Smith's of Ongar
A legendary seafood destination since 1958, known for its sustainable fish, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Smith's of Ongar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary seafood destination since 1958, known for its sustainable fish, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Weekday visits recommended
Weekends can be busy; consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
Value Set Menu
The set menu offers fantastic value for money.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 1277 365578
Address
Fyfield Rd, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 0AL, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Fish Dishes
Renowned for its 'famous for fish' motto, this restaurant offers an extensive menu of sustainably sourced seafood, prepared daily by master fishmongers.
Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere
A charming setting with mood lighting and discreet chandeliers, perfect for special occasions or a relaxing, upscale dining experience.
Attentive & Friendly Service
Staff are consistently praised for their welcoming nature, humor, and exceptional service, making diners feel special and valued.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday visits recommended
Weekends can be busy; consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
Value Set Menu
The set menu offers fantastic value for money.
Dietary Needs Accommodated
They are accommodating for dietary restrictions like gluten-free and nut allergies.
Parking considerations
Parking can be challenging, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday visits recommended
Weekends can be busy; consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
Value Set Menu
The set menu offers fantastic value for money.
Dietary Needs Accommodated
They are accommodating for dietary restrictions like gluten-free and nut allergies.
Parking considerations
Parking can be challenging, so plan your arrival accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smith's of Ongar is lauded for its exceptional quality fish dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for special occasions and everyday dining. While the food and service are consistently praised, some find the portion sizes small for the high price point. Overall, diners highly recommend it for its delicious meals and attentive staff, with many eager to return.
"We had a lovely dinner at Smiths. The food was delicious and the restaurant catered well for dietary requirements (coeliac & dairy free). The fresh homemade gluten free bread was one of the best I’ve tasted and was a lovely touch.
The Parma Ham, fig & walnut salad was my favourite, followed by the Dover sole.
The restaurant had a young group of waiting staff who provided exceptional service. The service was absolutely faultless and of a high standard. Staff were welcoming, friendly and had a good sense of humour. Despite arriving later than planned, staff were incredibly accommodating.
I would highly recommend Smiths and look forward to dining here again in the future."
Rebecca Luxton
"Upscale food in a charming setting, like a modern barn conversion but with mood lighting and discreet chandeliers. The fish was top quality, I had sea bream in brown butter with capers after a seared tuna starter. Loved it."
James Prichard (jayprich)
"From the get go we were welcomed by lovely staff. From the food to the beautiful cocktails it was absolutely perfect!
Highly recommend"
Rita Seixas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Smith's is famous for its fish dishes, with popular choices including prawn cocktail, sea bass, lobster, and a classic fish and chips.
Yes, the restaurant is very accommodating for dietary requirements such as gluten-free and dairy-free.
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest it's popular, especially on weekends, so booking in advance is advisable.
The restaurant offers an upscale yet charming setting with mood lighting, described as a modern barn conversion with discreet chandeliers.
Parking might be challenging, so it's recommended to plan your travel accordingly.
They offer a good selection of cocktails, including martinis and gin-based drinks, as well as a comprehensive wine list.
Mentioned in
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The Pier Harwich among 9 best seafood eateries across Essex
Established in 1958, ‘famous for fish’ is the restaurant’s motto and it’s quite easy to see why it’s one of the county best-loved luxury-dining destinations. With an extensive menu of fresh fish, cooked in a variety of ways to suit every palate, the a la carte menu offers Whitstable cockles and sweet-cured Arctic herring for pre-starters, with a seafood medley, Smith’s classic prawn cocktail and John Ross Scottish oak-smoked salmon to follow as cold choices. Hot starters, meanwhile, might include tempura Cornish monkfish escalopes or steamed Cornish mussels mariniere.
Top 30 best restaurants in Essex
It has locations in Ongar and Wapping, London, is a well-known fish restaurant established back in 1958 and their friendly service continues to this day, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex. They serve a smashing menu of meat and fish dishes, and all of their food is sustainably sourced and cooked fresh in-house, what more could you want?. Thinking about it has my mouth watering again… And obviously, check out their wine list that complements their dishes perfectly.
19 of the best restaurants in Essex
The ‘famous for fish’ Smith’s restaurants, located in Ongar and Wapping, London, were first established in 1958 and are well-known for their incredible quality. Serving an extensive menu of meat and fish dishes from battered Atlantic cod to lamb cutlets and sea bass fillets there is plenty to choose from. All of their food is sourced sustainably and cooked fresh in house with the fish being delivered daily and prepared by their own master fishmongers.
Best Restaurants in Essex for Eating Out Gluten Free
This exquisite contemporary fine dining restaurant is well known for its extensive fish menu. However Smith’s also boasts an a la carte menu packed full of sumptuous gluten free dishes. Examples include oven roasted Scottish salmon served with hollandaise sauce, Cornish monkfish fillets and baked wild Norwegian halibut with cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic and thyme.
Best restaurants in Essex
Having originally opened its doors in 1958, this Essex old-timer is still going strong thanks to its excellent seafood menu and friendly service. On warmer days, the terrace is a charming spot for dining alfresco.
Social
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