The Ultimate Guide To London’s Oysters
Because every single entity needs its own day now, this week sees National Oyster Day take over the country. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into what’s become one of the trendiest orders, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants serving oysters in London, from dedicated oyster bars to flagship seafood restaurants everyone needs to try at least once.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar
An institution for good reason, Bentley’s Oyster Bar has spent generations perfecting the art of serving exceptional oysters. Sourced from across the British and Irish Isles, they’re shucked to order and served simply with lemon, shallot and Tabasco, while more adventurous diners can opt for dressed or hot oysters, including the excellent Catalan Oyster with chorizo, roasted onion and aioli.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4DG
Website: www.bentleys.org
Bentley’s is a mesmerising place to have oysters. Shuckers are working behind the bar shucking 400 a day with perfect precision. It is history; the very beginnings of London’s oyster scene.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
Sea Containers Restaurant
For oysters with a riverside view, head to the Grey Goose Summer Terrace. Oysters are available individually or as part of the impressive Reserve Seafood Tower alongside lobster, king crab, prawns and ceviche — best paired with an ice-cold martini.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
J.Sheekey
Serving London’s theatre crowd since 1896, J.Sheekey remains one of the capital’s finest seafood restaurants. Choose from Jersey, Lindisfarne, Louët-Feisser and Gillardeau oysters, available by the half or full dozen, alongside signature dishes such as Jersey oysters with a Black Velvet and a mixed oyster platter.
Where: 28-32 St Martin’s Ct, London
Website: j-sheekey.co.uk
If you want a stylish place to sip champagne and oysters before a West End show, this is the spot. It’s a London institution, and some of the best oysters I’ve had.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Rosi At The Beaumont
Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Rosi champions the very best of British produce, and its oysters are no exception. Served from a giant oyster shell with classic accompaniments including red wine shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco, they’re the perfect way to begin a meal before exploring the restaurant’s refined take on modern British cooking.
Where: The Beaumont Brown Hart Gardens Mayfair London W1K 6TF
Website: www.thebeaumont.com
Aviary
If your ideal oyster comes with a skyline view, book a table at Aviary. The rooftop restaurant overlooks Finsbury Square, making it one of the City’s best spots for seafood in the sunshine. Its daily fruits de mer platter for two centres around Jersey Rock oysters, joined by tuna tartare, seabass ceviche, smoked salmon blinis and other seafood favourites. Pair it with a glass of Champagne and settle in for golden hour.
Where: 22-25 Finsbury Street, London
Website: etmcollection.co.uk
Fulham Pier
Every weekend, The Oyster Society pops up at Fulham Pier, serving freshly shucked oysters and caviar beside the Thames. No tickets, no booking — just grab a seat by the river and tuck in.
Where: Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
Website: www.fulhampier.com
The Lighterman
The Lighterman has long been one of King’s Cross’s best places to while away a sunny afternoon, and its oyster happy hour only adds to the appeal. Every day from 4pm to 7pm, enjoy six Maldon Rock oysters for £12 alongside £10 glasses of Joseph Perrier Champagne. Grab a table overlooking Regent’s Canal and make an afternoon of it.
Where: The Lighterman, 3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Website: www.thelighterman.co.uk
The Sea, The Sea
Chelsea’s stylish new seafood bistro and fishmonger has quickly become one of London’s smartest places to enjoy oysters. Choose from Boudeuse, Louët-Feisser or Maldon oysters, all served with jalapeño and apple mignonette, before settling in on the Pavilion Road terrace.
Where: 243 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
Website: www.theseathesea.net
Sam’s Riverside
For riverside dining with excellent seafood, Sam’s Riverside is hard to beat. Oysters are a real focus here, with varieties including Jersey Rock, Carlingford Lough and Achill oysters from Ireland, while weekday Oyster Happy Hour sees selected oysters drop to just £2 each between 5pm and 6:30pm. Pair them with one of the restaurant’s excellent cocktails or a glass of wine recommended by the team.
Where: 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
Website: www.samsriverside.co.uk
Willett’s At The Cadogan
Chelsea’s prettiest happy hour might just belong to Willett’s. Every evening from 6pm to 7pm, the terrace comes alive with £2 oysters, £8 signature cocktails, £6 lagers and even £1 sausage rolls. It’s the perfect excuse to stop by after work, settle into the terrace and toast National Oyster Day without breaking the bank.
