In and around the great culinary city of London, the seafood scene is always booming with delightful restaurants, showcasing locally sourced catches as well as internationally influenced dishes that go a long way to surprise and impress the most ardent of seafood lovers. Amid the lively energy of this dynamic city, a harmonious blend of modern and traditional seafood hotspots awaits, offering a captivating synthesis of timeless authenticity and avant-garde innovation.
Set forth on a culinary exploration that transports you to the vast ocean, delving into the diverse landscape of seafood offerings. Indulge in audacious creations that have emerged in recent years, promising a gastronomic adventure that captures the essence of both tradition and creativity. From fish pie to ceviche, read on for the 10 best seafood restaurants in London and reserve your table on OpenTable now.
The best seafood restaurants in London to book now – follow the guide
For one of London’s best seafood restaurants for special occasions – visit J Sheekey – The Restaurant in Covent Garden
J Sheekey – The Restaurant has a reputation as one of London’s most iconic seafood restaurants, located in the bustling atmosphere of Covent Garden just around the corner from Trafalgar Square. Established in 1896, J Sheekey is a celebrity favourite. It has a supremely comforting ambience coupled with classic British fish cookery that entices both celebrities and everyday patrons, creating one of Theatreland’s enduring productions. The extensive menu showcases a variety of aquatic delights. Oysters headline alongside hot shellfish like razor clams with chorizo and broad beans, or cold options such as lobster mayonnaise. For the high rollers, there’s caviar along with daily ‘market specials’. Diners can opt for traditional or modern fare, from smoked salmon followed by fish pie to blackened miso mackerel preceding a monkfish and tiger prawn curry. However, the standout dishes often lean towards simplicity, exemplified by the plate of plump tiger prawns bathed in garlic butter and spiked with chilli. J Sheekey’s floral terrace is the perfect spot for alfresco dining during warm days and offers a cosy outdoor heated spot during winter.
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For special occasions and celebratory seafood – book a table at Scott’s in Mayfair and Richmond
Immersing yourself in the dining experience at Scott’s, whether in Mayfair and Richmond, is akin to a lavish trip over the Atlantic. The central seafood bar, reminiscent of a keel and adorned with a bounty of ice and shellfish, enhances this illusion. Arriving early is advisable to secure a spot at the marble-topped bar, where the snacks include a delectable selection of plump olives, crisped pork crackling and replenishing almonds. The attentive staff extend their focus to drinks, ensuring your glass is never empty. The menu embodies great dishes to begin your culinary journey, with half a dozen oyster options to tantalise your taste buds. Consider indulging in the renowned cheese soufflé, accompanied by decadent cheese sauce and truffle. Adhere to the timeless Scott’s classics for an exceptional dining experience, particularly with the platter of shellfish generously smothered in garlic butter.
📍 Mayfair — Check Availability
📍 Richmond — Check Availability
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For one of London’s best seafood restaurants with an award-winning menu – visit Estiatorio Milos – London in Piccadilly
Estiatorio Milos is one of the world’s most famous seafood gems that graces many worldwide cities such as New York, Athens and Dubai, among others. It was the recipient of The Harden’s accolade for Best Fish and Seafood London Restaurant and the esteemed OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award for six consecutive years. Founded by the acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos has earned its reputation for excellence by offering fresh fish sourced daily from the Mediterranean. Enjoy some of the finest seafood around, with specialities such as oysters, clams, tuna sashimi or a Greek ceviche infused with wild Mediterranean herbs, beans and feta from the raw bar. For classic choices, you can go for an abundance of octopus, calamari and cuttlefish, while the tasty veggie selections go well as a side dish.
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For seafood with stunning scenic views – book a table at Smiths Restaurant in Wapping
Spread across four impressive floors, Smiths Restaurant Wapping stands as the ideal city venue for hosting a variety of events and enjoying one of the finest views across the River Thames. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, a bottomless rooftop brunch or a great place to have a drink and sample the fresh seafood, Smiths offers the perfect setting to gather with colleagues, clients or friends. Check out the special starter dishes that make Smiths so well-renowned in the area, such as the fish and shellfish soup with salsa verde and the Shetland mussels marinière. For your main, the options are plentiful, with the Cornish monkfish fillet and the Norwegian halibut being popular dishes.
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For one of London’s best seafood restaurants for date night – visit River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay in Aldwych
River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay graces the iconic Savoy Hotel and stands as one of two eateries overseen by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The dining area has been meticulously crafted by the esteemed Russell Sage Studio, known for its collaboration with Ramsay on other ventures. Here you can enjoy a charming atmosphere while tasting the exquisite wine list designed to perfectly accompany the rich-tasting seafood. The menu offers a diverse array of special seafood-focused dishes, featuring luxurious elements such as oysters and caviar. Patrons can choose from classic seafood options and internationally inspired dishes, ranging from whole baked Cornish turbot to sea bass ceviche with blood orange and fennel to tandoori monkfish curry.
