Last Updated on February 3, 2025
From Markets to Michelin: The Enduring Allure of the Best London Fish Restaurants
Searching for the best London fish restaurants is a fascinating delve into the past. London’s relationship with fish is as old as the city itself, woven into its culinary and cultural history. From the bustling stalls of Billingsgate Market to the lavish dining rooms of iconic establishments like J. Sheekey and Scott’s, fish has always been a cornerstone of London’s gastronomic identity. Its significance stretches back centuries when the River Thames teemed with freshwater fish and medieval fast days made seafood a dietary staple. Today we are encouraged to eat more fish for health reasons – and for that reason we’ve all enjoyed reviewing these restaurants – it’s an allowable indulgence!
London has always been well-supplied with fish thanks to the legacy of a perfect storm that fused geography, history, and culture. The earliest settlers, including the Romans, made London their home at least in part because of the River Thames. Apart from being an important means of transport, the River in those days was a great source of fish and as the City grew, exclusive rights to fish were granted to abbeys, monasteries and wealthy families who lived along the banks. Fish became increasingly important during medieval times because fish and seafood were not classified as ‘meat’ under Church laws and provided a valuable protein source. As transportation improved, the city’s port and Billingsgate Market connected Londoners to the waters of the North Sea, Cornwall, and beyond, bringing an incredible variety of fresh seafood to the capital and the foundations of some of the great London fish restaurants we know today.
The best London fish restaurants these days reflect a rich heritage while embracing global flavours and modern techniques. Whether it’s fish and chips from a local chippy or an elegant plate of oysters in Mayfair, London’s seafood scene tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the city’s appetite for the treasures of the sea. We are showcasing some of the city’s finest and quirkiest fish restaurants, reviewing the food on offer at each one so that you can choose for yourself where to dine.
This feature focuses on the best fish and seafood restaurants in London rather than Fish and Chips shops where you are more likely to order a takeaway. That said, many of London’s best historic fish restaurants started life as oyster shacks or fishmongers. Indeed some of them still retail wet fish alongside their restaurant activity
While fish and chips is something we believe everyone visiting London should experience, dining at one of the best London fish restaurants is a totally different occasion, equally unmissable in our view. Options range from the relaxed vibe at The Oystermen or Prawn on the Lawn to the funky, elegant Manzi’s through to historic and traditional venues like Scott’s and J. Sheekey.
Best London Fish Restaurants
Here's our current top seven London fish restaurants. From casual dining at the Seafood Bar or Prawn on the Lawn to the formal elegance of Scott's in swanky Mayfair, fish lovers won't be disappointed by any of these options
One of London's oldest and most esteemed seafood restaurants, Scott's was established as an oyster warehouse in 1851. Originally known as Scott's Oyster Rooms, it was based in Haymarket. In 1967, Scott's relocated to its address at 20 Mount Street in Mayfair. Favoured by the rich and famous, Scott's has maintained a reputation for exceptional British seafood, offering a menu that reflects its heritage. Go for seafood and fish classics with a twist - and don't ignore the simple luxuries on offer like grilled lobster.
2024 saw the re-opening of Manzi’s, a classic Soho fish restaurant originally located on the corner of Leicester Square. A stalwart of the London dining scene from its opening in 1928 until its closure in 2008, it was founded by the Manzi family from the Amalfi coast. Expect classic fish dishes served in elegant but quirky surroundings at this fabulous London fish restaurant
You could easily be mistaken into thinking that Parsons has been around for a century or more. A classic fish restaurant serving beautifully cooked, simple dishes with a complementing wine list that focuses on whites, Parsons is the brainchild of restaurateurs Will and Ian, who also run 10 cases across the road (classic French bistro grub). There's a tiny outdoor terrace and you'll be welcome for a glass of wine and a few oysters - or for a fish feast served in style
In the heart of the West End, J. Sheekey is another historic fish restaurant worth checking out. The restaurant’s history dates back to 1896 when Josef Sheekey, a local fish merchant, was given a licence to serve fish and shellfish. The menu offers classic British seafood dishes with a focus on local sustainable fish. With timeless charm, impeccable service, and exquisite fish J. Sheekey is a star in Theatreland and a must-visit for lovers of elegant, seafood-centric dining
Established in 2017 by Dutch owners who operate several outlets in the Netherlands, The Seafood Bar offers a diverse and affordable menu focusing on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Dishes range from classic fish and chips to elaborate fruits de mer platters. The interior features a modern and minimalist design with exposed brickwork, large mirrors, and nautical-themed decor, creating a relaxed yet stylish dining atmosphere
Prawn on the Lawn is the brainchild of Rick and Katie Toogood who opened in London in 2013 and followed with a second branch in Padstow just two years later. It's a friendly, local seafood bistro that features a daily changing selection of fresh seafood and shellfish, offering small plates in a relaxed, casual setting
One of those places you need to try, ideally on a hot summer's day when you can sit outside in Henrietta Street, Covent Garden and enjoy a daily menu of fish and seafood and a glass or three of well-chilled wine. You'll find fresh crab sold by weight and a range of simple but quirky fish dishes to enjoy in this relaxed and vibrant restaurant
It’s worth noting some of the places we’ve left out for now. We need to check out Angler – London’s fish-centric Michelin starred restaurant because the head chef has changed since we last reviewed in 2022. And we haven’t included any of the fish and chips shops we know and love – nor the caviar and seafood bars, just because they warrant their own feature. Do let us know if you have any other suggestions for an entry into our ‘Best London Fish Restaurants’ feature. In the mean while we will continue checking out the best London fish restaurants – every entry here has been recently reviewed by one of the London-Unattached team and every one of our best London fish restaurants is a place I’d happily go back to.
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