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.

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.

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.

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.

This elegant restaurant’s eponymous chef launched his career right here at The Capital while working for seafood supremo Nathan Outlaw. He later made a big splash in the Hackney dining scene with MICHELIN-Starred Cornerstone, before returning to this swish Knightsbridge address. The cooking is a little more classical than at Cornerstone, but retains Brown’s signature playfulness (see the cuttlefish ‘cacio e pepe’ for evidence) and commitment to showing off the very best fruits of the sea.