Waltham Abbey, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

First-time guests are “massively surprised” to find “really inventive and tasty cooking” – especially “seafood with a twist” – at this family-run Crouch End local. It’s a “lovely, romantic spot”, too – although “it can feel cramped and noisy when busy”.

A photo of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s visit is “proudly displayed on the wall” of this Muswell Hill institution, and fans say “the best player ever to pick up a snooker cue is bang-on with his choice of North London fish restaurant!”, acclaiming “fish ’n chips that goes down a treat”, and has done for more than half a century. It was sold by its family owners in March 2024 to a national group with plans to spin it out as a brand – fingers crossed its appeal survives!

“Tom Brown’s single-minded passion for fish and seafood shines through” at his “mecca of fine dining” – a post-industrial space “tucked away not far from the canal” in “wondrously trendy Hackney Wick”. “We love its informality and the friendliness of the staff” who give “detailed descriptions explaining the provenance of each dish” from “a stunning menu”. “So, get your skinny jeans on, tousle that beard (man bun optional) and go!” Top Menu Tip – “fabulous crab bun with pear hoisin”; “shrimps in a sort of panna cotta, decorated with sprouting herbs and vegetables… inspired”.

2021 Review: This in-house restaurant of the famous smoked salmon smokery (est. 1905) on the River Lea is a “lovely place to eat the best smoked fish, with a great view” – in fact, two views: from a viewing gallery over the smokery, and across to the Olympic stadium next door. For West Ham fans, it’s ideal for a pre-match lunch; for everybody else, “a bit out of the way, but worth the schlep”.

This family-run chippy in Finchley Central is known for its “reliable food” and is “very busy at weekends”. Founded in 1998, its menu features Turkish small plates alongside a choice of fish delivered fresh from Grimsby.

“In the heart of Essex, this fabulous fish restaurant” (est. 2010, and revolving around the “plush conversion of an old pub”) “offers amazing dishes and attentive service in a truly beautiful setting”. “It can be fun watching the TOWIE types amongst fellow diners”, but if that loses its appeal, divert your eyes to the “pleasant views from the terrace on a sunny day”.

“Epic!” – “Andy Beynon and his team are so welcoming” and deliver an “absolutely amazing” tasting menu experience at this funky-looking and “super-stylish” venue in Hackney (near London Fields). “You sit at a long, curvaceous, blonde-wooden counter, and service is by the whole kitchen team who are clearly passionate about what they’re doing”. The menu revolves around “inventive fish dishes” from “quality produce” that are “stuffed with really bold flavours”. Top Menu Tip – “loved the aged trout with smoked beurre-blanc. Raw red prawn with prawn head and Riesling sauce. Loved it all”.

“The fish is always fresh and the staff are friendly” at this “good local fish ’n’ chip place” that has been a fixture in Finchley for three decades. “Best fish and chips in London?” – probably not, but just what you want in your neighbourhood.

“Exceptional” fish and seafood is served at this “cool” fishmonger-turned-restaurant near Highbury Corner, which is “different every time you go as they decide what and how to cook each dish according to what is fresh”. There’s a perennial complaint that it’s “quite expensive for a cramped space” that’s “a bit too crowded for comfort” – which is why those lucky enough to have been to the Cornish offshoot in Padstow say they prefer it.

This modern fish ’n’ chip shop in Dartmouth Park is “a nice, healthy (and non-smelly) alternative” to the classic old-school chippy, with “good-quality” fresh fish.

2022 Review: Hipster haunt, Ace Hotel Shoreditch – and its restaurant Hoi Polloi (RIP) – have gone, but this new Lore Group (Sea Containers et al) opening in autumn 2021 is stepping into its boots and aiming to boost appeal with an expanded rooftop bar and terrace (panoramic views of East London), and a restaurant and wine bar specialising in sustainably sourced seafood. It being EC2, there’s even going to be a take-out hatch (that’s a sign of groovy sophistication these days, apparently…)

“Brilliant on every level” – this family-run Greek-Cypriot chippy in Clerkenwell has provided “great fresh fish at incredible prices” for more than five decades. “The staff are simply divine”, providing “really fun service”, and “the community work the restaurant carries out is unparalleled”.

“Want to impress a client?” – this seventh-floor City rooftop venue from D&D London near Moorgate “is a destination restaurant that’s worth the expense”. “Technically precise and well-thought-out fish dishes” from chef Gary Foulkes “make Angler justify its Michelin star, with the kitchen showing a delicate touch and the confidence to sometimes elevate some humble fish species” as well as more luxurious options. The main drawback is “the very hotel-like vibe of the dining room”, which feels “a bit bland (although this matters less for business lunching and dining”). And for non-suits, “you can’t help but feel the food’s a bit wasted here, especially on the business clientele who don’t seem to be paying it much attention!”

Backstreet Bloomsbury chippy known for its “very reliable battered fish ’n’ chips”, while the “fresh grilled fish is always superb, particularly the halibut”. Run for almost half a century by two generations of the Beauchamp family, its traditional style makes this “a great place to take visitors to London”.

“Well-spaced tables are comfortable to the point of luxury” in this club-like, wood-panelled chamber – the highpoint of the food offerings within Soho House’s gargantuan hotel: the conversion of the opulent former Midland Bank HQ just next to the Bank of England. Its “pricey” caviar, oysters, “top Dover Sole”, wide selection of steaks and Beef Wellington carved from the trolley all provide excellent sustenance for the local power brokers (“I have won more business here than in any other restaurant”).