Last Updated: Aug 2026
Reviewed by: Emily Carter – Senior Menu Research Editor

Red Lobster appetizer prices run from about $5.49 for a half dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits to around $16.99 for snow crab legs. Most seafood starters, including shrimp cocktail, coconut shrimp, and calamari, land between $9 and $13. Fried and cheese based starters carry the highest calorie counts, while chilled seafood options like shrimp cocktail stay lightest. Prices and availability vary by location.

Prices shown are estimated national averages based on publicly available menu data. Actual prices vary by location. Please check with your local Red Lobster restaurant or visit the official menu for current pricing.

Overview

LobsterPriceGuide.com is an independent, third party dining guide covering Red Lobster menu prices, nutrition, and allergen information. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Red Lobster. For official ordering and current local pricing, visit the official Red Lobster website.

The Red Lobster appetizer menu blends fried, grilled, steamed, and baked seafood starters with a few non seafood sides. Shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, mussels, and langostino each show up across multiple dishes, giving guests a wide range of textures and flavors to start a meal.

options before ordering.

Item		Calories	Price (est.)	Category
Half Dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits		300	$5.49	Signature side
One Dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits		560	$7.99	Signature side
Mozzarella Cheesesticks		620	$9.99	Fried starter
Crispy Calamari		540	$11.49	Fried seafood
Shrimp Cocktail		180	$12.99	Cold seafood
Lobster Dip		650	$13.99	Creamy seafood dip
Popcorn Shrimp		420	$10.99	Fried seafood
Garlic Shrimp Scampi		410	$8.99	Grilled seafood
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp		480	$8.99	Fried seafood
Crispy Bay Scallops		460	$10.99	Fried seafood
Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops		390	$12.99	Grilled seafood
Snow Crab Legs (one cluster)		310	$16.99	Steamed seafood
Garlic Linguini Alfredo		590	$7.99	Pasta side

Prices shown are estimated national averages based on publicly available menu data. Actual prices vary by location. Please check with your local Red Lobster restaurant or visit the official menu for current pricing.

Popular appetizer picks

Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp is one of the most ordered starters on the menu. The shrimp is hand breaded, fried until golden, and served with a sweet pina colada dipping sauce. Guests who prefer a spicier bite often choose Crispy Dragon Shrimp instead, which comes with a bold glaze rather than a sweet coating.

Lobster and Langostino Pizza puts a seafood spin on a shareable favorite, topping a crispy thin crust with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and tender lobster and langostino meat. Langostino Lobster and Artichoke Dip mixes langostino with artichokes and melted cheese for a creamy dip served with tortilla chips. White Wine and Garlic Mussels are steamed in a savory broth and paired with grilled artisan bread for scooping up the sauce.

For a lighter start, shrimp cocktail or a half dozen biscuits work well. Groups who want to sample more than one flavor usually order the Signature Seafood Sampler, a shareable platter built around shrimp, scallops, and other seafood favorites.

Shrimp is the most ordered seafood category on the starter menu. Coconut shrimp leans sweet, Crispy Dragon Shrimp brings heat, and Garlic Shrimp Scampi keeps things simple with butter and garlic in a lightly grilled preparation. Popcorn Shrimp offers a smaller, breaded, bite-sized option that pairs well with the Cheddar Bay Biscuits or a side salad.

Sourcing and preparation notes

Red Lobster markets much of its shrimp and seafood as wild-caught or sustainably sourced, though sourcing details can vary by product and season. Preparation methods across the appetizer menu include frying, grilling, steaming, and baking, which explains the wide range in calories between dishes like shrimp cocktail and the lobster dip. Sauces, seasonings, and how appetizers are served

Flavor on the appetizer menu comes as much from sauces and seasonings as from the seafood itself. Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and a light remoulade accompany most fried and cold seafood starters, while Cajun seasoning and Old Bay-style seafood seasoning show up on shrimp and scallop dishes. Garlic butter appears across several starters, from the biscuits to the scampi, and panko breadcrumbs give items like calamari and popcorn shrimp their crunch. Parmesan cheese and melted mozzarella cheese round out the baked and cheesy starters, and a squeeze of lemon is common on chilled seafood.

Most appetizers are served as a starter course meant to be eaten before the main entree, though several, like the Signature Seafood Sampler, work as a shareable plate for the whole table. As a casual dining seafood chain, Red Lobster keeps appetizer portions sized for either a quick bite or a group starter, depending on the dish.

Appetizer comparison at a glance

This side by side comparison makes it easier to pick a starter based on budget, calories, or occasion.

Item	Best for	Prep style	Calories	Price (est.)
Cheddar Bay Biscuits (half dozen)	Budget, first timers	Baked	300	$5.49
Shrimp Cocktail	Low calorie, light start	Chilled	180	$12.99
Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp	First timers, sweet flavor	Fried	~500	$11.99
Signature Seafood Sampler	Sharing, groups	Mixed	~700	$16.99
Snow Crab Legs (one cluster)	Date night, low calorie	Steamed	310	$16.99
Lobster Dip	Rich, indulgent sharing	Baked	650	$13.99

Prices shown are estimated national averages based on publicly available menu data. Actual prices vary by location. Please check with your local Red Lobster restaurant or visit the official menu for current pricing.

