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.
With National Oyster Day taking place today, and our own native oyster season just around the corner in September, there’s never been a better time to plan your next oyster-tasting outing. Whether indulging at a centuries-old institution, enjoying from a summer oyster cart or dining sky-high above the City, we’ve picked some of the pearls of the London dining scene for you to enjoy.
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.
A Showstopping Soho Staple: Randall & Aubin
A Soho staple that celebrates 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 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) while stocks last. A smart way to shuck your way through the season.
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 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 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
Maximalist décor meets Japanese izakaya flair inside The Aubrey at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 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.
Savour the Sustainable: Roe
A reigning champion of the London Oyster Championships 2025 can be found at Roe, where the restaurant’s ‘Beef & Oyster tartare’ with ginger, apple, sesame and shiso was crowned London’s best Dressed Oyster. Built on the same sustainable, low-intervention philosophy as its sister restaurant Fallow, Roe champions exceptional British produce through inventive, seasonal cooking, making it well worth staying beyond the oysters. The winning oyster dish is also served at Fallow for those wanting to sample it in central London.
Indulge in Every Moment: Wiltons
Dating back to its origins as a shellfish merchant in 1742, oysters have remained at the heart of the restaurant ever since, making it the perfect spot to head to for some refined oyster indulgence. At its iconic marble Oyster Bar, guests can watch oysters being shucked to order, cocktails prepared and smoked salmon carved by hand. For those looking to take their mollusc appreciation a step further, Wiltons also hosts a monthly Oyster Masterclass, exploring the history, provenance and tasting notes of oysters from around the British Isles, accompanied by champagne and paired wines.
Symphony of Seafood: Dante Mayfair
If your ideal oyster outing also includes an exceptional martini, make your way to Dante Mayfair in Claridge’s. Here you can enjoy award-winning cocktails paired with freshly shucked Carlingford oysters, served with a refreshing lemon and lime granita and available by the half-dozen or dozen. For the ultimate afternoon indulgence, visit during Dante’s daily Martini Hour from 3-5pm, when £10 martinis are served with an accompaniment of live music.
Sun-Kissed Oysters: Ham Yard Hotel
While the sun is still shining, it’s a good time to enjoy oysters at the Ham Yard Hotel. Tucked away behind Piccadilly Circus, its hidden courtyard is home to a seasonal oyster cart throughout the summer, serving freshly shucked oysters throughout the day. Visit during their ‘Golden Hour’ (Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm–6pm) and you’ll find oysters available at half price, best paired with a glass of Champagne for a leisurely, sun-soaked happy hour.
Sky High: Fenchurch
For oysters with the best view in the city, head to Fenchurch at the top of Sky Garden. The restaurant is led by acclaimed Caribbean chef Kerth Gumbs, but if you’re after something lighter than a full meal, the ‘Fenchurch Champagne & Oyster Experience’ is the perfect excuse to head skywards. For £39 per person, enjoy a glass of Ruinart Brut NV alongside two freshly shucked oysters topped with cucumber and a Vietnamese dressing, all while taking in panoramic views across the capital.
A Culinary Retreat: Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
A London institution since 1916, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill has been championing the finest native oysters from around the UK and Ireland for more than a century. Just off Oxford Street, it’s the perfect place to pause after some retail therapy on the year-round terrace. Enjoy oysters served individually or by the half-dozen, or explore more inventive options available on the menu including Vietnamese-style, Rockefeller and Catalan.
Seaside Temptations: Maison François x Rocks Oysters
This summer Maison François is hosting a summer-long takeover by Rocks Oysters at Frank’s, its downstairs bar. Every Thursday to Saturday Frank’s is transformed into a lively seafood bar, complete with freshly shucked oysters, chilled wine and a very tempting oyster happy hour. There is also an impressive guest line-up. Every fortnight, Max Halley of Max’s Sandwich Shop, Seamus Sam of Evelyn’s Table, Tom Fraser of Scott’s and the team from Rambutan will take it in turns to put their own spin on the oysters with exclusive dressings and specials. If you’re after something more substantial, there’s also a generous fruits de mer platter, piled high with mussels, clams, Atlantic prawns, langoustines and dressed crab.
Relish in: Three Sheets Soho
Celebrating a decade of shaping London’s cocktail scene, and regularly featuring on the ‘World’s Best Bars‘ list, Three Sheets is the perfect place to start an evening where you can elevate the usual bar snacks with some freshly shucked oysters. At Three Sheets in Soho, guests ordering any glass of Champagne or a martini before 6pm, Sunday to Friday, will be treated to three complimentary oysters, giving aperitivo hour a decidedly seafood twist.
Ocean Fresh: The Sea, The Sea
An established Chelsea favourite thanks to its acclaimed fishmonger, deli and seafood counter, The Sea, The Sea recently expanded across Pavilion Road with a beautiful new upstairs bistro and a charming terrace perfect for sunny afternoons. We recommend you kick off a leisurely lunch with a classic serve of Boudeuse, Louët-Feisser or Maldon oysters, accompanied by a jalapeño and apple mignonette, alongside a glass of something chilled as you watch the world go by. If cocktails are calling, the aptly named Sea Martini also makes the perfect pairing.
Packed with Spice: Cometa
From the team behind Carousel, Cometa celebrates the very best of British fish and seafood through a contemporary Mexican lens. Their Maldon oysters are a highlight of the crudos menu, served with a choice of classic lemon, rasurado (a punchy Mexican-style mignonette) or petróleo, the restaurant’s fermented house-made hot sauce. Pair them with a margarita or michelada for one of the most flavour-packed ways to enjoy oyster season.
The Perfect Catch: The Mayfair Chippy
It might be best known for its award-winning fish and chips, but The Mayfair Chippy is also a great spot for oyster lovers. Guests can order three, six or twelve fresh Carlingford oysters, served simply with shallot vinegar, lemon and Tabasco, and perfectly paired with a glass of English sparkling wine. Just don’t overindulge before the main event: one of the restaurant’s classic fish and chip suppers, giving you the chance to enjoy the best of British seafood in one sitting.
Oysters in Paris: Brasserie Olivia
If you prefer to enjoy your oysters immersed in l’art de vivre, Brasserie Olivia brings the spirit of a classic Parisian brasserie to Chelsea, with an oyster counter at its heart. Locally sourced oysters are freshly shucked to order, making it the perfect place to linger over a plate with a glass of wine while watching the world go by on Sloane Square.
FAQs
When is the UK native oyster season?
The UK native oyster season is when fresh oysters grown along the UK’s coastline are best enjoyed. The UK’s season runs from September to April because they thrive 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.
Do oysters taste different depending on where they’re from?
Yes, oysters can taste different depending on where they’re grown. A unique combination of seawater, salinity, tides, temperature and local algae in the waters where they mature makes a difference. French oysters are often a favourite, with oysters from the UK, Ireland and Japan also very popular.
What should oysters be served with?
Traditionally, oysters are served simply so their natural flavour shines. Many people enjoy oysters with just a squeeze of fresh lemon. However, as this list shows, oysters can be served in many ways. Often, the best flavours enhance rather than overpower their taste.
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Sarah Jackson is a dining contributor at Citizen Femme. A Londonophile, she has previously lived in Dubai and Copenhagen, building her career in international communications. When not discovering the capital’s hottest new restaurants and bars, she loves to jet off for a European city break, always with the next meal in mind.
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