A FAMILY run Italian restaurant that has been a hit with south Essex residents for decades is celebrating after being named “Your Favourite Restaurant” by Echo readers.
Spaghetti Junction, in London Road, Westcliff, has been much-loved by residents and visitors since the 90s and has been owned by the Gomes family for more than 20 years.
Now, thanks to votes from Echo readers, it has won the “Your Favourite Restaurant” competition
The family-run business is managed by owner Isabel Gomes, 55, and chef Antonio Gomes, 62.
Spaghetti Junction is well-known for a variety of delicious dishes ranging from traditional pizzas and pastas to other offerings such as risotto, pork calvados, chicken Parisienne and much more.
Isabel told the Echo that the whole family is over-the-moon with the award.
She added: “It is a combination of thoughts and feelings, from shock, pride, and delight.
“We are just so thankful to our customers.
“My husband started working as the chef in the early 90s. Since then, it went through some changes in ownership until in 2003, when we got the opportunity to buy the restaurant.
“From then, it has been my husband and I, working alongside my sister and her husband for the last two decades with some help from our close friends who have become family and our children who have grown up alongside the restaurant.”
Spaghetti Junction is also renowned for its dessert menu with more than 50 mouth-watering ice creams and other delights on offer.
Frank Cornish, 79, from Leigh, has been visiting the Spaghetti Junction regularly with his wife, June, for years.
He said: “This is our favourite restaurant. We go to this restaurant more than any other.
“They do a whole range of food, and there are lots of different wines to choose from too.
“The food is delicious, and the family-run staff are really friendly.”
“I am so pleased for them, as they deserved to win.”
Throughout the year, the Echo runs a series of Your Favourite competitions, from hair and beauty, to restaurants and cafes.
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