Southend has a huge selection of bars and restaurants, from independent local eateries to outdoor terraces and coffee shops. 

Quite a few venues have received a five star rating on the review site TripAdvisor, which has been broken down into the top five in the area.

The restaurants that have made the list offer something for everyone. 

Here are the best rated restaurants in Southend accoring to TripAdvisor ratings, going down from fifth best to the top rated establishment.

What are the best rated restaurants in Southend?

Il Mondo Southend

Echo: Il Mondo (Google StreetView)Il Mondo (Google StreetView)

Where: 326-328 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7JJ

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Il Mondo in Westcliff is the the fifth best rated restaurant in the Southend area, serving a variety of Italian cuisine.

It hasn't received a single review in the 'Average', 'Poor' or 'Terrible' categories, with six 'Very Good' and 89 'Excellent' reviews.

Praise has come in for its pizza, Dover Sole and sea bass dishes. 

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

Attic

Echo: Attic in Southend (TripAdvisor)Attic in Southend (TripAdvisor)

Where: 48 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2ES

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Attic impresses as the fourth best rated restaurant in Southend, with 93 'Excellent' reviews out of a possible 101.

It does a variety of breakfast and lunch options, and has received commendation for its attentive service and friendly atmosphere.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

Monti Ristorante Italiano

Echo: Monti Ristorante Italiano has recieved praise for its calzones (TripAdvisor)Monti Ristorante Italiano has recieved praise for its calzones (TripAdvisor)

Where: 513 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2PH

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Third spot goes to another Italian restaurant in the Monti Ristorante Italiano.

It has 190 'Excellent' ratings from its 222 reviews, which is perhaps unsurprising with one reviewer describing their food as being "cooked to perfection".

Particular points of note come from the calzones, veal, scallops and profiteroles.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

Pieno Lleno

Echo: Pieno Lleno (Google StreetView)Pieno Lleno (Google StreetView)

Where: 68 Southchurch Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2RR

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Second spot goes to the Mexican restaurant Pieno Lleno out on Southchurch Avenue.

Out of its 356 reviews it has mamanged to obtain 302 'Excellent' ratings.

One recent review described it as the "best Mexican food restaurant" they had ever been to.

Praise has come in for their nachos, chorizo, churros and their vegan options.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

La Pizzeria

Echo: La Pizzeria (Google StreetView)La Pizzeria (Google StreetView)

Where: 640 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 9HW

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

The number one rated restaurant in Southend is again one that serves Italian cuisine in La Pizzeria.

Located in Westcliff, it has amassed an impressive 909 'Excellent' reviews on TripAdvisor out of a possible 1,046.

It has earned a great reputation for its "authentic Italian food" such as its Arancini Alla Carne, crab tagliatelle and tiramisu.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.