Six restaurants seafood-lovers must visit

By Georgia Dudman

The UK, a nation stereotyped for its fish and chips addiction, is not short of marvellous seafood cuisine. From the buzzing restaurants of the capital to the rural coastal cafes of Scotland, it is impossible to single out a favourite. Below, a few culinary successes, both old and new, have been selected.

The Seahorse- Devon 

A small and friendly coastal town restaurant, The Seahorse is found on the banks of the River Dart.

Seafood specialist chefs, Mitch Tonk and Mat Prowse, have put together an incredible menu accompanied by a carefully chosen wine list. Their restaurant came 31^st at the National Restaurant Awards 2013, ranking them as number one in their county. The Seahorse has also been named Top Restaurant in the UK by the Observer Food Monthly Awards- a very impressive achievement for a small town restaurant from Dartmouth.

More significantly, it was awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in the UK for 2013 by Good Food Guide. Regarding the prestigious award, Mitch & Mat said, “The Seahorse is a life’s work for us both, we have our own particular ways we do things but most of all we love working together and giving our guests a special time. We are lucky to be surrounded by the best fish in the world and that is what the Seahorse is all about. We are delighted this has been recognised by the readers of the highly regarded Good Food Guide, the whole team at The Seahorse are absolutely delighted with the award.”

To discover more please visit The Seahorse's website.

 

Wiltons- London

Established in 1742, Wiltons is said to have the finest oysters, fish and game. The London restaurant’s presentation and service is just as immaculate: the front of house team won an award by Tatler in 2014. Guests enjoy a fine British dining experience in a sophisticated atmosphere garnished with contemporary art while retaining traditional decoration.

Wiltons’ Oyster Bar is separate to its restaurant. The bar has won numerous awards over the years including several World, British and European Oyster Championships. Wiltons’ has also received a number of remarkable reviews and awards including Best British Traditional Restaurant by Zagat in 2013.

To discover more please visit Wiltons' site.

 

 

 

Ondine- Edinburgh

Scotland cannot go without a mention when its waters are arguably the UK’s best source of seafood.

Ondine is a luxury seafood restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh. Its interior has a spacious and modern feel. The oyster bar is the obvious centre piece where smart-casual dining takes place. All restaurant guests can enjoy views of the Old Town and are treated to friendly yet professional hospitality.

Ondine boasts a passionate team of chefs who choose the best ingredients abiding to rules of seasonality and sustainability. Their menu offers ‘choices and prices to suit most palates and pockets.’ Favourites include the Fish and Shellfish Soup starter and Grilled Lemon Sole with Brown Shrimps and Capers as a main. Naturally, various wines, champagnes, cocktails and whiskeys are available.

Ondine is noted for its commitment to the sustainability of the fishing produce and fishermen’s welfare. They have also won various awards for their food and hospitality including, their most recent award, AA Restaurant of the Year 2013-2014.

To discover more visit Ondine's website.

 

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant- Cornwall 

Award-winning chef Rick Stein owns guest houses, a seafood school, and four restaurants. The Seafood Restaurant in Riverside, Cornwall is one of his successes. He and his wife Jill established the restaurant in 1975. Jill designed the restaurant’s revitalizing, modern interior where visitors can easily relax and enjoy lunch or dinner near the seaside.

Head chef Stephane Delourme and his team ‘create simple seafood dishes with fresh and classic flavours using Rick Stein’s famous recipes.’ The Seafood Restaurant’s menu offers several dishes such as langoustines, oysters, sashimi and mussels. Seafood is fresh, sourced by local fishermen. Food is inspired by international cookery as well as Rick’s own creations. Wines have also been selected by Rick from around the globe.

Rick himself has received many awards for his culinary skills. His restaurants, unsurprisingly, have been recognized by a variety of awards. The Seafood Restaurant has enjoyed a plethora of exemplary reviews by accredited organisations such as the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide.

To discover more please visit their website.

 

 

 

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw- Cornwall

Cornwall is more than worthy of a second mention, especially when Restaurant Nathan Outlaw serves outstanding British seafood in the county. Nathan’s restaurant is the only seafood restaurant in the world to have two Michelin stars: it has upheld this title for the last four years in the Great Britain and Ireland Michelin Guide. The restaurant also ranked third in the UK Good Food Guide for 2014.

Nathan is no small name in his industry; he runs four prosperous restaurants in the UK. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw is found within the St. Enodoc Hotel. The venue is petite and intimate, serving dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Excellent service is on hand to accommodate your wishes.

Head chef Chris Simpson uses locally and sustainably sourced seafood, which is caught daily. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw serves one specific Seafood Tasting Menu only. Dishes include their Port Isaac Lobster and their Crab, Asparagus and Seaweed. As always, a custom-made wine list is available to compliment this succulent tasting experience.

To discover more please visit their website.