When people start throwing around phrases like “the best fish and chips in London,” I instantly become curious. London has no shortage of places serving fish and chips, so when I heard The Seashell of Lisson Grove had built a reputation that stretches back decades, I knew I had to experience it for myself.
After all, when a restaurant has been around since the 1960s and has welcomed famous faces over the years including Dua Lipa, Madonna and the legendary Michael Jackson, you know there has to be something special about it.
First Impressions: A Restaurant Full of Character
Walking into The Seashell of Lisson Grove, I immediately noticed that this wasn’t simply somewhere to grab food and leave. There was personality everywhere.
The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful central bar area, featuring a huge octopus design across the front that made a real statement in the room. It felt bold and elegant without trying too hard. Then there was a large fish tank that instantly became one of the standout features of the space.
Throughout the restaurant there were sea-life inspired details woven into the decor, creating an atmosphere that felt immersive but still relaxed and welcoming. It had that classic London restaurant feel while maintaining its own identity.
Starting With Grilled King Prawns
Before getting to the main event, I started with the grilled king prawns served in garlic, lemon and parsley butter with a side salad.
I love when seafood is allowed to speak for itself without being overcomplicated, and this dish did exactly that.
The prawns were fresh, juicy and cooked perfectly. The garlic, lemon and parsley butter brought everything together beautifully and added richness without overpowering the flavour of the seafood itself. Every bite felt balanced and full of flavour. My mum opted for a fish pie; this was served with a side salad and tasted amazing! I added half of it onto my plate also!
At this point I was already impressed and very excited for what was coming next.
The Main Event: Fish and Chips
Now for the reason I came.
I had heard so much about the fish and chips that my expectations were probably unfairly high.
Thankfully, they delivered.
The cod was incredibly soft and flaky, falling apart effortlessly with each bite. It tasted fresh, comforting and full of flavour without feeling heavy. Paired with chunky chips, it was exactly what you want from a classic fish and chips experience.
There are certain meals where you immediately understand the hype after the first bite and this was definitely one of them.
Final Thoughts
I completely understand why The Seashell of Lisson Grove has become such an iconic London restaurant.
For me, it wasn’t just the food. It was the full experience, the atmosphere, the sea-inspired details, the history behind the restaurant and of course, those fish and chips.
So the big question: does it deserve a place among London’s best fish and chips?
For me, absolutely.
If you’re looking for authentic fish and chips in the heart of London and want somewhere with history, character and genuinely delicious food, The Seashell of Lisson Grove deserves a place on your list.
Have you visited The Seashell of Lisson Grove before? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.
Until next time,
Sasha x
Watch my video of my full experience below
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