If you have been waiting all year for lobster season, the wait is finally over. Red Lobster’s annual Lobsterfest is officially back for 2026, and this year’s lineup is the biggest one yet. Featured as a highlight within the red lobster menu, Lobsterfest brings ten unique lobster creations to the table five brand-new dishes and five returning fan favorites along with a fresh selection of celebratory cocktails. Whether you’re a longtime seafood lover or just exploring the red lobster menu for something special, Lobsterfest 2026 offers plenty of delicious reasons to plan your next visit.
Here is everything you need to know about the Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026 menu before you head out.
What Is Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026?
Lobsterfest is Red Lobster’s biggest annual lobster celebration. Every year, the chain temporarily expands its menu with exclusive lobster-focused dishes that are only available for a limited time. The event draws in loyal fans and new diners alike, all looking to get their hands on something special before it disappears from the menu.
This year, Red Lobster kicked off Lobsterfest on January 19, 2026, at participating locations nationwide. The 2026 edition is particularly exciting because the chain is introducing five never-before-seen dishes alongside a highly requested returning item that has been off the menu for 18 years.
As Sara Bittorf, Chief Experience Officer at Red Lobster, put it: “Nobody does lobster like Red Lobster, so you can’t miss this year’s Lobsterfest. With even more craveable dishes, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself and the ones you love.”
Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026 New Menu Items
This year’s Lobsterfest introduces six new dishes each one built around fresh lobster in a different way. Whether you prefer your lobster baked, fried, grilled, or boiled, there is something new on this menu worth trying.
Lobster Pasta au Gratin
This is one of the most talked-about new additions for 2026. The Lobster Pasta au Gratin brings together Maine lobster and langostino lobster, tossed with cavatappi pasta in a rich, creamy lobster cheese sauce. The whole dish is then topped with mozzarella and baked until golden brown.
For anyone who has ever argued that seafood and cheese do not go together, this dish is here to prove otherwise. The combination of two types of lobster with a deeply savory cheese sauce makes this one of the strongest new entries on the Lobsterfest menu this year.
Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster
Taking inspiration from Red Lobster’s popular Crispy Dragon Shrimp, this new item brings a bold flavor profile to the lobster lineup. The dish features tempura-style fried lobster meat spilling out of a lobster tail shell, finished with a sweet-and-spicy teriyaki sauce.
It is the kind of dish that balances crunch, heat, and sweetness all in one bite a strong choice for diners who enjoy an Asian-inspired flavor twist on their seafood.
Lobsterfest Boil
The Lobsterfest Boil is Red Lobster’s direct answer to the viral seafood boil trend. Maine lobster tails take center stage, joined by a dozen shrimp, corn, and red potatoes. The entire dish is served tableside in a shake-and-serve bag, letting diners choose their own flavor and spice level before digging in.
This one went viral on TikTok a couple of years ago, and it is easy to see why. The tableside presentation alone makes it a memorable dining experience, and the ability to customize the seasoning adds a personal touch that most restaurant dishes do not offer.
Crispy Lobster & Shrimp Stack
Another exciting newcomer, the Crispy Lobster & Shrimp Stack layers crispy lobster tail meat and shrimp on top of hush puppies and fries. The dish is served with honey-jalapeño butter and malt vinegar aioli on the side two dipping sauces that bring completely different flavor directions to the same plate.
This is a great option for anyone who wants a more casual, shareable-style dish rather than a formal plated entrée.
Dueling Southern Tails
The Dueling Southern Tails is one of the most unique dishes on the entire 2026 Lobsterfest menu. It features two Maine lobster tails prepared in two completely different ways one served over creamy grits and topped with shrimp, and the other placed over mac and cheese with a bacon bourbon glaze.
The contrast between the two preparations on one plate is what makes this dish stand out. It is hearty, indulgent, and genuinely creative the kind of dish that makes Lobsterfest worth the annual wait.
Lobster Flatbread
Rounding out the new additions is the Lobster Flatbread, which features Maine and langostino lobster paired with mozzarella, parmesan, fresh tomatoes, and sweet basil. It is a lighter option compared to the richer entrées on the menu, and it works equally well as a starter for the table or as a solo order.
Lobsterfest Fan Favorite Returns After 18 Years
One of the biggest highlights of Lobsterfest 2026 is the return of the Lobsterfest Duo a dish that has been off the menu for 18 years. Long-time Red Lobster fans will remember this one, and its comeback has already generated significant buzz.
