Where to eat lobster in London

L'Escargot is London's oldest French restaurant, so it comes as no surprise that it's also one of the best places to enjoy lobster thermidor. The classic French dish is available with both half and whole lobster, the meat doused in a rich wine sauce, and served in a historic setting that has hosted the likes of Elton John, Sam Smith, and Princess Diana over the years.

Dinings SW3 is a modern interpretation of Japan's traditional izakayas, serving dishes highlighting peak seasonality and a creative streak that bridges the gap between East and West. The latter is clearly evident in dishes featuring potted native blue lobster sourced from Newquay, including the restaurant's signature steamed mini burger buns.

Asian coastal cuisine is in full focus at Nanyang Blossom, where chef-patron Daren Liew showcases his signature cooking style through an evolving assortment of dishes. One such stand-out is his exquisite lobster curry, an indulgent, comforting culinary treat that subtly unfolds hidden depths as you tuck in. Fans of lobster can also find it in various other offerings, for example wok-baked.

Sketch is one of London's most accomplished venues, boasting striking interiors and high-level culinary offerings across its different spaces. For a three-Michelin-starred take on lobster, head upstairs to The Lecture Room & Library, where lobster from the British Coast is served in a variety of ways on the a la carte menu, including thinly-sliced tail poached in seaweed broth. The downstairs Gallery, meanwhile, offers a more accessible lobster fricassee among its many tantalising options.

With access to the freshest seafood at its on-site deli, Notting Hill's Lush & Hush serves an indulgent lobster linguine dish, rich in flavour and highlighted as the centrepiece of a proper seafood feast. The snug neighbourhood gem is furnished with marble tabletops and a striking leopard mural, providing an easy-going atmosphere for enjoying the premium ingredients on offer.

Part elegant Asian eatery, part upscale Italian ristorante, Mayfair's Novikov serves two different menus, but lobster can be found on both. Head to the Italian section for grilled native lobster or lobster linguine, or treat yourself to lobster dim sum and other lobster-infused delights in the Asian area. Whichever you choose, you won't go wrong.

Nima Safaei's original pasta restaurant has been a beloved mainstay of Soho dining for two decades, serving pasta made by hand daily and doused in classic rich sauces. Order the lobster ravioli for a generously stuffed pocket of lobster meat in a shellfish bisque sauce, or go for the elegant lobster spaghetti, likewise featuring fresh lobster meat, but here accompanied by cherry tomatoes and a shellfish and brandy sauce.

Co-owned by Idris Elba, Porte Noire is a trendy King's Cross wine bar with a French bistronomique approach to dining – high-quality and refined, while remaining relaxed and accessible. Even the whole lobster, expertly poached in a secret coconut sauce, is great value considering you get the whole beast. Don't forget to ask for a wine recommendation to go with it.

Big lobster fans should clear their weekend schedule for a jaunt to Osteria by Bocconcino. The Neptunian dining room in Central London serves a lobster and champagne brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, with the lavish feast including 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and a two-course meal with your choice of lobster dish. Options include lobster roll with black caviar and truffle fries, pasta with half a lobster, or half a lobster thermidor with chips.

It's all in the name, really. This relatively budget-friendly American diner chain serves lobster in all shapes and sizes, including classic whole lobster, lobster rolls, lobster smash burgers, and surf-and-turf-style combo sets such as half lobster and beef burger with fries and butter. This is the place to go to when you're borderline starving and nothing but a whole pod of lobsters will do.

One of 2026's buzziest openings, Dante at the prestigious Claridge's hotel is the UK sibling to a legendary Manhattan outpost famed as much for its love of a proper martini as for its high-end gourmet offerings. You can have your lobster grilled with garlic and herb butter here, or go for the hefty lobster linguine. There's regular live music to soundtrack your meal at this London hotspot too.

As one of the best steakhouse groups in the world, the award-winning Hawksmoor is better known for its meat than its seafood, but it's no slouch in that department either. Lobster is a big part of the draw here, grilled with the same dedication and precision as the steaks and served as a standalone dish or as part of the ever-popular surf and turf. The latter lets you experience both sides of Hawksmoor dining, so the choice is clear in our opinion.

The Mayfair Chippy updates the classic British fish and chips experience for a contemporary, well-off crowd, meaning lobster is a natural fit. The signature Mayfair Chippy lobster roll comes with Marie Rose sauce, crispy capers, lemon and garlic mayo, and hand-cut chips. Alas, the price tag is more Mayfair than chippy, but that does reflect the quality and the overall atmosphere.

Randall & Aubin has been a Soho mainstay since launching in the mid-1990s. Chef Ed Baines' lively Anglo-French restaurant has served its fair share of shellfish beneath its massive glittering disco ball over the decades, with the lobster roasted in garlic butter one of those dishes everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Before you get to the main, however, we suggest kicking things off with an authentic Brittany-style lobster bisque.

Hammersmith seafood restaurant Faber, a pleasant and bright venue next to the station, serves the freshest British seafood, building its menu around the daily fish landings. Though that means it keeps changing, one offer is a constant – the Lobster Lunch Club. On weekdays during lunchtime, you can pick up a sub loaded with lobster, with sauce to dunk it in. The only downside is it might make your office colleagues as green with envy as the salad slop they're stuck with, but you can't have it all.