Besides the fish, why go? Epic views
Capacity 85
This Michelin-starred gem not only offers great views of treasured City landmarks from the seventh floor of the South Place Hotel (hello, Gherkin), it also serves up top sea food. It’s pricey, so be prepared to dish out, but trust us, it’s worth it. The 12-seater kitchen-view PDR will get you special attention from the chefs, including tours of the kitchen.
Besides the fish, why go? The kitchen uses only the best ingredients from around the British Isles
Capacity 24
This place is headed up by Nathan Outlaw, who’s wildly accepted as the modern master of seafood, so you’ll have to look pretty far to find better and fresher seafood in London. His Michelin star shows that clean flavours, excellent technique and only the best produce are the recipe for success. The two private dining rooms offer set seafood menus with wine pairings in luxurious surrounds.
Besides the fish, why go? The wacky interiors
Capacity 48
The Coral Reef Room at Sexy Fish is inspired by the sea both in its decor and its menu. Kitted out with a custom-built, marble-top bar and two gigantic live coral reef tanks, the PDR mirrors the glamour of the rest of the restaurant. Pan-Asian dishes are fashionably presented, but be warned – they come with a price tag.
Besides the fish, why go? Eye-opening food and drink matching
Capacity 8
This is not the place to come for California rolls or blow-torched tuna; rather, the kitchen deals in updates on the Japanese hallmarks of delicacy and refinement, alongside ultra-respectful versions of classic sushi and tempura. With three private dining spaces to choose from (the sushi counter, the Teppan-yaki counter and a standard PDR), you can ensure a special experience for your guests.
Besides the fish, why go? The Indian spin
Capacity 12
The coastal cuisine of south-west India is the focus at this Michelin-starred restaurant, where it’s given a modern twist. The wood-panelled private dining room looks into the restaurant’s wine cellar and creates an intimate feel. Go for the famous tandoori hariyali bream in a vivid green chilli-herb jacket.
Besides the fish, why go? Its own entrance, for added privacy
Capacity 36
The high-vaulted, chequered-floor private dining space here is breezy and lovely. The food is good too – the longstanding seafood joint is run in tandem with an on-site fishmonger, so fresh produce is always on the menu. The zesty tuna ceviche is a solid winner.
Zuma, Knightsbridge
Besides the fish, why go? The intimate feel
Capacity 14
Queues are normally out the door at Zuma, and they have been ever since it opened 15 years ago. Having guaranteed seats in the private dining rooms are therefore a plus. Following the same age-defying industrial-zen interiors (a mix of rough-hewn wood, polished granite and shiny steel) as the main restaurant, the PDRs are distinctly modern. Expect to pay top dollar for this Japanese food, but the fine ocean dishes are worth every penny.
Besides the fish, why go? The history of the place
Capacity 20
As fish sellers of yore, with a family tradition dating back to Georgian times, Wiltons still majors in the finest British seafood (some of the best oysters in town can be found here). The PDR is named after Wiltons’ head oysterman from 1942 to 1976, Jimmy Marks, so it’s clear it’s got a long-standing history. The stately interiors and 'no sportswear' policy make this a more formal place to dine.
Besides the fish, why go? The luxurious setting
Capacity 40
Scoring a table at this seafood temple on Mount Street can be difficult – which, of course, makes its private dining room all the more appealing. The interiors make for a formal feel, but are livened up by artwork from local Mayfair galleries. Known for delivering some of the best seafood in town, the place is great value for money, too.
Umu, Mayfair
Besides the fish, why go? The tailored-made private dining menus
Capacity 12
This authentic Japanese restaurant has earned itself two Michelin stars with its strict old-school attitude and head chef Yoshinori Ishii’s legendary attention to detail. Cornish produce is prepared in traditional Japanese ways – our top choice would be the omakase fish platters with an astonishing variety of textures and flavours. At the Sake Table PDR, you can tailor your own menu, mixing and matching from the a la carte and the traditional Kaiseki menus. Dining at Umu is an unforgettable experience, and (for those picking up the tab) so is the bill.