Cafe Dominic and Piccola Deli in Tendring

Met great friends here with local knowledge -I was told to expect delicious food with eccentric ambiance. Loved the food- I had fish pasta with avocado and beetroot salad, and followed with excellent Banoffee pie and Espresso. Michelle, daughter of the chef provided excellent service, charm with added wit! I will return bringing my husband next time.

Booked for lunch for myself and my dear friend and colleague. Arrived table was all ready. After sitting we were given some really nice bottled water.When we were ready to order the lovely waitress Michelle went through the specials board giving us really good information about each dish. I ordered crayfish avocado and beetroot salad which came with bread and butter. My friend ordered salmon steak and waldorf salad and the other lady ordered fish pie. Our meals were super very tasty and everyone really enjoyed them. After my friend had cheese with toasted bread and two of us had strawberry cheesecake. The cheesecake was super light and fruity.Finished off with coffee ☕️. A lovely meal in lovely relaxed environment. Thank you 😊

Disgusting restaurant I notice the chef using the same knife for everything cutting raw salmon fillets buttering toast Being a vegetarian getting scrambled eggs on toast with raw salmon in it make me feel ill The waitress passed it as a joke laughing saying I'll sack the chef. IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLEGIES AVOID THIS CAFE AT ALL COST

You can't beat the food or the coffee in Dominic's Great atmosphere as can be verified by the amount of regular customers.

A planned visit to Clacton but an unplanned stop for lunch. Parked up the road from the town centre and wandered past this delight of an establishment so we popped in for lunch and so glad we did. The food was fantastic. I had the crayfish, avocado & beetroot salad and my partner had the linguine oriental, both very good dishes and highly recommended. Proper Italian coffee and the service was great. We will definitely eat here again... a hidden gem in Clacton.

A colleague recommended this cafe for a relaxed business lunch and I’m so glad that he did. I was very impressed with the range of freshly cooked options on the menu, both light and more substantial, and the meal I opted for was simple yet delicious and very good value for money. The owner served us with great attention and friendly chat, just as an authentic Italian restaurant should be. We stayed longer than intended as the cafe was so inviting and I will definitely be making a return visit to sample some of the other menu options. One thing to flag to potential customers, the cafe operates on a cash-only basis but there are cash machines close by if you go unprepared.

Absolutely wonderful service, my daughter wanted a chocolate croissant which isn’t on the menu, and one was sourced especially for her. I ordered a very nice hot chocolate and a small one was brought over for my daughter ‘they had a bit left over!’. My husband said the coffee was very nice too. Service was friendly. I would highly recommend a visit and would definitely return. It’s a thumbs up from us!

Been eating here for many years food is always great from poached haddock which is fresh to the spaghetti and if you like steak please try a Saturday evening it really will take some beating highly recommended

Everything here is served with a lovely chat and a smile. Everyone in the cafe, staff and customers are so lovely and polite. Always in a good mood after a visit! It's very professional as my meals are always served on a hot plate with a folded napkin and clean cutlery! By far the best place to go in Clacton as it has a proper coffee machine from Italy and the skilled waitresses can basically make every coffee hot and perfectly. Been coming here since I tried all the lovely home made cakes! For the price, you'll receive a huge slice and cream. It's the only place to go in Essex for original Italian food ( made by an Italian chief) such as pasta and paninis! Couldn't flaw it! I recommend to my clients all the time!

the waitress talks loudly to regulars and seems to ignore other customers. scrambled egg was cooked in a dirty pan with stuck on egg in it. I certainly wouldn't eat here.

Having read some of the negative reviews about this restaurant I felt compelled to redress the balance. Cafe Dominic is a small clearly family run cafe/restaurant that serves exceptional Italian food. My husband and I visited for lunch, the menu is small but complimented by a good specials board and a selection of delicious looking cakes and deserts in the chiller cabinet. Upon entering the cafe, we were seated promptly (at the back despite the fact we didn't have children!!) Our drinks orders were taken by Michelle who also gave us menus and told us about the specials board. We went on to order salads as a starter with the owners wonderful homemade dressing and Risotto and Spaghetti Bolognese as our main. I have a small appetite so asked for a starter size portion of spaghetti which was not a problem (something that I find often is in some restaurants) The food arrived quickly and was absolutely delicious! My husband had a dessert and we had two coffees. Michelle was friendly and attentive and seemed genuinely concerned that we had everything we needed and had enjoyed our meal! On reading some of the negative reviews on Tripadvisor especially regarding children can I make a few observations! The restaurant is indeed small and clearly not suitable for accommodating buggy's or prams. It is inevitable that in such a small cafe that some patrons will have to be seated at the back (cannot see an issue here regardless of whether you have children or not!) At the end of the day this is a business, not a creche or a place for you to sit for hours on the net nursing one cup of hot chocolate! So my advice on this review is simple, if you enjoy delicious authentic Italian food, in a small informal atmosphere visit Cafe Dominic if you are an over sensitive parent with a sense of entitlement or a cheapskate who wants to nurse one drink for hours whilst you surf the net go elsewhere!