Nutrition and allergen snapshot

Appetizer calories range widely depending on preparation. Chilled options like shrimp cocktail stay under 200 calories, while fried and cheese-based starters such as mozzarella cheesesticks or lobster dip run closer to 600 calories and carry more sodium. Shellfish-based starters are a common allergen concern, so guests with shellfish or gluten sensitivities should check ingredients before ordering. For full nutrition, protein, and gluten-free details, see our red lobster Nutrition Guide and Ingredients and Allergens page.

General calorie and sodium ranges are cross checked against USDA FoodData Central and FDA nutrition labeling guidance.

Best appetizers for every occasion

Families ordering a group dinner often start with a shareable platter like the Signature Seafood Sampler or Lobster Flatbread, both sized for the table. For a date night, Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops or Snow Crab Legs offer a smaller, more elevated portion. Guests looking for a quick, light bite before an entree tend to choose shrimp cocktail or a half dozen biscuits rather than a full shareable appetizer.

Guests often order Cheddar Bay Biscuits before looking at the entrée menu

This guide is reviewed monthly. Prices, menu items, and seasonal appetizers are updated whenever Red Lobster changes its national menu.

Best appetizers under $10

Several starters fit a tighter budget without giving up flavor. Estimated prices below ten dollars include the Half Dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits at $5.49, One Dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits at $7.99, Garlic Linguini Alfredo at $7.99, and both Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Walt’s Favorite Shrimp at $8.99. Mozzarella Cheesesticks come in just under ten dollars at $9.99, making it one of the better value fried starters on the menu.

Prices shown are estimated national averages based on publicly available menu data. Actual prices vary by location. Please check with your local Red Lobster restaurant or visit the official menu for current pricing.

Best low calorie appetizers

Guests watching calories tend to favor chilled or steamed starters over fried ones. Shrimp Cocktail is the lightest choice at roughly 180 calories, followed by Snow Crab Legs at about 310 calories since the meat is steamed rather than fried. Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops and Garlic Shrimp Scampi sit in the 390 to 410 calorie range, both grilled rather than breaded, which keeps them lower than fried options like mozzarella cheesesticks or lobster dip.

Best appetizers for first-time visitors

New guests usually get the best introduction to the menu by ordering the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, since they are the restaurant’s signature item and come standard with most meals. Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp and Shrimp Cocktail are also safe, popular starting points that showcase the seafood-focused menu without an unfamiliar flavor profile. Guests who want to sample a bit of everything can order the Signature Seafood Sampler for a broader introduction in one dish.

What comes with each appetizer

Most fried and cold seafood starters arrive with a dipping sauce matched to the dish. Shrimp cocktail comes with a classic cocktail sauce, coconut shrimp is served with a sweet pina colada sauce, and mozzarella cheese sticks come with marinara for dipping. White Wine and Garlic Mussels arrive with grilled artisan bread for soaking up the broth. Many seafood appetizers are also served with a lemon wedge on the side, and some fried items come with a light remoulade or tartar style sauce rather than marinara. Because recipes are updated periodically, treat these as typical pairings rather than a guaranteed inclusion at every location.

Seasonal and limited-time appetizers

Red Lobster periodically runs limited-time offers, or LTO, appetizers tied to promotions such as Lobsterfest or holiday menus around Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. These seasonal starters rotate in and out of the regular appetizer menu and are not always available year-round. Because LTO pricing and availability change often and are not published nationally, this guide does not list specific seasonal items or prices. Check the official Red Lobster website or your local restaurant for current limited-time offers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest appetizer at Red Lobster?

The Half Dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits is typically the most affordable starter, estimated around $5.49.

What is the most popular Red Lobster appetizer?

Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp are the two most frequently ordered starters.

Are Red Lobster appetizer prices the same at every location?

No. Prices vary by location and region, so figures on this page should be treated as estimates rather than exact menu pricing.

Which appetizers work well for sharing?

The Signature Seafood Sampler, Lobster Flatbread, and Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms are built for two or more people to share.

Which Red Lobster appetizers are lowest in calories?

Shrimp cocktail is the lightest option at roughly 180 calories, well below fried or cheese-based starters

.Does Red Lobster have limited time appetizers?

Yes. Red Lobster periodically runs limited time offer appetizers tied to promotions and holiday menus. Availability and pricing are not published nationally, so check with your local restaurant.

Conclusion

The Red Lobster Appetizers Menu offers something for every type of diner, from budget-friendly favorites like Cheddar Bay Biscuits to premium seafood options such as Snow Crab Legs. Whether you prefer crispy fried seafood, grilled shrimp, creamy dips, or lighter choices like Shrimp Cocktail, the appetizer menu provides a wide variety of flavors and portion sizes to start your meal.