Synonymous with fine dining and elegance, the oyster is the perfect way to start any meal… and to end one for that matter. Despite being served in a variety of ways – in tempura batter or with champagne butter sauce – nothing quite beats a fresh raw oyster served with a squeeze of lemon. Here are some great spots to order a platter and a bottle of fizz, and watch London go by.
Winner:
The Wright Brothers
Taking top spot for the best oysters in London is The Wright Brothers. Their flagship – Oyster & Porter House – can be found in the midst of lively Borough Market and is our preferred choice for a banging bivalve. Sourcing seafood from their base in Cornwall and other oyster-rich places, they are consistently good. They serve them in a variety of ways; oyster specials served in threes or traditionally with classic accompaniments. When the season is upon us (generally a month with 'R' in it), be sure to try their Duchy Natives from the Helford River, their very own oyster farm in Cornwall.
8/10
(rocks from £14.70 for half a dozen, natives from £21 for half a dozen)
Something of a London institution (it’s been around in one way or another for more than one hundred years), Sheekey’s has long been one of the key places to enjoy the opulent oyster. Shucked perfectly and classically presented on crushed ice, they come served with a wedge of lemon wrapped in muslin, Tabasco, shallot vinegar and an oriental dressing. If you’re feeling flash, splash out on a glass of Pol Roger Champagne to accompany your fishy feast. If you fancy something slightly more unusual, we suggest ordering the tempura oysters which come served with a sharp wasabi hit.
Set in the calm surroundings of Michelin House, Bibendum Oyster Bar knows its product. The oysters come served on crushed ice, and can be accompanied (if you’re feeling really fishy) by a shoal of other seafood delights as a part of their plateau de fruits de mer.
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