The best seafood restaurants in Central London

Seated at a snug table, surrounded by white tile walls and nautical decor, with the day's freshest catch on a plate in front of you, you'll feel like you're in a coastal bistro, not Central London. It's not just the setting that has made Parsons a go-to haven for London's seafood enthusiasts, either. The spontaneously changing menu of impeccably cooked fish and seafood elevates any meal, while the friendly staff and relaxed setting ensure a delightful experience.

Charmingly nostalgic, Sweetings is open only for lunch and does things the old-school way – traditional bill of fare instead of a menu, white tablecloths, spotted dick for dessert, that sort of thing. There's more than 130 years of nostalgic dining here, with punters lining up out the door to have some of the best seafood in London for lunch. Favourites include the likes of oysters, potted shrimp, and skate wing with black butter.

As the name suggests, The Seafood Bar in Central London is all about the fruits of the sea, bringing its commitment to quality and sustainability all the way from the Netherlands. The restaurant's modern aesthetic – a bright space with neon crustaceans, exposed brick, and seafood displays – sets the tone for a satisfying dining experience. The menu showcases everything from oysters and fish and chips to generous seafood platters, while drinks range from fine wines and champagnes to classic cocktails and local brews.

Upscale Anglo-French restaurant Randall & Aubin was founded in 1996 by acclaimed chef Ed Baines. Staying committed to fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients to this day, the Central London seafood restaurant's menu celebrates the best of the best when it comes to seafood, from oysters and lobster bisque to bountiful shellfish platters. To round out the experience, guests can enjoy expertly mixed martinis and a thoughtfully curated wine list.

At Orient London, the polished dark wood interiors and gold detailing craft a stylish backdrop for authentic Cantonese and Sichuan fare.  There's a rich and varied menu to choose from, but the strongest focus at this Chinese restaurant is placed on dim sum and seafood. Standout seafood options include premium selections such as braised abalone, dover sole fillet, and ginger-infused lobster.

Legendary among London's theatregoers, this historic seafood restaurant in Central London has been serving up top-notch fish and seafood since the beginning of the 20th century. Instantly recognisable thanks to its unmistakable red exterior, J Sheekey invites you into a warm, wood-panelled interior with a cosy yet elegant atmosphere, perfect for a memorable West End meal. The bountiful menu spans everything from oysters and caviar to generous seafood platters, along with beloved classics like fish and chips or a fish pie.

Housed in a converted former bank beneath the Strand Palace hotel, Osteria del Mare, the seafood-focused spin-off of the glitzy Bocconcino Italian restaurants, spans two levels. You can sit beneath the ornate hand-painted ceiling in the main dining area for a lively, sociable meal, or book the old vaults for a more intimate private meal. You can check out the fresh fish display featuring lobster, crab, turbot, and more to choose what to have.

You're likely to catch a glimpse of an A-lister or two while dining out at Scott's, which has been catering to Mayfair's rich and famous since 1851. There's a sophisticated seafood menu featuring caviar, lobster, shellfish, fish of the day, and more here, accompanied by a broad choice of wines and cocktails and served in a luxurious setting.

Hawksmoor made a name for itself with its premium steak offerings, but the fish and seafood here are definitely not for throwing back – these places know their way around the grill. Considering the reliable quality, the prices are quite reasonable as well, especially if you opt for the two or three-course set menu. The group has several branches in Central London, all with a lively, busy atmosphere and a pleasantly nostalgic feel to them. Our top tip? Don't sleep on the spinach.

This Mayfair institution is high-end, old-school, and quintessentially British – just like a Bentley. A fixture in London's culinary scene for over a century, Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill serves premium fish and seafood in Central London, alongside prime steak cuts, gnocchi, and other international favourites. Starting your meal with freshly shucked oysters is the best way to kick things off here.

Estiatorio Milos, a high-end Greek dining destination in Central London, is renowned for its emphasis on ultra-fresh seafood – the chef will actually guide you through the in-house fish market to make sure everything is exactly to your taste. Housed in an elegant 1915 building, the seafood restaurant's grand setting and tasteful interiors provide an elegant backdrop for enjoying pristine fish and seafood delicacies, including a raw fish selection, cured fish, and bigeye tuna filets.

Launched in late 2023, The Devonshire quickly became one of the most talked-about pubs in all of London. True, a big part of the hype comes to its well-known mastery of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness, but with a bespoke wood ember grill and a wealth of culinary expertise behind it, it's no slouch when it comes to food either. Classic British seafood dishes always make up a sizeable part of the daily menu and aren't to be passed on.

Set within a refined dining space adorned with mirrored walls and a reflective ceiling, Angler presents a seasonal menu centred on sustainably sourced British seafood and fresh ingredients. The Michelin-starred seafood restaurant offers both an à la carte selection and a curated tasting menu, while those seeking a more exclusive experience can book the chef's table. Perched on the seventh floor of the South Place Hotel, the restaurant also features one of the finest rooftop terraces in Central London.

Wiltons started out as a fishmonger – in 1742, mind. Now a Central London seafood restaurant, it has stood the test of time and is just about as British as it gets. Diners at this upscale establishment can expect elevated takes on classic British seafood dishes like fish pie or Dover sole. For solo diners, a great option is to just pitch up at the oyster bar and get to shucking, chatting, and sipping.

Reviving the name and legacy of a celebrated London seafood institution, the relaunched Manzi's can be found in the heart of Central London, Soho. The refined seafood menu, revolving around the catch of the day, fresh shellfish, and theatrical dishes like monkfish Wellington, is only part of the draw here. The ostentatious interior, full of plush fabrics and maritime-themed decor, makes up the rest.