Light cream is made from pasteurized milk and cream. It is mixed with clam juice, salt, milk, water, sherry wine (which contains sulfiting agents), cornstarch, butter (which is made from cream and salt), onions, tomato paste, cane sugar, broth concentrate (which is made from natural flavor, water, salt, olive oil, expeller-pressed palm oil, xanthan gum), lobster stock (which is made from water, lobster, salt), sea salt, and paprika.
Lobster bisque is a luxurious, creamy soup made with lobster meat and stock. It originated in France in the 1700s and became popular with the upper class. Today, lobster bisque is served in many upscale restaurants across the country. But you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy this delicious soup. With the right knowledge, you can find lobster bisque at restaurants near you.
In this article, we’ll explore what exactly lobster bisque is, why it’s so popular, and where you can find it in your area We’ll provide tips on looking for lobster bisque on restaurant menus and how to identify authentic, high-quality versions Finally, we’ll suggest some of the best lobster bisque spots in major cities across the US. Armed with this guide, you’ll know exactly where to get tasty lobster bisque close to home.
What Is Lobster Bisque?
Lobster bisque is a cream-based soup made by boiling lobster shells to make a stock, then thickening it with a roux Heavy cream or milk is also added to give it a velvety texture The soup generally contains chunks of lobster meat, along with vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Some versions also include cognac, sherry, or white wine.
Traditional French recipes call for cooking the lobster shells and vegetables first to extract maximum flavor for the stock. The shells contribute essential depth, while the vegetables balance out the richness. A touch of tomato adds welcome acidity. The stock is strained before being combined with the roux and cream. Finally, cooked lobster meat is stirred in at the end so it doesn’t get overdone.
The result is an utterly decadent, complex soup with sweet lobster flavor in every spoonful. The velvety bisque has enough body to coat the back of a spoon. Top restaurants may garnish it with extras like lobster roe, caviar, or chunks of fresh lobster meat.
Why Lobster Bisque Became So Popular
During the 1700s and 1800s, lobster bisque gained a reputation as an aristocratic dish in France. Made with expensive ingredients like cream and shellfish, it was served exclusively in upper-class homes and fine dining establishments. Wealthy hosts served it as a status symbol at lavish dinner parties.
As French culinary influence spread, lobster bisque made its way onto menus in Europe and eventually the United States. Its indulgent taste and upscale roots added to the appeal. Today it remains a specialty dish at steakhouses, seafood restaurants, and hotel restaurants. Patrons order it for special occasions or as a luxe treat.
Beyond the elite origins, several factors help explain why lobster bisque became so popular over time:
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Rich, luxurious flavor – The lobster stock provides deep savory notes, while the cream gives a smooth, silky texture. This satisfying flavor combination is hard to resist.
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Romantic presentation – With its creamy orange-pink hue and chunks of lobster meat, lobster bisque looks elegant served in a bowl or crock. Restaurants often garnish it lavishly.
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Adaptability – Chefs can put creative spins on lobster bisque while retaining the indulgent essence. Variations may contain sherry, Cognac, or different seafood.
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Scarcity – Since it requires time-consuming preparation with expensive ingredients, lobster bisque is still found at a relatively small number of restaurants. This adds to the appeal for foodies seeking unique dishes.
How to Find Lobster Bisque Near You
Lobster bisque may sound exclusive, but you can actually find it in many cities if you know where to look. Here are tips for tracking down lobster bisque close to home:
Check Menus of Upscale Seafood Restaurants
Focus your search on higher-end seafood restaurants, which are more likely to offer lobster bisque. Oyster bars, crab shacks, and other seafood-centric spots should have it on the menu or as a rotating daily special. Check out local spots with words like “seafood,” “oyster,” “crab,” or “lobster” in the name.
Look at Steakhouse Menus
Along with seafood restaurants, lobster bisque is right at home on steakhouse menus. The indulgent soup matches well with filet mignon or ribeye steak. Scope out menus online for steak-focused restaurants in your city or neighborhood.
Search Hotel Dining Options
Many hotel restaurants provide refined, upscale dining options. Their chefs prepare elegant seafood dishes like lobster bisque for guests. Check menus for restaurants in nice hotels in your area.
Try Food Delivery Services
If you want to enjoy lobster bisque at home, consider ordering from a food delivery service that partners with local restaurants. Search apps like UberEats, DoorDash, or Grubhub for “lobster bisque” and see which nearby restaurants pop up.
