“We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.”
-Anna Thomas
Top 10 Restaurants in Southend
‘Sporadically-sunny’ Southend is perhaps better known for its pier (longest in the world if you didn’t already know!), seaside amusements and theme park than gastronomical scene. Don’t get me wrong, we have some bangin’ fish and chips shops, but I do think Southend can often be overlooked when it comes to offering more than fast-food.
Growing up in the area from the age of six has meant that I have spent the majority of my life watching the town change in so many aspects, and that applies to its food scene too. If you follow me on social media you’ll know I am always up for eating out and sharing my foodie adventures.
I’d like to take this opportunity to collate some of my favourite eateries in my local area and share them with anyone looking for somewhere to enjoy with family and friends, whether that be for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I have tried to include a diverse range of restaurants in my list to ensure as many tastes, occasions and budgets are catered for. This list contains some of my favourite, tried-and-tested places that I see myself coming back to over and over again – perhaps you will too!
1. The Mews
For: exceptional fine dining without any pretence
The Mews’ website refers to themselves ‘Southend’s best kept secret’ and they certainly aren’t wrong! The Mews serves European/Asian influences cuisine, with a particular focus on seasonal ingredients and quality.
The restaurant is tucked away off the main highstreet so it really is in a ‘need to know’ location. The downstairs area features a cool bar space with exposed brick and leather seating. Upstairs the dining room glows in candlelight in the evening.
This place is perfect for birthday celebrations or special occasions when you don’t mind spending a little bit extra on an outstanding dining experience.
Address: 2 Nelson Mews, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1AL
2. The Cockle Sheds (Osborne Bros)
For: seafood craving fixes in a laid-back space
While The Cockle Sheds is not ‘technically’ in Southend, it are just a 10 minute train journey or 15 minute car ride away from central southend – and well worth the added effort getting to!
I’ve been coming to Old Leigh since I can remember moving to the UK when I was 6 years old so undoubtedly have a nostalgia-based bias when it comes to The Cockle Sheds (an informal name given to the Osborne family’s seafood cafe). Nothing can ever beat sitting alongside the Thames Estuary on a balmy summer’s day with a selection of fresh fish and seafood to nibble on as you watch the sun set.
The Osborne family have been doing what they do best since the 1880s and have established a longstanding reputation of quality produce and service in their local community. One of their fishing boats was even used during the evacuation of Dunkirk during the Second World War!
Be sure to send someone in your party off to get the drinks from The Crooked Billet over the road to the Cockle Sheds while someone is ordering the seafood – the whole experience of eating seafood is that much more enhanced when you have a nice cold beverage to wash everything down with!
Address: Billet Wharf, High St, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2ER
3. Keralam
For: authentic south Indian food
I think we tend to put an umbrella over Indian cuisine when in fact Indian dishes, ingredients and flavors vary vastly depending on which region of India you refer to. Keralam brings visitors a taste of traditional dishes from south India, with must-try dishes such as Masala Dosa being popular and not typically found on other restaurant menus. Kerala is also well known for its seafood, rice-based dishes and coconut flavors – so delicious.
I have been coming to Keralam for nearly two decades now and I have a real soft-spot for the owner who has always been friendly towards myself and my family whenever we visit. So many new restaurants have popped up and closed over the years yet Keralam has continued to be a part of my local community and I think that is something to be truly celebrated.
This restaurant has a no-frills, chilled out atmosphere, ideal for both last-minute lunch plans or glutinous dinner dates. If you fancy a dining experience with a south Indian twist, Keralam is your go-to!
Address: 28 Clifftown Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1AJ
4. SoPa Thai
For: Affordable, fresh and authentic thai food
I’m actually quite sad that I only just discovered SoPa Thai in late 2019 and not earlier! The restaurant is owned by Nat SoPa, a talented businesswoman who brought her family’s traditional Thai recipes to life in Southend.
SoPa Thai’s menu features dishes you would typically associate with thai cuisine (e.g green curry etc) as well as some others that are lesser known but well worth trying for an authentic dining experience. Be sure to ask for some recommendations as you may well end up discovering your new favourite Thai dish.
I would highly recommend coming with a big group of people so that you can order lots of different dishes and taste-test them all.
