With a kaleidoscopic culinary culture and refined sensibilities, London has gained renown for its world-class gastronomy. The city hosts 80 Michelin-starred restaurants (making London the 6th most Michelin-starred city in the world) and hundreds of global restaurants, rendering it an epicurean’s paradise.
A particularly elevated dish admired by gastronomes and crustacean aficionados alike is the lobster. A classified delicacy, it has a subtle yet strong flavour profile of sweet butteriness. It is also significantly meatier than other sea creatures and has a substantial protein content.
Armed with fresh native lobsters and zestful flavour palettes, London has risen to become one of the world’s lobster capitals. Read on to uncover the best lobster restaurants in London.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill: Piccadilly
Bentley’s is Piccadilly’s prized seafood retreat, famous for its quality champagne, oysters, and lobsters. It is the self-proclaimed purveyor of London’s finest seafood, a claim that has been merited by well-heeled Londoners for more than 100 years.
The establishment bears all the markers of an elite restaurant, from the dark wooden panels to the marble-topped bar, gold-studded leather chairs, and linen-clad tables. Sea creature motifs, from clam ornaments to fish portraiture, add a touch of whimsy to the restaurant. There’s also a baroquely decked-out private dining room and al-fresco seating.
Bentley’s native lobster offerings include chilled lobster mayonnaise, grilled lobster with lemon and almond butter, lobster thermidor with rocket salad, and lobster caesar salad with anchovy and aged parmesan. With premium oysters, caviar, and champagne to boot, Bentley’s presents an idealised seafood fine-dining experience.
Bob Bob Ricard: Soho
Bob Bob Ricard is a quintessential West End culinary institution presenting the best of French and modern British sea fare.
The aesthetic of Bob Bob Ricard has been modelled on the lavishness of the Royal Dining Carriage. Decked out in art deco grandeur, the establishment is adorned with mosaic tiles, richly designed wallpaper, luxuriant blue banquettes, gold-plated panels, velvet tapestries, marble tables, and ornately gold-inscribed ceilings. Modern cluster chandeliers lift the space with soft gold accents.
Every table is fitted with a “push for champagne” button, earning Bob Bob Ricard the tag of the most champagne-pouring restaurant in all of Britain.
The unabashedly glamorous restaurant serves delectable lobster dishes, such as lobster and shrimp pelmeni and lobster macaroni with cheese thermidor. Oysters and exclusive champagne selections are also on offer, in addition to fantastical desserts such as the Limonnaya Vodka (shot of lemon-infused vodka served at -18 degrees Celsius).
The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay: The Savoy. Strand, City of Westminster
The River Restaurant, established by multi-Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay in one of London’s most prestigious hotels, is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most notable seafood restaurants. The sophisticated wine and dine venue presents a memorable seafood extravaganza alongside panoramic views of the River Thames.
Like most Gordon Ramsay establishments, the River Restaurant’s aesthetic embodies modern luxury, with geometric-patterned carpeting, plush club chairs, a sleek bar, and glitzy cluster chandeliers. Tall plants, modish ceiling lights, fish-scale inspired tilework, and gold-plated finishes elevate the space tremendously, transforming River into a hallmark Savoy fixture.
The River serves up incredible traditional lobster with garlic, parsley, lemon butter, and whole grilled Cornish lobster. Ceviche, shellfish, and caviar are other bites on offer, in addition to premium choices of vintage wines.
Claude Bosi at Bibendum: Chelsea
A Michelin-recommended seafood joint in the heart of Chelsea, Claude Bosi has built a steadfast reputation for its quality oysters, fresh market fish, and flavour-packed lobster dishes.
Located on the first floor of the Michelin House, the modish bistro has been designed with sparkling white walls, royal blue carpeting, rich leather banquettes, and soaring windows. The show-stopping element is the massive stained glass artwork, depicting a mythical sea creature, adding a dash of playfulness to the establishment.
The Scottish Lobster with Dieppoise is their signature dish at the time of publication. They offer several taster menus, besides gourmet desserts and rare wines from around the world.
