J Sheekey

Founded in 1896, J Sheekey is justly famous as one of the best places in London for spotting the stars of the West End stage (visit post-theatre for the highest chance of seeing a well-known face). But it’s the supremely cosseting atmosphere combined with classic British fish cookery that keeps celebrities and ordinary folk returning to one of theatreland’s longest-running productions.  Above all, this is “a real dining out experience” – “pure tradition with an edge”.

If it swims or comes from the sea, it’s likely to be on the menu. Oysters include natives in season and rocks all year round, shellfish arrives either hot (razor clams with chorizo and broad beans) or cold (lobster mayonnaise) and there’s caviar for high rollers, plus a host of daily ‘market specials’.  

Elsewhere, you can eat as traditionally or modishly as you wish: smoked salmon followed by fish pie, or blackened miso mackerel ahead of a monkfish and tiger prawn curry. The best dishes, though, tend to be the simplest: we loved our plate of five fat tiger prawns, doused in garlic butter and smacked with chilli. 

Prices aren’t as horrifying as you might expect given the restaurant’s fame and location, though you’ll have to head to Italy to find anything remotely approaching a bargain on the fish-friendly European-led wine list – although it does offer a good by-the-glass selection for those on a tight budget.

Wood-panelled walls hung with monochrome photos of the stars add to the nostalgic vibe, while interiors hidden by mirrored windows make Sheekey’s ideal for a discreet business lunch or supper. Once inside, however, the atmosphere is deliciously gossipy and eavesdropping is an easy game to play – it’s all part of the theatrical fun.    

J Sheekey has been a popular restaurant in theatreland since 1896, offering an unforgettable seafood experience and iconic dishes. The restaurant is squirreled away in St Martin’s Court, and has been regarded as one of the best places to find fresh shellfish and seafood in London. J Sheekey’s restaurant features bold red exteriors, and there’s an iconic crustacean bar at its heart, surrounded by walls filled with photographs of famous visitors – don’t forget to let us know who you spot.

It wouldn't be a seafood restaurant without a choice of oysters for starting snacks. You can choose from Achill oysters, Jersey, Loch Ryan natives, and more. There's also a great selection of caviar, including platinum, royal baerii and oscietra. Starters include caramelised cauliflower soup with stilton Welsh rarebit gougeres, roasted scallops in the shell with miso and hazelnut butter, and a delica pumpkin risotto with melted fontina and oregano. There are even more great ways to start your meal at J Sheekey, including with a Puglian burrata with peperonata and toasted pine nuts, twice baked Keen's cheddar souffle with parmesan sauce, and Galician octopus with roasted chorizo, smoked paprika and piquillo aioli.

The main courses include monkfish and prawn bhuna curry with crispy potato sali and pilaf rice, pan fried Cornish ray wing with brown butter and capers, and char grilled halibut with bearnaise sauce. Share amongst the table with your fellow diners with a deluxe shellfish platter, containing oysters, dressed crab, Atlantic prawns, mussels, clams, ceviche, cockles, whelks, king prawns and lobster. For those looking for a really indulgent dish, order the lobster thermidor served with chips – super tasty! If shellfish isn't your thing – although we doubt that’s the case if you’re headed to J Sheekey – try the Devonshire chicken with buttered sprouts, chicken pithivier and Madeira jus.