The Wet Fish Café West Hampstead is a neighbourhood cafe and brasserie at 242 West End Lane. Established in a former fishmonger in 2003, it retains original Art Deco tiles and a warm independent character, shifting from relaxed daytime cafe culture to a more intimate evening restaurant.
Fresh fish and seafood remain central to the kitchen, with wild Cornish catches delivered from the south coast and responsibly farmed salmon, trout and mussels selected when appropriate. The concise dinner menu changes with availability, pairing fish with seasonal vegetables, sauces and modern European influences.
Meat and vegetarian dishes ensure the restaurant is not limited to seafood, while weekday lunch and weekend brunch introduce a more casual selection. French toast, bubble and squeak and other brunch favourites sit beside fish inspired lunch plates, coffee and drinks suited to a slow morning or afternoon.
Cocktails and wine complement dinner, with homemade desserts completing the meal. Monthly music nights bring live performers into the intimate room, while changing art exhibitions use the tiled walls as a gallery and reinforce the cafe’s longstanding connection with the creative West Hampstead community.
Address: 242 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1LG, United Kingdom
The Wet Fish Cafe Menu
Weekday Lunch
Smoked salmon plate
with scrambled eggs, roast cherry tomatoes, baby leaves, toast
Fried eggs & chorizo
with patatas bravas, rocket, toast
Shakshuka
poached eggs in a spicy tomato & red pepper sauce, tahini, herbs, toast
Avocado on toast
with roast cherry tomatoes, feta, dukkah, herbs, chilli oil
Eggs Benedict
with ham, hollandaise, toasted English muffin
Eggs Royale
with smoked salmon, hollandaise, toasted English muffin
Eggs Florentine
with spinach, hollandaise, toasted English muffin
Buttermilk pancakes
with blueberry compote, maple syrup, mascarpone
Granola bowl
homemade granola with Greek yoghurt, seasonal fruit, honey
House salad
mixed leaves, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radish, house dressing
Cornish mussels
in white wine, garlic & cream, with fries
Battered haddock & chips
with tartare sauce, mushy peas, lemon
Grilled Cornish fish of the day
with crushed potatoes, seasonal greens, herb butter
Fish burger
crispy fish, brioche bun, house slaw, fries
Beef burger
aged beef patty, cheese, pickles, brioche bun, fries
Caesar salad
baby gem, Parmesan, croutons, anchovies, Caesar dressing
Caesar salad with chicken
baby gem, Parmesan, croutons, anchovies, Caesar dressing, grilled chicken
Risotto of the day
Soup of the day
with sourdough
Fries
Green salad
Dinner
Sourdough & butter
Gordal olives
Padron peppers
Cornish mussels
in white wine, garlic & cream, with sourdough
Seared scallops
with cauliflower purée, pancetta, capers, brown butter
Burrata
with heritage tomatoes, basil, olive oil
Smoked mackerel pâté
with pickles, sourdough
Soup of the day
with sourdough
Grilled Cornish fish of the day
with crushed potatoes, seasonal greens, herb butter
Battered haddock & chips
with tartare sauce, mushy peas, lemon
Pan-fried sea bass
with crushed potatoes, fennel, salsa verde
Monkfish & prawn risotto
with saffron, peas, lemon
Loch Duart salmon
with crushed potatoes, seasonal greens, hollandaise
Beef short rib
slow-cooked, with mash, seasonal greens, gravy
Rump steak
with fries, salad, garlic butter
Chicken schnitzel
with fries, salad, lemon & caper butter
Wild mushroom risotto
with Parmesan, truffle oil
Cauliflower steak
with romesco, chickpeas, herbs
Fries
Green salad
Seasonal greens
Sticky toffee pudding
with vanilla ice cream
Chocolate fondant
with vanilla ice cream
Ice cream & sorbet
Cheese plate
with crackers, chutney