Top 10 Best Seafood Markets in London

Pike Place Fish Market appears to be a data error as it's actually located in Seattle, Washington, not London—famous for its fish-throwing fishmongers and Pike Place Market location. If you're planning a London seafood tour, you'll need to skip this one unless you're willing to book a transatlantic flight! However, if you do find yourself in Seattle, this iconic market is worth visiting for the theatrical fish-tossing and incredibly fresh Pacific Northwest seafood. For London-based seafood lovers, stick to the other nine options on this list, all of which are genuinely located in the capital and equally worth your time.

Angry Crab Shack brings Louisiana-style seafood boils to London's West End, where plastic-bib-wearing diners dig into bags of cajun-spiced crab, prawns, and corn with gleeful abandon. This is messy, hands-on eating at its finest—not the place for a first date unless you're both comfortable getting sauce up to your elbows. The garlic butter crab boil is addictively good, with just enough spice to keep things interesting, and the casual, rowdy atmosphere makes it perfect for groups looking to let loose. It's touristy, yes, but the fun factor and generous portions have earned it a loyal following among both visitors and locals craving American-style seafood indulgence.

The Seafood Bar brings Amsterdam's famous seafood concept to Soho, delivering massive seafood platters and perfectly cooked fish in a lively, informal setting that feels refreshingly democratic for central London. Their signature seafood platter is an absolute feast—piled high with prawns, mussels, clams, and half a lobster—and priced fairly enough that it won't require a second mortgage. The no-reservations policy means queues are common, but the turnover is quick and the buzz inside makes the wait worthwhile. It's ideal for groups of friends who want quality seafood without the stuffiness, and the Dean Street location puts you in the heart of Soho's theatre and nightlife scene.

Scott's is less a seafood market and more a Mayfair institution where politicians, celebrities, and wealthy locals have been gathering since 1851 for some of London's most refined fish and shellfish. The art deco dining room exudes old-money glamour, and the seafood platter for two is a towering masterpiece of oysters, langoustines, and crab that justifies the eye-watering price tag. Their Dover sole meunière is executed with the kind of precision that comes from centuries of experience, and the people-watching alone is worth the visit. This is where you take someone when you really want to impress—just book well in advance and don't forget your credit card.

Maltby Street Market has evolved from a scrappy weekend pop-up into one of South London's most beloved food destinations, with several permanent vendors offering exceptional seafood alongside craft beer and artisan products. The railway arch setting gives it an authentic, slightly gritty charm that feels worlds away from the polished food halls of central London. Come for the grilled sardines and stay for the convivial atmosphere—this is where locals bring visitors to show them the 'real' London food scene. Weekend afternoons see the arches packed with a young, food-obsessed crowd, though the vibe remains refreshingly unpretentious despite its growing popularity.

While not exclusively a seafood market, Seven Dials Market has become a destination for its diverse food stalls, including exceptional seafood vendors serving everything from poke bowls to grilled octopus. The industrial-chic space in a converted warehouse creates an energetic atmosphere that's perfect for groups who can't agree on what to eat—everyone can grab what they fancy and meet at communal tables. The raw bar here serves some of Covent Garden's best oysters and ceviche, ideal for a pre-theatre bite or casual after-work gathering. It's Instagram-worthy without trying too hard, and the late opening hours make it a rare find in central London.

Nestled in the historic Borough Market, Shellseekers Fish & Game offers a curated selection that extends beyond seafood to include premium game meats, making it a one-stop shop for the discerning cook. Their rock oysters are shucked to order and served with traditional mignonette, perfect for standing at the counter and soaking in the market atmosphere. What sets them apart is the willingness to source unusual requests—ask for something specific and they'll likely have it by the following week. The weekend crowds can be intense, but the quality of their Dover sole and the theatrical energy of Borough Market make it worth navigating the throngs of tourists and food enthusiasts.

Operating from the iconic Billingsgate Market, Barneys Seafood offers the advantage of getting your fish directly from London's wholesale seafood hub, meaning unbeatable freshness and wholesale-adjacent pricing. This is where serious home cooks and restaurant chefs alike come for bulk buys and specialty items you won't find on the average high street. Their langoustines and market-fresh turbot are particularly noteworthy, and the early morning energy of Billingsgate—though it requires a 4am wake-up call—is an experience every seafood lover should have at least once. Be prepared for no-nonsense service and cash-preferred transactions; this is a working market, not a boutique experience.

Tucked into the vibrant Broadway Market, Fin and Flounder brings a contemporary edge to traditional fishmongering with an unexpected twist—it doubles as a natural wine specialist. This is where East London's food-savvy crowd comes for day-boat fish alongside bottles you won't find anywhere else, making it perfect for those planning an elevated dinner party. Their whole sea bass and locally sourced shellfish are impeccably fresh, and the staff's ability to pair your fish purchase with the perfect wine is genuinely impressive. The Saturday market buzz adds to the experience, though savvy locals know to visit on weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience.

A fixture on Essex Road since 1895, Steve Hatt Fishmongers is the kind of place where four generations of expertise shine through every perfectly filleted piece of fish. The staff here don't just sell seafood—they educate you on it, offering cooking tips and seasonal recommendations with genuine enthusiasm. Their wild Scottish salmon and hand-dived scallops are the stuff of local legend, drawing everyone from Michelin-starred chefs doing their morning shop to home cooks planning Sunday lunch. It's old-school London at its finest, where quality trumps gimmicks every single time.