Where: 75 Sloane St, London SW1X9SG
Website: www.belmond.com
Ekstedt At The Yard
Open-fire cooking is at the heart of Ekstedt, and oysters are no exception. Prepared using a traditional flambadou, they’re basted with butter and beef fat over the flames before being finished with Swedish vinegar and spinach oil. It’s a rich, indulgent take that feels entirely fitting for one of London’s most distinctive Michelin-starred restaurants.
Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
Website: www.hyatt.com
Smith’s Bar & Grill
Smith’s Bar & Grill makes oyster season feel like a celebration. Every Friday and Saturday from 6pm until 10pm, freshly shucked oysters are just £1 each, making it one of London’s best-value seafood offers. Arrive early to take advantage of Happy Hour cocktails, available from 3pm until close, before moving on to dinner from the restaurant’s extensive seafood menu.
Where: Smith’s Bar & Grill, Sheldon Square, London
Website: www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk
Quilon
Quilon proves oysters don’t have to be served the traditional way. The Michelin-starred restaurant’s signature Oyster Three Ways draws inspiration from the south-west coast of India, offering oysters either chilled with smoked red pepper chutney, finger lime and basil, or gently pan-fried with pepper masala. It’s a brilliant choice if you’re looking to celebrate National Oyster Day with something a little different.
Where: 41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Website: www.quilon.co.uk
Rosewood London
At Holborn Dining Room, the Seafood Counter is a destination in itself. Freshly shucked Maldon oysters headline the offering, showcasing the best of British waters, while during the summer months you can also enjoy them outside on the hotel’s elegant terrace as part of a luxurious seafood platter complete with caviar, crab and mussels.
Where: Rosewood London, High Holborn, London
Website: www.rosewoodhotels.com
Park Hyatt London River Thames
Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace brings understated luxury to National Oyster Day. Fresh Jersey oysters are served on the half shell with classic mignonette, lemon and Tabasco, allowing the quality of the shellfish to shine. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely lunch or beginning an evening meal, it’s a sophisticated addition to the menu.
Where: 7 Nine Elms Lane, London
Website: www.hyatt.com
Sale e Pepe Mare
For those looking to indulge, Sale e Pepe Mare delivers one of London’s grandest seafood experiences. Alongside beautifully fresh Irish Rock oysters served simply with traditional accompaniments, the restaurant’s impressive Seafood Tower arrives piled high with langoustines, Mazzara del Vallo prawns, scallops and sea bass carpaccio.
Where: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
Website: www.saleepepe.co.uk
IGNI
IGNI offers one of the most inventive oyster dishes in London. Rather than serving them raw, River Dart oysters are gently cooked over embers before being finished with binchotan charcoal and paired with cucumber and nasturtium. The result is smoky, elegant and a world away from the classic oyster experience.
Where: 12 St George St, London W1S 2FB
Website: www.ignilondon.com
Pyro
Greek flavours meet British seafood at Pyro, where chef Yiannis Mexis transforms oysters into something completely unexpected. Here they’re gently cooked in a rich fennel, tomato and feta saganaki sauce before being finished with crisp croutons, creating a warm, comforting alternative to the usual chilled serving.
Where: 53b Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
Website: www.pyrorestaurant.co.uk
Brasserie Constance
Adam Byatt’s Brasserie Constance keeps things beautifully simple. Irish oysters arrive with crisp apple cider mignonette, allowing the quality of the shellfish to take centre stage. Enjoy them before diving into the restaurant’s seasonal menu, which celebrates thoughtful British cooking and produce.
Where: Level 1, Fulham Pier, Stevenage Rd, London SW6 6HH
Website: www.brasserieconstance.com
Lutyens Grill
Hidden inside what was once the Midland Bank’s grand manager’s office, Lutyens Grill offers one of the City’s most atmospheric dining rooms. Its Jersey Rock oysters are served by the half or full dozen, making for a wonderfully traditional way to start an evening of steaks, martinis and old-school hospitality.
Where: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: www.thened.com
The Sun Inn
If you fancy escaping central London, The Sun Inn in Barnes is well worth the journey. The neighbourhood pub serves Pacific Rock oysters with Chardonnay and shallots, keeping things refreshingly simple, while weekday afternoons bring a particularly tempting offer: six oysters paired with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut for £80. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary afternoon into something special.
Where: 7 Church Rd, London SW13 9HE
Website: www.thesuninnbarnes.co.uk
