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.

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? The MICHELIN Guide recommends the nearby The Franklin London – Starhotels Collezione.

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 two minutes away, and is recommended by The MICHELIN Guide.

While a lot of London’s best seafood restaurants are located in the city’s busiest districts, Lyon’s bucks that trend as a proper neighbourhood operation for the lucky residents of Crouch End. There can be few better feelings than sitting up at the counter here with a selection of oysters and a glass of wine, from a list favouring smaller producers and biodynamic options. The cooking as a whole is centred around seafood and pleasingly free of fuss, with the focus kept on the fresh, clean flavours of the ingredients.

There are currently no MICHELIN Guide hotels near Lyon's, but there's a whole selection to explore across London.

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.

The MICHELIN Guide also recommend hotels, including the nearby COMO The Halkin, recognised with One MICHELIN Key.

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.

The classic oyster bar is given a trendy modern update at this ever-so-cool spot in the streets of Shoreditch. The lively room is packed full of relatively youthful diners all having a good time, while the décor is enlivened by contemporary artwork and the odd flash of neon. The menu lends itself to sharing, with dishes coming in a range of sizes and showing off fine seafood produce from cuttlefish to crab. The oysters themselves are all present and correct, available in a range of styles that could include raw, grilled, pickled or 'crispy buffalo'.

Need a hotel for the night? It's not far to Andaz London Liverpool Street.

With a name like this, it’s no surprise that The Sea, The Sea is one of London’s top seafood spots. Operating as both a fishmonger and a restaurant, it calls itself a ‘seafood bar’ and the description feels entirely accurate with its high-stool seating and ice-laden counter. The menu is a whole-hearted celebration of fish and shellfish, with oysters and caviar ideal to start with if you’re celebrating, followed by both raw and cooked dishes that soar thanks to the quality of their core ingredients, many of which are dry aged to enhance their flavour.

Make your trip feel extra special by booking a room at the nearby Beaverbrook Town House, recipient of One MICHELIN Key.