1. The Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Padstow
Postal Code: PL28 8BY
Street Address: Riverside
Country: UK
2. D’Arcys Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Brighton
Postal Code: BN1 1HH
Street Address: 49 Market St
Country: UK
3. Mermaid Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: St. Ives
Postal Code: TR26 1LT
Street Address: 21 Fish St
Country: UK
4. Murrays the Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Cowes
Postal Code: PO31 7AT
Street Address: 106 High St
Country: UK
5. The Dock Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: London
Postal Code: E14 9AW
Street Address: 2 Mastmaker Rd
Country: UK
6. Platters Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Plymouth
Postal Code: PL1 2LS
Street Address: 12 The Barbican
Country: UK
7. Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Hythe
Postal Code: CT21 6AW
Street Address: Marine Parade
Country: UK
8. The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Ventnor
Postal Code: PO38 1UG
Street Address: Steephill Cove
Country: UK
9. Dennys Lobster & Oyster Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Chislehurst
Postal Code: BR7 5NN
Street Address: Railway Station, 3 Station Approach
Country: UK
10. Soulful Seafood Ltd
City/Town: N/A (Delivery Service)
Postal Code: N/A
Street Address: Fresh, delicious, & delivered right to your door!
Country: UK
11. Catch Seafood & Restaurant
City/Town: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Postal Code: NE20 0DH
Street Address: Higham Dykes
Country: UK
12. The Old Forge Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Fakenham
Postal Code: NR21 0BD
Street Address: Fakenham Rd
Country: UK
13. Essex Oyster Co
City/Town: Basildon
Postal Code: SS13 2JR
Street Address: Manor Garden Centre Pound Lane
Country: UK
14. Nardi London
City/Town: Richmond
Postal Code: TW9 1RX
Street Address: 7 Paradise Rd
Country: UK
15. Poopdeck Restaurant
City/Town: Brixham
Postal Code: TQ5 8AW
Street Address: 14 The Quay
Country: UK
16. The Galley
City/Town: Exeter
Postal Code: EX3 0HU
Street Address: 41 Fore St
Country: UK
17. English’s Of Brighton
City/Town: Brighton
Postal Code: BN1 1HL
Street Address: 29-31 East St
Country: UK
18. The View
City/Town: North Shields
Postal Code: NE30 4JA
Street Address: Grand Parade
Country: UK
19. Barracrudas Atlantic
City/Town: Newquay
Postal Code: TR7 2ND
Street Address: 38c Cliff Rd
Country: UK
20. Walkers Fish Restaurant
City/Town: Scarborough
Postal Code: YO13 9HJ
Street Address: 17 Main St
Country: UK
21. Wells Crab House
City/Town: Wells-Next-The-Sea
Postal Code: NR23 1BA
Street Address: 38-40 Freeman St
Country: UK
22. BrotherBar
City/Town: Ipswich
Postal Code: IP4 2AA
Street Address: 9 Great Colman St
Country: UK
23. The Rockfish
City/Town: Exmouth
Postal Code: EX8 1DU
Street Address: Pierhead
Country: UK
24. Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Padstow
Postal Code: PL28 8BL
Street Address: 1-3, Quay Rd
Country: UK
25. The Fisherman’s Arms
City/Town: Norfolk
Postal Code: NR12 8UU
Street Address: 12 Riverside Rd
Country: UK
26. The Red Lion Seafood Restaurant
City/Town: Hingham
Postal Code: NR9 4NN
Street Address: 29 The St
Country: UK
27. The Black Horse Inn
City/Town: Orford
Postal Code: IP12 2LJ
Street Address: 61 The St
Country: UK
28. The George Inn
City/Town: Bourn
Postal Code: CB23 2SQ
Street Address: High St
Country: UK
29. The Ship Inn
City/Town: Moulton
Postal Code: CB8 8JY
Street Address: 28 Main Rd
Country: UK
30. The Kings Head
City/Town: Broughton
Postal Code: NN15 5HP
Street Address: 2 The St
Country: UK
31. The White Horse
City/Town: Broughton
Postal Code: NN15 5AA
Street Address: 24 Main St
Country: UK
32. The Swan Inn
City/Town: Stow Bardolph
Postal Code: PE34 3HJ
Street Address: 3 Main St
Country: UK
33. The Bell Inn
City/Town: Ruddington
Postal Code: NG11 6EH
Street Address: 20 Market St
Country: UK
34. The Royal Oak
City/Town: Linton
Postal Code: CB1 6JH
Street Address: 12-14 High St
Country: UK
35. The Castle Inn
City/Town: Bardfield Saling
Postal Code: CM7 4SD
Street Address: 78 High St
Country: UK
36. The Old Bell
City/Town: Wadhurst
Postal Code: TN5 6AP
Street Address: 12-14 High St
Country: UK
37. The Crown
City/Town: Wadhurst
Postal Code: TN5 6AP
Street Address: 22 High St
Country: UK
38. The Grapes
City/Town: Wadhurst
Postal Code: TN5 6AP
Street Address: 33-35 High St
Country: UK
39. The Chequers
City/Town: Biddenden
Postal Code: TN27 8BA
Street Address: 4 The Square
Country: UK
40. The Pheasant
City/Town: Lavenham
Postal Code: CO10 9QZ
Street Address: 56 North St
Country: UK
41. The Market House
City/Town: Bury St Edmunds
Postal Code: IP33 1BL
Street Address: 28 Market Pl
Country: UK
42. The Crown Hotel
City/Town: Louth
Postal Code: LN11 9YJ
Street Address: 5 Westgate St
Country: UK
