Best Oyster Bars And Restaurants In London - Updated For 2026

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By Scarlett Welch Editor, DesignMyNight Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others. Last updated on 22nd July 2026

Whether you're after a plate of natives at a marble counter that's been shucking since the 1700s, or Champagne and oysters with a view over the Thames, London's best oyster bars and restaurants have got you covered. From centuries-old institutions to rooftop showstoppers, here's where to find them.




Best London Oyster Bars For A Classic Experience

Wiltons

Tucked away near Haymarket, Wiltons has been shucking oysters since 1742, making it one of the oldest oyster restaurants in London, let alone one of the oldest oyster bars. Don't let the history fool you into expecting stuffiness though; the eight-seat marble counter at the front is exactly where you want to be, watching your Jersey Rocks or Loch Ryan natives prepped right in front of you. Prefer yours dressed? Go Rockefeller or Kilpatrick. Feeling like a deep dive? They run an oyster masterclass that'll turn you from curious to confident in one sitting.

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill

Richard Corrigan's Mayfair institution has been serving up some of the best British and Irish seafood since 1916, and the oysters here are the reason regulars keep coming back for more. Settle in at the marble oyster bar downstairs for a plate shucked to order, or head up to the more formal dining room if you're making a night of it with friends and family. Either way, expect linen tablecloths, a heated terrace for the warmer months, and a wine list built specifically to do justice to what's on your plate.

The Oystermen Seafood Bar and Kitchen

Born out of a shared love of seafood between friends Matt Lovell and Rob Hampton, The Oystermen has become one of Covent Garden's go-to spots for anyone who takes their shellfish seriously. Grab a seat at the counter for a front-row view of the shucking, then work your way through both raw and cooked options; think G&T oysters with Hayman's Gin, lime and ginger, or tempura oysters finished with Champagne aioli and smoked herring caviar. It's playful without losing sight of what a proper oyster bar should feel like.

Best Oyster Bars With A View

CÉ LA VI

Crowning the top two floors of Paddington Square, CÉ LA VI London is West London's highest rooftop restaurant. Along with its sweeping skyline views, it serves up fantastic fizz and sensational shellfish. 

Get down here for its Champagne & Oyster club and it somehow gets even better. We're talking Laurent-Perrier served with L'Effet Mer oysters, freshly shucked tableside and complimentary with selected bottles of champagne.

Oystercatcher

£2 Oysters (Available Thursdays 1-7pm and 1 other offer

Situated in Greenwich's New Capital Quay, Oystercatcher is a stylish bar and restaurant that overlooks the Thames. Spanning across two floors, the sleek space is filled with pretty plants and plush seating, and there's a large outdoor terrace as well.

Enjoy Jersey rock oysters with shallot vinegar and lemon, costing £22.50 for half a dozen. There's other great seafood up for grabs too, from grilled tiger prawns to grilled halibut T-bone, with a cracking drinks menu to go with it.

Rick Stein Barnes

It makes sense that you'd find some of the tastiest oysters at one of the best seafood chefs' restaurants. Wander over to Rick Stein in Barnes where you'll be met with beautiful riverside views and delectable dishes featuring Dorset oysters from Brownsea Island, served on ice with lemon and sauce mignonette. Grab three for £16.50 or six for £33 and delight in other plates like hake with beer, bacon and lettuce, or pan-fried monkfish.

Best Oyster Bars For A Special Occasion

Boisdale of Belgravia

Boisdale of Belgravia is a stylish spot for dinner, flaunting platters of three or six oysters from Mersea Island, Jersey and Carlingford Loch. The multi-storey venue boasts plush velvet seating and bright red walls, with a central stage that promises a regular lineup of jazz, blues and soul performances. Even better? They've got one of the best selection of whiskies and premium wines around. There's even a heated roof terrace for great views while you dine.

Whitcomb’s

2/3 Course Set Menu £29.00 and 1 other offer

Whitcomb's At The Londoner is always a top choice for elegant cuisine in Covent Garden, inspired by the French and Italian rivieras. Expect refined, traditional interiors and a gorgeous abstract design covering the ceiling, with a whole lot of premium Champagne and cocktails to choose from. Their oysters are served with lemon creme fraiche and green tabasco dill oil, setting you back just £14 per portion, with plenty of other delicious seafood dishes to enjoy too.

Manzi's

Promising a truly unique dining experience, Manzi's is one of the most striking seafood spots in the whole city. You'll find it in Soho, decked out in nautical-themed decor, aquamarine ceilings and mermaid sculptures propping up the bar.

They serve both Jersey rock and Poole rock oysters, costing £4 each. These come alongside mains like lobster linguine, smoked haddock with parmesan soufflé or Shetland mussels and fries.

Best Oyster Bars Outside Central London

Osteria by Bocconcino

Osteria Del Mare is an Italian-inspired restaurant on the Strand that specialises in delicious seafood. They aim to bring a slice of the coast to the heart of the city, in a vibrant space filled with colourful artwork, patterned booths and pretty plants.

They serve both Maldon and Carlingford oysters, sold in sets of six or 12 from £18. They also offer seafood platters if you want to try a little bit of everything, including four oysters each.

Zum Barbarossa

Zum Barbarossa is a cool speakeasy-inspired basement bar, hidden underneath a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse. It's filled with exposed brickwork and plush velvet furnishings, lit by a sultry red glow that makes it a perfect date night pick.

They serve a huge selection of oysters, from Jersey to Maldon and Fine de Claire. Pair these with killer cocktails, and sides like truffle parmesan chips or lobster mac 'n' cheese.

Oyster Deals And Oyster Events In London

Riverside Sip & Shuck with Absolut Tabasco

@ The Oystercatcher on Sat, 8th Aug 2026 @ 18:30 - 19:30

Celebrate National Oyster Day at The Oystercatcher this August, in collaboration with Absolut Tabasco. They'll be hosting a Bloody Mary and oyster shucking workshop, teaching you all you need to know about how to make both the cocktail and a delicious plate of oysters.

There'll be expert guidance throughout these sessions, and you can even create signature sauces. After the class, enjoy an evening of DJ sets as you watch the sun set over the Thames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get freshly shucked oysters in London?

Most dedicated oyster bars and seafood restaurants shuck to order at the counter or tableside, look for venues with a visible oyster bar or counter, as this usually signals fresher turnover than oysters pre-shucked and stored on ice.

What's the difference between rock and native oysters?

Rock oysters (also called Pacific oysters) are farmed, available all year, and have a firmer, more uniform texture. Native oysters are wild or cultivated in the same waters they've grown in for centuries, only in season during the colder months, and prized for a more complex, briny flavour.

Do London oyster bars take walk-ins?

It varies by venue ,counter-style oyster bars often take walk-ins for a few seats, while restaurant-style venues with full oyster menus (especially on weekends) usually recommend booking ahead.

What should I drink with oysters?

Classic pairings include Champagne, Chablis, Muscadet, or a dry Guinness, many London oyster bars build their drinks list specifically around what complements the shellfish.

What's the best time to eat oysters in London?

Oysters are available year-round in London thanks to controlled farming, though traditionally the "R months" (September to April) are considered peak season for native oysters, when the water is colder and the oysters are firmer and more flavourful.