Priding ourselves on our motto ‘Famous for fish’ Smiths Restaurants is a name that has become synonymous with fine dining and quality, attentive service. Our restaurants are located in Ongar Essex (just off the A414) and Wapping in central London (near Tower Bridge). Both restaurants boast an extensive menu of fresh fish that we offer to cook in a variety of ways to suit every palette. We also offer locally sourced meat dishes to accommodate those who prefer their food terra firma. To compliment the quality of our food we have worked closely with well renowned independent wine merchants to ensure we have a selection of wines that are the perfect accompaniment to every meal. The only problem you may have a Smith’s is being spoilt for choice.
Dining areas
Additional information
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
Seafood
Hours of Operation
Lunch
Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–4:30 pm
Sun 12:00 pm–7:30 pm
Dinner
Tue–Thu 6:00 pm–11:30 pm
Fri, Sat 5:45 pm–12:30 am
The Smith’s unique private dining experience is the perfect choice for your special occasion. Our stunning private bar is suitable for both seated dinners for up to 20 guests round one table where you will be looked after by your own personal waiter or up to 28 people on seperate tables.
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value
Noise • Energetic
Loved For
Essex
Best Overall
Essex
Best Food
Essex
Best Service
Essex
Best Ambience
Essex
Hot spot
Essex
Great for fine wines
Essex
Good for special occasions
Essex
Most Booked
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Smiths Restaurant Ongar consistently delivers "amazing food" and "exceptional service," making it a top choice for "special occasions." Guests praise its "wonderful atmosphere," "friendly staff," and "excellent fish dishes." While some find prices high, the quality justifies the cost. A favorite in Essex, it offers a memorable dining experience.
4,993 Reviews
MH
MalcH57
Essex3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
Food quality is amazing. We have been here many times.
Fish is so fresh. Teriyaki chicken salad superb.
They should give you another side dish. £6 for a tiny pot of mushy peas.
Recommend it!
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T
Terrence
Essex2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Overall 5
Food 4
Service 5
Ambience 5
Everything today was up to Smiths amazing high standard, apart from our Skate was slightly dry
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r
roger
London22 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great meal ,service excellent highly recommend especially for that special occasion
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S
Steve
Berkshire3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Excellent food, service and ambience.
The menu selection is large and you'll find something you love.
They go the extra mile and are very attentive without hovering.
Great for special occasions!!
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R
Richard
London6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Have enjoyed our visits to Smiths Brasserie Ongar since they first opened.
The menu and quality of the food is always to our liking.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall 4
Food 3
Service 4
Ambience 3
Lovely restaurant and good service.
The only issue I would say is that I have the Dover sole every time I visit and every time it is over cooked / mushy. Cooked the point it looses its flakiness and integrity. Dover sole is my go to whenever I see it on the menu so I’d like to think I have had enough to know
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T
Teresa
Essex6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Excellent service from arriving to leaving! Fantastic choice of fish and other dishes!
All beautifully cook and well presented. We went for my parent's anniversary and it was the perfect choice!
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R
Robbo
London13 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
As always never disappoints excellent quality of food and menu. The service is exceptional attentive but not overly and substantial drinks menu both wine and cocktails
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A
Angie
Devon1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Always good, staff lovely, food always delicious. Had the lunch set menu. We’ve been coming to Smiths for over 20 years and it never disappoints.
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B
Barry
Essex1 review
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 4
Food 4
Service 4
Ambience 4
Our meal was very good, the service likewise. Smiths maintain a high standard and it’s always a pleasure to go to the restaurant.
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FAQs
Smiths Restaurant Ongar is rated 4.8 stars by 4993 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
The Smith’s unique private dining experience is the perfect choice for your special occasion. Our stunning private bar is suitable for both seated dinners for up to 20 guests round one table where you will be looked after by your own personal waiter or up to 28 people on seperate tables.