OpenCibus Restaurant
8 Church St, Colchester CO1 1NF, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Oyster
The Oyster in Colchester stands as a seafood haven where every dish celebrates the ocean's bounty. Nestled at 41 St John's St, this cosy restaurant welcomes diners with an inviting atmosphere. From the first step inside, the essence of freshness captivates, especially with the vibrant seafood platters. The attentive staff elevate the experience, providing exceptional service that complements the feast ahead. Whether indulging in local oysters or delectable mussels, every bite exhibits a commitment to quality and flavor. For those looking to enjoy seafood in a relaxed setting, The Oyster is a go-to destination. Don't forget to save room for the pistachio tiramisu—it's a sweet ending to an unforgettable meal.
Welcome to The Oyster, a charming seafood restaurant nestled in the heart of Colchester. Situated at 41 St John's St, we offer a cozy atmosphere perfect for solo dining or gatherings with friends. Indulge in our expertly prepared dishes, including fresh oysters, succulent mussels, and delectable seafood pasta, complemented by a great selection of wines and desserts like our famous pistachio tiramisu. Whether you choose to dine in or take away, our attentive service ensures a memorable experience. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey at The Oyster!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Healthy options
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Customers consistently rave about the freshness of the seafood. Many reviews highlight the seafood platter, praised for its generous portions and beautiful presentation. Diners love the range of options available, from succulent oysters to perfectly grilled octopus, showcasing the restaurant's versatility. The pistachio tiramisu steals the show as a crowd favorite dessert, effortlessly balancing flavors to create a delightful finish to any meal.
The attentive service stands out as patrons appreciate the friendly staff who genuinely care about their experience. Diners feel welcomed and valued, contributing to the restaurant’s top-notch atmosphere. The wine selection also receives accolades, with many enjoying the recommendation of pairings, enhancing the seafood feast. Overall, customers leave The Oyster feeling satisfied and excited to return.
Most Disliked
Though The Oyster receives high praise, some patrons express concerns over wait times during peak hours. Busy evenings can result in longer waits for food and service, which might dampen the experience for those who prefer quick dining.
While the cozy atmosphere is generally appreciated, a few visitors mention the space can feel cramped during busy dinner services, especially for larger groups. Reservations are encouraged to avoid potential disappointments. Additionally, some diners find that specific dishes vary in portion size, leading to mixed experiences with shared plates. However, these minor critiques do not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.
User Reviews
EW
Erik W.
Absolutely fantastic experience! The Oyster Restaurant is a real gem — the service was outstanding from start to finish, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and professional. The seafood platter was incredible — so fresh and beautifully presented, with a fantastic variety to enjoy. The portions are generous, and for the price, it’s unbelievable value. The restaurant is spotless and has such a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend to anyone who loves great seafood and great service!
NS
Nur S.
A very lovely restaurant. We came to celebrate a birthday and the staff were super accommodating with cake lighting and singing. Very welcoming staff and the food was fresh. We ordered two platters and this was very generous for the price(could feed 5 of us) would highly recommend, will DEFINITELY be coming back. Thank you Sabrina for making the experience super enjoyable!
ER
E R.
Perfect for a family, couple, sweetheart or anybody. Food is amazing and deliciously sumptuous. Highly recommended for anyone. The service is 10 out of 10. The food is 100 % superb! We love Lovi! Service with a smile! Please visit Oyster in Colchester the food, service is fantastic! From Lizzie xx
YP
Yashasree P.
Great ambience. The portions were really good and filling. The food was fresh and delicious. Our server Sabrina, really made us feel comfortable and was very attentive and promt.
NK
Nuri K.
Very nice place , cozy and comfortable music, girls at the restaurant also doing wonderful job on checking with us all the time for drink and food , food were delicious, we had Steak and seafood linguine, it were amazing ! We definitely come again next time , hopefully food and service in the right place next time ! Well done !
SO
Sandra O.
The Oyster – A little taste of the sea, far from home As Portuguese, we grew up with seafood that’s fresh, simple, and full of soul. So when we walked into The Oyster, we weren’t just hoping for good food—we were hoping for something that felt familiar. And honestly? It delivered. The oysters were incredible. Clean, briny, and served with just enough care to let the flavor speak for itself. It reminded us of summer days back home, eating by the coast with the sound of waves nearby. The rest of the menu had that same respect for the ingredients—nothing overdone, just beautifully cooked octopus , lobster and thoughtful sides. The vibe was relaxed but elegant, and the staff made us feel welcome straight away. They didn’t rush us, and they were happy to chat about the dishes, which made the whole evening feel more personal. It’s not exactly like being back in Portugal—but it’s the closest we’ve felt in a while. If you’re missing the sea, or just want a meal that feels like home, The Oyster is worth it.
SR
Srijana R.
The food was lovely. I had seafood pasta and the sauce that the pasta was cooked in was BANGING. The sides were nice as well. My sister loved her olives. The oysters were nice. All in all, everything today was very good. Colchester has a new gem in town for people who love sea food.
Add Your Review
Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Oyster offers a diverse seafood menu with 30 dishes. Highlights include local oysters, seafood platters, grilled octopus, and delicious desserts like pistachio tiramisu.
Dinner reservations are recommended at The Oyster, especially on weekends when the crowd tends to grow.
The Oyster provides dine-in service, takeaway options, and a casual atmosphere perfect for groups or solo dining.
The restaurant features an inviting atmosphere with table service and a toilet facility. Paid parking is available nearby.
Yes, The Oyster accepts credit cards, debit cards, and even NFC mobile payments for convenience.
Why visit The Oyster
The Oyster is a must-visit for seafood lovers searching for freshness and quality. The commitment to sourcing local ingredients makes every dish a taste of the coast. Patrons will enjoy the casual yet charming atmosphere, ideal for any occasion, from dinner dates to celebratory gatherings.
Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekend dining. Arriving with a plan ensures you get to taste the highly praised seafood platters and the memorable pistachio tiramisu before they run out. The dedicated team understands the importance of each visit, ensuring quality service that enhances the overall experience. Furthermore, the affordable prices combined with ample portions make The Oyster an exceptional value for those looking to indulge in a seafood feast.
