A good weekend in London is incomplete without some sun, a glass of wine and some exquisite seafood. Besides Britain’s preferred breakfast of fish and chips, there are many options in the city for this cuisine. So whether you reside in Mayfair or are busy clicking away some photos in Trafalgar Square, there are fantastic options for seafood around you. You can find award-winning and Michelin-recognised restaurants serving delectable oceanic cuisine across the city. So if you are looking for some seafood for the regular protein intake or just craving some lobster on a Sunday – we’ve got you covered. Here’s the list of nine of the best seafood restaurants in London:
1. Scott’s
Every seafood-lover in London has probably been to Scott’s in Mayfair. This 170-year-old outlet gradually developed into the city’s very own seafood place. It has since received recognition in the Michelin Guide for their sumptuous food, exceptional service and beautiful ambience.
The celebrated chef David McCarthy runs their kitchen. They serve a remarkable collection of fresh seafood and caviar, and their special oysters at the oyster and Champagne bar and sauteed razor clams with nduja and the lobster thermidor will blow your mind!
The place is priced per its legacy, locale, food quality and ambience, which draws noteworthy crowds. So don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity at this food heaven. It truly is among the best seafood restaurants in London.
You will find Scott’s at 20 Mount Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 2HE. Nearest station is Marble Arch.
2. Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
A century-old restaurant, Bentley’s really deserves its spot among this roundup of the best seafood restaurants in London. They have been serving oysters and Champagne for more than 102 years!
Michelin Star chef Richard Corrigan has been heading their kitchen for the past 12 years. Counted among the top fish restaurants in London, Bentley’s offers indoor and terrace dining options. If you are already a fan, you may consider joining their ‘beef and oyster club’, which happens on the first Sunday every month.
Although their oysters will never disappoint, you must try their ‘baked scallops’ and the ‘shellfish cocktail’. Given their food quality, ambience, neighbourhood, and history, they are fairly priced. It truly is a paradise for food lovers.
You will find Bentley’s at 11-15 Swallow Street St James, London, W1B 4DG. Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
3. The Seafood Bar
Set up by the Dutch fisherman, Fons de Visscher, The Seafood Bar offers a unique seafood taste with the best wines that will make you crave more. After tasting success in four locations in the Netherlands, the Visscher family sailed to the UK to give every seafood lover a taste of their family recipes.
All their food is sustainably sourced, of the highest quality and never processed. The Seafood Bar offers a lot of shellfish dishes as this fish is known to have a negligible impact on nature. Moreover, they are aptly priced for the delectable menu they serve.
Their commitment shows in their fine dishes, which keep you hooked. If you are visiting London, keep The Seafood Bar on your to-do list for their super fresh, fleshy, creamy Oysters! Plus, their Plateau’ The Seafood Bar’ Salad is a must-try! The staff are very courteous and knowledgeable. They certainly deserve their place among the best seafood restaurants in London, and are open from noon to midnight.
You will find The Seafood Bar at 77 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 3SH. Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
4. Prawn on the Lawn
What began as a seafood bar and fishmonger is now a small restaurant. POTL, as it is fondly called, is loved by those who like their seafood to be simple yet fabulous. They are among the Londoners’ favourite seafood shores (pun intended!).
They have the main outlet in Padstow. So if you’re around, dive in and try their ‘whole Padstow brown crab’, ‘seared tuna’, the mackerel or the scallops with Thai marinade small plates, which are amazing! Combine your fish with a glass of wine, and you have the recipe for a great weekend.
The incredible meals they serve are justifiably priced. POTL is highly vouched for amongst the best fish restaurants in London, and rightfully so.
You will find POTL at 292-294 St. Pauls Road Highbury East, London, N1 2LL. Nearest station is Highbury and Islington.
5. Wright Brothers
All three branches of the Wright Brothers serve delectable seafood that will keep you sailing back for more. They have an outlet at Battersea Power Station, Borough Market and South Kensington. The one at Borough Market is the most raved about and has many accolades. This is also where this seafood chain started its journey.
Wright Brothers offer a relaxed and enjoyable ambience with an open kitchen and counter-style seating. Their oysters and shellfish platters are absolutely unmissable!
In the mood for some starters? Go for their fish soup with rouille and comte or brown crab croquettes, and you will not be disappointed. And then, the ‘Wright Brothers fish pie’ for the mains wis a no-brainer!
You will find the Wright Brothers at various locations in London. You can find out more here.
6. Westerns Laundry
It is a seafood restaurant that received the Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade. Westerns Laundry serves all customers looking for small servings of exquisite yet sustainable seafood with a fresh menu daily.
Westerns Laundry offers an open, industrial yet classy food space. They have British and Spanish small plates along with natural wines. If you are in Highbury, you must not miss this fish heaven. Their crabs and monkfish are real hits and contribute to their rave reviews. As a result, they are very deservingly counted among the best seafood restaurants in London.
You will find Westerns Laundry at 34 Drayton Park, Highbury East, London, N5 1PB. Nearest station is Drayton Park.
7. J Sheekey
Want more options for seafood and oysters than you can think of? Then, head to J Sheekey in West London. Their super-elaborate menu will widen that smile. This restaurant is another fish heaven recognised by Michelin for its delicacies, superb menu spread, excellent services and ambience. They are more than 125 years old, adding to the list of olden and authentic fish restaurants in London.
Wooden décor, alcove tables and their legendary fish pie are enough to draw in crowds. Besides, their ‘sticky tiger prawns’ make for a great starter. And you must try the ‘grilled Dover sole’ or ‘J.Sheekey’s Cornish fish stew’ for the main course! Plus, they have launched their own whisky brand JJ Sheekey, a limited series. Their food quality and service do not disappoint anyone who emerges at their door.
You will find J Sheekey at 28-32 St. Martin’s Court, London, WC2N 4AL. Nearest station is Leicester Square.
8. The Oystermen Seafood Bar and Kitchen
This one is another restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide for its unmatched seafood experience. The Oystermen are known for outstanding oysters, perfectly-cooked fish and crabs in Covent Garden. They offer great food at excellent prices.
The place is run by Matt Lovell and Rob Hampton, who promise a fun, relaxing and cosy ambience for seafood lovers. Once you have tried their oysters (of course, you will!), move on to their crab, tiger prawn or the ‘whole boneless butterflied seabass’, which are a pure delight. They rank among the best seafood restaurants in London. Visit them once, and you will be sure to agree.
You will find The Oystermen at 31-32 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8NA. Nearest station is Covent Garden.
9. Sexy Fish
They serve a menu inspired by Asian fish cuisine and are one of the most famous seafood restaurants in London. You can find sushi and sashimi caressed dishes at Sexy Fish. They have sought mention in the Michelin Guide, highlighting their awe-inspiring interior crafted by Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry and Michael Roberts. But their glamorous interiors don’t overshadow the exceptional cuisine they serve.
Sexy Fish’s ambience will grow on you and make you get in the groove. Among their signature dishes, ‘king crab and bone marrow’ and ‘caramelised black cod’ are spectacular. And while you are at it, try their cocktail and a fine collection of Japanese Whisky.
You will find Sexy Fish at 4-6, Berkeley Square House Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR. We recommend calling them first before heading there with your family. You can reach them on +44 20 3764 2000.
Seafood preparation can get tricky. But done right, it can be the best cuisine you could ask for. Make sure you do not miss these 9 best seafood restaurants in London.