Meraki: Fitzrovia
Meraki is an iconic Greek restaurant located on the bustling Great Titchfield Street in Fitzrovia. While it initially gained renown for its elevated take on Mediterranean food, it also offers incredible seafood options. It has received acclaim by brands such as Dior, Moët-Hennessy, Lacoste, and TikTok.
With beige and coral tones, Meraki’s atmosphere is the epitome of understated elegance. Caramel-coloured bistro furniture, modern artwork, symmetrical cabinetry, and dim sconces adorn the restaurant. An intimate lounge section, in contrast, is baroquely dolled up with floral wallpaper, gold-plated stools, and luxuriant creepers.
Meraki’s signature lobster dish is certainly off-beat – it is a whole lobster cooked giouvetsi style (an orzo pasta in a tomato sauce). Accompanied by mezze starters and Greek lager, guests are in for an utterly unique lobster fare.
Randall & Aubin: Soho
Randall & Aubin is one of London’s most celebrated seafood restaurants. Dating to 1911, it was initially established as a butcher shop for the city’s elite. It evolved into a restaurant later in its life.
Legend has it that Randall & Aubin was one of Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite food markets. The restaurant is still in possession of handwritten recipes detailing the former Prime Minister’s favourite meat dishes.
The venue presents an eccentric aesthetic fusion, conjuring an intriguing milieu. It can best be described as an unexpected marriage between Soho’s flamboyant glamour and the building’s grimy past.
Much of its abattoir roots have been preserved through the meat hooks, dark walls, and dingy wooden partitions – most of these elements have now taken on a fascinating vintage appeal. The element that stands out in all its eccentric yet captivating glory is the giant disco ball hanging from the foyer’s ceiling.
The dynamic seasonal menu is a nod to British and French cuisine. At the time of writing, the main lobster dishes are the lobster mayonnaise and the classic lobster roasted in garlic butter with pommes frites. Guests may also sample their premium caviar, champagnes, and dessert wines.
The Ritz: St James's
The Ritz has been the paragon of luxury and decadence for more than a century – indeed, the name speaks for itself. The five-star hotel nestled in the affluent alcove of St. James offers guests an unparalleled Michelin dining experience, starring a whole buttery lobster.
Unabashed Victorian glamour marks the restaurant’s interiors. The ornate period chandeliers, intricate gilded ceilings, tasselled tapestries, archaic carpeting, mediaeval gold sculptures, and antique ornaments are evocative of old-world majesty and regal prestige. Pristine views of the verdurous, plush locale perfectly crown the venue.
The Ritz’s seasonal menu features local produce and fresh market catches. Among other seafood choices, the restaurant’s signature offering is the native lobster dressed in heirloom tomato and basil. A more extensive seven-course taster menu also features a native lobster with spiced carrot and lemon verbena.
Scott's: Mayfair
Scott’s is a Michelin-recommended seafood restaurant residing in the golden postcode of London’s Mayfair
At Scott’s, guests enter a brave new world of unabated luxurious creativity. Lavished in intricate glass work, floor-to-ceiling gold detailing, byzantine patterns, and grand old mediaeval paintings, every nook and cranny is filled with character. Hundreds of unique glass ornaments with gilt touches litter the restaurant, attached to sconces, panels, and wall skirtings. Vibrant accents are introduced to the space with rich, vivid tapestries, bright tilework, and glittery wallpaper.
This ultra-extravagant seafood haunt is a trusted food stop for Hollywood’s elite – Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, and British model Kate Moss have been spotted here on a few occasions.
At the time of publication, Scott’s presents three chief lobster dishes – grilled lobster with garlic butter, lobster thermidor, and lobster mayonnaise with horseradish sauce and tomato.
As one of life’s finer pleasures, lobsters are decadent marvels worth indulging in. From classic lobster joints like Bentley’s in Piccadilly to delightfully inventive places like Randall & Aubin in Soho, these are eight of the best lobster restaurants in London.
