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The ShellSeafood · Holborn 020 8075 7500
Seafood & steak · Holborn · Since 2020 Open every day, 12 noon – 11pm

A round seafood platter on ice: langoustines, snow crab legs, mussels, king prawns and three sauces
  1. 1LangoustinesWhole, on crushed ice
  2. 2MusselsIn the shell
  3. 3Snow crab legsSweet and meaty, to share
  4. 4Three house saucesFor dipping
  5. 5King prawnsHeads on, the French way

A seafood lover’s paradise on Southampton Row.

Fruits de mer on ice, grilled lobster, oysters by the dozen and halal steaks, served the relaxed way they do it on the French coast.

Open every day, 12 noon – 11pm Book a table See the menu
  • Top seafood on TripadvisorLondon, 2024
  • Seafood in fresh dailyFrom trusted coastal suppliers
  • 100% halal meatAlcohol-free seafood on request
  • Private roomsFor 2 to 40 guests
Built to share

Platters, chilled or grilled

Every platter also comes as a one-person version, or with lobster added. All platters

  • Fruit de Mer for Two
    Chilled platter

    Fruit de Mer for Two

    Oysters, whelks, dressed crab, Arctic shrimps, king prawns and mussels on ice.

    £58.90Add a whole lobster · £97.90
  • Seafood Grill for Two
    Grilled platter

    Seafood Grill for Two

    Garlic or cheese oysters, scallops, king prawns, squid, white wine mussels and fries.

    £58.90Add a whole lobster · £97.90
  • Royal for Two
    Grilled platter

    Royal for Two

    Two lobsters, crab, squid, king prawns, mussels, fries and seafood rice.

    £139.90Royal for Three · £209.90
  • The Shell for Two
    Chilled platter

    The Shell for Two

    The tower: two lobsters, langoustines, crab, whelks, king prawns, shrimps and mussels.

    £159.90The Shell for Three · £209.90
Two dozen raw oysters on a stand of crushed ice with lemon and shallot vinegar
24 oysters · £69.90
Valid all day, every day

The Shell’s specials

Our two set selections, the dishes guests order most.

Recommendations

  • Fish & ChipsFried cod, chips and salad with tartare sauce£15.90
  • Lobster LinguineHalf lobster, king prawns and linguine in our homemade sauce£29.90
  • 12 OystersRaw, with red wine shallot vinegar£35.90

Ocean to plate

  • Fruit de Mer for OneOyster, whelks, dressed crab, Arctic shrimps, king prawns, mussels£29.90
  • Fruit de Mer for TwoOysters, whelks, dressed crab, Arctic shrimps, king prawns, mussels£58.90
  • Seafood Grill for TwoOysters, scallops, king prawns, squid, garlic white wine mussels, fries£58.90
The Shell for Two: a two-tier tower with lobsters on top and prawns, mussels and crab below Lobster linguine in a white bowl
Our story

Seaside France, in WC1

The Shell was founded by a group of seafood enthusiasts inspired by the relaxed elegance of seaside France, where outstanding seafood is meant to be shared, savoured and enjoyed without pretension.

“A truly great shellfish restaurant should be welcoming, indulgent and accessible.”

We work closely with trusted fishermen, producers and coastal suppliers. Seafood comes in fresh every day, and our chefs prepare each platter with care, so every dish reflects both quality and the season.

  • 2019The Shell is founded
  • Feb 2020Doors open on Southampton Row
  • 2024Top seafood restaurant on Tripadvisor
Good to know

Before you visit

  • Halal meat

    All of our meat is 100% halal, including every steak and the lamb chops.

  • Alcohol-free on request

    Some seafood is cooked with white wine. Tell us when you order and we’ll make it without.

  • Kids & vegans

    Beef or chicken burgers for children, and a truffle vegan linguine.

  • Allergies

    Our kitchen handles all major allergens. Please speak to your server before ordering.

Private dining room with long tables, green leather chairs, blue glass fish chandeliers and an underwater mural
Groups & events

Private dining for up to 40

Birthdays, business dinners and family gatherings, in rooms lit by glass-fish chandeliers. We’ll plan the platters around your party.

  • 2–40 guests
  • Set or à la carte
  • Book ahead by email
Plan your event
Visit us

Find The Shell

Book a table Directions

Coming by car?

Single yellow lines around the restaurant are free after 6:30pm every day. One minute away at 1 Queen Square, WC1N 3AR, single yellow lines, resident bays and the loading bay are free:

  • Monday – Friday after 6:30pm
  • Saturday after 1:30pm
  • Sunday all day