The best seafood restaurants in London vary from unassuming (but delicious) boltholes offering pound-a-pop oyster happy hours to some of the finest places to dine in the city (where you can also enjoy a glass of champagne with the London skyline in the background). Seafood always feels like a special occasion, whether towering stacks of delicacies like prawns, melt-in-the-mouth scallops and zingy calamari or the white tablecloth service with course after course of delights from the sea.
While London may be landlocked and without the benefits of sea views, that’s not to say that the offering isn’t still strong. Billingsgate Market, the largest inland fish market in the UK, often populates the Capital’s restaurants with the finest produce from the British Isles. This is our tried-and-tested edit of the best seafood restaurants in London to try next.
Best seafood restaurants in London
1. J. Sheeky, Covent Garden
The place to go for old-school glamour in the heart of London’s theatreland, J. Sheeky is a favourite with discerning foodies and A-list celebrities. Understated and always offering impeccable service, this celeb haunt pulls out all the stops for a fine-dining seafood experience. While it’s an undeniably prestigious establishment, the lunch menu offers three courses for £39 – a very fair price when it’s salmon sashimi, pan-fried seabass, lime and ancho chilli butter, finished off with salted caramel creme brule on the menu.
2. Lyons, Crouch End
Crouch End has no shortage of great restaurants, but Lyon’s has to take the crown for the most coveted in the area. This picturesque and unassuming seafood restaurant looks romantic from the outside. With an open-plan kitchen, breakfast-bar-style dining, and candlelight, it’s an inviting space that offers a delicious menu. Head Chef Robbie Cornell made his name at the prestigious Corrigan’s in Mayfair and brings real flair to the kitchen with an ever-changing menu that features delights like wild-cured seabass, Dorset clams and dressed oysters.
3. The Pearly Queen
After the success of the now-closed but delightful Corner Stone in Hackney, Chef Tom Brown is back with another venture – Pearly Queen in Shoreditch. Oysters are the order of the day here, with some inventive takes on the classic lemon and Tabasco combo. The interiors here are contemporary artwork and flashes of neon, making it an excellent place for Friday night seafood. Try the ‘crispy buffalo’ oysters – you won’t regret it.
4. Scott’s, Mayfair
A London institution, Scott’s is a favourite with celebrities and discerning foodies, offering a real buzz any day of the week. Whether it’s caviar, oysters, or a delicate dish of grilled Dover soul – you know it will be top-notch here. There’s also a sister restaurant in Richmond that has the same name. While it’s not as well-reviewed, it offers a decadent menu and lovely riverside views.
5. Wright Brothers, Borough
(Slightly) cheaper and most definitely cheerful, Wright Brothers is a solid fan for oyster fans. Nestled in the busy food epicentre of Borough Market, it’s an accessible drop-in location where seafood fans can enjoy a glass of fizz and some seafood delicacies. There are also branches in South Kensington and Battersea if you want a less central location. An oyster happy hour happens every week, from 3 pm to 6 pm every Monday – Thursday. And if you want something more substantial, opt for lobster and fries or a fresh prawn linguine.
thewrightbrothers.co.uk/pages/borough-market-seafood-restaurant
6. Angler, Moorgate
This Michelin-stared restaurant sits at the top of the South Place Hotel in East London and offers a fine dining experience. Chef Gary Foulkes is at the helm, serving fresh seafood and fish dishes with a white tablecloth dining experience. It’s an impressive seafood restaurant in London for a posh lunch, or make an evening booking to experience the whole shebang for a special occasion.
7. Sweetings, City of London
Looking for a classic seafood restaurant in the heart of London? Sweetings has traditional decor, pull-up chairs and fresh seafood behind the counter. It’s the ultimate city lunch destination. The fish pie is legendary here, finished off with some old-school desserts.
8. Parsons, Covent Garden
This restaurant is everything a seafood restaurant should be. Understated, a little bit under the radar and very stylish, Parsons lets the dishes do the talking with fresh and seasonal ingredients that really shine. Daily specials are written on boards and wiped off at the close of service – no tired and generic dishes here.
9. Prawn on the Lawn, Islington
This tiny gem of a restaurant is one of the best seafood destinations in London for counter-top dining. Enjoy king prawns, crab, lobster and oysters during a no-frills yet decadent and stylish dining experience. Despite being famous across London, this restaurant still has a lot of local charm and feels authentic. In our experience, whoever is behind the counter will happily chat you through the dishes that day, adding to the experience.
