Mentioned by House & Garden
The best outdoor restaurants in London to book now
"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."
"What: West End regulars will have undoubtably walked past the bright red façade of J Sheekey on many occasions before but if you haven’t ventured inside before, it’s a great spot for a pre-show meal. Diners come to J Sheekey for its inimitable fish cookery which courts all the classics with a light touch. Tuck into rich fish pie, potted shrimps or fruits de mer for a satisfyingly retro meal.Where: 28-32 St Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL"
"It’s a piece of prime gastronomic real estate, but M&Ms aside, there isn’t much to eat in Leicester Square itself. A claw-cracker’s throw from the neon, though, is some of London’s best seafood, courtesy of J."
"The Michelin-starred seafood restaurant specialises in all kids of fishy food options, turning your garden variety cod into something spectacular. For lunch, you’ve got to go for their set menu for two courses from £30 or three courses from £34, with an optional wine pairing from £20. That’s super affordable for Michelin-star dining."
"South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, Moorgate, London, EC2M 2AF. The proud holder of a Michelin star, Angler in The City also boats an outdoor terrace and a stunning seafood-focused menu. Don’t skip a tartare to start and go all in on lobster for mains."
"This Mayfair institution has long been famed for its glorious terrace, where the tables have always been suitably distanced and heaters keep you warm as you sup oysters and crack into the freshest seafood around. For the reopening, the team has collaborated with Perrier-Jouët Champagne, so guests can rest assured the finest cuvees will be on offer."
"The terrace at this Mayfair establishment has long been a spot where you'll find yourself sitting downwind from unrepentant smokers like Ronnie Wood or Charles Saatchi and getting your photo taken by passing paparazzi."
"As one of the oldest restaurants in London—it started out as an oyster bar in 1851—Scott's Restaurant has certainly proved its ability to evolve with the ever-changing trends of co..."
"One of the original seafood restaurants in London, the Wright Brothers are well-known for their oysters, farmed at their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm, as well as selecting the best from the British Isles and France. From ceviche style to a Mediterranean twist with pomegranate, balsamic and spring onion, the Wright Brothers are truly the kings of oysters. If oysters aren’t your thing, don’t despair as the rest of their menu is just as delicious."
"The Wright Bros. chain is one of our favourites, as they serve seafood of consistently high quality. They also have an oyster happy hour period from 3pm-6pm every day when you can guzzle oysters for £1 each (farmed on their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm), which is the best way to spend an afternoon we can think of right now. We enjoyed a full fruit de mer platter at the Spitalfields branch and have never felt happier."
"What: There is something captivating about dining in a market, and Chamberlain’s position in the atmospheric labyrinth of Leadenhall is no different. The longstanding restaurant, which has been open since 1947, serves a menu of impeccable fish dishes, all of which come beautifully presented. Opt for classic combinations such as Orkney scallops with lardo or treat yourself to the most indulgent of dinners and order the turbot with truffle.Where: 23-25 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR"
"Located right in Diagon Alley – better known to muggles as Leadenhall Market – is this behemoth of a restaurant. It spans three floors, has its very own outdoor terrace within the historic market, and boasts a total of four private dining rooms. Moreover, as it’s owned by the prestigious Billingsgate wholesaler Chamberlain & Thelwell, it has access to the very best seafood in town."
"Restaurants British Soho. Youngsters can imagine they’re by the seaside at this dinky cockle-warmer, where the jaunty maritime-themed decor is matched by a menu of flappingly fresh fish from British waters. Come here for fastidiously prepared and ding-dong delicious small plates, classic battered haddock and other treats from old Blighty."
"This kitsch fish restaurant is a former pop-up restaurant turned permanent seafood restaurant. Feeling like you could be in a quaint seaside town, every detail is thought about in the décor, from nautical braid to scallop shaped door handles. Focusing on traditional flavours, you can pick from the raw bar or the classic whole devon crab with mayo and a baguette."
"English food might not have the best reputation in the world, but there are a few things better than a delicious serving of fish and chips. And lucky you, London has some of the best in the entire world. But don’t settle for any old chippy, go to a place that serves high-quality fish and hand-cut chips."
"Restaurants American Soho. Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers (made with Nebraskan beef) and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the star attractions, with back-up from lobster rolls, oysters and other affordably luxurious hits."
"Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the headliners, with backup from lobster rolls, ‘beast’ combos and other affordably luxurious hits. Flagship site: 29 Clarges Street, W1J 7EF"
"Unit K, Ivory House, East Smithfield, St. Katherine Docks, London E1W 1AT Why should you care?. This seafood restaurant in the docks is all about serving up sustainably caught seafood from around the British Isles. There'll be ever-changing sharing plates as well as grilled, poached or fried whole fish on the menu."
"On a nice day in St Katharine Docks, the lapping water and tinkle of boat rigging could lull you into feeling like you’re somewhere on the Med. Add a glass of white wine and a few plates of the freshest seafood and you’re practically there."
"Covent Garden — London’s tightly packed, brightly hit hub of pubs, cobbles, and theatres — is about as far from coastal tranquility as it’s possible to get. That’s before stepping into Parsons, accurately self-described as unassuming — the kind of unassuming that betrays quiet, rigid confidence in the seafood offer. Squid with inky rice, honking potted shrimp croquettes, and a whispering sea trout tartare with brisk Bloody Mary jelly: start here, and continue."
"What: If there was one word to describe Covent Garden’s Parsons, it would be unassuming. It would be easy to miss the small seafood joint, owned by the team behind The 10 Cases over the road, but venture inside and you’ll be treated to some delightful cookery. Setting the scene with green and white fishmonger-style tiles, Parsons has a jolly persona."
"Restaurants Seafood Covent Garden"
"Secluded in one of the labyrinthine side streets behind Goodge Street tube station, this chic, cosy vegetarian café has tempting displays of colourful salads, hot dishes, cakes and pastries by the entrance; and a miniscule seating area at the back. Originally set up by a father and son duo, the venue shut down for a few months last year, and has recently reopened with a new owner. It’s notable for currently being the only vegetarian venue in London to showcase cooking with broadly Ottolenghi-esque Middle Eastern influences."
"A stately home with as opulent an exterior as the art it holds within, Somerset house was once a palace for the Duke of Somerset Edward Seymour in 1547. Now one of the more grandiose of London’s institutions, the palace hosts exhibitions from all over the world and continually draws enormous crowds. The gallery is “known for the breadth of cultural collaborations across photography, fashion, art, film and music."
"Somerset House is a museum and historic house located in a Neoclassical building that overlooks the River Thames. The Somerset House, built in 1796, is an arts centre that is open to the public with free admission almost every day of the year. Free guided tours of the grounds are offered twice per week and the museum often offers special exhibits like Mary Sibande's I Came Apart At The Seams."
"Take a river boat to Embankment Pier to admire Somerset House on the Thames. The Neoclassical building houses a working arts centre with fascinating exhibitions and events."
"Kings College London only recently opened this permanent site for the Science Gallery, a dedicated space for showing contemporary artwork that explores scientific questions. Its inaugural exhibition is all about addiction, called Hooked, and previous shows in its travelling days have investigated blood, food and orifices. Think of it as looking at science through the eyes of an artist."
"Science Gallery London is an art-science-and-health inspired gallery in London. The free museum has been open since 2018 in London Bridge after a series of pop-up exhibits across London. The gallery aims to bring together scientists, artists, and communities with three themed seasons every year."