Harden's survey result
Summary
This “elegant-looking restaurant” on Wapping High Street “oozes class, its big, bright dining room opening to views of Tower Bridge”. The London offshoot of Essex institution Smith’s of Ongar, it provides “a wide choice of fish served simply, with an emphasis on freshness and quality”; plus a level of “service which is becoming increasingly hard to find in the post-pandemic and Brexit era”. A good number of best meals of the year are reported here from diners in our annual poll.
Summary
“The quality and simplicity of the fish dishes” – “superbly fresh ingredients served in generous portions” – “speak for themselves” at this classic Thames-bank venue in Wapping (sibling to Essex institution Smith’s of Ongar): a “go-to” for its big fan club, where “the lovely views of the Thames and vibe further add to the great experience”. Top Tip – “the set menu is good value, but if nothing takes your fancy then the à la carte is also reasonably priced”.
Summary
“A top selection of fish” – “simple and so fresh” – is served at this smart, white-tablecloth restaurant in a “fantastic setting, on the Thames at Wapping, with great views of Tower Bridge”. “Service is slick and the atmosphere reflects the bright, buzzy feel of the whole place”. The only drawback is that “it’s always full and difficult to get into”. The original Smith’s was founded 66 years ago in Ongar, Essex.
Summary
“Stunning views of Tower Bridge and brilliant seafood” are twin highlights at this popular destination (sibling to a similar veteran, in Ongar), which is “right on the river” in Wapping. “It’s a bit out of the way, but well worth going off the beaten track for”. “As for the décor, who doesn’t love a restaurant with white tablecloths and smartly presented staff?”
For 34 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 Smith's Wapping?
22 Wapping High St, London, E1W 1NJ
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £37.00 | £42.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £15.00 | £36.00 | £10.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
22 Wapping High St, London, E1W 1NJ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
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