Calypso Restaurant Taste of the Caribbean in Southend-on-Sea

Absolutely fantastic food! Very welcoming too! Will be back ❤️

I've not given a 5 star for the atmosphere because that day wasn't busy. The ambience of the restaurant is well thought out and relaxing. Would love to go back again.

What a hidden gem of a restaurant. Amazing food and atmosphere, the ribs and curry were to die for. Highly recommend this place! 10/10! 😋😋😋😋

A unique restaurant, with beautifully presented and delicious tasting, authentic Caribbean food. Staff go above and beyond. Excellent service. Very friendly and welcoming. Brilliant and tastefully decorated. Vegan options clearly labelled, including vegan wines. Huge range of drinks to enjoy.

Making the reservation - We called up to make a reservation for 7pm however we were asked if we could do 6:30 instead as they said over the phone that they didn’t have tables for 7pm. - We arrived for our table at 6:30pm with no one else in the restaurant, seated by the window where it was absolutely baltic and I spent the entire evening shivering. There were plenty of other tables they could have sat us at but no, by the time we left there were still plenty of other tables of 2 that were empty and in a warmer area of the restaurant. Service: - Service was fine. Although the lady started clearing our table mid meal with food still on the side plates, but too late to say anything cause she had already started to stack them on top of each other. - Had to wait forever to pay for the bill, asked to split and the server didn’t even attempt to calculate, instead asked us and would’ve completely believed anything we told her. Food: - The most underwhelming Caribbean food known to man. No essence of any Caribbean flavor. Truly disappointing experience as had been looking forward to this all week. - Overheard them say to other tables that quite a lot of items on the menu weren’t available. - Food is probably catered to the western tongue because there was no spice or authenticity.

Great food, good family service.

Hands down one of the best restaurants i’ve ever been to! saltfish and akee was absolutely delicious and the curried goat was so tender and flavourful the meat fell apart in my mouth. rum cake and coconut ice cream desserts were mouth-wateringly good and cocktails were amazing too. one of the owners spoke to my table she was really nice and so were the staff. 10/10 everything will defo be coming back x

Amazing food!!! Really authentic and delicious, customer service is amazing too. Highly recommend, will definitely be returning

Excellent quality food, great atmosphere and drinks. Roti is amazing here.

Absolutely amazing meal, as always. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Lovely, clean restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. Rum punch always goes down well 😉 Thank you Diane, Rupert and the Team. xx

If you are looking for a authentic Curry Goat then please go else where it's not like a traditional curried goat reminded me more of an Asian curry which is not what you want when going to a Caribbean. Prawns however was absolutely gorgeous nothing Caribbean about them either but the flavours were lovely. Over all disappointed with the curries

We booked quite late in the day which was my birthday. We’ve been a couple of times in the past so knew what expect food wise. The four of us ordered from the starter menu and then the mains. The food was exactly as I remember it from before, super tasty too. My sister in law is a celiac which was catered for easily. It was very quiet in there as it was in every restaurant along the same street. The prices are not cheap but in line with the current economic climate. One problem we encountered was the card machine wasn’t working so my brother and I had to walk up the road to find a cash point! Since the pandemic I don’t carry cash so this was an inconvenience as the nearest one wasn’t working.

Always superb food and fantastic service. BBQ ribs are to die for. Curried chicken wowed my friend. Plenty of food on the plate. Have eaten here many times and cannot fault the place. Staff are welcoming and always provide that personal touch. Would highly recommend.

The food is amazing, full of flavour! (And a wonderful rum selection too)

Best Chicken Wings I’ve Ever Had!

Just had one of the best meals of my life, everything was perfect. Ribs were delicious & mouth watering the best I've ever had and goat curry was amazing. Amazing fresh clean tasting food in a lovely atmosphere. Thank you to all who work here. If you like Caribbean food then you need to get down here!

What a really nice place in the Leigh. Haven’t had good food like that for a while. Our meal was tasty and presented really well. We were greeted by a nice polite young lady and we meet the owners wife who was so welcoming. Place had a good feel to it. It you want genuine West Indian food, then this place is a must. And the so powerful cocktails too. We will definitely be coming back heat again soo.

