Seemor
Tamar's Restaurant & Wine BarB+Worth Trying
12 Spray St, London SE18 6AG
· African restaurant, Takeout Restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (221 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Woolwich spot for hearty Nigerian classics with standout grilled fish and jollof, balanced by slow service and occasional order/dietary mishaps.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tamar's delivers authentic Nigerian comfort cooking with strong food quality in signature dishes like grilled whole fish and well-seasoned jollof, earning solid neighborhood respect. However, inconsistent execution—including service delays, occasional order errors, and recurring pastry quality issues—prevents a higher grade. Best approached as a reliable spot for core mains rather than a destination for flawless dining.
Restaurant Summary
A few steps from the station, the room hums with Afrobeats and easy warmth, and plates land with bubbling stews, smoky grilled fish, and heaps of jollof. Diners describe friendly faces and a neighborhood feel, with one noting, "The jollof was spot on and the grilled fish delivered that backyard-bbq char." Service can lag at times, but the vibe stays casual and welcoming. The cooking leans classic Nigerian comfort rather than flashy fusion: rich ogbono and okra, pepper soup, suya, and whole tilapia or croaker with plantain. When the kitchen is on song, flavors are bold and satisfying; the misses tend to be pastry items like meat pies or occasional temperature slips. Expect hearty portions at fair prices and focus your order on the hot mains and grilled fish for best results. Families do well here thanks to accessible staples like jollof, fried rice, and plantain. That said, multiple vegetarians reported meat or fish appearing in supposedly meatless dishes, so parents of veggie kids should confirm with staff and check plates on arrival. Spice levels vary by dish, so start with rice plates and plantain if your crew prefers milder flavors.
At a Glance
- Signature whole grilled fish with plantain or yam is a crowd-pleaser
- Well-seasoned jollof and comforting stews deliver authentic flavors
- Slow, uneven service and pacing, especially at busier times
- Vegetarian orders occasionally arrive with meat or fish
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- signature_whole_grilled_fish
- broad_traditional_nigerian_menu
- steps_from_woolwich_arsenal_station
What People Love
- Smoky, well-charred grilled fish platters
- Jollof with the right balance of spice and tomato
- Warm, neighborhood energy with Afrobeats
- Reasonable prices for generous mains
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow with delayed seating and staggered dish arrival (recurring but not universal)
- Order accuracy issues reported, including wrong proteins
- Vegetarian handling is unreliable; cross-contact and add-ins occurred multiple times
- Pastry items (meat/fish pies) often soggy or disappointing
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£26-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a plate: Jollof or Fried Rice (£8 base) + protein add-on (e.g., chicken £12 total) for value and kid-friendliness
- Share a whole fish special (£18-21) with plantain and salad as a centerpiece
- Choose Ogbono or Mixed Okra (£12-13) with pounded yam for classic comfort
- Vegetarians: opt for Plantain (£3), White Rice (£4), Efo Riro (veg-tag, confirm no meat), and Fried Yam & Plantain (£8)
Perfect For
- Craving a Nigerian comfort-food fix
- Casual birthdays with fish platters and music
- Pre- or post-Elizabeth line/DLR meetups
- Solo dinners when you want hearty stews
Location Insights
Area: Urban riverside district with regeneration around the Arsenal; mix of commuters, families, and nightlife seekers.
Safety: Generally busy and reasonably safe near the DLR/rail hub; standard big-city vigilance advised late evening.
Nearby: Steps from Woolwich Arsenal rail/DLR and Elizabeth line interchange; pubs, cafes, markets, and the Thames path nearby.
WoolwichWoolwich is a traditionally working-class neighborhood undergoing significant regeneration, with an evolving dining scene that includes casual eateries, pubs, and multicultural restaurants. The area is accessible and increasingly popular among those seeking affordable housing and a community-oriented atmosphere.
Spray Street areaThis micro-area is primarily residential with some light industrial and commercial presence, featuring modest local dining options catering mostly to residents and workers in the vicinity.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–02:00
Saturday14:00–02:00
Sunday16:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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