulous, fabulous place" that is worth discovering. While the restaurant is located on a main road, some reviewers note that it feels hidden away and provides a great dining experience. Several reviewers mention that they have visited the restaurant multiple times and plan to return, indicating a high level of satisfaction. The restaurant is considered suitable for both family meals and date nights. The restaurant is praised for its attention to detail, from the food presentation to the overall dining experience. However, some reviewers noted inconsistencies. A few reviewers mention that the restaurant can be cold, even with the heating on, and that it can be quiet at times. A small number of reviewers expressed disappointment with specific dishes, citing issues such as dryness, lack of flavor, or small portions. The price point is mentioned by some as being slightly higher than other restaurants, but the quality of the food and service is generally considered to justify the cost. A few reviewers note that parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location on a main road, requiring a short walk. Overall, the Lobster Pot Nottingham receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with its fresh seafood, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere being the main draws for customers.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 17:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 9 places to eat we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Slug & Lettuce - Nottingham Market Square.
Still deciding?
- What is the most recommended seafood dish at The Lobster Pot Nottingham?
- Does The Lobster Pot Nottingham require reservations for dinner and what is their booking window?
- What parking facilities are available near The Lobster Pot Nottingham for diners?
- How does the Thai-inspired sauce menu differentiate the seafood offerings at The Lobster Pot Nottingham?
- Is The Lobster Pot Nottingham suitable for families with children and what amenities do they provide?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.