I went there to do some work on my laptop they first refused to give me the WiFi password even thou I had a hot chocolate I had to spend over £10 I just used my hotspot. I was there in an empty restaurant for 30-40 mins then told I had to leave unless I buy something else I never new I had a time limit I would never go there again

I’ve eaten out in some poor places but this one is up there. Terrible staff and awful food. Avoid disappointment and go somewhere else there are some lovely places close by.

Hi i have been here a few times when i visit family , It's a really nice place the food is great and the staff are lovely , Please ignore the story about the breastfeeding mother , Yes Mums do breastfeed every where and most show respect to other people / diners without getting it all out . Any way a great place to visit

This restaurant is not conforming to the equality laws by telling breast feeding mother's that they cannot feed babies inside this restaurant. This restaurant is not family friendly they openly admit they are not suitable for highchairs or pushchairs....... I guess wheelchairs too. Terrible food terrible service I certainly won't ever return. Shame on you.

I could not find a parking space for my normal breakfast places however I stumbled across one out side this establishment. I sadly wish I had driven on and gone hungry. I ordered my breakfast and a cappuccino, the wait was good only 10 mins but I had to enjoy the father and daughter arguing over the daughter shouting the specials to the couple in the far end of the restaurant. I then received my scolded coffee which had little flavour and was far to hot to drink. My breakfast arrived on a stone cold plate my bacon looked the sort that was supermarket brought as thin as you could possibly get (very cheap) and overly creamy scambled eggs (no seasoning and a little to wet). All in all very disappointing for the 10.80 I paid for 2 rashers of bacon, scrambled eggs, beans and a coffee. With the entertainment of shouting and arguing thrown in for free. Would not recommend this place.

Food is substandard and the atmosphere is not family friendly in the slightest. Overall poor experience. I may have considered returning as just a couple but the food simply wasn’t good. I’m really disappointed to read but quite believe the review below regarding breastfeeding too, appears for a family run business they simply aren’t at all accepting of others! It’s 2019...

Shaming breast feeding mothers. Would not recommend. Backwards thinking management. Babies need to eat.

Met my friend here for lunch and catch up. Friendly welcome, good food at reasonable prices. Nice touch is a fresh rose on every table. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal in unhurried atmosphere. Only marked 4 out of 5 as I discovered on arrival that there was no toilet for public use but would go again.

We were refused entry because we had a 7 month old in a buggy, i would possibly understand if there wasn’t room but there was lots of space and tables free. Very upsetting and shocked at this behaviour from a local family business! I find this very VERY offensive! Avoid if u have children! It’s really not nice being rejected! :((((((((((

This restaurant is a family run business with a delicious and tasty freshly cooked menu including various pasta and fish dishes, pizzas and don't forget to check out the blackboard for their daily specials. All freshly cooked and at prices you can afford. They also have a dessert cabinet filled with delicious fresh cream cakes and pastries all homemade and freshly baked on premises. Pop in here for a tasty lunch whilst out shopping, very friendly staff, I can guarantee you won't be disappointed

I love this family run business. Everyone is so helpful and happy, all the time. The food is cooked fresh. It is also entertaining as Michelle the daughter is an amazing front of house. Absolutely love it there and have no complaints whatsover.

Joined friends for lunch, what a surprise. The food is cooked within sight from our table so it is cooked to order. The two staff, chef and one other manage very well. The café is cosy and clean a varied menu, good selection of wines all at reasonable prices as is the food. We had a excellent lunch, good service and we were not rushed in any way.

I have been here several times and have always had great food and a friendly service . They sure make you feel at home . My favourite is the crayfish sandwich and the cakes and desserts are out of this world. Back again today just can't help myself.

