Mentioned by Time Out London
The best seafood restaurants in London
"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 has been at the centre of London's seafood scene since 1890 and continues to serve immaculately sourced and perfectly prepared seafood dishes, including their famous fish pie. However, for a romantic meal, share a fruits de mer platter for a feast of oysters, prawns, langoustines and crab. The restaurant itself has maintained its late-Victorian charm with panelled interiors that are intimate without being overbearing."
"We love the classic schmoozy charm of this place, set in the heart of Theatreland. The food is a little like very upmarket pub food, so think half pints of prawns, fish pies, lobster thermidor (what do you mean you've never seen that down the King's Head?), and platters of shellfish galore. There’s an oyster bar next door, too, which made it onto our list of the best oyster bars in London"
"What: Stunning views come as standard at this Michelin starred seafood restaurant in the City, which is located the seventh floor of South Place Hotel. The precise cooking on show at Angler elevates beautiful ingredients to dizzying heights. Dishes on the regularly changing a la carte menu might include John Dory with bacon and sardines, and roast monkfish served with parsnip cream, while there’s also the option to go all-out and opt for the lengthy tasting menu.Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, EC2M 2AF"
"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."
"Perched at the top of South Place Hotel, Angler is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a beautiful rooftop terrace, showcasing sustainable seafood from British waters with the best seasonal and local produce."
"Scott’s started out as an oyster bar in 1851, but it has since evolved into one of Mayfair’s iconic restaurants, and a reliable ‘banker’ for date nights, meetings, or even solo visits at the bar for oysters and champagne. Dover sole rightly remains a Scott’s classic, served either simply grilled or with a silky meunière sauce, expertly filleted at the table by one of the slick front of house. It ain’t cheap, but a fine fish such as this deserves the royal treatment it gets here."
"What: Owned by the people behind The Ivy, Scott’s has earned its place as a London institution and rightly so. Come here for service that will make you feel like a VIP and, decadent seafood dishes, and Champagne by the magnum. Once you’ve made the decision to go to Scott’s it would seem wrong to order anything other than a whole lobster, or at minimum a whole fish on the bone to share.Where: 20 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 2HE"
"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."
"The seafood experts of Spitalfields (shown in lead image) focus heavily on responsible sourcing. And, having their own wholesale branch, they are heavily involved in how they get their produce. Fresh and sustainable seafood is key, ensuring the menu is always changing, depending on what was caught that day."
"What: Founded by highly regarded Greek chef Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos is an internationally recognised chain known for its exquisite Mediterranean seafood. Its only UK outpost is found in a stunning Grade II-listed building in St James’ and attracts a well-heeled crowd. There’s a ‘market’ of fresh fish here which you can choose from and the raw bar is a solid option too."
"Mark Hix’s plush and moody Brewer Street restaurant wouldn’t be the first place that would come to mind to take a child. But given the chef himself has campaigned for better food in restaurants for children, it’s actually rather apt. It’s not the cheapest restaurant in town, most items on the children's menu cost around £7, but there is a 'kids under 10 eat free' special that pops up on a regular basis."
"Head inside Tramshed in East London and you’ll be whisked away into a world of Damien Hurst art, delicious food and an intimate gallery downstairs all created by the London-based chef, Mark Hix. Their menu is meat-heavy but they do have a vegetarian menu, too. Make sure to try their ‘bang bang’ chicken and their ‘cock and bull’ croquettes."
"This is a unique example of a celebrated gourmet restaurant…with a kids’ menu!. HIX Mayfair is the perfect balance between a nice sit-down meal and an experience kids will actually enjoy. The beautiful interior is accented by different pieces of artwork, which gives the place a unique feel."
"Go hungry - and thirsty - for breakfast at the Hawksmoor, Guildhall (serving breakfast Monday-Friday 7-10am). The menu features 'Anti-fogmatics' which were coined by the Head Bartender at The Savoy in the 1920s as an 'anti-fogmatic, eye opener, bracer, corpse reviver or morning glory' to be drunk 'before 11am, or whenever steam and energy are needed'. Choose a Marmalade Cocktail or a Green Maria (not your average green juice, this has Mezcal and Green Tabasco in) to give your morning a kick."
"What: You know those chocolates that everyone enjoys at Christmas, which come in gold wrapping and have the fancy name?. Yeah, well this Hawksmoor dessert is definitely not inspired by those (especially if any lawyers are reading this). The ‘Ambassador’s Reception’ does feature similar ingredients though, pairing chocolate and hazelnut in a giant choc-tastic serving.Where: 10 Basinghall Street, EC2V 5BQ"
"You know what you’re getting with a Hawksmoor – top quality steak, expertly cooked over the grill. The result is rich, perfectly seasoned meat accompanied by tempting sides like creamed spinach or crisp, beef fat chips."
"Make the most of a mezze if you're a vegetarian in London thanks to the delicious dose of plates at Levant. Hailed for their gilded and thematic interiors alongside globally renowned cocktails, the vegetarian menu at Levant is booming with tahini, pastries, falafel, deep fried pumpkin and more."
"Whilst I love a restaurant with hanging foliage and more chandeliers than that Selling Sunset mansion that still hasn’t been sold, those things are not quite enough to get me back somewhere again and again. A tiny takeaway kitchen under a hotel with zero chandeliers and just three excellent dishes on the menu however and I’ll be there twice in a week. And this spot on Sussex Gardens is only open weekends."
"I'm sure you've seen Drunch all over your Instagram – it's good food and good vibes. With delicious drinks, a huge selection of food, and a unique aesthetic, Drunch is the go-to place for brunch. They serve it all day and also have an à la carte dinner menu."
"Let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the floor.” Right, okay, now I’ve got that out of my system let’s talk about why Flor is one of the best bakeries in London. Created by the same team behind the highly acclaimed Lyle’s, Flor was a fully-fledged wine bar and bakery in its pre-pandemic heyday but has pivoted to operating solely as a hatch flogging pastries, bread, and sandwiches since lockdown took hold. We’re just grateful that’s been open at all, really."
"The second restaurant from Lyle’s chef-patron James Lowe, Flor, offers a more informal style of eating. This compact two-storey wine bar-restaurant-bakery sits on the edge of busy Borough market. Small sharing plates like the mussel flatbread with Spenwood cheese and garlic have had customers flocking since its opening in 2019."
"Gluten-free almond cake with a crisp, crackly, caramelised outer shell and a buttery, syrupy-sweet, super fudgy inside. Flor’s brown butter cake is tiny but so very satisfying. 1 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL"
"In a nutshell: Ace museum cafe from the Anchor & Hope team Where is it?. 1 Geffrye Street, London, E2 8JH Why should you care?. The Hoxton museum has a new all-day cafe and bistro from the team who brought us the Anchor & Hope and The Clarence Tavern."
"A post shared by Oblix Restaurant • London (@oblixrestaurant). Oblix is located on level 32 of The Shard and is split into two different spaces. Oblix West is a sophisticated and upscale dining room with a menu that showcases the best of British and European produce, with dishes from the rotisserie and grill in their open kitchen."
"Dine in London’s tallest building to enjoy both sophisticated fare and amazing views of the city. It’s located on the 32nd floor of the Shard and specialises in grilled and rotisserie dishes. Think bbq black cod, grilled dover sole and free range chicken for the mains."
"It doesn’t get more fancy than The Shard, which boasts many wonderful restaurants. However, it is Oblix, with it’s rosé brunch and fabulous menu, that gets our pick."