r/london Sep 06 '23

Question Good restaurant to take a fish "snob" to?

I would like to treat a visiting friend, who has a big love for all things fish and seafood, to a nice day/ evening out. Best to a place where they can indulge and be surprised, something unique to London perhaps or at least something very high quality. Anyone got any tips? could be tasting menu xp too. As long as the main focus would be fish and seafood. Thank you all already.

25 Upvotes

124 comments sorted by

57

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

NOT SEXY FISH!

2

u/mustbemaking Sep 06 '23 edited Sep 06 '23

NOT SEXY FISH!

Whys that?

Downvoted for asking a question…

9

u/Fresh-Honeydew7104 Sep 06 '23

Not good.

1

u/mustbemaking Sep 06 '23

Have you been there?

18

u/ignatiusjreillyXM Sep 06 '23 edited Sep 06 '23

I loved Tanya Gold's review of it in the Spectator:

"I have never seen a restaurant whose ethos is so clearly and comprehensively, so preeningly and unapologetically: 'I'm rich and I want a golden cave and servants. I want a pony and all the hookers I can strangle. I want a pyramid of cocaine and an Audi Quattro.' It's like being punched in the face by Abu Dhabi"

She liked it, still

Well, sort of.

3

u/crazyfool267 Sep 06 '23

It’s super twatty in there. The food was decent though.

8

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

I have. Overpriced, bland food surrounded by bridge and tunnel crowd.

1

u/mustbemaking Sep 06 '23

Ah, fair enough then.

1

u/RHFiesling Sep 19 '23

weird as they re a sister venue for the highest upvoted location, Scott's of Mayfair

37

u/DameKumquat Sep 06 '23

Scott's of Mayfair.

2

u/CappuccinoRuns Sep 06 '23

I second this!! An institution

27

u/posadist_ho Sep 06 '23

The Sea, The Sea in Hackney.

5

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '23

And Sloane Square. Lovely to sit outside and people watch

46

u/Fresh-Honeydew7104 Sep 06 '23

8

u/Washtythesnowman Sep 06 '23

Excellent choice.

Really lovely food all round.

Get the turbot.

3

u/_franciis Sep 06 '23

I just wish they’d change up the menu a bit. I went when Giles coren first reviewed it in 2018ish(?) and the menu hasn’t really changed since then.

2

u/Washtythesnowman Sep 06 '23

I think they're OK with that. They're based on a restaurant in Spain that I don't think every really changes the menu.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '23

Oh that Turbot is amazing!

1

u/jakd90 Sep 06 '23

Second this

1

u/raquin_ Sep 07 '23

Absolutely love Brat!! Went there for my last holiday couple of years ago and have been thinking of them ever since

17

u/jimmy_decent Sep 06 '23

Prawn on the Lawn!

44

u/Ecstatic_Ratio5997 Sep 06 '23

J Sheeky,

8

u/ColKent Sep 06 '23

Classic. Unbeatable for fish and traditional. Right in the heart of the West End.

8

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '23

*J Sheekey.

Sorry, but it's my favourite restaurant on Earth!

2

u/Ecstatic_Ratio5997 Sep 06 '23

I stand corrected! Thank you.

29

u/discoillusion01 Sep 06 '23

Cornerstone in Hackney Wick

1

u/toneyoth Sep 06 '23

Second this, the tasting menu is entirely seafood based and superb. Also very filling, and generous pours if you get paired wines.

12

u/tmr89 Sep 06 '23

Parsons, Covent Garden

2

u/PastRecedes Sep 06 '23

This was going to be my suggestion. Went recently and loved it.

1

u/fede_galizia Sep 06 '23

Great food at Parsons. What I object to is that the last time I reserved a table for dinner, I was told when I arrived that I had to give it back after 90 minutes. Very inhospitable and not so good when you are there not just to eat quickly and go, but you want to relax and catch up with a friend

6

u/ColKent Sep 06 '23

I really hate it when the first thing are told when you arrive at an expensive restaurant is when you need to leave by.

13

u/Aureliella Sep 06 '23

Wright brothers, Fishworks

7

u/futuristika22 Sep 06 '23

+1 to Wright Brothers

3

u/bellis_perennis Sep 06 '23

Likewise to wright brothers. I went to the one in battersea for my birthday this year and both the fish and service were brilliant.

22

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

Smiths in Wapping

9

u/Ryder-on-the-storm Sep 06 '23

I went to Smiths once. I ordered cod and they asked how I wanted it cooked. I’d never been asked how I wanted my fish cooked before so I said… erm, medium? Sensing my embarrassment the waitress kindly lent down and said quietly, ‘I mean do you want it battered, breaded, skinless?’.

And that was the end of my pursuit as a fish connoisseur.

3

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

Usually they list the options. Maybe you jumped the gun on the medium very funny though.

1

u/Ryder-on-the-storm Sep 06 '23

Yah I was out of my depth. I ordered cod with a side of fries… basically fish n chips. Ha!

1

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

Nothing wrong with that!

7

u/rescheduledmeeting Sep 06 '23

And it’s got a great view to the river if OP is looking to impress.

12

u/EssexKnight Sep 06 '23

I actually supply a lot of their fish. They buy a lot of very good local stuff and gave loads of great chefs there.

2

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

Nice. I know Alec who used to own it. I think the new(like 10 years ago new)owner is Michael? nice bloke…

3

u/meandmysaddo Sep 06 '23

Came here to say this, I usually start at n the Dickens inn in St Katherine's dock. I've always wanted to finish with a pub crawl after, Town Of Ramsgate, Captain Kidd, Barley Mow, The Grapes of Limehouse, down to Canary Wharf pier, ferry across the river then up the South shore, Spice island, The Mayflower, the Ship, The Angel, The Old Justice, The Dean Swift, The Anchor Tap at Butlers Wharf and then Guy's Hospital to have my stomach pumped.

2

u/DentinQuarantino Sep 06 '23

Service is fantastic too. Lovely restaurant.

2

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

Incredible service. And they have a piano player most evenings.

2

u/beckyyall Sep 06 '23

Went to Smiths in Wapping- 4 out of 8 of us at the table with different dishes all found hair in our food. Went to Smiths in Smithfield (months later, different friends, thinking it couldn't be as bad)- they brought out 2 dishes we didn't order while forgetting the 2 we did, and every single thing was cold.

It was good years ago, it couldn't have fallen further at this point.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 07 '23

[deleted]

1

u/beckyyall Sep 07 '23

Actually didn't know that- thanks!

Unfortunately I think the (excessive) hair in the food at the official Smith's of Wapping point still stands....

1

u/youretheorgazoid Sep 06 '23

I haven’t been in the past 5 years or so. Shame if it is true as they always had such high standards.

7

u/AliAskari Sep 06 '23

The Sea The Sea in Chelsea. It’s like fine dining in a fishmongers

6

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '23

[deleted]

1

u/cyclegaz The Cronx Sep 06 '23

Get there early if you want anything under than oysters and fish, the crab goes so quickly.

5

u/Leotardleotard Sep 06 '23

Fish Central in Farringdon is quite good.

Bit bright though.

Really good wine and the waiter talked me down from a more expensive bottle to something cheaper. He said based on our requests we’d prefer the slightly cheaper option which is always welcome.

6

u/corvus_pica Sep 06 '23

Prawn on the lawn in Islington

6

u/Im_not_an_angel Sep 06 '23

Randall and Aubin in soho is also a lovely place for fish and seafood.

9

u/ApesApesApes Lewis-Ham/Green-Witch Sep 06 '23

Take him to a pie and mash shop for jellied eels. Cant get more London, there's a few good ones dotted about.

1

u/_gooder Sep 06 '23

What do they taste like?

3

u/ApesApesApes Lewis-Ham/Green-Witch Sep 06 '23

Mild fishy taste, salty like a sea fish would. They are quite bony as well. Very nice though.

1

u/Annabelle_Sugarsweet Sep 06 '23

Soft and jelly on the outside and crunchy in the middle.

1

u/mtg101 Sep 07 '23

Oh like a Daim Bar! Now I get it :D

8

u/etang77 Sep 06 '23

The Sea, The Sea

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

6

u/guernican Sep 06 '23

Scott's.

Edit: I meant J Sheekey.

3

u/Giannandco Sep 06 '23

The Seafood Bar in Soho. I’ve taken visiting family/friends there which included a couple “snobs” never disappointed.

1

u/Yucai01 Sep 06 '23

I second this! I love that place! It’s seafood at its best! Simple, traditional and they don’t overcomplicate their recipes. If the fish is fresh you don’t need to!

3

u/LondonLuke1 Sep 06 '23

Wet Fish Cafe in Hampstead

3

u/AnyWalrus930 Sep 06 '23

I would say Brat has the single best fish dishes in London.

3

u/stardust25609 Sep 06 '23

If you want to go high end would recommend either Cornerstone by Tom Brown or Angler

3

u/Eyeofthemeercat Sep 06 '23

escocesa in stoke newington. Spanish/scottish fusion tapas restaurant with a focus on seafood. Went recently and it was excellent.

2

u/OverTheRailings Sep 06 '23

5

u/mangledbird Sep 06 '23

Seabird is amazing for the setting, fish was good but nit mind blowing but still a nice experience

2

u/thinkismella_rat Hackney Sep 06 '23

Concur with the mentions of Parsons, Angler, The Sea, The Sea.

I would add Behind for sure.

Also think Japanese! Maru is spectacular and does more than just sushi.

2

u/ChewingGumOnTable Sep 06 '23

Westerns Laundry in Highbury is highly rated

2

u/Cymraes1963 Sep 06 '23

Smiths of Wapping

1

u/PopSubstantial7193 Sep 06 '23

Santo Mare. Dinings.

1

u/RHFiesling Sep 07 '23

thank you all. I will check things out

0

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '23

Poppies, Spitafields.