My boyfriend and I went to Calypso on Saturday evening - I very rarely post reviews but their food and general ambience was lovely. We had the goat curry and a few side dishes and everything tasted amazing Lovely family run business - highly recommend

Fantastic place to eat all cooked fresh. Highly recommended place to go.

Superb dining and wonderful service. I had never been before and will most certainly be returning regularly. I thought it was exemplary 😁

Lovely Food EXCELLENT best 3 course I've had Friendly staff Young waitres made us laugh all night With her Jokes We will be going again

First time at Cylypo loved it. Food was great an cocktails very nice 😊😊

Absolutely enjoyed myself here. Left in a food coma. Good food, good vibes.

Avoid this place. Very Over priced. Total Bill £780.00. Had to pre order as we were a larger table however still took 45mins for 1st course. Service was ok. This restaurants Website dose not include a prices list.. Would not ever Recommend or go back. Just because it got a so called food award a few years back, it is over priced for the quality and qualitie. No wonder its only open weekends it charges so much it dose not need to open in the week.

Went with 3 of my friends for a friend's birthday. First time in the restaurant for all of us and we were really impressed. I had a duck dish whilst my friends had jerk chicken. They had a good time menu and I went for a couple of cocktails. Will definitely go again.

Made a special trip from Kent and London to try this caribbean based on its reviews my partner thought it would be a good one to try for a 🎂 meal. How disappointed we were, food had no taste most definitely could not taste any sense of caribbean. Jerk burger dry and tasteless Jerk pork belly nice but not caribbean at all. Had like a tomato sauce with it Curry goat no taste of caribbean Patties to start no flavour Prawns where basically just prawns All other dishes where just as bland Extremely disappointed Very expensive too Clearly locals know its no good as for a Friday night had 2 other tables Ran out of a dessert and run out of dumplings yet only open 2 days a week 🤷🏽‍♀️

Came here the other night, been wanting to try this restaurant for ages-something different! The food is amazing if you like Caribbean food. . Cocktails all rum based (of course) lots to choose from and delicious. service was good and staff friendly. Not the cheapest but for something special and different from the same old same old try this fab little hidden gem. Will definetly return! maybe open a couple more nights and stock some zero alcohol lager and your be our 'go to restaurant'! 👍

The food was so lovely. We spent a lot but had quite a few drinks also, really enjoyed the evening x Thank you

Lovely food although menu was smaller than our last visit prior to covid there was no fish which I tend to choose. Had jerk chicken loads of it too. Staff are lovely and it is good value.

I have drove past this place so many times and wanted to try it, the fact it is only open Friday and Saturdat makes it alittle more challenging. The food is excellent and good quality, it isnt cheap but not massely over priced either.It was fairly quiet when we were their so not much atmosphere.

Love this place ! Big tings a gwarn

This restaurant never fails to amaze us! Time after time, dine in or takeaway the food is always out of this world. Fantastic atmosphere, great service and cleanliness is always of paramount importance. Rupert, Diane, Leon and the team always make you feel welcome and part of the family. We have introduced this restaurant to friends and other members of our family and they have never been disappointed. Very child friendly too. Our last visit on Saturday was for my husband’s birthday and they made it extra special for him. Highly recommended!

Amazing flavours and great food. Will definitely be going back. Friendly staff and a great ambience. Rum menu is the best I’ve seen.

Very nice!! Quality food and good service, exceptionally clean and very friendly, first time we have been here and look forward to going back. It was a little bit quite for a Saturday night, but would definitely recommend.

Takeaway. Ordered 1/2 Jerk chicken, rice and peas ,BUT with curry goat sauce. Seasoning on jerk chicken was not bad but chicken was dry and so not particularly nice. It may have helped if I'd have been given, Curry goat sauce, as I'd asked for. What I received was a miserly amount that could probably fit in a Mcdonald's dip container. Very poor . No idea what flavour it was but I'm glad I didn't order Curried Goat.

Would definitely recommend. The food was delicious. Friendly service, nice atmosphere. Will be returning soon.

Calypso is fast becoming our go to for catch up with friends, family celebrations and a weekend treat! The staff are always welcoming and the vibe of the restaurant is a guaranteed mood lifter. Thank you again for a great evening, be back soon!!

