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 DUNGENESS CRAB - The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse, Palo Alto, CA

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse

4.7 (2175)
$50 and over
Seafood
View menu
4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

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A photo of The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse restaurant

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse

4.7
$50 and over
Seafood
Palo Alto

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 25 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
  • Fancy
About The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse
The Sea is the Bay Area’s premier seafood destination, where exquisite flavors from the sea are elevated through modern techniques and artistry. With over 25 years of training and experience in both Japanese and French cuisine, Chef Yumin Lin’s approach to cooking emphasizes sourcing wild, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients from land and sea, presenting them in their purest form to highlight the freshness of each dish.


NEW POLICY
In order to enhance the overall guest experience, we will no longer be admitting children under the age of 7, with the exception of Mother's Day Brunch and Christmas Eve dinner, when guests of all ages are welcome. (This policy does not apply to private events.)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and our team will be delighted to assist you.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Yumin Lin
  • Private party facilities
    Welcome to The Sea By Alexander's Steakhouse! We are pleased to provide multiple space and menu options to best suit the needs of your group. Be it an intimate tasting dinner, product launch or your dream wedding, The Sea will exceed even the most discerning expectations.
  • Private party contact
    Marilyn Skinner: (650) 213-1117
  • Area
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    Dinah's Court
  • Parking Details
    Complimentary Valet Parking Monday through Friday and Weekends during private events . Otherwise self parking in our private lot.
  • Public transport
    VTA Line 22 stops in front of restaurant. VTA Line 522 within walking distance.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 2,175 people are saying

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Seafood

  • Peninsula

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse offers "amazing food and impeccable service" with a luxurious ambiance perfect for special occasions. Their attentive staff and thoughtfully curated menu ensure an elevated dining experience. Guests rave about "wonderful food and service," making it a top choice for celebrations despite its premium pricing.
2,175 Reviews
  1. Sandra

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We wanted to introduce a visiting family member to the Sea and also celebrate our wedding anniversary. She loved everything about the experience! We had a wonderful time! We wouldn't come more frequently because of the prices, but for special occasions -- or even moderately special ones -- it is wonderful and worth every penny we spent!

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  2. Ryan

    San Francisco1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 24 May 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I’ve dined here many times, even choosing them four times for our corporate events. This time I sat the regular dining room and our table got the course dinner at $200 per person. The course was predictable, and a bit underwhelming. For the money spent you would expect something memorable but Unfortunately the night was rather forgettable.

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  3. Kyle

    Orange County4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 17 May 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great and service was excellent. Our server, Jonathan, was so accommodating and provided such great service. We will definitely be back!

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  4. Paul

    Seattle11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 12 May 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience, food and service was on point. appreciated they stored our luggage after a long day of client meetings. The client dinner was in a great location of the restaurant where we could talk freely and without a lot of interruptions. will come again.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 10 May 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We took my mother-in-law to The Sea for her Mother's Day Brunch The flavors were so well balanced on every single course and the service brought tears to my eyes because they treated my mother-in-law as an honored guest. She was so happy. The roses and cotton candy added whimsy to the experience.

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  6. Jennie Gold

    San Francisco34 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 May 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Has been a nice dining experience as usual, with some new food selections on the menu and good wine choice made by the server

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  7. Sharilee

    Central Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 19 April 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was hands down the best dining experience I’ve ever had in my life, from start to finish. We were seated immediately upon arrival right on time for our reservation, and the service never missed a beat from that moment on. We were promptly offered water and asked about drinks, and I genuinely don’t think our glasses were ever empty, refills just appeared before we even had to think about asking. Every single dish that came out was absolutely delicious, not one miss. What really stood out was the attention to detail. At the beginning of dinner, my husband mentioned he doesn’t drink alcohol. Later, when the table was offered champagne to celebrate his mom’s birthday, the waiter remembered and brought him a non-alcoholic drink instead without us having to say a word. That level of attentiveness is rare and so appreciated. They also surprised us with a complimentary dessert for the birthday, along with sushi for the table, which was such a thoughtful touch. Every dish was carefully explained when served, including how it’s best enjoyed, which made the experience feel even more elevated. Every single staff member we interacted with was warm, courteous, and genuinely welcoming. The entire evening felt seamless, thoughtful, and special. Honestly, I have nothing negative to say. Everything was perfect. This is the gold standard of what fine dining and exceptional service should look like. We will absolutely be back.

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  8. Akiko Gold

    San Francisco58 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 23 March 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my second visit this month. (I went x7-8 over the time) Two weeks ago, everything—from the food to the service—was truly at a five-star level. Although the restaurant is quite expensive, the experience felt refined and worth the price. However, this visit was noticeably different: 1. We ordered medium rare steak, the same as last time, but it was served "rare" and overly soft, which was disappointing., no consistency. 2. Service was acceptable but not at the 5-star-level I had previously experienced. On my past visits, when we had leftovers, the staff would take the dishes to the kitchen, pack them neatly, and place them in a bag stored in a designated coat-check area. They would provide a claim tag, keeping the table clean and maintaining a high-end, seamless experience. This time, we were simply given boxes and had to pack the food ourselves. I then had to request a bag, and there was no option to store the items while we continued dining and ordering dessert. 3. Around 8:30PM on Sunday, while we were still finishing desserts, a staff began removing the electric candles from the tables, including ours, even though guests were still dining. This disrupted the ambiance and felt rushed. Given that our dinner totaled over $1,000, I was expecting the same five-star hotel-level service as before. Unfortunately, this visit did not meet those expectations and did not feel aligned with the price point.