43. The Bear Inn
City/Town: Wellingborough
Postal Code: NN8 2QJ
Street Address: 52 Cossington Rd
Country: UK
44. The Carpenters Arms
City/Town: Trowbridge
Postal Code: BA14 8AA
Street Address: 12 Church St
Country: UK
45. The Old Ship
City/Town: Dawlish
Postal Code: EX7 9PS
Street Address: 3 The Strand
Country: UK
46. The Dog House
City/Town: Kennington
Postal Code: TN24 9SJ
Street Address: 12 Station Rd
Country: UK
47. The Brook Inn
City/Town: Haverhill
Postal Code: CB9 9EB
Street Address: 14 Brook St
Country: UK
48. The Harrow
City/Town: Great Missenden
Postal Code: HP16 0AZ
Street Address: 3 High St
Country: UK
49. The Eagle
City/Town: Mill Hill
Postal Code: NW7 3NQ
Street Address: 17 High St
Country: UK
50. The White Hart
City/Town: Fareham
Postal Code: PO16 7BL
Street Address: 30 High St
Country: UK
Seafood has long been an integral part of England’s culinary history. With its extensive coastline and rich maritime traditions, the UK is home to some of the finest seafood in Europe. England’s seafood restaurants showcase a variety of fresh and sustainably sourced fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies. From traditional fish and chips to gourmet seafood platters, England’s coastal and inland cities offer an abundance of dining options that celebrate the bounty of the sea. This essay explores the diversity of seafood restaurants in England, highlighting renowned establishments, regional specialties, the emphasis on sustainability, and the rise of gourmet seafood dining.
A Rich Tradition of Seafood Dining
Seafood has always been an important part of English cuisine, with historical ties to fishing communities along the coasts. Classic dishes such as fish and chips are a beloved part of English culture, while more sophisticated seafood fare has found its place in Michelin-starred restaurants. Today, seafood restaurants across the country offer a wide range of dining experiences, from casual to fine dining, ensuring that seafood enthusiasts can enjoy the freshest catches in various forms.
- Fish and Chips: Perhaps the most iconic seafood dish in England, fish and chips have been a staple for over a century. While this classic dish is available at countless chippies across the country, some restaurants have elevated it to a gourmet experience. Notable establishments like The Magpie Café in Whitby and Poppies Fish & Chips in London are famous for serving perfectly crispy, golden-battered fish paired with thick-cut chips. These restaurants often source their fish from sustainable suppliers, ensuring that even a simple meal like fish and chips is made with care and consideration for the environment.
- Shellfish Specialties: In addition to fish, England is known for its exceptional shellfish, including oysters, mussels, crab, and lobster. Restaurants along the coast, particularly in areas like Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, are renowned for their fresh shellfish offerings. Places like The Crab House Café in Weymouth and The Oyster Shack in Devon serve up locally sourced seafood, often with stunning views of the sea. These restaurants highlight the best of England’s shellfish, with simple preparations that allow the natural flavors of the seafood to shine.
- Seafood Platters: For those looking for a more indulgent experience, seafood platters are a popular choice. These large, often decadent assortments of oysters, prawns, lobster, crab, and mussels are a true feast for seafood lovers. Restaurants like Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill in London and Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow offer exquisite seafood platters that showcase a variety of fresh catches from around the UK. These establishments are known for their commitment to sourcing the finest seafood and preparing it with precision and elegance.
Notable Seafood Restaurants in England
The diversity of seafood restaurants in England reflects the country’s rich maritime heritage and commitment to showcasing fresh, local produce. From small, family-run eateries to prestigious Michelin-starred establishments, England’s seafood restaurants cater to all tastes and budgets.
- Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant (Padstow, Cornwall): Perhaps one of the most famous seafood restaurants in England, Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow has earned a stellar reputation for its world-class seafood dishes. Stein, a well-known chef and TV personality, has built an empire on his love of seafood. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced fish and shellfish, with dishes like grilled lobster with garlic butter and Dover sole meunière. Located in the heart of Cornwall’s fishing industry, Rick Stein’s restaurant exemplifies the region’s deep connection to the sea.
