SOUTHEND has no shortages of delicious restaurants and eateries, offering a range of cuisines catering to virtually every taste.
While we are all spoiled for choice, what are actually the best restaurants to eat in Southend?
Trip Advisor have created a list of the best restaurants in the city based on reviews on its website.
So, here are the best restaurants in the borough according to TripAdvisor listed.
Gold Coast Chinese Restaurant, Eastern Esplanade
Based on the seafront, the restaurant offers delicious Chinese and Cantonese cuisine with scenic views of the estuary with prices ranging from £15 to £35.
The family run business in Eastern Esplanade has received over 700 five star reviews on Trip Advisor and is the highest rated in Southend.
One reviewer rated it as the best Chinese restaurant in Essex, writing: "Absolutely brilliant food, waiters are all a credit to the restaurant and the hostess was amazing.
"Already looking forward to my next meal there."
Namaste Village, Eastern Esplanade
Another seafront hub, in the former Minerva pub building, which offers authentic Indian cuisine and street food while being completely vegetarian.
The restaurant boasts more than 150 five star reviews on Trip Advisor and offers plenty of vegan and gluten free options.
A reviewer wrote: "Fantastic food and fantastic service.
"Do not be put off by it being vegetarian, if you are looking for wonderful and unique flavours then I cannot recommend this place highly enough."
Troya, Leigh
Based on Leigh Road, the restaurant offers a warm, welcoming, cosy atmosphere for all-day dining.
Customers can expect to be treated to a range of succulent Turkish and Mediterranean dishes along with wines from Spain, Turkey and Italy.
One customer called it the best restaurant in Leigh in a review on Trip Advisor.
It read: "Delicious freshly prepared food. Lovely friendly staff and everything was perfect.
"Cannot wait to return and definitely my new favourite eatery in Leigh."
The Seafood Shack, Eastern Esplanade
The seafront shack opened in 2022 and is run by lifelong friends Sandy and Wendy.
It is the only restaurant on the list that specialises in seafood and has over 400 five star reviews among the 455 that have rated it on Trip Advisor.
A review read: "From the moment we arrived it was a superb experience, the owner and staff were really friendly and the interior is really nice. Try it you will not be disappointed.
"The food was really tasty and far exceeded our expectations. The only problem we have is what to choose when we go back as everything we saw coming out of the kitchen looked so good."
Ricardo's Kitchen Cucina Rustica, Westcliff
Coming in next is the Italian restaurant based on London Road in Westcliff.
The eatery was rated five stars by over 1,000 users on Trip Advisor.
One reviewer wrote: "Food was fantastic! Really friendly staff.
I had a ribeye steak and it was one of the best I've had, also tasting my friends dish I can quite happily said some of the the best Italian food I've had since going to Italy... real home feel."
The chef, Ricardo, also runs a YouTube channel for Italian food lovers.
Il Mondo, Westcliff
Next on the list, and not far from Ricardo's, is another Italian eatery in Westcliff.
The restaurant recently had a major renovation and boasts a spacious dining area for visitors to enjoy their meal.
A Trip Advisor review said: "Our first visit and will now be our ‘go to’ when we’re in Southend. This is an authentic Italian, that has a fabulous menu and an impressive selection of specials.
"The food was beautifully presented and delicious. This restaurant has the sort of vibe you get when you’re on holiday - we loved it!"
Cubanos Cafe Bistro, Leigh
Based in Leigh, the eatery is an English cafe bistro with a Cuban twist.
It offers all day dining with a wide range of cakes and desserts.
One customer labelled it "the best breakfast spot" on a review on Trip Advisor.
The customer wrote: "Wow! What a lovely breakfast! Great food, service, delicious coffee and everything was so fresh and tasty!
"Lovely atmosphere, the whole place was full! Glad we booked, as it's obviously a very popular place, the perfect breakfast spot! Will be back!"
Prowse Restaurant, Westcliff
The Mediterranean restaurant based on Shorefield Road in Westcliff, above the Arches, is next on the list.
The family run-eatery offer a relaxed dining experience with panoramic views of the estuary and is a short walk away from Cliffs Pavilion Palace Theatre.
One reviewer wrote: "Arrived to very welcoming staff. Lovely decor and a table overlooking the estuary.
"Waitresses all very attentive and lovely. We all ordered different dishes and food was amazing. Lovely experience will definitely return in the near future."
The Basilica, Westcliff
The Italian restaurant in a landmark building on Hamlet Court Road has a perfect overall rating of five stars on Trip Advisor.
With nearly 200 five star reviews, the eatery also offers a range of Mediterranean food.
One reviewer wrote: "Wow what an amazing experience! The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
"From their perfectly cooked pasta to their delectable pizzas, every bite is a delight. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure your dining experience is top-notch.
"Overall, "Basilica" is a must-visit spot in Southend for Italian cuisine lovers. Buon appetito!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel