Photo courtesy of © The Oystermen

Where: Covent Garden

Born from a wedding day epiphany between friends Matt Lovell and Rob Hampton, The Oystermen has grown into one of the best oyster bars in London. This intimate and energetic venue offers a front-row seat at the counter where you can watch oysters being freshly shucked before your eyes.

With a dedicated oyster menu that showcases oyster in both classic and creative styles, think G&T oysters with Haymans Gin, Lime, Chilli, Marin, Ginger, or Tempura Oysters with Champagne aioli and smoked herring caviar. Ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced from all over the UK, with offerings changing regularly depending on what’s best that week. If you’re after the best oyster restaurant in London with a rustic charm chic charm, energy, and top-tier seafood, The Oystermen is a standout choice.

Photo courtesy of © Wiltons

Where: St. James’s

Dating back to 1742, Wiltons is one of the oldest restaurants in London. Steeped in history but still very much a part of the present, this St. James’s institution is a must-visit for anyone seeking one of the best oyster bars in London.

At the front of the restaurant sits a charming eight-seat marble oyster bar, where guests can settle in and enjoy oysters shucked to order, cocktails mixed before their eyes, and smoked salmon sliced with theatrical flair. The oyster menu includes seasonal selections such as Jersey Rocks, West Mersea, and Loch Ryan natives, available natural or prepared Rockefeller or Kilpatrick.

You can also learn the ins and outs of oyster culture, as Wiltons also runs an intimate oyster masterclass that offers the perfect opportunity for the curious, the novice and the aficionado to join us in busting the myths that surround opening and eating oysters.

Photo courtesy of © J Sheekey 

Where: Covent Garden

J. Sheekey is a historic gem that has been serving up some of the best oysters in London since 1896. A beloved haunt for theatre goers of west end, casts, audiences and seafood aficionados alike. Its ruby red frontage and photo-lined walls set the scene for a classic London dining experience.

In oyster season, the main restaurant and terrace often feature a rotating selection that might include Lindisfarne, Carlingford, and Jersey oysters, served simply shucked or with a bold twist of pairing with spicy boar sausage. Oysters here can also be enjoyed as part of a stunning seafood platter at the central crustacean bar.

Whether you are looking for a place to dine pre theatre or on the hunt for one of the best oyster bars in London, J. Sheekey delivers timeless charm and premium shellfish in one of the capital’s most iconic settings.

Photo courtesy of © Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Where: Mayfair

Widely recognised for serving some of the best oysters in London, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill has been delighting seafood lovers since 1916. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, this iconic restaurant is famed for shucking more oysters than anywhere else in London, up to 1,000 a day on a busy day. With a guest list that once included Charlie Chaplin and Oscar Wilde, it’s easy to see why Bentley’s remains one of the best oyster bars in London.

Pull up a seat at the original marble oyster bar and choose from an impressive array of wild native and rock oysters, sourced from across the UK and Ireland. The Oyster Bar offers a relaxed yet refined experience, overseen by the ever-charming “Oyster Boys” who bring cool confidence to every freshly shucked shell. Those wanting to sharpen their skills can join their oyster masterclass. 

Photo courtesy of © Seabird 

Where: Southwark

Located on the 14th floor of The Hoxton hotel in Southwark, Seabird brings together panoramic city views, and what it proudly claims is London’s longest oyster list, an impressive offering deserving of its own dedicated oyster menu. This rooftop more than earns its place among the best oyster bars in London, with a raw bar that showcases oysters from France, Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Whether you’re sampling Jersey oysters from the Channel Isles, Achill from Ireland’s wild west coast, or Gillardeau from Île d’Oléron, Seabird offers a curated oyster journey that spans the coasts, each served on ice and shucked to order. Add in a glass of something sparkling and the golden hour skyline, and you’ve got one of the best oyster restaurant in London. For great value, don’t miss their Oyster Happy Hour from Mondays to Wednesdays, 3–5pm.

