Just in time for National Seafood Week (4-11 October 2019) we've brought together our guide to the best seafood restaurants in London, so whether you're after a groaning platter of fruits de mer, or a simple Dover sole any of these will sort you out.
Meanwhile, if you're particularly interested in oysters - we have a whole other guide to where to eat those in London over here.
Angler
Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF
This rooftop, Michelin-starred restaurant in Moorgate turns out fish dishes that are - almost - too pretty to eat. The tasting menu is an all seafood affair focusing on British fish and shellfish.
Bentley's
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, London W1B 4DG
This Piccadilly institution may be best known for its ground floor oyster bar, but the upstairs dining room sees Richard Corrigan's team serving up classic dishes like Dover Sole (choose one of four different serving styles) as well as more contemporary takes like the tempura lobster with soya and marin.
Bibendum Oyster Bar
Where: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6RD
The ground floor of the Bibendum building houses Claude Bosi's French seafood bistro. The seafood platters are a big thing here, but they also have a good selection of caviar too for the South Ken crowd.
More about Bibendum Oyster Bar
Bob's Lobster
Where: Unit Su 59, London Bridge Station, St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QX
The clue's in the name - yes you'll be wanting a lobster and crayfish roll at the permanent London Bridge outpost of the popular street food traders, but the American influenced menu means tacos are also a strong choice as are the crab cakes.
Bonnie Gull
Where: Soho/ Fitzrovia
There are two branches of this Scottish seafood restaurant - the Fitzrovia shack is more casual while the Soho is a touch sexier. But both do the same job of serving up the best fish from British waters in the heart of London.
Cornerstone
Where: 3 Prince Edward Road, London E9 5LX
Tom Brown's Hackney restaurant has people falling over themselves to hurl superlatives at it. You'll come for the insta-famous crumpet but be utterly seduced by the modern approach to all the seafood dishes here.
Fish Market
Where: 16B New Street, London EC2M 4TR
Set in an 18th-century warehouse once owned by the East India Company, this popular Liverpool Street restaurant does regular tie-ins with Moet et Chandon for the City crowd and its seafood weekend brunches are a big draw.
J Sheekey
Where: 28-34 St. Martin's Court, London WC2N 4AL
Launched in the late 19th century, this theatreland restaurant has long been a popular spot with actors popping in for their famous fish pie after a performance. If counter dining's more your bag, head next door to their oyster bar.
The Grand Duchess
Where: 28-34 St. Martin's Court, London WC2N 4AL
Enjoy a meal on the water without having to set sail in this permanently moored restaurant in the basin at Paddington. Start with a glass of their own-label fizz from Hattingley and enjoy the beer-battered lobster with curry sauce.
Mandarin Kitchen
Where: 14-16 Queensway, Paddington, London W2 3RX
Everyone comes to this Bayswater spot for one dish - the lobster noodles - their Insta feed is full of it. But you'll also discover that it's good for steamed scallops, razor clams and soft shell crab too.
Moxons Next Door
Where: 149 Lordship Ln, East Dulwich, London SE22 8HX
If you can't be by the sea, then the next best thing is to be by the fishmonger. Robin Moxon has four fish shops across London, but only the East Dulwich one has its own neighbouring restaurant.
Orasay
Where: 31 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2EU
Jackson Boxer's Notting Hill gaff sets out its stall as "focussed on fish and seafood, inspired by the Western Isles". So you might find deep-fried cod's cheeks or maybe razor clams with smoked eel for your delectation.
The Oystermen
Where: 32 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8NA
The new-ish expansion of this Covent Garden spot meant space for a raw bar - so pull up a stool at the counter and work your way through the oyster selection, but don't miss out on the Dorset brown crab too.
Parsons
Where: 39 Endell St, London WC2H 9BA
From the team behind 10 Cases, this WC2 seafood spot is small but perfectly formed. What's on the main menu depends on what's in that day, but you'll always find interesting small plates as well, like brown crab pissaladiere or potted shrimp croquettes.
Prawn on the Lawn
Where: 292-294 St Pauls Road, London, N1 2LH
Direct links to Padstow and its day boats mean the fish at this Highbury restaurant couldn't be more sparkling fresh. Obviously you'll be wanting to try the signature prawn and avo dish alongside the other daily specials.
Randall and Aubin
Where: 14- 16 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SG
For over 20 years this louche little spot on Brewer Street has been packing them in. It's a wonderful spot for a first or second date - just make sure you both have the garlic butter with the langoustines.
Rick Stein Barnes
Where: 14- 16 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SG
Everyone's favourite TV seafood chef picked a wonderful waterfront spot for his London restaurant. Take a walk pre or post-lunch along the Thames towpath and then warm up with their Indonesian seafood curry.
Roe
Where: Unit S38, Pop Brixton, 29 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Innovative touches, combined with the odd Irish flourish mean you're as likely to be trying Poitin cured ceviche as you are squid noodles. Just don't leave without having some of the criminally-good soda bread.
Scott's
Where: 20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE
On the one hand, it's a gold-plated, celebrity hangout in Mayfair, but it's also one of London's oldest restaurants and a superb place for a blowout seafood meal. Although unless you're a Mayfair denizen, maybe it's one for a special occasion.
The Sea The Sea
Where: 174 Pavilion Rd, Chelsea, London SW1X 0AW
This Chelsea restaurant bills itself as "chef-led fish shop, deli and seafood bar" - so by day it's a working fishmonger, going wholly over to a restaurant by night. Pair a small plate or three with a glass of Champagne.
Seabird
Where: 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8PB
This high rise restaurant from the team behind Brooklyn's Maison Premiere mixes local seafood with Mediterranean influences and throws in jaw-dropping views to boot.
Sexy Fish
Where: Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR
Richard Caring's OTT Berkeley Square seafood spot may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you find the combo of black cod, top-notch sushi and DJs irresistible - as loads do - then this is the place for you.
Siren at The Goring
Where: 15 Beeston Pl, Westminster, London SW1W 0JW
Nathan Outlaw's opening at The Goring was pretty momentous - they haven't had a new restaurant at the hotel for over 100 years. But from the complimentary cod's roe to start to the pretty lobster and pea tart, it totally feels like it belongs.
Sweetings
Where: 39 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4SF
They describe themselves as "probably the oldest fish and oyster restaurant in London" - and certainly this City of London institution is still going strong. There's no messing around with the fish here - but that's how the clientele, who've been coming here for years, like it.
Wright Bros
Where: Various locations
They're famous for their oysters, but Wright Bros. also do a lovely line in London cured smoked salmon and their regularly changing menu reflects what the Brixham day boats have brought in.
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