Red Lobster Starters And Appetizers Menu: Prices, Calories & Best Picks (2026)
Hungry and not sure where to start? The Red Lobster starters and appetizers menu is the best place to begin any visit. From crispy shrimp to warm cheesy dips, these small plates set the mood for the rest of your meal.
In this guide, you will find the full Red Lobster appetizers menu with prices, calories, and honest picks on what to order. Whether you want something light, something cheesy, or something loaded with seafood, this list covers it all.
What Is on the Red Lobster Starters And Appetizers Menu?
Red Lobster’s starter menu is built for sharing. Most tables order one or two appetizers before their main dish. Some people even turn two or three starters into a full meal.
The menu mixes seafood starters with a few non-seafood options. This makes it easy for groups with different tastes to find something they like.
Here is what you can expect on the Red Lobster appetizers menu:
- Crispy fried seafood bites
- Warm cheese and seafood dips
- Chilled shrimp starters
- Flatbreads and small pizzas
- Non-seafood picks for kids and picky eaters
Red Lobster Starters And Appetizers Menu With Prices
Below is the Red Lobster starters menu prices breakdown based on current published menu data. Keep in mind that prices can shift slightly by location, so always confirm on the official app before ordering.
| Starter | Price (USD) | Calories |
| Cheddar Bay Biscuits | Free with meal / $6.99 (dozen to-go) | 150 per biscuit |
| Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp | $12.49 | 590 |
| Mozzarella Cheesesticks | $9.49 | 830 |
| Crispy Dragon Calamari | $13.49 | 1,070 |
| Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail | $19.19 | 180 |
| Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops | $14.49 | 450–620 |
| Lobster Dip | $12.99 | 990 |
| Lobster Flatbread | $14.49 | 720 |
| Crab Queso Dip | $11.99 | 850 |
| Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms | $10.99 | 380 |
| Lobster Pizza | $15.99 | 780 |
| Garlic Mussels in White Wine Sauce | $12.99 | 390 |
Note: This table gives a general idea of the Red Lobster appetizers menu prices 2026. Actual pricing depends on your state, city, and whether you order dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
Best Red Lobster Starters And Appetizers to Order
Not every starter is worth your money. Based on customer reviews and popularity, here are the picks that stand out on the best Red Lobster starters and appetizers menu.
1. Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
This is the most talked-about starter on the menu. The shrimp is crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and served with a sweet piña colada dipping sauce. It feels like a mini vacation on a plate.
2. Lobster Dip
Warm, creamy, and loaded with real lobster meat. It comes with tortilla chips and is one of the best options if your table wants something to share right away.
3. Crispy Dragon Calamari
This is a spicier take on regular calamari. It has a bold kick and a crunchy coating that makes it a favorite for people who like heat with their seafood.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
A newer addition to the menu that has quickly become a fan favorite. The bacon adds a smoky, salty layer to the sweet scallop inside.
5. Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail
If you want something chilled and light, this is your pick. Large shrimp served with cocktail sauce, and it happens to be one of the lowest-calorie options on the whole starter menu.
Red Lobster Shareable Starters and Small Plates
If you’re dining with a group, go for Red Lobster shareable starters instead of ordering separate meals for everyone. This saves money and lets everyone try a bit of everything.
Good combos for the table:
- Lobster Dip + Coconut Shrimp – one warm, one crispy
- Calamari + Shrimp Cocktail – one spicy, one light
- Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms + Crab Queso Dip – both creamy, great with biscuits
Tip: Order Cheddar Bay Biscuits alongside any starter. They’re warm, buttery, and pair well with almost every dip on the menu.
Calories and Nutrition Info
If you’re watching what you eat, calories matter just as much as taste. Here’s a quick breakdown by category.
