Eating Around with Em

Smith’s of Wapping London

Tucked away on the banks of the Thames in East London, Smith’s of Wapping is a long-standing favourite for those in search of classic British seafood with a view to match. Set within a converted warehouse, the restaurant makes the most of its riverside position, with large windows looking out towards Tower Bridge and the ever-changing traffic on the water. The setting feels relaxed yet polished, making it just as suitable for a leisurely lunch as it is for a special evening out.

The menu focuses on fresh fish and shellfish, simply prepared and confidently presented. Dishes such as grilled Dover sole, oysters and generous seafood platters tend to take centre stage, alongside a solid selection of steaks and traditional puddings. Service is typically warm and attentive without being overbearing, and there’s a well-chosen wine list to complement the food. All in all, it’s a dependable spot that combines proper cooking with one of the finest riverside outlooks in London.

Price category: €€€

Website Smith’s of Wapping

Em’s star rating

I really loved this restaurant during our visit to London. The lights of Tower Bridge glowing across the river give a nice touch to your dining experience. The soft-shell crab and tiger prawn tempura were very good, and I also loved the scallops.

Fun fact

A nice little detail about Smith’s of Wapping is that it’s set inside a converted riverside warehouse that dates back to the 18th century, when the area was busy with docks and maritime trade. You can still feel a hint of that old Wapping character in the building

Photo Gallery