- The Sportsman (Seasalter, Kent): With a Michelin star and a reputation for serving some of the best seafood in England, The Sportsman is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The restaurant’s proximity to the coast ensures that its menu is filled with the freshest catches, including oysters from nearby Whitstable. The Sportsman is known for its simple, rustic approach to seafood, allowing the ingredients to take center stage. Signature dishes include turbot with seaweed butter and slip sole grilled in seaweed.
- J Sheekey (London): Located in the heart of London’s West End, J Sheekey has been a seafood institution since the late 19th century. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of classic seafood dishes, with an emphasis on oysters, crab, lobster, and fish. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, making it a favorite among theatergoers and seafood aficionados alike. Dishes like Sheekey’s famous fish pie and grilled Dover sole have earned the restaurant a loyal following.
- The Seahorse (Dartmouth, Devon): Situated on the banks of the River Dart, The Seahorse is renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes. The restaurant, run by chef Mitch Tonks, focuses on fresh, seasonal seafood cooked over an open fire. Signature dishes include grilled monkfish, whole crab, and chargrilled langoustines. The Seahorse’s riverside location and commitment to sustainable sourcing make it a top destination for seafood lovers visiting Devon.
- Rockfish (Various locations in Devon and Dorset): Rockfish, another venture by Mitch Tonks, is a small chain of seafood restaurants located in coastal towns such as Brixham, Exeter, and Poole. The emphasis at Rockfish is on serving the freshest seafood, often caught that very day by local fishermen. The menu changes depending on the day’s catch, ensuring that diners always get the best of what the sea has to offer. Rockfish is also known for its sustainability efforts, supporting local fishing communities and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Regional Specialties and Coastal Cuisine
While London offers a concentration of excellent seafood restaurants, England’s coastal regions are where seafood truly shines. Each area along the coast has its own specialties, shaped by the local marine environment and fishing traditions.
- Cornwall: Cornwall’s long coastline makes it one of the best places in England to enjoy fresh seafood. Local specialties include Cornish sardines, crab, and lobster. Many restaurants in the region, such as The Fish House in Newquay and The Hidden Hut in Portscatho, focus on using sustainable, locally caught fish to create simple yet flavorful dishes.
- Devon: Devon is another region with a strong seafood culture, known for its oysters, mussels, and crabs. The coastal towns of Dartmouth, Brixham, and Salcombe are home to several excellent seafood restaurants. The Crab Shed in Salcombe is famous for its freshly caught crab, while Rockfish in Brixham offers a more casual, family-friendly dining experience.
- East Anglia: The East Anglian coast, particularly around Norfolk and Suffolk, is known for its unique seafood offerings. Cromer crabs, a local delicacy, are famous for their sweet, delicate flavor. Restaurants like The Crab & Lobster in Cromer and Butley Oysterage in Orford specialize in locally sourced seafood, including oysters and smoked fish.
Sustainability in Seafood Restaurants
With the increasing focus on sustainability in the food industry, many seafood restaurants in England are making efforts to ensure that their ingredients are sourced responsibly. Overfishing and environmental concerns have led to a growing demand for sustainably caught seafood, and many restaurants have responded by working closely with local suppliers and adhering to sustainable fishing practices.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Restaurants like Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and The Sportsman have made sustainability a key part of their business models, sourcing fish and shellfish from local fishermen who use sustainable methods. These restaurants often work with organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure that their seafood is responsibly sourced.
- Reducing Food Waste: Many seafood restaurants are also taking steps to reduce food waste by using the entire fish in their dishes. Chefs like Mitch Tonks at The Seahorse and Nathan Outlaw at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac are known for their “nose-to-tail” approach to seafood, using less popular cuts of fish to create delicious, innovative dishes.
The Rise of Gourmet Seafood Dining
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards gourmet seafood dining in England. Restaurants like Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall and The Ledbury in London offer sophisticated, Michelin-starred seafood dishes that emphasize flavor, presentation, and creativity. These establishments often use rare and seasonal ingredients to create unique culinary experiences that go beyond traditional seafood fare.
Conclusion
England’s seafood restaurant scene is as diverse and rich as the country’s coastline. From humble fish and chips to gourmet seafood platters, there is something for every seafood lover. Whether dining in a casual beachside café or a Michelin-starred restaurant, the emphasis on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood ensures that diners can enjoy the best of what England’s waters have to offer. As sustainability becomes more important in the industry, many of England’s top seafood restaurants are leading the way in responsible sourcing, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the country’s coastal bounty.