HM Visits: The Seafood Bar - A Soho Shellfish Sanctuary

Tucked away on the iconic Dean Street, The Seafood Bar offers a refreshingly understated slice of coastal indulgence in the heart of Soho. This isn’t your typical London seafood spot — it’s a place where quality meets comfort, where a light, easygoing atmosphere softens the edges of what might otherwise be considered a high-end dining experience.

As you step inside, you're met with a space that feels effortlessly relaxed. It’s warm and inviting — airy, yet intimate — punctuated by playful design flourishes like a vibrant lobster light that immediately signals this is a venue that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even if the food certainly does. It’s the kind of place where couples ease into dates, families gather without fuss, and friends toast to nothing in particular.

The menu is expansive but focused, offering something for every kind of seafood appetite — from the familiar comforts of fish and chips to a full half-lobster with all the trimmings. What’s especially noteworthy is the thoughtful inclusion of wine pairings next to each dish. It's a quiet nod to hospitality that doesn't assume everyone is a sommelier, but recognises that the right pairing can elevate a meal from good to unforgettable.

To start, we went in with a trio of small plates — each a showcase of balance and flavour. The crab cakes, served on a bed of mixed leaves with a citrus mayo, were firm to the touch but melted away on the tongue, their seasoning hitting all the right notes. The clams, bathed in a white wine, garlic and cream sauce, were luxurious, rich and fragrant — a bowl you’ll want to wipe clean with bread and decorum be damned. But it was the roast scallops, dressed with shimeji mushrooms, chorizo and a silky café au lait jus, that quietly stole the show. Earthy, sweet, savoury — it was all there.

For the main event, we were encouraged to try the "Combination" — a generous feast designed for two, combining the best of the Fruits de Mer platter and the mixed grill. It delivered on every promise and more. Oysters, clams, smoked and cooked salmon, seabass, squid, half a lobster, half a crab — the table practically heaved under the weight of it. Fresh, grilled, smoked — textures and techniques collided with confidence. Every bite felt like a new discovery, each flavour pronounced but never overpowering. It’s one of those rare sharing dishes where you’re not quietly counting portions but genuinely enjoying the experience.

Dessert came in the form of a citrus crème brûlée — delicate and precise. The citrus element, sharp but not invasive, elevated the custard without muting its richness. The caramel top had just the right crack, and the portion was considered — indulgent but not excessive.

The Seafood Bar might just be the blueprint for what modern seafood dining in London should look like: unpretentious, flavour-led, and welcoming to all. It’s affordable luxury in the truest sense of the phrase. No gimmicks. No over-complication. Just honest food, well-executed.

Hinton Recommended.