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Oyster Creek Kitchen

Fresh seafood and coastal charm on the Westcliff waterfront, where attentive service meets seaside sophistication.

3.9

A vibrant seafood restaurant perched on the Westcliff-on-Sea waterfront, Oyster Creek Kitchen delivers fresh oysters, crab, lobster, and creative coastal dishes in a stylish setting with bare brick, rustic concrete floors, and panoramic sea views. The welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and carefully curated wine and cocktail selection make it an ideal destination for special occasions, casual dinners, or leisurely seaside meals.

A brief summary to Oyster Creek Kitchen

  • 6 Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS0 8FE, GB
  • +441702343535
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11:45 am-10:30 pm
  • Thursday 11:45 am-11:30 pm
  • Friday 11:45 am-11:30 pm
  • Saturday 11:45 am-11:30 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book a garden table for warm evenings to enjoy the sea views with natural light and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
  • Ask staff for recommendations on the day's fresh catches and seasonal specials, which often surpass standard menu offerings.
  • Arrive with appetite for dishes like crab boil that are intentionally messy and interactive—part of the dining experience.
  • Visit Wednesday to Friday between 6–9 PM for a balance of atmosphere and manageable crowds during peak service hours.
  • Explore the cocktail menu and wine list, which are thoughtfully curated to complement the seafood-focused cuisine.
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Oyster Creek Kitchen location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Oyster Creek Kitchen

A Coastal Culinary Haven by the Sea

Oyster Creek Kitchen occupies a prime position on the Western Esplanade in Westcliff-on-Sea, offering diners an authentic seaside dining experience with unobstructed views across the water. The restaurant's location at the Sun Shelter creates a unique sense of place, where the boundary between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity blurs seamlessly. The setting captures the essence of a working waterfront, combining the charm of a traditional seaside establishment with contemporary design sensibilities.

Design and Atmosphere

The interior showcases a thoughtfully executed coastal aesthetic, featuring exposed bare brick walls, rustic concrete flooring, and a striking bar that serves as the restaurant's visual centerpiece. This industrial-meets-nautical approach creates an unpretentious yet sophisticated environment that appeals to both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions. The layout flows naturally, with multiple dining zones allowing guests to choose between intimate corners and more open, social spaces. Large windows frame the waterfront views, and during warmer months, the garden dining area extends the experience outdoors, providing a beautiful ambiance for evening meals as the light softens over the water.

The Seafood-Focused Menu

The kitchen specializes in fresh seafood prepared with technical skill and respect for ingredient quality. Oysters appear in multiple preparations—raw on the half shell with mignonette or house cocktail sauce, and grilled with herb garlic butter. The menu features crab in various forms: crab boil with new potatoes and shellfish sausage, crab mac and cheese, and crab cakes. Lobster preparations include lobster and prawn tacos, lobster bisque, and whole lobster tail options. Beyond shellfish, the kitchen offers pan-seared cod, roasted monkfish, grilled salmon, and seasonal fish preparations. The menu also accommodates non-seafood preferences with grilled steaks, half chicken, and vegetarian options, ensuring all diners find something appealing.

Service and Hospitality

The restaurant is known for attentive, knowledgeable service delivered by staff who understand the menu and anticipate guest needs. The team demonstrates genuine warmth and professionalism, from assisting with menu selections to managing the practical aspects of eating messy dishes like crab boil—bringing extra napkins without being asked. Special occasions receive particular attention, with the team going beyond standard service to create memorable experiences. The wine list is curated with care, and the cocktail program offers creative options that complement the seafood-forward menu.

Seasonal Rhythms and Practical Considerations

The menu evolves with seasonal availability and the natural rhythms of seafood supply, ensuring that what appears on the plate reflects current market conditions. This commitment to seasonality means repeat visitors will discover new dishes alongside familiar favorites. The restaurant operates with varying hours throughout the week, with extended evening service on weekends and midweek closures on Mondays, making it essential to check opening times before visiting. The waterfront location, while offering stunning views, requires a short walk from the town centre—a minor inconvenience rewarded by the sense of discovery and the quality of the destination.

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