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For healthy dishes and a lively atmosphere – book your table at Fishworks in Covent Garden, Marylebone and Piccadilly
For great vibes and healthy seafood dishes, find some solace at Fishworks in Covent Garden, Marylebone and Piccadilly, an absolute essential for seafood lovers. The place seamlessly merges coastal charm with central London sophistication, creating an ambience that mirrors the maritime allure of the English coastline. Marble tabletops, goldfish-scale tiling and an elegant oyster bar coexist with rustic hand-scrawled chalkboards, nautical fabrics and rope trimmings, resulting in a refined yet relaxed environment. Oysters on ice with shallot vinegar and Tabasco and sourced fresh from Brixham Market, while hand-dived scallops, sautéed with white wine and garlic butter and adorned with breadcrumbs and Pernod, steal the spotlight with their enticing aroma and creamy texture. Main courses such as the seared tuna and the delicately grilled Dover sole are well worth the booking.
📍 Covent Garden — Check Availability
📍 Marylebone — Check Availability
📍 Piccadilly — Check Availability
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For one of London’s best seafood restaurants for oysters and champagne – visit Bibendum Oyster Bar in South Kensington
Bibendum Oyster Bar is a timeless gem that has its history entwined with the fame of MICHELIN and its famous mascot. Now under the stewardship of Claude Bosi, acclaimed for his former Mayfair restaurant Hibiscus, the ground level remains dedicated to seafood, champagne and delightful pastries. Meanwhile, the first-floor dining room, adorned in soft blue hues, features a central open kitchen, emphasising contemporary fine dining. The updated menu seamlessly integrates seafood classics alongside new creations such as the oyster omelette with caviar and watercress and Galician beef fillet with smoked eel and beef jam. Isabelle Legeron MW curates the wine list, favouring France’s Rhône and Burgundy regions.
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For a fun and lively atmosphere – book your place at Fish Market on Liverpool Street
In the lively transformation of London’s Old Bengal Warehouse, Fish Market effortlessly captures the carefree, maritime essence, swiftly gaining the approval of city dwellers seeking a casual meal paired with a glass of wine. The decor strikes a perfect chord with its aquamarine ceiling, vibrant tones, white brickwork and marble bar, complemented by alfresco seating for sunnier days. Delving into the menu, a variety of crustacea, available by the half-pint, makes for an enticing start, followed by options like smoked-haddock scotch eggs or anchovies with shallots. Heartier choices include the baked fillet of bream with artichoke, pancetta and cockle butter, or the acclaimed fish and chips. The 80-strong wine list leans towards fresh, zesty whites, occasionally featuring show-stopping white Burgundy, helping Fish Market to be a popular choice in these parts.
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For one of London’s best seafood restaurants with a view – visit The Melusine in Tower Hill
The Melusine in Tower Hill, is a quaint waterfront eatery that is unassuming yet inviting. Even on quieter nights, the restaurant maintains a lively atmosphere, thanks to the hum of the open kitchen. The raw bar features robust cherrystone clams with a vinaigrette and an exquisitely cured turbot with citrus and coriander marinade. Scallops with grilled chicory pay homage to the Greek heritage of head chef Theodore Kyriakou. The grilled squid, complemented by smoked beef rump, courgette carpaccio and cep oil, has swiftly become a favoured choice among regulars. A popular option is the octopus, which arrives smoky from the grill, enhanced by monk’s beard and a robust jus. A fillet of wild sea bass also accompanies a romesco paste and caramelised red chicory.
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For an Italian take on seafood – book your table at Il Gattopardo in Mayfair
At Il Gattopardo, the menu spans a diverse array of sub-genres, encompassing salads, crudo plates, cheese, meat, fish, pasta, pizzette, risotto and more. The crudo section stands out with remarkable gems, as well as outstanding pasta dishes such as lobster gnocchi and delicate seafood linguine. Don’t miss the arrangement of cured Sicilian prawns in citrus zest and olive oil – a harmonious blend where sweet, juicy prawns and olive oil transcend the sum of their individual elements. The cocktail menu boasts excellent Negroni varieties, an extensive vermouth collection and a superb in-house chilled limoncello. Il Gattopardo meticulously considers every aspect of the dining experience, firmly establishing itself to be a favourite Italian gem in London.
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When it comes to seafood, London has it locked down. It’s one of the top cities in the world for variety, locally sourced produce and the perfected art of cooking combined with premium menu designs. Along with that comes the expert wine lists that wrap up each night nicely. London’s 10 best restaurants for seafood have a table for you.