Look for Lobster Rolls
Restaurants that serve lobster rolls are also likely to have lobster bisque, since they already have the key ingredient on hand. Search for “lobster roll” instead and check out those restaurant menus.
Tips for Finding the Best Lobster Bisque
Once you’ve located restaurants that offer lobster bisque, look for signs that they serve high-quality, authentic versions:
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Made with real lobster – Chicken or generic seafood stock won’t provide the same rich flavor. Make sure the menu specifies it’s made with real lobster.
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Cooked to order – The best bisque is prepared fresh when you order it, not pre-made. Check that the restaurant doesn’t merely heat up frozen bisque.
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Contains lobster meat – Bits of real lobster meat should be visible throughout, not just a negligible garnish on top.
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Lots of cream – A thinner broth lacks the indulgent velvety texture. The soup should be packed with cream or milk.
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Bright orange-pink hue – Paler bisques are likely made with minimal lobster stock. The color should be distinctly orange-pink.
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Reasonable price – Bisque made with quality ingredients won’t be dirt cheap. Expect to pay $5 to $15 for authentic versions.
Follow the tips above, and you’re sure to find mouthwatering lobster bisque near you without breaking the bank!
Where to Find the Best Lobster Bisque in Major US Cities
To get your lobster bisque search started, here are some top spots in major cities across America:
New York City
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The Capital Grille – Elegant steakhouse with reliably delicious lobster bisque, according to many reviews. The locations on Wall Street, in Midtown East, and in the Financial District frequently offer it.
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Oceana Restaurant – Upscale seafood restaurant in Midtown praised for its classic rendition with generous chunks of lobster. A NYC favorite for special occasions.
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City Crab & Seafood Company – This Lower East Side hot spot for crab and lobster rolls also makes Manhattan’s best lobster bisque, say fans. Expect a generous portion.
Los Angeles
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The Lobster – Santa Monica spot focusing on lobster rolls and bisque in a casual setting. Choose between the robust “East Coast-style” or lighter “West Coast-style” bisque.
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The Hungry Cat – Hip seafood restaurant with creative takes on lobster bisque. The smoked version has a subtle smoky flavor.
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Water Grill – Upscale Downtown LA seafood eatery where the lobster bisque is a favorite starter. Has a touch of cognac for added flavor.
Chicago
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Shaw’s Crab House – Legendary River North seafood restaurant that masterfully executes a classic creamy lobster bisque with sherry.
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The Capital Grille – The Chicago outpost of this national steakhouse chain scores points for its rich, satisfying lobster bisque accented with sherry.
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Michael Jordan’s SteakHouse – Located in the InterContinental hotel, this upscale steakhouse makes an ultra-creamy bisque topped with lobster morsels.
Houston
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Eddie V’s Prime Seafood – Houston’s top lobster bisque can be found at this popular downtown spot, according to reviews. It’s loaded with chunks of tender lobster meat.
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Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse – This modern American steakhouse near Memorial Park has a lobster bisque with brandy that fans say is worth every penny.
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The Oceanaire Seafood Room – From the polished oyster bar in the Galleria, this nationwide chain serves up authentic bisque with sherry and plenty of cream.
Seattle
- Metropolitan Grill – Legendary downtown steakhouse praised for its classic rendition made with real lobster stock and sherry. A touch of
Nutrition Facts3 servings per containerServing size1 cup (245 g)Amount per servingCalories760% Daily Value *
Products marked “gluten-free” are either packaged in a way that follows FDA rules or are single-ingredient foods that don’t contain any gluten ingredients and don’t say that they were made in a facility that also processes gluten ingredients. Packaged 365 Everyday Value products that are labeled gluten-free are third-party certified.
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- Prepared Soups & Salads
- Lobster Bisque, 24 oz
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Light cream is made from pasteurized milk and cream. It is mixed with clam juice, salt, milk, water, sherry wine (which contains sulfiting agents), cornstarch, butter (which is made from cream and salt), onions, tomato paste, cane sugar, broth concentrate (which is made from natural flavor, water, salt, olive oil, expeller-pressed palm oil, xanthan gum), lobster stock (which is made from water, lobster, salt), sea salt, and paprika.
Milk and Dairy, Shellfish