Harden's survey result
Summary
“Our favourite seafood place in central London”, chorus the many fans of this appropriately named outfit “in the touristic area of Covent Garden” – “I love this place for the location, the energy and the super-fresh dishes” (“there’s no greater fun than wrestling with a crab” here or the oysters and lobster!). “Attentive staff” and a “lively, unpretentious atmosphere” are part of the appeal, and the “quick service helps if you’re on the way to the theatre”. Any negatives? It “may be a bit cramped”, with an “interior that’s a bit stark for some”.
Summary
“Constantly updated on blackboards, you find a selection of fresh oysters, crab, lobster, other seafood, and fish to choose from” at this “brilliant little place” in Covent Garden, which “despite its location in the central touristic area, doesn’t feel expensive”. “Tables and chairs are a bit basic” though – it’s “pleasant and convivial” enough, but “you do pretty much have to accept being part of the next table’s conversation”.
Summary
“Lovely oysters and fab fresh fish generally” from a “daily changing blackboard of specials” fuel a meal at this successful joint which is “just like eating in a seaside restaurant”. It’s “a bit cramped and uncomfortable” for some tastes, but conversely “feels surprisingly intimate for Covent Garden”.
Summary
“Superb oysters” are the star attraction at this “casual and relaxed” venue just a few steps from bustling Covent Garden – but there’s “plenty of superb fresh seafood to choose from, if oysters aren’t your thing”. Ceviche and crab are highly recommended, while “the staff are absolutely lovely and very accommodating”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Oystermen Seafood Kitchen & Bar?
32 Henrietta St, London, WC2E 8NA
Restaurant details
The Oystermen Seafood Kitchen & Bar Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Really disappointed with our pre-theatre dinner. Starters were generally enjoyed but main courses were very average.The fish itself was fine ( but grudgingly small) but the horseradish sauce with the mackerel lacked the horseradish bite and there was too much creamy sauce which did not match the gurnard it accompanied. Starters very slow to come. Service OK. All previous visits have been good so standars are slipping. It is now ordinary."
"Fish specialist so food well executed. They have used a small space well - verging on cramped. "
"Nice place to sit outside "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
32 Henrietta St, London, WC2E 8NA
Opening hours
| Monday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
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