Guide to the best seafood restaurants in London

J Sheekey has been one of London's favourite fish restaurants since the 1890s. This classic dining spot in the heart of Covent Garden is named after the founder Josef Sheekey, who first made a name for himself as an oyster trader in Mayfair in the late 1800s. The menu includes an extensive list of the finest fish, shellfish and seasonal game, and an iconic fish pie that people flock from all over to get a taste of. Inside, you'll find the refurbished Theatre's Terrace that boasts a brand new oyster bar where you can feast on fresh shellfish accompanied by Moët and Chandon champagne.

You'll find some of the freshest seafood in the city at London Shell Co, which used to be known for its restaurant barges but now operates a more traditional landside restaurant. All of the menus nod to British classics and come packed with the freshest seafood dishes, with much of it caught at Kernowsashimi and Wild Harbour in Cornwall, a sustainable seafood company that specialises in wild-caught, fresh seafood.

Shellfish of the day, Loch Fyne scallops, cod cheek fritters, East Mersea skate wing… the list goes on and on when it comes to the food served at Parsons. This little seafood spot serves only the freshest fish available that day, with a menu that changes with the seasons. The cosy tiled interior and pleasant outdoor seating offer a slice of seaside leisure right in the city.

This 280-year-old establishment is a timeless seafood spot that makes you feel like you're taking a glimpse back in time, specifically back to 1742 when George William Wilton first opened the place as a fishmonger. The menu is packed with delectable dishes, from seafood to seasonal meat, like roast leg of lamb and grilled Cornish plaice.

An upmarket Greek-inspired restaurant in St James's, Estiatorio Milos focuses on fresh seafood, as highlighted by the signature in-house fish market the chefs are happy to take you through upon arrival. The raw, cured and other fish and seafood dishes on the menu are complemented by a selection of Greek specialities such as spreads or fava beans. Part of a successful international group, the eatery is set in a grand 1915 building in St James's and features an elegant, high-end interior.

The original Scott's in Mayfair is as lavish and venerated a seafood spot as it gets. It started as a Haymarket oyster bar in 1851, but nowadays, it's a prestigious dining institution. You can dine on the finest traditional fish and shellfish dishes and a selection of meat and seasonal game. The oysters served at the champagne bar are also a house speciality. In 2022, a second Scott's was launched, bringing its old-school glamour to Richmond.

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill shucks over 1,000 oysters every single day and has been serving champagne and shellfish from the British Isles since all the way back in 1916. Their menu focuses on the finest quality seafood, with some seasonal meat and game staples, as well as menus for whisky, gin, vodka, rum, martini and more. It's set in a beautiful, old Victorian building and exudes elegance with its linen tablecloths and art-pasted walls.

Inspired by a renowned, now-closed London seafood establishment of the same name, this new restaurant in Soho continues the tradition of fine seafood. Across two floors in Bateman's Buildings, including an outdoor terrace, the new Manzi's serves the catch of the day, fresh shellfish and other seafood delights in a nautically themed space. A private chamber is also available.

It’s all about the rustic British dishes and natural wines at this Islington eatery set in an old launderette. Blackboards present the menu each day, which consists of dishes like smoked cod’s roe and baked cuttlefish.

This lovely little seafood restaurant in Islington and Padstow recreates the feeling of enjoying some of your favourite seafood dishes by the sea. Feast on same-day seafood and stock up on supplies for your own home cooking at the restaurant's fishmonger. The vibe is also on point, and you can enjoy your food sat around wooden furnishings and a bright copper bar.

It's all about wood-fired ovens and chalk-scrawled blackboards at chef Tomos Parry's East London Brat. Everything here is cooked with smoke and flames, as a nod to Basque Country cooking techniques and styles, and it earned its first Michelin star back in 2018. Expect dishes like young leeks with fresh cheese and oysters roasted with seaweed. For a more laidback setting than the original venue, head to the Brat outpost at Climpson's Arch.

This original Victorian fish and oyster bar is located right in the heart of London and has been serving delicious seafood to punters since the 1830s. Enjoy dishes like scallops and bacon for starters before moving on to the classic Sweetings fish pie with a side of creamed spinach for your main. Room for dessert? The homemade bread and butter pudding is a favourite.

The Sea, The Sea in Chelsea is a fishmonger and a chic seafood bar with an all-year terrace, serving seafood that's delivered to the restaurant within 24 hours of being caught. The Hackney branch of The Sea, The Sea, meanwhile, offers an exclusive chef's table experience just a stone's throw away from Haggerston Station. This intimate spot serves a menu of the highest-quality seafood dishes, like cuttlefish with pine nuts and red mullet.

This Anglo/French restaurant opened on Soho's Brewer Street in 1996 and specialises in the freshest seafood dishes. The menu is focused on quality ingredients and sustainability, and it features dishes like Dorset brown crab, Atlantic scallops, chargrilled Cornish squid, and native oysters.

Originally situated on the edge of Borough Market, Wright Brothers have since expanded their seafaring empire, bringing the taste of fresh seafood to different parts of the city. The fish pie is as comforting as it gets and the oysters come in whatever way you want, from grilled with curry butter to raw with chorizo on the side.

Cajun-style seafood boils – a whole assortment of various seafood, cooked and seasoned to your liking, then dumped straight onto your table – are the stars of the show at this popular US-based group. You get to choose which seafood is included in the boil, from lobster and crab to mussels, shrimp and other delicacies, then sit back and enjoy.

Fish! is a Borough Market mainstay, having been serving all sorts of fine seafood and fish since 1999. With great views to enjoy as you eat, the stylish restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike. The menu features the entire gamut of fish and seafood recipes, including classics such as fish 'n' chips or fish pie, accompanied by wine and cocktails. The Fish! Kitchen spin-off in Kingston has a similar menu in a more laidback, family-friendly setting.

Rick Stein is a British celebrity chef who's cooked for the Royal Family, among other illustrious clients. Considered to be an expert on all things seafood, he shares his knowledge at his eponymous Richmond restaurant by the river. As you gaze out at the Thames, you can enjoy the finest Cornish seafood. The upmarket à la carte menu is complemented by great value set menus, and weekend breakfasts are available as well.

The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen in Covent Garden has won high praise and accolades for its regularly changing menu of fish and seafood recipes. As indicated by the name, the restaurant is especially well-known for its selection of oysters, though the full menu features everything from sea bream ceviche to anchovy risotto. The bright, unpretentious space with large windows is good for people-watching, too.

The idea behind Maresco, Escocesa, and Bar Esteban is simple – take advantage of the lack of appreciation for Scottish seafood and instead of watching it get shipped to Spain, use it in Spanish-inspired delicacies of your own. The growing venture is a proven success, serving fresh seafood and tapas at several relaxed locations in London, accompanied by fine Spanish wines and sherries.

If you're keen on seafood you can try an authentic taste of southern US cooking with Hot N Juicy Shrimp. This trendy eatery is a big hit on social media and specialising in flavour-packed seafood boils. A number of combos are available, including a mix of ingredients suitable for vegans. Enhance your meal with sides and add-ons. Dine in the modern West Dulwich restaurant or get a takeaway.