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  9. Valerie Gold

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 March 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were there for one of several life celebrations, this time a young one turning 20. The service was superb and the food, fabulous. The Sea by Alexander's never disappoints.

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  10. Luke

    Seattle6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 14 March 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent ambiance and environment The hosts were happy to adjust our reservations as we were staying in the hotel on the same property Food and wine was excellent

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm Fri 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Yumin Lin
  • Private party facilities
    Welcome to The Sea By Alexander's Steakhouse! We are pleased to provide multiple space and menu options to best suit the needs of your group. Be it an intimate tasting dinner, product launch or your dream wedding, The Sea will exceed even the most discerning expectations.
  • Private party contact
    Marilyn Skinner: (650) 213-1117
  • Area
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    Dinah's Court
  • Parking Details
    Complimentary Valet Parking Monday through Friday and Weekends during private events . Otherwise self parking in our private lot.
  • Public transport
    VTA Line 22 stops in front of restaurant. VTA Line 522 within walking distance.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Business casual is requested. Guests typically dress up for the fine-dining setting, especially for anniversaries and special occasions. If you’re attending a private event or holiday tasting menu, dressing a step up (smart casual to business casual) fits the room.

Yes, The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse is a strong choice for a romantic date night. Guests repeatedly praise the quiet, elegant atmosphere, attentive five-star service, and refined seafood and steak dishes (hamachi shots, lobster rocks, Wagyu). Expect a fine-dining, celebratory vibe and a pricier bill, perfect for anniversaries or special evenings. Book a reservation and request a quieter table or booth for the most intimate experience.

Busiest: Weekend evenings and major holidays (Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, Mother’s Day) when prix-fixe menus and celebrations run. Quietest: Weeknights and earlier dinner seatings Monday–Thursday tend to be calmer and more intimate. If you want a peaceful dinner, choose a weekday reservation or an early seating.

The Sea offers a mix of dining spaces: indoor tablecloth dining, a pleasant outdoor patio, booths and private rooms for events. Guests report the team accommodates private parties and can decorate or adjust seating for celebrations. If you need a private room or a specific table (booth, quiet corner, patio), mention it when booking to increase your chance of getting it.

Yes, The Sea offers private dining/party options and regularly hosts celebrations, graduations, birthdays and private events. Guests praise the team for handling private-room bookings, customizing menus, and accommodating decorations and guest needs. Contact the restaurant to reserve a private room and discuss menus, capacity, and AV or décor requests.

Yes, guests describe a pleasant outdoor patio that’s inviting even on cooler nights. The patio is noted as a nice option for al fresco dining, though indoor tablecloth dining remains the primary fine-dining setting. If you prefer patio seating, request it when making your reservation.

Dinner service only. Hours listed by the restaurant are: Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–8:30 pm; Fri 5:30 pm–9:00 pm; Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm; Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm. If you’re planning a special menu night (holidays or prix fixe events), confirm hours when you book.

For a quieter experience, aim for weeknights or an earlier dinner on weekdays, guests often note a calm, romantic vibe then. Weekends and holiday evenings (Valentine’s, New Year’s Eve, Mother's Day) are busier and geared toward special menus and celebrations. If you prefer a lively night with full service, book a weekend; otherwise reserve a Monday–Thursday slot for a more intimate meal.

The Sea offers a chic, elegant, and refined atmosphere, quiet enough for conversation and often described as romantic. The décor leans cool/blue tones, with some guests suggesting a warmer refresh, but most praise the tranquil dining room, attentive service, and special-occasion feel. Outdoor patio seating is noted as inviting on cooler nights.

Partial answer, The Sea runs special holiday offerings (guests mention Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve multi-course menus, and Mother’s Day Brunch), and the owner note specifically references Christmas Eve and Mother’s Day exceptions for the child policy. For other public holidays or special menus, call ahead or check announcements when booking.

Yes, the staff regularly accommodates celebration requests, dietary preferences, table arrangements, and special touches (complimentary desserts, flowers, photo moments). Guests report the team handled birthday decorations, private-room setups, and dietary adjustments well. Call ahead to confirm requests (seating, allergies, celebrations, parking) so the restaurant can prepare.

Weekdays (Mon–Thu) are typically best for a quieter, more intimate meal, ideal for dates or calm celebrations. If you want a lively atmosphere or special prix-fixe events, choose a weekend or holiday, but be prepared for higher demand and special menus. Always reserve ahead for your preferred day.

Portions are generally generous for a fine-dining restaurant, though perceptions vary by dish. Many guests say appetizers, sides, and mains are satisfying and shareable (sides large enough for three), while a few found certain items (some Wagyu cuts, tasting portions) smaller than expected for the price. Overall plan to share a few starters and a main or two between diners for a full experience.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Palo Alto

Make a booking

A photo of The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse restaurant

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse

4.7
$50 and over
Seafood
Palo Alto

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 25 times today
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