20 Of London’s Best Seafood Restaurants

19th January 2025 | By Patrick Dunne

Despite the distinct disadvantage of not being on the coast, the restaurants of London still serve up some of the most innovative fish around.  From 100-year-old oyster bars to the modern Michelin-starred and creative new chefs on the scene, here are our top-rated London seafood restaurants.

Manzi’s

With a distinctive old-school Soho vibe, a colourful history, and some of the most dramatic maritime-themed decor around, Manzi’s is one of the buzziest seafood restaurants in central London. 

Come for the great food – freshly grilled Cornish mackerel and mussels in a spicy, coconutty broth are a standout – and stay for the decorations, featuring a full-sized mural of the marlin from Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, an alabaster Poseidon and mermaids at the bar. 

1-8 Bateman’s Buildings, London W1D 3EN
manzis.co.uk

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Oysters are a bit like marmite, aren’t they? If you can’t get enough of the little suckers, a booking at a stalwart of the London food scene, Bentley’s, should be top of your list.

Bentley’s has been providing the best oysters and Champagne to bougie Londoners since 1916 and it’s still one of the finest seafood restaurants in the city.

Tuck into oysters from Dorset or Jersey, Galway to Vietnam, as well as decadent lobster Thermidor and Dover sole.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, 11-15 Swallow Street, London W1B 4DG
www.bentleys.org

Angler

This Michelin-starred restaurant is the jewel of Moorgate’s South Place Hotel, thanks to the exquisite touch of Executive Chef, Gary Foulkes.

Foulkes’ way with seafood is one of the best you’ll find in the capital, from seabass tartare with oyster cream, green apple and shiso to the roast Newlyn cod with Scottish girolles, line-caught squid and Alsace bacon.

The tasting menu is a must-try for any special occasion, and did we mention the restaurant has a gorgeous sweeping terrace too? Hard to find when it comes to London Michelin dining.

Angler, South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, Finsbury, London EC2M 2AF
www.anglerrestaurant.com

OMA

One of London’s best new restaurants, OMA is inspired by the food of the Greek Islands – which means lots of fish. The latest from David Carter, founder of Manteca and Smokestack, think sea bass crudo with jalapeño granita, lobster bisque börek and octopus skewers. 

Think sea bass crudo with jalapeño granita, lobster bisque börek and octopus skewers

3 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
oma.london

Randall & Aubin

Originally London’s first butcher’s shop, this place has been transformed over the years into a popular seafood eatery while keeping its original Victorian features.

With high marble tops and stools it has an informal and friendly feel – especially thanks to the giant glitter ball above.

Go classic with the creamy moules marinieres, French fries and crusty baguette to mop it all up with. An oldie but a goodie.

Randall & Aubin, 4-16 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1F 0SG
www.randallandaubin.com

Prawn on the Lawn

Fishmongers by trade, the team at POTL mean business when it comes to seafood and has built up one of Islington’s best-loved restaurants. With no actual lawn in sight and a lot more to offer than just prawns, they specialise in small and sharing plates, from cod with feta, dill, mint, basil and pine nuts to lemon sole dripping in ‘nduja butter and tarragon. Then there are oysters from all over the British Isles, whole grilled fish for the table and the signature POTL fruits de mer (served chilled on ice).

Prawn on the Lawn, 292 – 294 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2LH
www.prawnonthelawn.com

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay

Hidden inside The Savoy Hotel sits The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay. The relaxed dining space prides itself on serving up the best shellfish and seafood from the UK. Start your evening with a round of fresh oysters and seabass ceviche and scallop tartare from the raw bar before ordering their popular whole lobster with garlic, parsley and lemon butter, served with fries and bitter leaf salad.

The relaxed dining space prides itself on serving up the best shellfish and seafood from the UK

Savoy Hotel, Strand, WC2R 0eU
www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Scott’s 

Rub shoulders with the A-listers on Scott’s terrace – many a celeb has been papped dining al fresco at the Mayfair institution. The food lives up to the hype with a menu dedicated to the finest traditional fish and shellfish dishes alongside meat and seasonal game favourites, all paired with some seriously good cocktails.

Food-wise, the menu is decadent, to say the least (come with deep pockets), from caviar to oysters, lobster to whole Dover sole, but it’s without a doubt one of those places you have to tick off the list. A London fish restaurant you can’t beat.

Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE
www.scotts-restaurant.com

J. Sheekey

Tucked behind the heart of Theatre Land on St Martin’s Court, the red facade of J Sheekey’s fish, shellfish and seasonal game restaurant is nothing short of iconic. Sheekey’s is as famous and as much a part of the West End as the actors and theatregoers who frequent it pre- or post-show and it’s been top of its game for over 100 years.

Devour seafood platters or pop in for oysters and a glass of Champagne or head next door to the more casual, but just as loved, J.Sheekey Atlantic Bar. 

J. Sheekey, 28-32 St Martin’s Court, London WC2N 4AL
www.j-sheekey.co.uk

Cornerstone

London’s school of seafood restaurants aren’t all in Mayfair. Head east to Hackney Wick where you’ll find the excellent Cornerstone, headed up by chef and owner Tom Brown.

Sharing plates is his thing, with a daily changing menu depending on the catch, which Brown morphs into some of the prettiest seafood dishes we’ve seen.

Think raw oyster with green tomato and seaweed hot sauce; whole monkfish, green curry, leeks and lime leaf; and crab bun with spring kohlrabi and rhubarb hoisin.

