The 7 Best Oyster Bars In London

The English capital is a goldmine for all things food. And despite being an hour or two from the coast, it doesn't disappoint when it comes to seafood. Oysters, long a status symbol, have seeped their way out of the dining halls of the rich and famous into some of our favourite London restaurants. While some London oyster bars have long, iconic histories, others fit in with the new It crowd of wine bars and concept eateries. Either way, oyster connoisseurs will be happy here. Shuck away!

Love them or hate them, London knows how to do oyster bars

7. Frank’s Bar

Situated below a prestigious bistro restaurant, Frank’s offers some of the city's best quality oysters and wines. Frank’s offers oyster happy hour, which includes six oysters for a tenner every weekday 5pm to 6pm – pretty reasonable, if you ask us. 

Not to mention, the inclusive and lively atmosphere that sees friends come together and enjoy the best quality wines and seafood.

6. Parsons 

This unpretentious seafood restaurant is tiny, cosy, and inviting. Offering small plates of some of the freshest seafood around, Parsons is one of the best restaurants in Covent Garden, just off the main stretch of hustle and bustle. With a friendly and welcoming vibe, excellent food, and a fantastic wine list, Parsons is a long-running institution. And of course, it's loved for its oysters. Large, juicy, pearlescent shells are arranged neatly on ice, served classic-style with lemon and shallot vinegar.

5. J Sheekey

A renowned hangout among both theatregoers and discerning foodies, J Sheekey has been providing premium quality seafood to the streets of Leicester Square for more than 120 years. What you can expect as you enter is a lively and welcoming atmosphere, platters and plates piled high with oysters, an extensive wine list and world-class service.

4. The Oystermen

This quaint, friend-run restaurant gives off the feeling of a welcoming local fish bar that offers a reliable and old-school service, in an unpretentious and unassuming setting.

The Oystermen is among the most revered of London’s oyster restaurants, giving both locals and tourists something to remember when they dine here. Serving a variety of oysters with international influences, there’s something here for everyone. There's plenty more on the menu, but oysters are the star of the show. 

3. Bentley’s Oyster Bar 

Fine dining, excellent food and superb oysters all come together under one roof in the upscale streets of Mayfair. Whether you’re a lover of sea flavours or land flavours, you’ll be well catered for here, as you can expect the best of British and Irish seafood and your favourite seasonal meat cuts. 

This white-tablecloth establishment certainly knows a thing or two about delivering excellence, as it has done so since opening in 1916. The best old-school and traditional serving, combined with expertly curated menus and flavours, help make the oysters here stand out amongst the stiff competition. 

2. Randall & Aubin

Cited by many as the best seafood in London, Randall & Aubin serve French-inspired seafood in a contemporary and sophisticated setting. A firm favourite among oyster lovers – you know you’re in for a real treat here. 

What you can expect from Randall & Aubin is: an expertly curated menu from a highly decorated chef, authentic seafood and meat dishes that will perfectly satisfy your palate, and of course, top-notch oysters. A jewel among the busy streets of Soho, Randall & Aubin deserves to be high up on your list of favourite restaurants.

1. The Seafood Bar

Coming in at number 1, we have the Seafood Bar in Soho, a family-run establishment with restaurants in both the Netherlands and London. The extensive and varied menu offers seafood, including, of course, oysters from varying sources, and helpful recommendations for which wine to choose as an accompaniment, helping to create your perfect dining experience. 

Soho is known for its wide selection of restaurants, but no seafood restaurant quite matches up to this one in terms of ambience, quality, service and flavour. If you’re in Soho, you can’t pass by this restaurant without trying it out.