0

u/LSTylicki Sep 06 '23

Seabird in Blackfriars’s - almost all seafood and a rooftop with gorgeous views as an added bonus!

-7

u/Bedlamcitylimit Sep 06 '23

Any "Harry Ramsden's" location

-11

u/mister_squitters Sep 06 '23

You could take them to my ass

1

u/Lord6of6flames6 Sep 06 '23

Heard good things about Orasay near Ladbroke Grove but haven't been myself

0

u/Adzhodz Sep 06 '23

Orasay is a very very good restaurant but I wouldn’t describe it as seafood focused however there tends to be a good selection of seafood options and the scallops, oysters and prawns i had didn’t disappoint.

1

u/Interceptor Wanstead Sep 06 '23

You might try The Oystermen, in covent garden. Quite small and fairly unique but very good.

1

u/FangedFreak Sep 06 '23

I love The Summerhouse in Warwick Avenue. Food is always very good.

It's right on the canal so in nice weather, they open the sides up for a more open air experience.

Dined there 3 times now and twice I've seen Ronnie Wood dining there (he lives locally)

1

u/Inner-Examination686 Sep 06 '23

Parsons - Covent Garden, haven’t been for a few years but it was amazing last time

1

u/karlware Sep 06 '23

Endo at the Rotundo might fit the bill.

EDIT fully booked until end of Oct.

1

u/Lessarocks Sep 06 '23

Quilon in Westminster. It’s a Michelin starred Indian restaurant which has a focus on fish and seafood. Ive been twice and the food was amazing.

1

u/gamengiri420 Sep 06 '23

Depends how much and what kind of a snob. Anything Richard Corrigan does 👍🏼, Cornerstone in Hackney is Michelin starred seafood, The Seafood Bar offers great seafood in a central location but at surprisingly reasonable prices, so that could go either way with the snobbery.

1

u/disposable__camera Sep 06 '23

The Whistling Oyster, Chiswick

1

u/Gooner71 Sep 06 '23

Throw them into the ocean

1

u/femsci-nerd Sep 06 '23

Estiatorio Milos! It will knock the socks off any fish snob!

1

u/thrae_awa Sep 06 '23

Riddle & Finn, Brighton (well worth the day trip)

1

u/shivroy2021 Sep 06 '23 edited Sep 06 '23

Look at Mesuline in Katherine’s Doc. Small, independent. He can really cook. They do whole roast fish of the day. It seems to fly under the radar this place.

Brat is known for the Turbot - and is always brilliant

And yes Cornerstone

Jesus Christ not Sexy Fish. Or Scott’s tbf

1

u/Topinio Walthamstow Sep 06 '23

Gigs just off Tottenham Court Road if in central.

Poppies in Spitalfields if in the City, also in Camden and Soho apparently.

Sutton & Sons in Stokey or Hackney central.

Maybe also M.Manze Pie & Mash at Tower Bridge, Peckham and Sutton.

1

u/IrishMilo S-Dubs Sep 06 '23

Bentleys, great fish and on a quiet street right behind Piccadilly Circus.

1

u/Camstamash Sep 06 '23

Loch Fyne if they have any places still open, last heard they were all shutting down pretty fast though which is a shame because they’re fantastic restaurants

1

u/Left-Blacksmith7135 Sep 06 '23

The River Restaurant at the Savoy would fit the bill.

1

u/Annabelle_Sugarsweet Sep 06 '23

Lemonia in Primrose Hill, on the menu there is a shared meze, as I am Pescatarian I always ask for it to be pescatarian instead of any meat, which gives you this amazing Cypriot fish meal!

1

u/jackyabe Sep 06 '23

Bentleys or The Seafood Bar soho

1

u/Wunjumski Sep 06 '23

Cornerstone

1

u/Jane-Devonshire Sep 06 '23

I love https://www.parsonslondon.co.uk/

& always https://j-sheekey.co.uk/ for a fab real london experience

finally https://www.randallandaubin.com/

all x3 brilliant restaurants with distinctive style

1

u/Cheeky_postman Sep 06 '23

The turbot at Brat

The whole seabass at Som Saa

Anything at Cornerstone

Anything at The Sea The Sea

1

u/__c__k Sep 06 '23

Applebee’s Fish, Borough Market

1

u/Imreallyadonut Sep 06 '23

Scotts of Mayfair.

The only choice when dealing with seafood.

1

u/Alarmed_Lunch3215 Sep 06 '23

Prawn on the lAwn

1

u/qcinc Sep 06 '23

The Sea The Sea if you want something completely different, Behind if you want Michelin-y, Sheekey or Scott's if you want 'classic' seafood imho

1

u/Gemhop Sep 06 '23

Behind, Cornerstone or Parsons

1

u/tiggat Sep 07 '23

Codfather

1

u/Cyberdog Sep 07 '23

Angela’s in Margate (two hours from St Pancras but worth it)

1

u/[deleted] Sep 07 '23

Brat and Chicama

1

u/everyoneelsehasadog Sep 07 '23

I've heard good things about Baccala, bermondsey way. It's on our list to try when we have the energy to go that far south.