From family-run local favourites to global chain eateries, Southend already has a great variety of restaurants on offer.

We recently asked our Echo readers for the restaurants that you’d like to see arrive in the city. Here’s our roundup of your top picks:

Mildreds

When Mildreds opened the doors to it’s first store on London’s Greek Street in 1988, it sent shockwaves through the very new vegetarian food scene.

In the years that followed, Mildred’s has transformed into a fully plant-based brand, opening multiple restaurants across London. A Southend outlet would be the brand’s first non-London restaurant!

Five Guys

It seems that every town in the UK has welcomed a Five Guys over the last few years, but for whatever reason, Southend is still behind the curve.

A Five Guys restaurant in the city would see the chain’s immensely popular fast-food offerings find a whole new fanbase. Burgers and fries steal the show at Five Guys, but with hotdogs, sandwiches and milkshakes on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice.  

SpudULike

SpudULike has been delighting on-the-go diners for 50 years, but in recent years the chain has experienced a bit of a facelift.

In 2021, the company teamed up with TV chef James Martin to launch a seriously updated menu. ‘Spuds’ on offer now include prawn cocktail and chicken tikka masala. Who wouldn’t want this iconic chain to come to Southend?

Pizza Pilgrims

Pizza Pilgrims has fast become one of the country’s best loved pizza providers, but you’ll have to make your own pilgrimage if you want one of these pizzas – the nearest restaurant to Southend is in London’s Canary Wharf!

The chain was founded by friend Thom and James in 2012 after the pair decided to quit their jobs and embark on a pizza making road trip through Italy.