Best restaurants in Southend-on-Sea

Looking for some good grub in this picturesque Essex resort town? We've got you covered.

Updated on 17 September 2024

Southend-on-Sea is one of Essex's most popular tourist destinations, beloved by visitors for its long stretches of Thames Estuary beach as well as British seaside vibe and picturesque views. Southend boasts a whopping seven miles of coastline to explore, most of which is littered with attractions, from the famous Southend-on-Sea pier to the Adventure Island fun park, Sea Life aquatic centre, and a host of traditional amusement arcades, all bound to keep the kids (and adults) entertained. 

If you're anything like this, a trip to the seaside has you dreaming of salt and vinegar chips, crispy battered fish and ice creams on the seafront. Fortunately, good food is something Southend-on-Sea has in spades, and that's likely a good reason why families keep returning to this vibrant seaside town. 

We've rounded up a little group of our favourite restaurants in the town. Some of those, like the above, are restaurants well-known for their fresh seafood offerings. There's a significant fishing trade that works out of the Essex coast and Thames Estuary so you can often be sure that you're eating seafood that has come fresh out of local seas (and of not, you can always ask). Good food in Southend isn't limited to fish and seafood though - we've picked out a range of options from cosy, welcoming pubs to French bistros, seaside al fresco spots and wine merchants. 

Scroll down to read more about the best places to eat in Southend-on-Sea, and remember, if you see anything you like, just click for more information as well as booking details. 

The Pipe of Port

The Pipe of Port

84 High Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1JN

This cosy wine merchant host regular tastings, but also serves excellent food in the dining room, ranging from British classics to more international flavours. The prix fixe menu is excellent too. 

£30 - £49
International
Aurum Restaurant

Aurum Restaurant

The Seven Hotel, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1DT

If you're looking for somewhere to push the boat out for a celebration, Aurum is a great choice. A huge variety of menus covers everything from pre-theatre to breakfast and Sunday roasts, and it's near enough to the seafront to go for a little stroll afterwards. 

£30 - £49
British
Afternoon tea
Il Pescatore

Il Pescatore

4 Queens Road Southend, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, SS1 1LU

The Burzotta family have run Il Pescatore for over three decades now, and the restaurant still has a loyal cult following for its authentic Italian cooking. The menu is huge, but specialises in excellent seafood dishes, from pan-fried seabass to mussels cooked in white wine and garlic. 

Italian
Oakwood Leigh on Sea

Oakwood Leigh on Sea

564 Rayleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 5HX

This big family-run pub is always busy, whether it's with football fans on a weekend or Sunday roasters. You can expect live music weekly too, and the food is solid - classic, comforting pub grub. 

£30 - £49
British
Seafood Shack Southend-on-Sea

Seafood Shack Southend-on-Sea

32-35 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2ES

Another of Southend's great fresh seafood restaurants, Seafood Shack keeps things simple with great produce, simple but effective cooking and a nice view out over the seafront. There are excellent oyster and Champagne deals here, as well as great big sharing platters and more. 

£30 - £49
British
Osborne

Osborne's Cafe & Seafood Merchant

Billet Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2ER

If being by the sea has you craving fresh seafood, Osborne's is the place to go. This old-school seafood merchant has a whopping menu that includes various shellfish by the pint, as well as well-stuffed rolls and sandwiches, dressed crab, and almost anything else you could hope for.

Under £30
British
Toulouse Westcliff-on-Sea

Toulouse Westcliff-on-Sea

Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 8FE

This quaint French restaurant on the Westcliff-on-Sea esplanade is one of the most popular in this part of town, thanks in large part to the great value set menus and excellent cooking. Toulouse does a great breakfast menu as well for those planning a morning walk down the seafront. 

£30 - £49
British
San Fairie Ann

San Fairie Ann

43 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-sea, Essex, SS1 1BW

Stylish San Fairie Ann hosts all sorts of fun events, from bottomless brunches and afternoon tea to paint and prosecco classes to a jazz soundtrack. The a la carte is a bit more eclectic than most other restaurants in the area too, making this good for special occasions. 

£30 - £49
International
The Peterboat

The Peterboat

27 High Street, Leigh-on-sea, Essex, SS9 2EN

If you want to eat with a proper view of the sea, The Peterboat couldn't be closer to the water unless it was literally floating. Grab a seat on the patio under the parasols and enjoy wholetail scampi, fish and chips and lots of other seaside classics. 

£30 - £49
Modern European
Fish and Chips

Spending a bit longer in Essex and ready for some exploring? Check out our collection of the best restaurants in Essex, or head a little down the coast and visit some of these top restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea

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