Mentioned by House & Garden
The best outdoor restaurants in London to book now
"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"
"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"
"Restaurants British Covent Garden. J Sheekey lures lovers in with its red canopies on St Martin’s Court. What could appeal more than the chance to knock back a plate of native oysters overlooked by photos of the finest stars of stage and screen?"
"Sitting atop the South Place Hotel, Angler makes apparent early on its elegantly versatile nature. With "sustainable seafood from British waters, paired with the best seasonal and local produce", as well as world-renowned sommelier Benoit Allauzen, Angler is a double-hitter, and might just be the wine-enthusiast's seafood paradise. Their tasting menu includes everything from smoked eel to minestrone, and they offer a Sunday BBQ which reinvents the form: mackerel-squid sliders, prawn and pork belly skewers, and Cornish cod goujons."
"The Provence-inspired terrace and adjoining bar at Angler, atop the South Place Hotel in Moorgate, is a City of London sanctuary. Relaxed and refined, with great cocktails and bubbles, the terrace is the extension of a fish-focused, Michelin-starred restaurant that is one of London’s hidden gems. South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London , United Kingdom"
"Perched atop South Place Hotel, Angler’s 40-seat west-facing roof terrace boasts lovely views of the city. Chef Gary Foulkes heads up the Michelin-starred kitchen, which serves up a fish-focused menu of dishes like Cornish turbot with scallop stuffed courgette and Dorset crab with bouillabaisse sauce. anglerrestaurant.com"
"There's nothing like a seafood platter to get romance flowing, and Scott's certainly delivers with its gargantuan plate of crustaceans – you can even add lobster for a little extra. Other delicacies at this fish-focused restaurant include skate wing, monkfish and halibut."
"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..."
"The Wright Brothers have made seafood many things: sustainable, curated, and very cool. Embedded in Spitalfields Market within a stone's throw of folksy menswear boutiques and the vintage racks, The Wright Brothers seem to have absorbed the identity of the east for their latest addition to their set of restaurants and oyster bars. But all that brassy, stylish veneer hasn't distracted from the Wright Brothers's commitment to taste and sustainability."
"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 restaurant group also sells wholesale and has its own oyster farm in Cornwall. While the original Borough Market site is cosy and charming — though often packed — the newer South Kensington venue comes complete with the elegant downstairs Mermaid cocktail bar. Because the oysters are fairly good value, you’ll be able to consume more of their aphrodisiac goodness."
"What: Uncomplicated, simple serves are the order of the day at The Oystermen, which started life as a pop up. The small kitchen at the Covent Garden restaurant produces delightful treats such as anchovies on toast, smoked cod roe with lavash bread, and, of course, oysters. However, it’s not just about the small plates here; more substantial fish dishes such as Scottish cod with chestnut purée also come expertly cooked.Where: 32 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8NA"
"There is a tiny red alarm button in our brain labelled ‘BOUGIE FUN’ that we mentally hit every single time we have oysters. As all seafood fans know, oysters, octopus, and clams, are all dishes that taste exponentially better when you eat them outside in the sunshine. We have no idea why, it’s just a fact."
"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."
"What: For those who like to feel transported to coast when indulging in seafood, The Melusine is as close as it gets in London. 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 in a glass of white wine and a few plates of The Melusine’s wonderfully fresh seafood and you’re practically there.Where: Unit K, Ivory House, E1W 1AT"
"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."
"Restaurants Japanese Haggerston. This Japanese café in Haggerston gets top rating from young customers thanks to its toy-filled playroom and canalside location. There’s no pressure to spend and scarper: while away the afternoon with as many matcha lattes as you can handle."
"Sorry estate agents, but as much as you brand this area off Kingsland Road ‘The Haggerston Riviera’, absolutely no one is buying it. Not that it bothers the quiet and unassuming cafe Toconoco. Tucked away just off the Regent’s Canal, this cute Japanese spot is a total hidden gem and serves up simple, tasty and pocket-friendly meals."
"For Those Cake Moments specialises in buttercream cakes that can be customised and personalised following the design that you have in mind. In the business for more than 5 years now, they have been delivering soft, delicious and tasty creations that everyone will enjoy. You can choose from different buttercream flavours like chocolate, cheese and vanilla."
"There is nothing even slightly fancy or instagrammable about The Brownie Box. The Earl’s Court location on Old Brompton Road is right next to a bus stop and the tables outside are noisy and liberally fumigated with auto exhaust. The tables inside are old fashioned and formica topped, the floor linoleum."
"Rainforest Cafe has been among London families’s favourite child friendly restaurants because it is centrally located nearby Piccadilly Circus and close to London theatres. The food might not be the best in town but the decor and animation inside the restaurant will make your kids jaw dropping as soon as they enter the venue. And let’s not forget the shop where your children will beg for bring back home a snake or a monkey."
"Located smack, bang in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, Rainforest Café has been serving up burgers, pastas, salads and more since 1997. Kids will love the decor where they’ll be surrounded by the jungle, which is brought to life with the help of special effects and really rather cool animatronics. Expect tropical showers, cascading waterfalls and mechanical butterflies to go along with your milkshakes and fries."