A buzzing, centenary-old seafood institution where the marble oyster bar and heated terrace offer timeless, white-jacketed hedonism under the watch of chef Richard Corrigan.
Ordering Strategy
The ground-floor Oyster Bar or the heated terrace are the places to be for atmosphere; the upstairs grill is quieter and more formal. Start with the legendary soda bread and seaweed butter, then share a dozen natives and a fish pie.
What to order
Bentley’s Fish Pie
Regarded as a classic with a 'piped and golden mashed potato top,' it features smoked haddock, salmon, and prawns in a 'mustard-boosted sauce.' Critics call it the 'essence of a PG Wodehouse novel' made by someone who 'understands the engineering of the dish.'
English Shellfish Cocktail
Described as 'essentially a compact fruits de mer,' this substantial starter is piled with white and brown crabmeat, brown shrimps, Atlantic prawns, lobster, and a 'sturdy langoustine.' It is praised for having 'all the hard work already done' for the diner.
Soda Bread and Seaweed Butter
A signature opening that reviewers love for its 'treacly' texture and 'green-flecked seaweed butter,' representing the restaurant's commitment to executing classic elements with respect.
Cornish Fish Stew
Highly praised by readers as 'impeccable,' this hearty dish is 'packed with myriad different species' served in a rich tomato and saffron broth.
More in Piccadilly Circus
- HaidilaoChinese Hot Pot · £££71
- Sandwich ExpressSandwiches · £55
Signal Score
Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
Top critic: Jay Rayner (90%)
Editorial Weight 63 pts
Authority + depth + recency
Agreement 8 pts
How aligned the critics are
Coverage 10 pts
How many real review signals exist
Public Signal 11 pts
Google rating + volume
Boosts 0 pts
Manual boosts + hidden gem
Review signals
3 Elite · 3 Editorial · 7 total signals
Public signal
4.5★ (2,000 reviews)
Good to know
The terrace on Swallow Street is heated and covered, making it a viable option year-round. Book the marble counter if you want to watch the shuckers in action.
Trust signals
- ○Not yet visited
- mediumConfidence level
More great dishes in London
- Bentley's Oyster Bar & GrillSeafood · ££££86· Mayfair
More British Seafood in London
- Sweetings£££82· City of London
- Fish Central££80· Clerkenwell
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