Dorset Oysters Bar
Quick info
About Dorset Oysters Bar
Within Borough Market on Southwark St, Dorset Oysters Bar is a seafood restaurant built around oysters sold by count and size, with XXL Jurassic Coast oysters alongside a selection running from Irish oysters to large Scottish oysters. The stall sets out hot sauce and lemons for dressing the shellfish as customers choose. Beyond oysters, the menu adds smoked salmon pastrami, salmon crudo, and Uni. There is no reservation system, and the counter runs on a walk-in basis, so customers order and are served directly at the stall. The format suits the market setting, with selections varying by size and origin rather than a fixed plate. Southwark St places the bar within the wider market surroundings.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention xxl oysters, food poisoning, smoked salmon pastrami and uni.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention xxl oysters, food poisoning, smoked salmon pastrami and uni.
Customer Review Summary
Oysters dominate the praise, with reviewers repeatedly singling out the XXL Jurassic Coast oysters and large Scottish and Irish varieties as fresh, plump, and sweet, often eaten by the dozen. Close behind, several mention the herb smoked salmon pastrami and salmon crudo, along with uni, as further proof of fresh seafood, and the range of sauces on offer draws mention too. Most describe it as reliable and safe, with one reviewer calling it the safest place to try oysters in Borough Market. However, two reviewers report severe food poisoning after eating here, describing vomiting, fever, and body aches lasting multiple days, with one recounting a friend's similarly bad experience; these accounts sit starkly against the otherwise consistent satisfaction. The pattern closes on repeat visits, with reviewers noting they returned even after trying it once, and one describing it as setting the tone for an outing to the market before the Christmas holiday.
Customer Review Summary
Oysters dominate the praise, with reviewers repeatedly singling out the XXL Jurassic Coast oysters and large Scottish and Irish varieties as fresh, plump, and sweet, often eaten by the dozen. Close behind, several mention the herb smoked salmon pastrami and salmon crudo, along with uni, as further proof of fresh seafood, and the range of sauces on offer draws mention too. Most describe it as reliable and safe, with one reviewer calling it the safest place to try oysters in Borough Market. However, two reviewers report severe food poisoning after eating here, describing vomiting, fever, and body aches lasting multiple days, with one recounting a friend's similarly bad experience; these accounts sit starkly against the otherwise consistent satisfaction. The pattern closes on repeat visits, with reviewers noting they returned even after trying it once, and one describing it as setting the tone for an outing to the market before the Christmas holiday.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“They were absolutely delicious! I first tried 4 for £14. Since it's not oyster season in July, I didn't have high expectations, but they were surprisingly tasty! So I bought XXL Jurassic Coast oysters for £10 each. They were bigger than my face, very plump and sweet. I'm sure they would be even better in winter! But I'm very satisfied to be able to eat such delicious oysters in summer, and I didn't get any diarrhea!”
- Google user
“We eat A LOT of oysters, and these are by far the best we’ve tried. A great place for oyster lovers and first timers alike :)”
- Google user
“I was told by a reliable friend that she had experienced horrible food poisoning at this place. Of course, for some reason I believed my stomach was built different and it may have been just a bad batch. There was a 24 hour incubation period, but what followed after eating these can only be described as a gastrointestinal exorcism. My poor friend projectile vomited on the tube, and on an evening where we were supposed to be seeing Overmono at Alexandra Palace we were instead curled up in the foetal position trying to stay alive. As others have said, please don’t risk your life for these. Or if you do make sure you’ve booked off the following three days off work.”
- Google user
“Perfect location to have a taste of raw oyster! Lovely!”
- Google user
“Had some fantastic oysters here before the Christmas holiday. Really set the tone for exploring the market”
Location
Restaurants near Dorset Oysters Bar
- 0 mi£20–80Reservations
natural wine list, wood-fired pizza, isle of mull cheese puffs
- Tapas Brindisa London Bridge4.12,5840 mi£20–70Outdoor seatingVegetarian optionsWheelchair accessible
sangria, pan con tomate, tortilla espanola
- Berenjak Borough4.85,4040 mi
kebabs, set menu, sangak bread
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset Oysters Bar | 4.568 | — | — | xxl oysters, food poisoning, smoked salmon pastrami |
| Elliot's - Borough MarketReservations | 4.4962 | 0 mi | £20–80 | natural wine list, wood-fired pizza, isle of mull cheese puffs |
| Tapas Brindisa London BridgeOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.12,584 | 0 mi | £20–70 | sangria, pan con tomate, tortilla espanola |
| Berenjak Borough | 4.85,404 | 0 mi | — | kebabs, set menu, sangak bread |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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