Whether you like them freshly shucked with lemon and a dash of Tabasco, or prefer them baked, grilled or dressed in something inventive, these are the best places to enjoy oysters in London this season.
Oysters always bring a touch of celebration to the table, and with native oyster season officially beginning in September in the UK, now is the perfect time to indulge. We picked some of our favourite pearls of the London dining scene for you to try.
A Pound A Pop: Wright Bros
The first stop on our shell-out tour (sorry) has to be Wright Bros. With over 20 years in the business and a seafood supply operation that caters to 500+ restaurants (including a fair few Michelin stars), the Wright Bros. name is synonymous with shellfish in London – even their house Bloody Mary comes served with an oyster chaser. Their trio of London restaurants all have their own look and feel, from the beer barrel tables in Borough Market to the Thames-side Battersea Terrace. Oysters are served as you like them; raw, dressed, or even deep fried “New-Orleans style” with tartare sauce. But the real draw here is their £1 Pound a Pop signature oyster serve-up, available across all locations on selected afternoons of the week. Book ahead – it’s a popular option for oyster fans.
Islington's Much-Loved Seafood Spot: Prawn On The Lawn
Another spot offering a mid-afternoon oyster fix, Prawn on the Lawn in Islington is a firm North London favourite for seafood lovers, changing their menu daily based on their fishermen’s catch. Their oysters are served two ways, classically on ice with lemon and house-made hot sauce, or fried in the shell with garlic crème fraîche: crisp, creamy, and wildly moreish. Their oyster happy hour serves up six oysters for £10, Wednesday to Friday (3 to 5:30pm) and weekends (12 to 2pm). It’s walk-in only, making it perfect for a spontaneous shellfish stop. Enjoy alongside their incredibly on-trend and innovative house cocktails such as the Kimchi Paloma, Plum Sake Negroni or Matcha Whisky Sour.
A Showstopping Soho Staple: Randall & Aubin
A Soho staple heading into its 30th anniversary year, Randall & Aubin is a buzzing bistro with a prime people-watching perch in the heart of Brewer Street. Their menu blends the best of quality British ingredients with classic French cuisine and, while their seafood’s a draw, there’s plenty for non-fish fans on the menu too. But it’s the show-stopping Plat de Fruits de Mer that ensured it made our shortlist. Served per person, they arrive piled high with Dorset crab, Atlantic shrimps, native mussels, and more — all alongside their rock oyster selection. Their all-day dining makes this the perfect spot for a solo post-shopping indulgence as well as for date nights.
For Oyster Tasting: Origin City
For oyster obsessives and curious first timers alike, Origin City offers a weekly oyster-tasting menu celebrating different varieties direct from Loch Fyne and the aqua farms in Argyll. The family-run Farringdon spot, known for its no wastage, farm-to-fork sourcing, aims to rotate the variety each week. So, the idea is you can return weekly and try a different variety each time. Served with a tasting note sheet and choice of dressings, oysters are £2 each or £21 for a dozen, available Tuesday to Friday (3 to 6pm) and Saturday (4 to 7pm) while stocks last. A smart way to shuck your way through the season.
Oysters And Old School Charm: The Guinea
A Mayfair institution where the inn has stood since 1423 and the restaurant since 1952, The Guinea is one of Mayfair’s most iconic (and traditional) venues. Here you can enjoy your oysters surrounded by old school charm, wood panelling, brass fittings, and a menu that takes you through British culinary history. For a true oyster experience, begin with half a dozen rock oysters served with shallot mignonette, followed by one of their signature dishes, the Guinness, beef and oyster pie. The pie is a homage to Victorian-era cooking, when oysters were used to add depth and richness to meat dishes and is a rich, slow-braised classic that’s worth the trip alone. A cosy spot to visit as the temperature starts to drop this September.
Swedish Summer: Ekstedt At The Yard
At Ekstedt at The Yard you can experience one of London’s most theatrical oyster experiences as part of their summer tasting menu. Here, Swedish Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt brings his signature flame-cooked philosophy to London. The pearl of the summer tasting menu is the theatrical Flambadou Oyster: diners are invited into the kitchen to watch the course being prepared as flaming beef fat is drizzled from a red-hot steel cone, searing the oyster before it is finished with butter sauce, Swedish vinegar, juniper-smoked apple and spinach oil. It’s as dramatic as it is delicious and a rare opportunity to experience this traditional cooking method – and one of Ekstedt’s most iconic dishes – in the heart of London.
Flavour Fusion: PIRAÑA
PIRAÑA, which opened last summer in Mayfair, is a late-night Nikkei spot with high-energy vibes, sleek interiors and an equally stylish menu from Mark Morrans (formerly of Nobu and MNKY HSE), fusing Japanese and Peruvian flavours with flair. Oysters here are a standout starter; the Gillardeau variety arrives two ways: Classico, simply dressed with fresh lime, Champagne vinegar and Tabasco; or the PIRAÑA Especial, with ponzu, passionfruit, and a hit of yuzu granita. Zingy, fresh, and made for pairing with a cocktail or two, this place is ideal for a weekend celebration.
Oysters And Opulence: The Aubrey
If you’re looking to shell out (pun fully intended), head to The Aubrey at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, which is delivering up oyster opulence. Maximalist décor meets Japanese izakaya flair here, where group executive chef Sebastian Comerso, who splits his time between London and Hong Kong, blends tradition with indulgence. Oysters here are elevated to statement status. Try the half dozen topped with salmon roe and white ponzu for an umami-rich bite, or the with chilli daikon and ponzu – an original and tangy topping. Each dish showcases Asian-inspired precision and is the perfect starter serve for an indulgent evening meal.
FAQs
What is an oyster?
An oyster is seafood. It’s a marine mollusc (an invertebrate species) that grows in a hard shell.
When is the UK native oyster season?
The UK native oyster season is when fresh oysters grown along the UK’s coastline are enjoyed best. The UK’s season runs from September to April because they spawn in warmer water over the summer. However, oysters are often eaten year-round in the UK.
Where do oysters come from?
Oysters grow along rock formations and seabeds along the coast, normally in sheltered spots away from strong currents. They play a role in forming these reefs and filtering water.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?