The Seafood Bar: A Stylish Seafood Spot in the Heart of Soho

By: Karine Laudort 

Located on the iconic Dean Street in Soho, The Seafood Bar has become a go-to destination for seafood lovers since its London debut in 2021. Housed in a striking Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, this family-run gem is the only outpost outside the Netherlands from the successful De Visscher family—and it has been making waves ever since.

Renowned for its generous portions and unbeatable freshness, The Seafood Bar delivers a dining experience that is both elevated and welcoming, without the intimidating price tag.

Photo credit: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

I recently visited with a friend on a weekday at lunchtime, and from the moment we stepped inside, the experience felt special. We were warmly welcomed by the manager, Caroline, whose friendliness set the tone for the afternoon. The interior is contemporary but relaxed — clean lines, soft lighting, and a sense of calm that’s perfect for catching up over plates of fresh, flavourful seafood.

Starters & Sips

To start, we ordered drinks from their alcohol-free drink menu. My virgin mojito was perfectly zesty and refreshing, while my friend opted for a virgin gin and tonic, which came elegantly presented. Later on, I tried their pink grapefruit soda, which offered a pleasingly sharp contrast to the richness of the food.

 Photo credit: Karine Laudort

Though we skipped the wine list this time, it is worth noting that The Seafood Bar offers a thoughtfully curated global selection, including Ruinart Champagne, Grüner Veltliner sparkling white wine, and Rosé from Provence—each chosen to pair beautifully with the seafood on offer.

For starters, we shared a trio of dishes that set a high bar for what was to follow. I first chose the peeled king prawns in garlic butter, which arrived perfectly cooked, juicy and fragrant with just the right hit of richness.

My friend opted for the crab cakes, golden and crisp on the outside, with a succulent, generously filled centre that let the natural sweetness of the crab shine through. They were served on a bed of citrus mayo, which added just the right amount of brightness and tang to balance the richness of the cakes. It is the kind of starter that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Lastly, we also couldn’t resist and had to try the lobster soup. We certainly weren’t disappointed! It was velvety and well-balanced, bursting with flavours and enhanced by lobster bites. Subtle, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it was the perfect warm-up for what was to come.

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Mains to Remember

For my main course, I selected the Mixed Grill (1 person) — an impressive platter featuring shrimp skewers, squid, king prawns, salmon and sea bass fillet, served with a smooth mussel tomato sauce. Each element was cooked to perfection, and the generous portion size made it ideal for seafood fans with a hearty appetite. The grill had a flame-kissed smokiness while retaining the natural sweetness of the seafood.

My friend chose the Roasted Salmon, which was plated with a silky cauliflower purée, roasted cherry tomatoes, tender broccoli, and a vibrant salsa verde. It was a beautifully balanced dish, with clean flavours and just the right hit of freshness from the herbs.

To share, we indulged in a side of truffle parmesan chips — crisp, golden, and utterly addictive. Rich as they are served dipping in oil, yet refined, they added the perfect earthy crunch to complement our mains.

The Vibe — An Unexpected a Hidden Gem 

Service throughout the meal was attentive and friendly without being intrusive — a rare balance that made the evening feel polished yet relaxed. After lunch, we explored Zum Barbarossa, a very stylish bar just downstairs. It also has its own entrance via a door right next to the restaurant entrance. It is definitely a hidden gem worth discovering, whether for pre-dinner cocktails or a post-meal wind-down and is even available for hire for private hire.

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Final Thoughts

The Seafood Bar on Dean Street effortlessly blends high-quality seafood, polished service, and a laid-back Soho vibe. Whether you are planning a date night, a stylish catch-up with friends, or simply want to treat yourself to well-executed seafood in central London, this spot ticks every box. The menu is full of standout dishes — from towering Fruits de Mer platters to steaming mussels and classic fish & chips — there is something here for every palate.

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Would I return? Absolutely! I already cannot wait to explore more of the menu — perhaps I will try their Oyster ‘Happy Hour‘ (Daily between 3 pm-5pm, £1.50 each).

Opening times:
Daily from noon until midnight

ADDRESS
77 Dean Street 
London W1D 3SH

T: 020 4525 0733

WEBSITE & SOCIAL
Booking Email – soho@theseafoodbar.com
theseafoodbar.com
@theseafoodbar