Shrimp and Grill

While many restaurants seem to be having identity crises, Shrimp and Grill has certainly picked a theme and stuck to it. This cavernous seafood joint takes inspiration from its Cajun cousins across the pond, and there is evidence wherever you look. Fishing paraphernalia, hot sauce bottles and humorous signs line the walls, while groups feast in diner-style booths.

Upon arrival, we are guided to our corner table overlooking Piccadilly Circus by one of the super-friendly servers. Soon, menus are brought by someone else, before a third server comes to take our order. This might sound like overstaffing, but when in full swing there are hundreds coming through every hour.

Given where we are, it seems apt to start with something featuring prawns. Bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and the eponymous shellfish is a pleasing intro, while the spicy Cajun shrimp with garlic bread are pleasant if a touch on the sweet side. The carnival-themed cocktails, however, are even sweeter. We would recommend going for one of the more classic options like a mimosa or tequila sunrise.

A grilled fillet of salmon comes next, atop a gloriously buttery podium of rice and surrounded by a tangy lemon butter sauce. Our other main, a whole butterflied sea bass, is a touch plain and needs some lemon to get going. Paired with a slightly unusual combination of potatoes, green olives and celery, the generous dish is almost enough for two despite only costing £20.

We finish with an all-American classic: key lime pie. This zesty, creamy creation, underpinned by a butter biscuit base, was ideal as a lighter ending to a decadent meal. At about £40 a head without drinks this certainly isn’t cheap, but then again seafood in the centre of London never is. Besides, children under 10 eat free, so families will likely find the overall bill highly agreeable.

Based in one of London's West End's most noticeable buildings, The Trocadero, Shrimp and Grill is a fun restaurant serving an almost entirely shrimp-based menu. Inspired by the seafood grills, boils and jambalayas of the American South, the restaurant's food offering is all about delivering southern flavours with a bit of fun, and you can be sure that there'll be something for everyone. Thanks to its prime location, just a moment's walk from Piccadilly Circus, Shrimp and Grill is also incredibly convenient to get to, so if you're looking for somewhere to catch a bite with friends it's a fantastic option.

The main dining room take some clear design cues from the classic American diner, with red and blue seating a plenty, and booths on one side of the room. The walls are decked out with various knick-knacks, while wooden beams stretch across the roof above.

When it comes to the food offering, kick off with appetizers such as crispy fried shrimp, mac and cheese, shrimp-stuffed mushrooms and garlic bread. If you're looking for a lighter meal, there's a soup of the day available as well as some classic salads, as well as a chicken sandwich and classic burger with chips. If you're after the authentic Shrimp and Grill experience, check out the shrimp mains - the shrimp seafood boil, New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp, or the chicken and chorizo jambalaya, for example. If you find yourself in shrimp grill and you're not big on shrimp, don't panic, there are meatier options too, including barbecue ribs and fried chicken.

As well as beers and soft drinks, Shrimp and Grill also has a significant cocktail offering which includes classics like Pina Colada, Mimosa and Long Island Iced Tea, and specials like the Coronarita - a margarita, topped off with Corona beer.