Ordered a take away £60 For three mains plus a meal for my child (chicken nuggets rice and peas ) basically birds eye dippers . Good very sub standard, overpriced and the chicken was more dry than a shoe insole . Lady over the phone whilst raising my issues was both rude , nasty and unhelpful. Never ever again

Lovely restaurant. Diane The manageress was really good with responding to questions and welcoming. Very good service from the staff. Food was lovely especially the coconut ice cream! I did feel the curry was quite pricey but everything else was great and food very tasty. Would go again and recommend.

First visit to Carribean restaurant Top drawer good and service very friendly Going back again soon Looking forward to the ribs , meat just fell off the bone

I would recommend Calypso 100%. Food was amazing and staff really friendly. Great choice of drinks as well especially Rum selection. When we moved from London to Southend I really missed West Indian food but having discovered Calypso that won’t be a problem anymore. Portion sizes good and again just tasted amazing.

Have been wanting to eat here for a while, enjoyed every second!. Music and atmosphere great, drink choice plentiful (recommend a rum board). Food was absolutely fantastic. Ackee and saltfish knocked it out of the park!

IRIE Just had a great night and a nice meal the staff was nice and friendly and the food was lush And ìll be going back thanks 👍👍

Just had the best Caribbean meal, outside of the Caribbean , as my birthday treat. Started with Ackee and Saltfish ,which included a Bake on the side. Followed by rice and peas ,coleslaw and best of all , the best Chicken Roti i have had outside of Barbados . Could not fit in a pudding ,so will have to go back asap to remedy that.

Amazing food. All industry awards very well deserved! Never having eaten Caribbean style before, I wasn't sure what to expect but the sweetcorn fritters, jerk chicken and oh-so-moist chocolate fudge cake really hit the spot. My friends and I all agreed it was one of our best restaurant choices. Looking forward to going back to introduce my husband to the delights on the menu!

Amazing food. Could have closed my eyes and been back in St Marten. Thanks a lot!

I ordered my food and went to pick it up I had it last night it was delicious, I also baught the bbq sauce I rub it on my chicken wings then put to bake the house was smelling fab-u-lous finger licking good. Well done Calypso and Chef.

Delicious food (would recommend the rum and plum duck) and good service. Has a nice chilled vibe to it which complemented the great decor. Only downside was the price. Would definitely be going again though as a treat.

How have not eaten here before?!?! This is food for the soul. Food made with love. Food from heaven. Food to slurp with rum and sail into the Caribbean sunset! This was just like being in Jamaica and it’s crazy good! With outstanding COVID recognition,...

Such a friendly restaurant, with just the best food around. It felt totally safe, so clean and good covid precautions in place. I’m sorry - no photos as we couldn’t wait to eat. Saltfish fritters, ribs, beef curry and condado duck. All delicious. A restaurant...

It was ok, but too expensive for the food and service. Won't be going back

We started having delivery service back during lockdown. Although the restaurant is now open, we have yet to dine in, due to current circumstances but we cannot wait to spend an evening there. COVID Rules are of paramount importance to this family run business. This...

Finally visited this place last night thought I'd treat the Mrs to a decent meal out. Food was fresh, piping hot loadsa flavour! Few cheeky cocktails and even a rum or too.worth the ££ quality is top draw also worth it to keep the Mrs...

Was so excited to go to this restaurant and all I can say is I was so disappointed. The prawn starter was very disappointing as was the 3 chicken wings!!! The goat curry although tasted nice did not taste like Goat at all !!! More...

Returning visit to what I can only describe as an amazing gem of a restaurant as ways the service, food, atmosphere and dining experience was 10/10. I would also like to praise the owners on the measures they put in place for covid19. I have...

In two minds when writing this review. Let me start by saying the food was top drawer and easily a 5 star review. I’ve taken a star off for one main reason - the price. I stopped by to order a takeaway, being a single...

Amazing takeaway from Calypso tonight for Father's Day. We collected Saturday evening at the time advised, and saved it as a treat for the next day. Definitely worth the drive to collect. We've been in to eat several times in the past and always found...

Not long lived in Leigh but saw Calypso when driving and we said we would have to try it. Then ‘Lockdown’ After deciding a virtual family meal for our daughter’s 30th Birthday, we thought we’d give Calypso a try. Diane very patiently took a order...

