Harden's survey result
Summary
“A top local that’s still going strong”. This “cut above” West Hampstead fixture, set in the conversion of a 1930s fishmongers (and still selling retail) has a large fan club fostered by its “quirky and passionate” approach. The top draw is the “short selection of well-priced, very fresh fish”, but it’s “everything a true café should be,” too (serving all day). “It might score even higher if the menu offered more choice.”
Summary
“A dream local that never disappoints”; this all-day café and brasserie in West Hampstead provides “lovely service” and “some cool tunes create a nice vibe”. Set in a converted 1930s fishmonger – hence the name – it majors in “delicious fresh fish from Cornwall, cooked to perfection”, which is also available as, yes, wet fish for home consumption. “Love it any time of day – brunch, coffee, lunch or dinner”. “Prices are reasonable, too”. “It’s on my doorstep – jealous yet?”
Summary
“A West Hampstead standard bearer”: this converted 1930s fishmonger is not, despite its name, a fish restaurant – it operates as an all-day bistro, and fans say it’s “hit the spot for the last 16 years, with the high-quality food, great ambience and friendly service you’d hope for from a great local”; or that it’s “busy most of the time, especially at weekend brunch” when “you may need to queue”.
Summary
“A West Hampstead standard bearer”: this converted 1930s fishmonger is not, despite its name, a fish restaurant – it operates as an all-day bistro, and fans say it’s “hit the spot for the last 15 years, with the high-quality food, great ambience and friendly service you’d hope for from a great local”; or that it’s “busy most of the time, especially at weekend brunch” when “you may need to queue”. The critiques of last year weren’t repeated this time: the worst anyone says is that it’s “nothing special but OK”.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Wet Fish Café?
Restaurant details
The Wet Fish Café Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Met a friend for early dinner and as always never disappointed, fresh vibrant food, service attentive and atmosphere gently buzzy. I love this place because it’s local and not having to schlep too far for a decent restaurant. Love these guys, an institution in NW London. CM : ) "
"A small, friendly restaurant with a good selection of dishes although maybe too many with eggs. Good, speedy service. The pistachio ice cream was homemade and delicious. The coffee was excellent. Small unisex loo but very clean, gold star for hygiene!"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £30.00 | £35.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £10.00 | £21.50 | £8.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
242 West End Lane, London, NW6 1LG
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 11 am‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am‑10:30 pm |
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