Best places to eat in Southend

Cuisine: Fish and Chips 

Address: 13 West Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 9AU

It would be blasphemy if we didn’t cover an incredible fish and chip restaurant and take away in our list of the best places to eat in Southend. Oldham’s of Westcliff is just that, serving the best freshly caught fish alongside chips from locally sourced potato producers.

There’s some amazing starters and desserts on the menu too, so you can turn a fish Friday into a full-blown three-course meal. You can sit in Oldham’s throughout the day and takeaways are available well into the evening. On Sundays the staff have a well-earned rest!

Cuisine: Seafood  

Address: 6 Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS0 8FE

You’re beautifully by the sea in Southend, so why not head for Oyster Creek Kitchen in Westcliff and try its impressive seafood. There’s everything from the classic cod offering to yellowfin tuna and Alaskan king crab. With such a wide range of options, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to enjoy this highly rated establishment. 

There are fish-based salads and pasta for a slightly different vibe too, and a range of grilled meats if fish isn’t your thing. Many a visitor have raved about the oysters here, and there’s a taco offering too, adding to Oyster Creek’s clever way of fusing different cuisines with the local produce available.

Cuisine: Desserts and snacks 

Address: 4 Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE

A short walk from the pier is all it takes to enjoy an ice cream or two at Roberto’s Beachside. There’s nothing like a classic 99 as you feel that breath of fresh air by the sea, and Roberto’s won’t let you down when it comes to sweet treats. 

There’s a massive cabinet of ice cream to choose from, and if you fancy something quick and filling Roberto’s is on hand with delicious sausage rolls and a slice of pizza or two. There’s a cosy seating area if you fancy dining in, and with the Southend Promenade parking opposite, there’s easy access from your motor too.

Cuisine: Modern British 

Address: 84 High Street, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1JN

A five-minute walk inland from the seafront takes you to The Pipe of Port, one of the best places to eat in Southend and a particular favourite amongst residents of the town. Conveniently located a stone’s throw from Southend Central station, the restaurant is renowned for its pies and steaks, with a menu that combines classic and contemporary British food for all round stellar dining experience. 

There’s a fantastic value lunch menu here if you’re around during the day, and the desserts are to die for. The Pipe of Port is more than enough reason to detour from Southend’s seaside.

Cuisine: Pie and Mash

Address: 15 Clarence Street, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1BH 

Robins have been doing proper pie and mash for over 80 years, and they bring this East End favourite to the seaside with their branch in Southend-on-Sea. Conveniently located in the centre of town, the shop has everything you’d expect from a great pie and mash shop. Traditional benched seating, chilli vinegar on the table and quality pie, mash and liquor you’ll love. Grab a juice and some jellied eels (if you’re in the mood!), sit back, relax and enjoy. 

You can also takeaway to Orchards Holiday Village for an evening meal with the family. Robins is open during the day only so grab some food in the afternoon and enjoy back at your van when the sun has gone down.

Cuisine: Italian 

Address: 4 Queens Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1LU

Il Pescatore is one of the best places to eat in Southend and the home of Italian cuisine in the town. You don’t have to break the bank to eat good here, with a range of classic dishes from across Italy. 

The reviews here are nothing but positive and the service is held in particularly high esteem. So, whether you fancy a pizza, a pollo picante, a T-bone steak or something slightly different, the team at Il Pescatore will cater your every need. Il Pescatore is in the heart of Southend, a five-minute stroll from the seafront.

Cuisine: American 

Address: 11-12 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2ER 

A trip to Bobby Jo’s Diner is a brilliant way to round off a day along Southend’s seafront. Located a stone’s throw from SeaLife, the eatery sits amongst a whole host of options, but truly stands out from the crowd.

You’ll be transported to the United States from the moment you enter, with a 1950s theme dotted throughout. There are burgers, ribs, steaks and sundaes for all the family to enjoy. It’s pretty much certain that you won’t be leaving here hungry, and you can also take something away for the road too.

Cuisine: Modern British

Address: Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2ER 

300 Degrees combines lovingly cooked food with a wide range of drinks for all round exceptional dining experience that won’t hurt the wallet too much. There’s a brilliant lunch menu to get your teeth into if you’re in Southend during the week, and the Sunday roasts here have a stellar reputation.

There’s also a set menu for brilliant savings. A range of cocktails and wines complement each meal, and there are loads of brilliant beers on tap here too. The place is family-friendly too, so there’s so much to like about this, one of the best places to eat in Southend.