Address: 330 London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7JJ
5.Oliver’s On The Beach
For: An early-bird breakfast with a view
Waking up bright and early on the weekend is made that much easier when you know you’ll be greeted with a hearty breakfast at Oliver’s On The Beach. The premises are owned by Jamie Oliver’s aunt and uncle and are perched over the sea (when the tide is in that is!) which means you will be able to sip on your coffee whilst taking in views of the estuary.
They don’t just do breakfast either, I’ve heard their lunch menu is pretty bangin’ too, but keep in mind that getting hold of a table gets harder as the day goes on!
Address: 12-14 Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DL
6.Yak & Yeti
For: A slap-up meal infused with Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian flavours
There are a seemingly infinite number Indian restaurants in Southend, but what sets Yak & Yeti apart is their infusion of Nepalese and Tibetan dishes and flavours into the mix. Everything from the service to the quality of the food and portion sizes makes this restaurant the perfect place to come together with your nearest and dearest and enjoy an array of appetising and aromatic dishes.
Do yourself a favour and order a thali – a traditional Indian lunch platter with small, individual bowls containing a mixture of dry and wet dishes, rice, pickles and more. It’s the ultimate feast for one if you’re feeling particularly peckish!
Address: 1030 London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3ND
7. Monti Ristorante Italiano
For: A warm welcome with a side of traditional Italian dishes that everyone loves
Who doesn’t instantly fall in head over heels with a lovingly run family restaurant? Immediately upon stepping foot into Monti’s you are greeted with so much enthusiasm and are instantly made to feel at home. The staff here are all a credit to the owners and really take care of you without being pushy and intrusive – a bonus!
There is plenty on the menu for everyone, so whether you are fussy, vegetarian or looking to try something new, you will be well catered for. Each of their dishes are carefully made from quality ingredients (for example their ‘gamberoni al brady’ is made with huge king prawns) and I think it’s a very affordable place to have a traditionally structured Italian meal.
I’m craving some pasta just thinking about it – it’s mouth-wateringly good!
Address: 513 Southchurch Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2PH
8. Skewer House
For: meat lovers
The Skewer House has been a go-to in recent years when those carnivorous cravings kick-in and I’m looking for the best quality produce. This restaurant is family owned and specialises in ‘espetada’, a traditional Portuguese dish made from skewered beef cooked over hot coals.
Here you can choose from a variety of meats (chicken, pork, beed etc.) as well as fish and vegetable skewers which are presented to you on specially made skewer holders embedded into the tables. It’s such a fun centrepiece and is perfect for sharing.
I would urge everyone to order the flaming chorizo starter – it’s pretty spectacular!
Address: 64-66 West St, Rochford SS4 1AJ
9. Roslin Beach Hotel
For: a special celebration that accommodates all ages
It’s very rare to find a restaurant that caters to everyone and the Roslin definitely delivers! Whether you want to take your grandparents out for a birthday meal, want to celebrate a baby shower with your girlfriends or simply want a Sunday lunch done right, I would highly recommend booking in here.
I’ve visited the Roslin twice thus far, once during the busy festive period and then again on a Sunday in spring and found that on both occasions the service has been impeccable and the food outstanding.
Alongside all this the hotel also has quite the eye for decor and switches up their displays and decorations seasonally so it always looks spectacular as you wander around. I’m looking forward to testing out their afternoon tea next…
Address: Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3BG
10.The Pipe of Port
For: romantic candlelit dinners and fine wines
I first recall learning about The Pipe Of Port when I was little from my parents who would spend their anniversaries here – and now I can see why! The Pipe of Port is definitely one of those unique places that I have not seen replicated elsewhere. It sits tucked around the corner off of the high street and is actually underground which really adds to the ‘Dickensian’ feel of the place, with its sawdust covered floors and dimly lit interior.
This place knows how to do British food well, from pies to Sunday lunches and hearty dishes that are made with local, seasonal produce. Wine connoisseurs will be thrilled to hear that The Pipe Of Port has an extensive wine list and will be able to offer you recommendations for wine pairings for each dish you order, should you fancy it.
If there are any other Bloody Mary fans out there, be sure to ask for one here – they add a little bit of wine into their recipe which is pretty unique!
Address: 84 High St, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1JN
There you have it – my top 10 local restaurants!
If you’d like to see more posts like this please do let me know as I have a few more eateries in mind to share and a few other places I’ve seen opened that I want to try out and review. Similarly, if you do end up taking on a recommendation from my list above, let me know what you thought about your visit as I’d love to know your thoughts!
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
