Central London in the 21st Century is fortunate to have a thriving and diverse culinary scene that contributes to its long-standing status as one the finest cities in the world to live and work in. For hundreds of years, the country’s capital was perhaps most renowned for its slightly less gourmet offerings of jellied eels, cockles, welks, and kippers all provided by the imperious River Thames that runs through it. The Victorian market at Billingsgate was also bringing in a staggering 120,000 fish to sell to countless public houses, restaurants, and thousands of families of the general population.
Top Fish and Seafood Restaurants in London
This history and heritage of London as an innovative and successful seafood hotspot has gradually evolved into the wonderfully varied and exquisitely focussed seafood scene that we are familiar with today. The menus take inspiration from all over the world, often with exciting fusions and experiments, and the spaces of the restaurants are amongst the best examples of fine-dining ambience and aesthetics that can be found anywhere in Europe. Our guide to the best seafood restaurants in Central London showcases a selection of all-time favourites so you get to decide where to cast your own net to find the perfect seafood meal.
J Sheekey
J Sheekey in the heart of Covent Garden has been delighting clientele with seafood excellence since the Victorian era. The story goes that in 1896, the English Prime minister, Lord Salisbury, gave a local stallholder named Josef Sheeky express permission to sell shellfish and seafood to the tourists and visitors of St. Martins Court. This was all done with a caveat that Josef would also cater Lord Salisbury’s own post-theatre suppers. He duly agreed and a London seafood institution was born. This place has remained a firm favourite with theatre goers and revellers reserving their seats for stunning shellfish dishes and fabulous market-fresh fish as part of their evening out. The summer terrace, or Chateau Sheekey, as it is locally known provides an alluring alfresco dining experience to observe the city’s bustling West End with an Afternoon Sea for Two experience of shellfish platter and a chilled bottle of Château d’Esclans 2022 definitely worth booking ahead for.
Randall & Aubin
Randall & Aubin provides the best seafood offering in Soho with a tantalising mix of old London charm fused with the highest quality modern dining recipes and methods. This building began its life in the city’s culinary history books as an award-winning butchers that served The Savoy, The Ritz, and all of the well-heeled gentry that would stroll past its windows. Incredibly, the restaurant as it is now still has handwritten receipts from Winston Churchill framed at the bar. In 1996, Randall & Aubin changed its focus to become a restaurant that served the ever-changing needs of the people visiting West End London. There are still beautiful echoes of this building’s past life evident in the décor everywhere with the original tiled walls, marble work tops, and meat hooks hanging from the ceiling making it a striking place to spend time. The Royal Baerii caviar here served with blinis, crème fraiche, egg yolk & shallots is a divine way to begin any London evening.
Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen
Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen on Covent Garden’s Henrietta Street is a pioneer in bringing artisanal oyster and seafood dishes up to date and out to the public. Created by Matt Lovell and Rob Hampton with a strong philosophy using the three pillars of provenance, sustainability, and old-school hospitality, this place has the finest seafood experience without any of the outdated white tablecloth formality. Ethically sourced, high-quality seafood from all over the British Isles is implemented in some genuinely unique and inspiring dishes on show. As the name suggests, the oysters here are the main attraction with their daily fresh catch ready to shuck on request. One can choose them raw dressed in Xo sauce & chilli, Champonzu, Wasabi & Shiso, or Irish Whiskey, Dill & Pickle. If you prefer them cooked, then the half-shell options in spicy Buffalo sauce or Champagne Alioli & smoked herring caviar are a taste to behold at this incredible specialist seafood location.
Scott’s
We could not talk about the best seafood restaurants in London without giving a special mention and particular attention to Scott’s of Mayfair . This world-famous establishment began life as an oyster warehouse created by a young fishmonger named John Scott almost 200 years ago. Originally situated in Haymarket’s Coventry Street, it moved to its current location on Mount Street in 1967 and has been widely regarded as the best fish restaurant in London ever since. Scott’s is a place that has seated so many of history’s greatest writers, artists, and cultural icons over the years. The James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, was a regular and it is even suggested that this is the very place where he was introduced to a certain Martini drink that must always be ‘shaken, not stirred’. The whole Lobster Thermidor is a decadent and delicious temptation here with a definite licence to thrill.
The Sea, The Sea. Chelsea
The Sea, The Sea is the destination for anybody who wants to experience the pinnacle of seafood cuisine in a much more relaxed and informal setting. This intimate terrace on Chelsea ’s Pavilion Road serves an exquisite selection of small plates that are changed on a daily basis depending on what is available from the most prestigious of suppliers in Dayboat British fish. The freshness of the source ingredients is unmatched anywhere as they will have been fished from the waters on the same day, as one sits down to enjoy them. Recent recipes of note here have included the Lobster Terrine, chutoro waffles, and the immaculately cured cod. Dining at The Sea feels like a very connected experience with expertly curated drinks to accompany every dish, ranging from artisan craft ales and natural wines to wonderfully elegant cocktails. It is easy to see why this fine place has recently made its way into the Michelin Guide.
As you set sail on Central London’s famous streets in search of the seafood restaurant that suits you, using our guide as your compass, will surely lead you to find your own catch of the day in any weather.