Lighter options (under 400 calories):
- Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail (180 cal)
- Garlic Mussels in White Wine Sauce (390 cal)
- Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms (380 cal)
Heavier options (700+ calories):
- Crispy Dragon Calamari (1,070 cal)
- Lobster Dip (990 cal)
- Mozzarella Cheesesticks (830 cal)
If you want a starter that won’t ruin your appetite for the main course, stick to the shrimp cocktail or mussels. Save the fried and cheesy options for when you’re sharing with the whole table.
Are Red Lobster Starters Gluten-Free?
A few items on the Red Lobster appetizer menu work for gluten-sensitive diners:
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Garlic Mussels in White Wine Sauce
Most fried items, like calamari and coconut shrimp, use a breaded coating and are not gluten-free. Red Lobster also offers a separate gluten-sensitive menu on request, but cross-contact is possible since fryers are shared. If gluten is a serious concern, always tell your server before ordering.
Vegetarian-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Picks
Red Lobster is a seafood restaurant first, but it still has a few options that work for non-seafood eaters.
Vegetarian-friendly:
- Mozzarella Cheesesticks
- Caesar Salad (as a starter portion)
Kid-friendly:
- Mozzarella Cheesesticks
- Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp (mild flavor, easy to eat)
These two items consistently show up as the safest bets for kids and picky eaters, according to customer feedback across locations.
Lobsterfest and Limited-Time Starters
Red Lobster rotates a few starters in and out depending on the season. During Lobsterfest, you may see limited-time items such as:
- Lobster Flatbread
- Lobster Pizza
- Special lobster-topped dips
These items are not always on the regular menu, so if you spot them during a promotion, it’s worth trying them while they last.
Red Lobster Happy Hour Appetizers
Many locations run a Red Lobster happy hour appetizers deal during weekday afternoons. This usually includes small discounts on select starters and drinks. Since happy hour timing and menu items vary by location, check your nearest restaurant’s page or the Red Lobster app before you go.
How to Order Red Lobster Appetizers Online
Most starters on this menu are available for takeout and delivery through Red Lobster To Go. Simply:
- Visit the official Red Lobster website or app
- Choose your nearest location
- Browse the starters section
- Select pickup or delivery
This makes it simple to enjoy the Red Lobster appetizers menu even if you’re not dining in.
FAQ’s
What are the best starters at Red Lobster?
The Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp, Lobster Dip, and Crispy Dragon Calamari are the most popular picks based on customer reviews and order frequency.
Is Red Lobster shrimp cocktail healthy or low calorie?
Yes. The Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail has around 180 calories, making it one of the lightest options on the entire starter menu.
Does Red Lobster have vegetarian appetizers?
Yes, though options are limited. Mozzarella Cheesesticks and Caesar Salad are the main vegetarian-friendly choices.
How much do Red Lobster appetizers cost?
Most starters range between $9 and $19, depending on the item and your location. Chilled shrimp options tend to cost more than fried or cheesy starters.
Are Red Lobster starters gluten-free?
A few are, including Shrimp Cocktail and Garlic Mussels in White Wine Sauce. Most fried items are not gluten-free due to breading and shared fryers.
Can you order Red Lobster appetizers online or for delivery?
Yes. Nearly all starters are available through Red Lobster To Go for pickup or home delivery.
Final Thoughts
The Red Lobster starters and appetizers menu has something for every kind of eater, from light chilled shrimp to warm cheesy dips. If you’re dining with a group, sharing two or three starters is the smartest way to try more flavors without overspending.
For the best experience, pair a crispy item like Coconut Shrimp with a lighter option like Shrimp Cocktail, and don’t forget the free Cheddar Bay Biscuits on the side. Prices and availability can change by location, so it’s always worth checking the official Red Lobster app before you place your order.
Sarah L. James is a meals enterprise researcher and menu analyst with a special recognition on fundamental American seafood chains. She has spent years studying eating place pricing, seasonal specials, and client dining trends.
With a passion for simplifying menu data, Sarah creates clean, useful guides for readers seeking to understand Red Lobster’s latest offers, expenses, and menu updates.