Photo courtesy of © The Seafood Bar

Where: Soho

One of the newer names on the London seafood scene, The Seafood Bar opened its doors in Soho in 2021 as the first UK outpost of the popular Dutch group founded by Fons de Visscher, whose surname literally means “fisherman.” What started as a humble fish shop in the Netherlands in 1984 has since evolved into a celebrated family run restaurant group.

Oysters take centre stage here, with a standout menu that features Gillardeau which is essentially the gold standard of French oysters, along with Fine de Claire, Utah Beach oysters from Normandy, and even Japanese-dressed for an added twist. The Seafood Bar’s strong focus on shellfish isn’t just culinary, but it’s ecological, choosing seafood with minimal impact on nature. The sleek interior, generous platters, and ethical approach earns its spot among the best oyster bars in London.

Photo courtesy of © Pearly Queen / Carlingford Oysters 

Where: Shoreditch

One of the freshest faces on the scene, Pearly Queen is the latest venture from Tom Brown, the Michelin-starred chef behind Cornerstone in Hackney. It is a bold addition to Shoreditch’s seafood scene and a worthy contender among the best oyster bars in London. Spread across two levels and lined with contemporary, oyster inspired art, the restaurant serves up creative seafood plates.

The oyster selection is small but mighty, with a focus on quality and inventiveness. Sourced from Carlingford Oysters in Ireland, expect both natural oysters and dressed options like the standout Crispy Buffalo Oyster with ranch dressing or the refined Pickled Oyster with horseradish and cucumber, a menu that will make oyster lovers sit up and pay attention.

With edgy interiors, and a chef-led approach, Pearly Queen brings a modern edge to London’s oyster bar scene and shows that East London can do shellfish with serious flair.

Related Read : Best Sunday Roast in London

Photo courtesy of © Wright Brothers

Where: Various Locations Across London

Nearly two decades under their belt and locations across London – Battersea, Borough Market, and South Kensington, Wright Brothers has firmly secured its place among the best oyster bars in London. Trusted by Michelin-starred chefs and casual seafood fans alike, they are known for their commitment to quality, consistency, and charm.

Each location features a well stocked oyster bar, where you’ll find both classic shucked varieties like Carlingford Bay and Lindisfarne and globally inspired dressed oysters. There are even cooked options to switch things up. One of their biggest draws? The beloved £1 oyster deal, a cult favourite that keeps Londoners coming back. Wright Brothers also offer the opportunity to go deeper with their regular oyster masterclasses.

Photo courtesy of © Langan’s Brasserie 

Where: Mayfair

A true stalwart of London’s dining scene since the 1970s, Langan’s Brasserie remains a timeless destination for elegant yet relaxed dining, with a reputation for quality that has stood the test of time. As one of the best oyster restaurants in London, Langan’s serves some of the capital’s finest oysters, sourced directly from Wright Brothers – the go-to seafood supplier for over 500 of the UK’s top restaurants, including several Michelin-starred establishments.

Guests can enjoy oysters à la carte, served with mignonette and ponzu, or as part of the show-stopping Plateau de Fruits de Mer – a luxurious seafood platter featuring the house selection of oysters, a whole Canadian lobster, Obsiblue prawns and mussels with aioli and mignonette.

Whether you’re a seasoned oyster enthusiast or simply looking for a glamorous way to mark the day, Langan’s offers a quintessentially London experience in an iconic setting.

Photo courtesy of © Boisdale

Where: Canary Wharf

Step into Boisdale and you’re immediately transported to a world of Scottish glamour, where live jazz, Art Deco interiors, and a world-class whisky list set the tone for an indulgent evening. At the Canary Wharf location, the Oyster Bar is tucked into a sultry red-hued space lined with leather seating, smooth tunes, and plenty of charm.

Oysters are sold individually, making it perfect for creating your own tasting. Serving Jersey and Mersea Island with your choice of classic mignonette, citrus ponzu, or a zingy Vietnamese-style dressing. No matter your oyster experience, Boisdale delivers.

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