Cornerstone, 3 Prince Edward Road,
Hackney Wick, London E9 5LX
www.cornerstonehackney.com

Chicama

For something a little different, check out Chelsea’s Chicama restaurant. Inspired by the coastal food of Peru, the menu will have you whisked away to a holiday in South America, with the team’s inventive Peruvian, bold-flavoured twist on fine British produce.

Expect yellowtail crudo with lime dashi and jalapeno; grilled prawns with yuzu kosho and chipotle salt; and the half seafood platter. And don’t even think about leaving without ordering one of their famous Pisco sours.

Chicama, 383 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW10 0LP
www.chicamalondon.com

London Shell Co.

With two floating boats in Paddington, London Shell Co. specialises in fresh fish. Their vessel, The Grand Duchess, is filled with airy, light interiors and has a menu that nods to British classics. They use the freshest fish available, with their catch-of-the-day ingredients coming from Kernow sashimi and Wild Harbour. Their menu is filled with the likes of seared cuttlefish with aioli; whole rainbow trout and salsa verde; and whole plaice with caper butter.

Or cruise along the canal at The Prince Regent. Regularly changing, their menu is filled with dishes such as baked cod with cavolo nero and Champagne caviar sauce; trout crudo with pickled mushrooms, celeriac and granny smith; and dark chocolate with English berries and hazelnuts.

The Prince Regent & The Grand Duchess: SHELDON SQUARE, PADDINGTON CENTRAL, W2 6PY
www.londonshellco.com

Beast

Brought to you by the Goodman Restaurant Group, the people behind the Burger & Lobster restaurants, this restaurant champions the beasts of land and sea – from the finest beef to Norwegian red king crab.

The crab comes from the Norway King Crab Company in Bugøynes, a small town on the Northern Norwegian/Russian border that benefits from the behemoths of crustaceans.

The menu might sound unashamedly gluttonous but the interiors are actually really rather pretty. Sit on long, banqueting tables lit up by candlelight for a truly unique dining experience.

Beast, 3 Chapel Place, London, W1G 0BG
www.beastrestaurant.com

Wright Brothers

Not to be confused with the American aviation specialists, these guys are all about seafood, in fact, they are the self-professed “seafood experts.” And we agree, having popped into many of their London outposts (they boast three from Battersea to Borough) for a glass of bubbles and a plate of oysters on many occasions over the years.

Check out their daily changing specials showcasing the best of British seafood straight off the boats at Brixham Market or order the Full House seafood platter for the perfect long lazy lunch.

Borough is our favourite of the restaurants which sits amongst some of the capital’s most exciting independent foodie haunts on the bustling Stoney Street.

Battersea, Borough and South Kensington
www.thewrightbrothers.co.uk

Bibendum Oyster Bar

Housed in the iconic Michelin House building, the restaurant holds a fascinating history through its iconic architecture. The Michelin building was originally the British headquarters for Michelin, a French tyre company, which is now one of London’s finest places to tuck into oysters, seafood and champagne, while sitting within the art deco tiles and original mosaic flooring.

Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, London SW3 6RD
www.claudebosi.com

The Sea, The Sea

From fishmonger to restaurant, The Sea, The Sea is home to two stunning locations and shares a name with an Iris Murdoch novel. Over in Chelsea, you’ll find their seafood bar and terrace serving up everything from mackerel and tomato miso to lobster terrine.

For a chef’s table experience, look to their Hackney site for an intimate celebration occasion. Home to twelve seats, it invites you to get up close to the fire in the kitchen.

Chelsea & Hackney 
www.theseathesea.net

Seabird 

This might be an Instagram favourite, but we can confirm the hype is well worth it. Seabird, located at the top of The Hoxton Southwark, is home to London’s longest oyster list. Expect options from England, France and Ireland. 

Pair that with a stunning outdoor space home to palm trees, a retractable roof, rattan furniture and views overlooking the city, it’s a recipe for success on balmy summer nights.

The Rooftop at The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars, SE1 8NY 
www.seabirdlondon.com 

Kerridge’s Fish & Chips, Harrods

Fish and chips, done the right way. Tom Kerridge opened up London’s poshest fish and chippy, taking the nation’s favourite to new heights. The Michelin-starred chef’s restaurant takes diners through the freshest seafood on offer in Britain, all ethically sourced and hand-selected by local fishmongers. 

Book in and delight in the likes of deep-fried market day fish – from Cornish brill to whole lobster – all deep-fried made with Kerridge’s gluten-free batter and served with chips, Matson curry sauce, tartare sauce and pease pudding. 

Dining Hall, Ground Floor at Harrods, 87 – 135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 
www.harrods.com

The Seafood Bar

From the De Visscher family comes The Seafood Bar, an award-winning seafood restaurant on Dean Street. The menu is fruitful, bursting with endless flavour combinations and fresh seafood options, from mussels to crustaceans. 

Expect endless oyster options, topped with your choice of dressing, from curry to cucumber and dill; soy, spring onion and lime to mango, chilli and coriander.

77 Dean Street, W1D 3SH 
www.theseafoodbar.com

Vori

Seafood is an integral part of Vori’s offering, and they work closely with trusted fish suppliers who source the freshest, most seasonal produce for them. Their signature dishes include garides scharas (grilled prawns), grilled kalamari, which they serve with carrot & florina pepper purée, and their day boat catch varies with anything from lavraki (seabass), and sardines to fagri (sea bream) dependent on the time of year.

120 Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA
vorigreekitchen.co.uk


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