Me encanta este lugar, pop en un café, un deliciosos (enorme) Porción de tortas caseras o en uno de los fabulosos desayunos en oferta. No tienes estas en todas partes! Por supuesto tienes que pagar un poco más, pero prefiero hacer eso y disfrutar de mi comida en vez de comprar estándar a un precio más barato. Los menús se ven geniales!

Nos trasladamos a la zona de 9 meses. Desde nuestra primera visita en nos recibió Michelle, para café y tarta. Todo muy sabroso y bien presentado. Hemos estado aquí para desayunar, disfrutamos. Recientemente fuimos a una comida el sábado a la noche, estábamos muy bien servido y nada era demasiado problema, y la comida y el vino eran perfectos.

I fully recommend the Kedgeree! A birthday treat, but I won't wait a year until the next visit. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it ! Cafe Dominic, is truly a Clacton treat.

He estado comiendo en Dominics durante algunos años, el personal es siempre muy acogedor. Es un lugar muy acogedor, y la comida siempre es para morirse. Recientemente intenté su sobrecarga sensorial Cheesecake, Nutella. Con plátano y toffee Tarta de la misma. Chocolate caliente siempre es perfecto. Siempre me gusta probar algo diferente, pero esto es difícil, ya que las comidas que he probado siempre antes de subir más allá de las expectativas y tienen el dilema de tratar algo nuevo o probar algo que sé que está más allá de sabroso. Recientemente le ofrecerá lo que como de costumbre superó las expectativas. Excelente lugar para comer.

Tuve el eglefino y escalfados huevos escalfados sobre tostadas para el desayuno, algo que no he tenido antes, para un desayuno muy agradable, abundante, era de £9, así que era bastante caro.

Hemos estado yendo al café Dominic por unos 8 años y nunca me ha decepcionado.

My Mother and I popped in for the first time a few weeks ago. Admittedly the hot chocolate and doorstep sized piece of cake was lovely, but when my Mother paid and didn't get too much change from a £20 note, I thought it FAR TOO EXPENSIVE!!It is a lovely little shop and wouldn't look out of place in trendy London, but for a cafe in Clacton, opposite Sainsbury's.....it wasn't worth what we paid. When we left, I asked Mum how she was charged and she had definitely been overcharged compared to what the menu board said, but we didn't bother going back because the service was not too friendly. We will NOT be returning!

Two of us stopped here for lunch and had super freshly cooked pasta meals with a lovely coffees. The staff were great. Couldn't ask for more.We were going to try the delicious cakes but were to full!

Always a lovely welcome by female member of staff. The gentleman/owner never welcomes anyone or breaks a smile but returned today as they do serve a nice hot chocolate. Will not return again. I met a friend with my new baby and after we finished our drinks we was asked to leave as he said he needed the table and the pram was in the way (we were at the far end out if everyone's way, baby asleep good as gold) & were other tables available. We were going to order a second round of drinks and breakfast but made to feel so unwelcome we left.Very disappointed

Excellent as always. Smoked haddock and poached eggs, full breakfast with extras x 2, poached egg on toast. Arrived hot and together, this is our 6th visit all to same standard. Coffee is spot on and fresh. Just a great experience to start the day.

We visited this little cafe while Christmas shopping. It was absolutely lovely. The staff were so friendly the food was defiantly not what I expected and would defiantly not be out of place in convent garden boutique cafes. The decorations were amazing and the atmosphere was friendly and homely with a dash of elegance. I would most certainly go again!

Visited with three friends. What super food. Two of us had lasagne which was to die for. The best I have ever tasted and a good portion size. One of my friends is vegan and she wasn't sure if there would be anything she could eat. The pasta was not made with egg and she had a lovely meal of tomato,chilli and mushroom pasta. My other friend had the special of chicken and mushroom risotto. Four satisfied diners! Cakes are also lovely and three of us indulged while our vegan friend had a coffee. Will definately be back.

We were welcomed in at 11am with our 2 children in pushchairs to have a coffee and a natter but upon our return later in the day, at about 3pm in the pouring rain we were refused entry and rudely advised in front of everyone that they did not accept pushchairs in there cafe.I'd call that discrimination and will be reporting them to the district council.