Fantastic food, drink and service. Only negative was the price. Was charged a fair amount more for the set menu compared to the main one with a lot less choice. Would definitely go again in a smaller group though

The Goat Curry....YOU HAVE TO TRY!!! Outstanding. The man can seriously cook! It was on the steep side price wise even with the 10% discount offered at he counter by the 2 lovely ladies behind the bar. So a single dish of Goat Curry was...

Delicious food, excellent service, great atmosphere. Will be coming back. Salt fish fritters, goat curry, tasted like the Caribbean had been brought to the table.

Great authentic Caribbean food. Fantastic atmosphere, great service. Love this place, will be going back.

Went to calypso restaurant Saturday evening four adults and a toddler... we have all experienced Caribbean food many times before so we was interested to find out what this local restaurant was all about ... well what can I say the food was AMAZING !! and the staff was on the ball and very friendly , we had great service .... Please try you really won’t be disappointed!

Tasted just like Momma's cooking! Great food, great environment, lovely staff. Looking forward to returning.

I absolutely love the food here! I recommend the ribs to start! Superb! If you like Carribean food then you will not be disappointed! The owners are lovely as well the staff! 5 stars for sure!

Book in advance only I believe? and only open evenings. You will have a great evening out with good food, and find yourself all swaying in your seat as you are literally feeling the Caribbean love👌🏻 Cocktails in tumbler glasses though?

A nice little restaurant, really enjoyed the food. There was enough choice to keep everyone in our party happy and the main courses in particular were extremely flavoursome. The background music had a Caribbean bent as would be expected, and on a wet and cold...

Tasty food. Friendly staff. I was very impressed when the owner phoned me to confirm my booking. She also remembered my name when I mentioned the call during our meal.

Clean and bright restaurant, friendly knowledgeable staff and absolutely amazing food. 5 out of 5 for the pork belly!!!! Will definitely be back. The menu has lots of choice and the chefs visit to our table made for a wonderful evening.

I had BBQ ribs which were delicious. Best I've had for as long as I can remember. I had prawns as a starter. They were very good. Better than most but not the best ever unlike the ribs.

Excellent food. I thoroughly enjoyed my rice n peas with curry goat. Yum yum Absolutely love the rum punch. Lush

Thought will give it a try but won't be going back, the jerk chicken and pork had the same sauce(witch tasted like the one u buy in a jar and they probably steamed it and added some extra spices). The coleslaw came in a 2oz cup, basically 1 spoon for £3????? Everything on the menu it's overpriced, don't mind paying a bit more if it's worth it, but that's not the case here.

Rarely have I been so moved by a neal. Having spent 5 years in Jamaica in the '90s, I think I am entitled to think of myself as an expert on Caribbean- or at least Jamaican- cuisine. The curried goat I ate tonight at Calypso was the genuine thing, the original flavour! It brought me tears in my eyes thinking back of good times! Thank you Diane and Rupert for bringing back beautiful memories! The best Curry Goat I had in decades!

Really enjoyed my meal here the food was really nice and the staff very happy and accomodating.

Highly recommend for functions. We had a birthday here. The food was delicious. Nice and clean bathrooms. Lovely atmosphere. Chips and goujons included for kids. The highlight was the crunchy fried plantain.

Having noticed this restaurant on many occasions when passing we decided to give it a try. We were not disappointed !

Service, food, atmosphere all 10/10 the food is fresh and piping hot. Excellent attention to detail from the moment you walk in. Those who want true Caribbean food (not the food you get in hotels when visiting) then here you will find it! Cooked by the lovely chef who comes out to say good evening (another wondeful touch) you will not be left disappointed.

All the staff are so friendly and the service was quick. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere where you did not feel rushed and is super clean with great decor. Will defo be returning!. Thank you again for a great night and a big thank you to the chef for cooking amazing food!.

Food was great service was OK. Excellent atmosphere. What more is there to say the food was great. Yet again.

Went to this fabulous restaurant yesterday (Saturday 10th August) with a friend for a birthday treat and (as in previous visits) it did not disappoint.

