The Best Seafood Restaurants in London

Tucked up on the top floor of the South Place Hotel, you'll find this bright, airy room with a sought-after roof terrace that’s perfect for an aperitif when the weather permits. The kitchen – under the direction of Chef Gary Foulkes – is certainly fish-focused, with top-notch produce like Newlyn cod being allowed to shine in refined, stripped-back dishes. Any accompaniments to the seafood are delicate and well-judged in their complementary flavours, while accomplished technical skill is also on display.

The South Place Hotel is recommended by The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel experts.

The late Sir Terence Conran had a penchant for all things fish and shellfish, and it’s him we have to thank for originally opening an oyster bar in the foyer of Michelin House. Since taking over the premises, Claude Bosi has kept things true to the original while adding more substance to the menu. Naturally, the seafood platters and fresh oysters remain, but there’s also room for a lobster roll or a king prawn burger. When the weather turns cooler, ask for a table indoors as it can get a little chilly by the entrance.

Need a hotel for the night? Michelin recommends the nearby The Franklin London – Starhotels Collezione.

Tom Brown lived and worked in Cornwall – one of the focal points of British seafood – for several years before making the move to London and opening Cornerstone. When it earned a Michelin Star, it helped to place Hackney Wick on the capital’s culinary map. The chefs here truly understand the sourcing, preparation and cooking of prime quality fish; they display assured technical skill while resisting the temptation to be showy or overly elaborate. This results in dishes that are both easy to eat and eminently satisfying. In Shoreditch, Pearly Queen comes from the same stable and offers a trendy modern take on the classic oyster bar.

A feature of theatreland since 1896, you cannot fail to miss this brightly painted restaurant tucked down St Martins Court. The shellfish platters are legendary, and dishes like lobster thermidor or sizeable Dover sole afford a similar feeling of luxury – as do the smartly dressed staff and photos of stage stars on the walls. There’s value to be had with the set lunch menu, as well as with the simpler dishes on offer like fish pie or fried haddock and chips. If you’re unable to secure a reservation, they hold a few counter seats for walk-ins.

St Martins Lane Hotel is a mere 2 minutes away, and is recommended by Michelin.

If you like your seafood Italian style, then this is the place to come. Part of a small, family-owned group of restaurants, Olivomare is a smart, bright space offering dishes like crab linguine and fritto misto, but it’s the Sardinian favourites such as ‘cassola di pesce’ stew that are the house speciality. Bottarga plays a big part in the menu too, and there are few better ways to kick off a meal than with a bellini. Do take a trip to the deli next door and stock up on goodies.

Michelin also recommend hotels, including the nearby COMO The Halkin.

This seafood-focused neighbourhood bistro hit the ground running on day one and hasn’t looked back. Fish and shellfish form the basis of the sharing plates menu, which includes dishes like wood-fired prawns with pickled kumquat and miso butter. The simpler dishes, as with many seafood restaurants, tend to work best, benefiting from prime ingredients from the south coast and Scottish Highlands. The wine list features sensibly priced options, alongside some more extravagant offerings from their ‘Black Book’.

Michelin-recommended hotel The Laslett is within walking distance of the restaurant.

Scott’s is not just a restaurant in Mayfair, it’s a Mayfair institution. Full of glamour, romance and a fair few famous faces, it’s a place that continues to thrive and retain its popularity. The counter really is the place to sit, with a great view of the array of shellfish on ice. When it comes to ordering, you can’t go wrong with half a dozen fresh oysters to kick things off, followed by fish cooked and served on the bone. In 2022, they travelled west and opened a second Scott’s by the river in Richmond, which is just as enjoyable.

To extend your luxury London visit, stay at the Michelin-recommended The May Fair, A Radisson Collection Hotel.