Lobsterfest Duo
The Lobsterfest Duo features two “LobsterChops” Maine lobster tails that are split and wrapped around sea scallops, then grilled to perfection. The plate also includes a roasted Maine lobster tail and comes with two sides of your choosing.
It is a generous, well-rounded dish that works equally well for sharing or as a solo seafood feast. The combination of grilled scallop-stuffed lobster tails alongside a classic roasted tail gives this plate a lot of variety in a single order.
Create Your Own Lobster Lover’s Dream
For diners who want total control over their plate, Red Lobster is also offering the Create Your Own Lobster Lover’s Dream this Lobsterfest. This customizable option lets you mix and match two or three lobster selections from both new and classic menu items.
New options available for this build include the Lobster Pasta au Gratin and the Crispy Dragon Teriyaki Lobster. Classic options you can pair them with include the Maine Lobster Tail, Rock Lobster Tail, and Lobster & Shrimp Linguini.
It is an ideal choice for first-timers who want to sample multiple dishes in one sitting, or for returning guests who want to compare something new against a tried-and-true favorite.
Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026 Returning Menu Items
Alongside the new additions, Lobsterfest 2026 also brings back several beloved menu staples that fans look forward to every year.
| Dish | Description |
| Lobster Lover’s Dream | Roasted Caribbean rock and Maine lobster tails with lobster and shrimp linguini in a creamy lobster sauce |
| Twin Maine Tails | Two roasted Maine lobster tails, perfectly prepared |
| Lobster Linguini | Maine and langostino lobster tossed with tomatoes in a creamy lobster sauce |
| Surf & Turf: Maine Tail & Sirloin | Roasted Maine lobster tail paired with a seasoned 7oz sirloin |
| Lobster Dip | Maine and langostino lobster with spinach and artichoke in a three-cheese blend, served with tortilla chips |
Lobsterfest 2026 Cocktails
No celebration is complete without a drink, and Red Lobster has introduced three new cocktails exclusively for Lobsterfest 2026.
The Lobstar
The Lobstar is a triple-citrus margarita shaken with Hennessy VS and Grand Marnier. It comes served with a collectible Red Lobster claw shaker that diners can take home as a souvenir making it as memorable as it is delicious.
Shoreline Spritz
The Shoreline Spritz is a refreshing option made with Grey Goose vodka, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, Wycliff Sparkling Wine, fresh citrus, and mint. Light, bubbly, and elegant it pairs well with the lighter dishes on the Lobsterfest menu.
Dockside Sipper
For tequila fans, the Dockside Sipper combines Casamigos Reposado tequila with fresh lime, honey, and grenadine. It strikes a clean balance between sweet and citrusy, making it an easy-drinking choice throughout the meal.
How Long Is Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026?
Red Lobster has not officially announced an end date for Lobsterfest 2026. However, based on the 2025 edition which ran from February through April this year’s event is expected to run through at least March, and possibly into April. Since the 2026 Lobsterfest launched earlier than last year (January 19 vs. February), it is worth visiting sooner rather than later to make sure you do not miss out.
FAQ Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026
When did Red Lobster Lobsterfest 2026 start
Lobsterfest 2026 officially launched on January 19, 2026, at participating Red Lobster locations nationwide.
How many dishes are on the Lobsterfest 2026 menu?
This year’s Lobsterfest features ten lobster dishes in total five brand-new creations and five returning favorites.
What is the most popular new dish at Lobsterfest 2026?
The Lobster Pasta au Gratin and the returning Lobsterfest Duo are generating the most buzz. The Duo has been off the menu for 18 years, making its return a major moment for longtime fans.
Can I customize my Lobsterfest order?
Yes. Red Lobster’s Create Your Own Lobster Lover’s Dream lets you mix and match two or three lobster selections from both new and classic menu items.
What cocktails are available during Lobsterfest 2026?
Red Lobster is serving three exclusive Lobsterfest cocktails: The Lobstar, the Shoreline Spritz, and the Dockside Sipper.
Is Lobsterfest 2026 available for a limited time only?
Yes. All Lobsterfest 2026 dishes and cocktails are available for a limited time only. Red Lobster has not confirmed an end date, but based on previous years the event typically runs through April.
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.