We visited the restaurant early evening and received a warm welcome. Excellent drink selection, chose a white wine that was delicious and perfectly chilled. Food was fabulous beautifully presented and so tasty. We had akee and salt fish starter and lamb filled patties, both delicious. For main course we had curried goat and chicken roti which were both very very tasty. Unfortunately too full for dessert.

The standard of food here is excellent and the restaurant well worth a visit. We went for our anniversary last week and had a great time. All dishes were very good and the staff were really nice too. A good touch at the end with the chef coming out to talk to the diners. Well recommended and we will be back.

We wanted something a little dinner and found this local Caribbean restaurant. The food was amazing, I had the red snapper and it was divine. Amazing size for side portions too. My husband had the special pasta. Not a single bit left over for our angels!

Great food and great atmosphere!!

I am of Jamaican heritage so i have a bit more to go on then others, food was nice and cooked well although it doesn't really compare to authentic west indian cuisine, i would probably eat there again. Friendly staff and nice relaxed setting.

Amaxing food, the chef owner is a really guy, can't recommend the run cake enough. Thank you

First visit to Calypso in Leigh today as we wanted to try something new in the area. The decor inside is warm and reminds me of a tiki bar.. looks more appealing inside than out.

Best Caribbean cuisine invthe county. Rasta pasta heavenly entire meal absolutly example of fine dining. Well worth a visit 🍾🍸👍🏻

This was my first visit and for sure not the last! A last minute booking for 8 of my family to celebrate a major birthday.

Great place and cuisine if you fancy a change to the norm. The only Caribbean restaurant I am aware of in Leigh-on-Sea.

Well like everyone else our first experience of this little delight was very favourable. It seems that someone loves cooking as the attention to detail, the presentation and of course the taste were all without a doubt some of the best food we have had. I expected a too hot jerk chicken or pork and instead was delighted with fine cuisine, full of flavour not just heat. We will be back!

This was our second visit to Calypso. We loved it so much the first time couldn't wait to return. The food is amazing, so much flavour and beautifully presented. We both had starters, can recommend the cake and salt fish starter, my hubbie had the pork belly which was so tender with a lovely crispy crackling on the top. I had the coconut chicken and rice and beans which was delicious! Desserts did not disappoint. Rum cake is a must and the mango cheesecake. Comfortable surroundings, great music and friendly staff.

Spent a lively evening at Calypso, great service and fantastic food. A really nice touch for the chef to come out an see customers. I will definitely be spending more evenings here. Thanks to all staff and owners.

We had a very enjoyable meal at The Calypso last night. The food and service was excellent and there was a lovely atmosphere. We will definitely be returning and would thoroughly recommend.

Nice warm ambiance and decor. Friendly greeting. Started with King Prawns in garlic, which was very good. Mains were Jerk Chicken, (1/2 Chicken) Rice ‘n’ peas, coleslaw and salad. Nice authentic taste. Rum infused sponge and ice-cream, coffees finished off a pleasant evening. Selection of wines.

The food was so delightful to taste. As someone who has eaten Caribbean food my whole life the quality of the flavours and the variety of menu options, particularly vegetarian and vegan, were really impressive. The vegan roti main dish that I had was absolutely delicious and exceeded the quality of what I have found in other larger Caribbean restaurants elsewhere. This restaurant really does Essex proud and I would recommend a visit for sitting in or takeaway if in the Southend/Leigh-on-Sea area.

nice calm atmosphere relaxing calypso music not busy place nice decoration -transport you to the caribbean but i am afraid i did not enjoy the food much. and a bit overpriced

We come often here, the food it lovely and the owners very friendly. Love the jerk dishes and the mango cheesecake especially! Recommend this to anyone !

Outstanding vegan roti. So tasty and satisfying. Great customer service too!

OK, so initially I was reluctant to eat here because having seen the menu cocunut was mentioned on many dishes and I hate coconut with a vengance. Her in doors nagged me so I phoned and was assured there were lots of other dishes without, the result.... a fabulous meal, try the Pork belly or ribs, great service, met the chef who was a real gent. We had 3 lovely courses each, 2 x beers, bottle of wine, large espresso and Irish coffee for £103.00 which is amazing value compared to other restaurants in Leigh. Great service without being pushy and will without doubt be back again!!