Crispy, golden, and packed with flavour, fried shrimp is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. Across the UK, several restaurant chains have nailed the balance between light, crunchy batter and perfectly tender prawns.
Whether you fancy a quick bite or a full seafood spread, these spots serve up fried shrimp that’s guaranteed to hit the spot every single time.
This article is for general informational and dining inspiration purposes only. Menu items, availability, and preparation methods may vary by location. Photos are for illustrative purposes, and actual dishes may differ in presentation.
1. Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)
Most people wander into GBK thinking strictly burgers, but their menu holds a few cheeky surprises. Tucked among the beef and chicken options, you'll find their crispy fried shrimp that's become something of a cult favourite among regulars.
The prawns arrive perfectly golden with a light, crunchy coating that doesn't overpower the sweet shrimp flavour underneath. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, they make an excellent starter or side to your main burger feast, offering a delightful contrast in textures and tastes that keeps things interesting.
2. Cosy Club
Step inside any Cosy Club and you're greeted with vintage glamour that feels a world away from your average chain restaurant. Their approach to fried shrimp mirrors this attention to detail, offering beautifully presented prawns with a satisfying crunch.
What sets them apart is the quality of the shrimp itself, which tastes fresh and plump rather than rubbery. The batter stays crisp without being greasy, and they're generous with portion sizes. It's the sort of dish that makes you feel a bit fancy whilst still being totally approachable and delicious.
3. Wagamama
Known for their steaming bowls of ramen and katsu curry, Wagamama brings an Asian twist to fried shrimp that's utterly addictive. Their ebi katsu features plump prawns encased in crispy panko breadcrumbs, delivering that signature light and airy Japanese crunch.
Served with a tangy dipping sauce, these prawns strike the perfect balance between delicate and satisfying. The coating doesn't overwhelm the natural sweetness of the shrimp, and each bite delivers that satisfying crackle you're after. It's comfort food with a Japanese edge that works brilliantly every single time.
4. Toby Carvery
Famous for their Sunday roasts and all-you-can-pile-on Yorkshire puddings, Toby Carvery might seem an unlikely contender for brilliant fried shrimp. Yet their seafood offerings deserve proper recognition, especially when you're craving something beyond the usual roast beef.
Their breaded shrimp comes with a proper British sensibility, featuring a hearty coating and generous prawns that pair wonderfully with chips and tartare sauce. It's straightforward, no-nonsense comfort food that hits the spot when you fancy something familiar. Perfect for those days when you want reliable, tasty grub without any fuss.
5. Frankie & Benny's
This New York-Italian inspired chain knows a thing or two about crowd-pleasing starters, and their fried shrimp absolutely delivers. With an American-style approach, the prawns arrive generously battered and fried to a gorgeous golden brown that looks as good as it tastes.
The coating has a satisfying thickness without being heavy, and the shrimp inside stays tender and juicy. Served with a choice of dipping sauces, including a zingy marinara, these prawns make an excellent sharing starter or side dish. It's familiar, comforting, and exactly what you want when the craving strikes.
6. JD Wetherspoon
Britain's favourite budget pub chain might not scream gourmet seafood, but Wetherspoon's fried shrimp offers remarkable value without skimping on taste. Part of their classic pub grub lineup, the breaded prawns come hot, crispy, and surprisingly satisfying.
Paired with chips, mushy peas, and tartare sauce, it's proper British seaside fare served up in your local boozer. The prawns themselves are decent sized, and the coating delivers that essential crunch. For the price point, you'd be hard-pressed to find better fried shrimp on the high street, making it a brilliant choice for casual dining.
7. Ping Pong
Dim sum specialists Ping Pong elevate fried shrimp to an art form with their delicate, expertly prepared prawn dishes. Their crispy shrimp dumplings feature prawns wrapped in a light, golden coating that shatters beautifully with each bite.
The Asian-inspired preparation means you get all the crunch without any greasiness, letting the natural sweetness of the prawns shine through. Served alongside their signature dipping sauces, these make an excellent addition to any dim sum spread. It's refined yet approachable, offering a lighter take on fried shrimp that feels both indulgent and refreshing at once.
