Valentine's Day is a special occasion for many people, and you may already be thinking of how to celebrate the day with your partner.

Going out for a romantic meal can be a way to do that, and there are a number of great places in Southend where you can do that.

Tripadvisor has ranked some of the most romantic restaurants to go to in Southend so you can book ahead in advance if you wish.

Here are five of the best in the area, which have a minimum of a 4.5/5 rating on the review site.

Where are the best romantic restaurants in Southend?

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 one that can serve as a great spot for Valentine's Day.

Located in Westcliff, it has amassed an impressive 924 'Excellent' reviews on Tripadvisor out of a possible 1,062.

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

Barru

Echo: Barru (TripAdvisor)Barru (TripAdvisor)

Where: 107 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7ES

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5

This Turkish restaurant on Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff serves authentic cuisine from the area and would be a good option for a Valentine's Day dinner.

It has amassed an impressive 355 'Excellent' reviews on TripAdvisor out of a possible 428.

Many reviews have praised its "great atmosphere" as well as its lamb kebab, prawns and Turkish bread.

One reviewer wrote: "Honestly was expecting anything much, turned out to be one of the nicest places I’ve eaten at."

Monti Ristorante Italiano

Echo: Monti Ristorante Italiano (Google StreetView)Monti Ristorante Italiano (Google StreetView)

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

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Another Italian restaurant can be found among the most romantic restaurants in Southend in the Monti Ristorante Italiano.

It has 192 '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.

One reviewer described it as a "fantastic restaurant with the best staff and service" of anywhere they've ever been.

The Basilica

Echo: The Basilica (Google StreetView)The Basilica (Google StreetView)

Where: 65 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7EY

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Another restaurant on Hamlet Court Road can provide another option for Valentine's Day dinner in The Basilica.

Out of its 87 reviews, 83 were rated 'Excellent' which is high enough to give it a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor.

Serving Italian cuisine, its most recent review called it "outstanding" with "delicious food" to compliment.

Praise came in specifically for its pizza, sea bass, fillet steak and parma ham.

Padrino

Echo: Padrino (TripAdvisor)Padrino (TripAdvisor)

Where: 7-9 Shorefield Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 7RH

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Italian cuisine really does seem to hit the spot for Valentine' Day dinners, as Padrino over in Westcliff shows.

It has amassed an impressive 671 'Excellent' reviews on TripAdvisor out of a possible 830.

Praise has come in for its crab linguine, pizza, tiramisu, veal and sea bass.

One reviewer wrote: "Excellent place, very good food and nice atmosphere. Great value for money. Whitebait and crab linguine were cooked to perfection."