Southend-on-Sea offers a wide array of highly rated restaurants where you can find numerous types of cuisine to enjoy on holiday. In addition to local British cuisine, you can find delicious food from all parts of the world, and Italian is especially popular in the area. Local restaurants offer casual and elegant dining options, many with a view of Southend's picturesque estuaries.
Chefs across the community have a great appreciation for local produce, and you will find seasonal selections across many menus. No matter what you are craving, you are sure to find it among these local picks. Here are 10 places locals love to eat in Southend-on-Sea.
- 1
Monti Ristorante Italiano
Savour traditional Italian meals prepared by a third-generation Roman chef
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Monti Ristorante Italiano is a cosy, family-owned restaurant offering classic Roman cuisine. You will find the restaurant located on Southchurch Road, just west of Belle Vue Road. Head Chef Enrico Jr. moved to England to follow his dream of opening a restaurant, just as his parents and grandparents had.
The menu features pasta dishes, pizzas and calzones, in addition to an impressive selection of authentic Roman Italian entrees. Whether you chose to dine outdoors or in the cosy dining room, you are sure to be pleased with the friendly service, generous servings and tasty meals.
Location: 513 Southchurch Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2PH, UK
Open: Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday–Thursday from noon to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from noon to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)1702 467793
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La Pizzeria
Enjoy award-winning pizza and Sicilian dinners at this charming restaurant
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La Pizzeria highlights traditional Sicilian dining along with an excellent wine selection and a full bar. Located a few blocks east of Chalkwell Park, this intimate restaurant is adorned with maps of Sicily on the wall.
Growing up in Sicily, Chef Ricardo was inspired by the vibrant sights and scents of his daily trips through the markets, and he aims to share these memories through his traditional Sicilian cooking. Local menu favourites include top-notch pizzas, fresh al Salmone pasta and mouth-watering handmade desserts.
Location: 640 London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9HW, UK
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from noon to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)1702 341456
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Barru
Sample flavourful Turkish appetisers and small plates
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Barru is a lovely Turkish grill and bar that offers a selection of appetisers, chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian options to satisfy your hunger. You can find the eatery situated on Hamlet Court Road.
The menu includes a large selection of hot and cold starters as well as traditional dinner entrees, making it the perfect spot to share small plates or enjoy a full dinner. For holidays, be sure to check out their coursed dinners with wine pairings. They also offer a 20% discount if you are dining before a show at Cliffs Pavillion or the Palace Theatre.
Location: 107 Hamlet Ct Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7ES, UK
Open: Sunday–Wednesday from noon to 10 pm, Thursday–Saturday from noon to 11 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1702 344344
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Padrino
Appreciate a panoramic view while feasting on a delicious Italian dinner
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Padrino offers a magnificent backdrop to enjoy while you dine on traditional Italian food. You will find the restaurant located just blocks off of Westcliff Beach. In their elegant dining room, you can enjoy the view of the Thames Estuary. The extensive menu offers dishes from all over Italy, including Milan and Sicily.
Many ingredients are sourced locally and are skillfully combined with the best products from Italy. During select hours, you can order a 2-course dinner for a bargain price, and the a la carte menu is always available.
Location: 7 Shorefield Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7RH, UK
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Monday–Friday from 5 pm to 10.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1702 345891
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Pieno Lleno
Dine at a festive Mexican restaurant and enjoy a tasty margarita
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Pieno Lleno is well known for its wide variety of offerings, from its featured Mexican cuisine to burgers, pizzas and wraps. You will find this charming restaurant just north of the A116 roundabout. Festive Mexican decor adorns the walls in this intimate space.
The fully stocked bar has an extensive selection of tequila and refreshing margaritas. They also offer a full vegan menu to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Be sure to book a table in advance, as it is a popular space with locals and tends to fill up fast.
Location: 68 Southchurch Ave, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2RR, UK
Open: Sunday from noon to 9 pm, Monday–Wednesday from 4 pm to 9.30 pm, Thursday from noon to 9.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from noon to 10.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1702 617142
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Gold Coast Chinese Restaurant
Eat at an authentic Chinese restaurant before taking a stroll on the beach
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Gold Coast Chinese Restaurant serves both classic and contemporary Cantonese and Chinese dishes and offers breathtaking views of the Thames Estuary.
This family-owned restaurant is located across from Thorpe Bay Beach, and many locals end their dinner with a relaxing stroll there. The a la carte menu offers a great selection of authentic dishes, or if you're really hungry you may want to try the 'eat as much as you like' menu. If you are celebrating with a group, the Karaoke Basement is available for private events.
Location: 202 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3AD, UK
Open: Sunday–Monday and Wednesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Tuesday)
Phone: +44 (0)1702 589388
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Legend Deli
Pick up some tasty food to enjoy while you explore local attractions
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Legend Deli is a local favourite for amazing food on the go including burgers, sandwiches and appetisers. The deli can be found in the plaza across from the Royals Shopping Centre. You can order online and pick up your food on your way to the beach, or you can have your order delivered to your hotel for a night in.
You can even add premixed premium cocktails to your order. They have a fantastic variety of speciality burgers like the mac-and-cheese-loaded Big Chee' or the Angry Bird chilli-spiced chicken sandwich smothered with brisket and pickles. They also offer kabobs, wings and gyros.
Location: 16 Market Pl, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DA, UK
Open: Sunday from 12.30 pm to 8 pm, Thursday–Saturday from noon to 10 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)
Phone: +44 (0)1702 808640
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SoPa Thai
Taste the freshness of the cuisine in a traditional Thai setting
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SoPa Thai offers the freshest ingredients in dishes prepared by the chef or buy from their grocery to cook at home. You can even choose to learn to cook Thai cuisine in the restaurant's kitchen. The company's mission is 'Fresh Ingredients, Authentic Thai with a Twist', with the owner's family recipes serving as the star menu items.
Just minutes from the beach, from stir frys to noodles to curries, your mouth will be watering to taste all of the spicy Thai options.
Location: 330 London Road, SS07JJ, Southend-on-Sea, UK
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from noon to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from noon to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)1702 342968
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Red Chilliezs
Treat yourself to rich South Indian flavours at this quaint restaurant
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SoPa Thai offers the freshest ingredients in dishes prepared by the chef or buy from their grocery to cook at home. You can even choose to learn to cook Thai cuisine in the restaurant's kitchen. The company's mission is 'Fresh Ingredients, Authentic Thai with a Twist', with the owner's family recipes serving as the star menu items.
Just minutes from the beach, from stir frys to noodles to curries, your mouth will be watering to taste all of the spicy Thai options.
Location: 629 London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9PE, UK
Open: Saturday–Monday and Wednesday–Thursday from 1 pm to 10 pm, Friday from noon to 10 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +44 (0)1702 333323
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The Bellhouse
Indulge in gourmet British food in a historic hunting lodge
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The Bellhouse features traditional British cuisine in a historic 15th-century hunting lodge. The restaurant is situated in Old Leigh-on-Sea. You can choose to eat on the large outdoor patio or enjoy their cosy dining room with classic wood beams and a historic log burner.
There is an outdoor play area for children to enjoy after dinner. The Bellhouse's menu is designed with local, seasonal produce in mind. Be sure to check out their specials that feature some of the most impressive produce around.
Location: 321 Rayleigh Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5PX, UK
Open: Daily from noon to 10 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1702 524271
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