We eat here very often lovely family run place food is always excellent either for breakfast lunch but on a Saturday evening they open and it's the best fillet steak I have ever eaten it melts in your mouth

Often visit for lunch. Always absolutely yummy, had a variety of items and can't fault any. The desserts are so so indulgent! Staff are so friendly, courteous and polite. The place is clean and tidy too.

My husband and I always have our breakfast in Cafe Dominic when we come to Clacton. We live in Essex. The cafe is always clean in every department (including toilet). Through many different waitresses the service was and is always friendly and reasonablly fast. The place seems to be quite popular as most tables are usually occupied.As I said in the title of my review - THE BEST SCRUMBLED EGGS IN ESSEX! So creamy and just the right consistency. Yum, yum...

This little gem is at the end of the retail part of high street. Given a friendly greeting by the waitress and chef , coffee is hot and the home made cakes make choice difficult. The café was almost full reflecting its popularity and the choice of snacks and meals was wide , mostly Italian based, but plenty of others. There are reasonably priced wines for larger meals or for one of the few evenings dinner is served. The banter between father and daughter running the café is amusing and helps to put icing on your visit. The décor may be a little Spartan but who cares when the food and service is good. A pity the front view is of Sainsburys trollies but the food and atmosphere overcomes that.

Wanted to go here with my husband and our daughter for a nice lunch, was greeted terrible with 'no no we cant fit u in' as we had a buggy. There was plenty of room at the front of the cafe but as a past reviewer has put they like to put u out the way at the back near the toilet if u have children! I was going to offer to put the buggy in the car as we was parked outside but didn't bother as the man was so rude and made us feel so unwelcome in front of everyone. I dont think it's the issue with prams I think it's the fact they don't like children but my daughter is very well behaved! I thought italians were supposed to be family orientated but not in think case! Will definitely not be going back!!!!

I visit this friendly family restaurant regularly each week and have never been let down.The Italian speciality dishes are the best I have tasted for the money as are the deserts.The atmosphere is welcoming and the service swift. Well worth a visit.

Have been here a few times and it's consistently good. Food is delicious,fresh with lots of flavours,don't know how the chef does it in such a small kitchen. Pleasant,friendly staff. Atmosphere was good when it was busy but when other diners went it lacked atmosphere,perhaps some subtle background music? The unsightly view into a room at the back,the door was propped open with a chair was not good but there may have been a good reason for this. The main thing is the food,it cannot be faulted. I shall keep going back.

The best Cafe/restaurant in Clacton. Dominic the owner is a first class chef who prepares an extremely tasty range of dishes.He is also an amusing character but unfortunately an Inter Milan supporter. He is assisted by his very friendly family who will make your meal entertaining.Regrettably he is only open Saturday evenings apart from 0900 to 1600 every day but Sunday

My elderly mother and myself regularly visit here and love the excellent quality of food and delicious coffee.Friendly staff, clean & fresh decor and the home made cakes are outrageously good!

Very welcoming Italian Restaurant, close to town centre & shops. Brilliant for a glass of wine and a beautifully cooked & presented Italian meal, moderately priced in tasteful surroundings. Close to car parking. Well worth a visit

I visited the establishment with my son, here we met up with my sister & nephew and we intended to have a lovely family lunch. The place looks lovely from outside and the cakes on offer looked divine. Inside the decor is tasteful and clean and the other patrons all pleasant. Unfortunately we were greeted with utter contempt, as harsh and stark as that sounds it was the truth. First we had the nastiest of looks from both the waitress, and what I presume was the manager as they judged our attire and children (3 and 4 years old, impeccable behaviour from both throughout). We were allowed to take the table at the back, in the corner, by the toilet (where else?) Next we were able to enjoy being ignored! Other tables nearby had their orders taken, food served and checked before we had even had our drink order taken. We're tenacious, we stuck with it. Once our drink order was taken we once again had the pleasure of dealing with the rude waitress when she sternly asked "So will there be food or is it just drinks?" This appaling service went on throughout. We love eating out, we do it often, and never have I ever experienced this level of hollier than thou, what do you think your kind are doing in here rubbish. Terrible people. The food was bland, which we didn't expect for the price or the attitude. When I payed the bill, the manager made some small talk about us being tourists, we live here. We may visit again.

have'nt been here for a while but used to work next door and the meat balls and spagetti are so tasty also they do an italian soup to die for all fresh home cooked food.