Il Pescatore in Southend-on-Sea

Delicious food!! A true taste of Sicily in Southend.

What a lovely place, warm staff, Italian music (what I like to hear at a traditional Italian restaurant) and amazing food. Really delicious! And a great atmosphere too. Loved it.

As an Italian and a colleague. Don't hesitate, everything is delicious, excellent atmosphere. Thank you

They know how to look after you for sure! Great meal! delicious flavours! Highly recommended!😋😋

Friendly staff, excellent food & great atmosphere. Will be back.

Been meaning to go here for years finally went there with a friend last night , we was greeted by the owner himself and shown to our table, waiters were polite, friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu, food was unreal didn’t even get a picture as couldn’t wait to tuck in , nice chilled atmosphere with music in the background, the owner come sat with us for around 10 mins speaking about his heritage and hometown of Sicily very interesting, the only regret I have is not going here sooner! Will be taking my partner and other relatives here asap.

other diners too noisy, so inconsiderate

Great service, lovely food, very nice ambience. A fabulous evening. Thank you. We will definitely return.

Absolutely lovely place! Nicest pizza we have ever had!

Amazing food and amazing service, food is 10/10 best in Southend!! We will deffo be back!!

Excellent food and service! And we will be back :)

As someone with an Italian wife, I know what authentic Italian food should taste like—and Il Pescatore is the real deal! While there are several so-called Italian restaurants in and around Southend, Il Pescatore is the one and only place to go for amazing Italian cuisine. Vincenzo is always welcoming and friendly, and my wife, our two kids, and I absolutely love this place. They truly deserve 5 stars!

The quality of the food and service were excellent

Stunning Italian restaurant with lovely decor, the staff were friendly and accommodating, delicious food, 10/10, the house wine was perfection too. Thank you for an outstanding dining experience. Would definitely reccomend.

The staff were very good couldn't do enough for us,as for the food... well if I said it was excellent that would be an understatement!! Price was great service was great and the friendlies restaurant we have ever been to..😁

Great family restaurant, food quality and service is faultless

Haven't been here for 20 years since I lived in Southend and this family run business is exactly as great as I remember it! Great Italian charm and warm service with some great drinks and wine list. Steak was super tasty!

This restaurant is authentic, the food is great and service has never let us down. We continue to go back which says it all.

We arrived quite early as we were going to a show afterwards but the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. We were shown to our table and treated like royalty the whole time. The surroundings were really authentic, really felt like we were in an Italian trattoria. There was so much to choose from on the menu and specials board that our selection took a while. The prices were a little high but we were not disappointed with the portion size when it all arrived at the table. My wife’s steak was slightly under how she would normally have liked it but it was well seasoned and so tender that none of it was wasted. All in all it was a perfect choice for our wedding anniversary meal, we will be returning so would highly recommend a visit. Thank you for a lovely experience.

Had another lovely meal here today. Last came here 11 months ago, when we first found this restaurant. Being back in the area again today we headed straight to IIl Pescatore and we are pleased to say our opinion is still the same.

Pop In on Monday afternoon for a quick lunch with a friend of mine.. Share a nice bottle of Nero d avola Both of us we had pizza And was really really nice Service very attentive

We went for dinner for our anniversary and had a lovely time. We visited on a Monday evening and it wasn't bustling but also not empty either - just a nice amount of background noise without feeling rushed. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the service was prompt without feeling hurried. The food was amazing. We had the tuna steak and spaghetti marinara, both were really filling and tasty - but we managed to sneak in a dessert too 😋 It's medium-priced I'd say, and well worth it in terms of portion sizes, food quality, and service.

Nice food, good service, staff were really helpful. It was the football final so no one in the restaurant so no atmosphere. I did think it was a little bit expensive.

A gem hidden in plain sight! The cosy atmosphere and gentle buzz as the lunctime service grew. Clearly there were many regular customers making for a friendly atmosphere. We ordered Cozze marinara and and a prawn and avocado salad. Both genreous and excellent. Our pasta mains were cooked to perfection (again, generous proportions. Staff were atentive and we did not feel rushed. Very good house rose Pino Grigio. Heartally recommend this well-established and authentic restaurant.

A gem hidden in plain sight! The cosy atmosphere and gentle buzz as the lunctime service grew. Clearly there were many regular customers making for a friendly atmosphere. We ordered Cozze marinara and and a prawn and avocado salad. Both genreous and excellent. Our pasta mains were cooked to perfection (again, generous proportions. Staff were atentive and we did not feel rushed. Very good house rose Pino Grigio. Heartally recommend this well-established and authentic restaurant.

It is rare these days to experience a truly Italian restaurant that offers the real deal this is often because the chefs are not from Italy . This place offers a truly Italian experience both in food and wine . The service is also relaxed and attentive and you feel you are dining in one of the local restaurants in Rome . Would definitely recommend this place

Went for a meal last night and I would not return. Started with scallops and king prawns priced at 14.95 very chewy. Followed by carbonara so much cream it was very stodgy, chopped up slices of bacon rather than lardons. It was the worst carbonara I've ever had. Very disappointed with the whole meal. My partner had garlic pizza bread with cheese to start which was nice Followed by breaded chicken and spag bol which we thought was a weird combo but gave it a try, very bland. Neither of us finished our meals which we normally do anywhere else. Personally wouldn't recommend.

I'm Italian and I live in London, when summer comes we from southern Italy want to escape near the sea, we went to southend on sea and found an Italian restaurant the owner Daniel was Sicilian, he made us feel at home with the food and wine of the house... if one day we return here to this little village an hour away from London we will come back to visit you Daniel. 5 stars 🌟

It was slow night not many tables, we reached around 9pm. Host was really professional though she forgot to ask for water, we ordered mussels with a flat bread which really wow but pasta as a mains we had our expectations high it was sadly very bland , pizza was ok not any wow factor though server had no information about the menu , informing her my wife is pregnant she offered us tiramisu which contained alcohol. Sorry , but cant visit again.

Great Italian cuisine served by friendly efficient staff members who were obviously proud of their restuarant. Good value for money. The only disappointment was the quality of wine by the glass, white wine replaced by rose were undrinkable. Recommend only order known wines by the bottle. Would definitely revisit.

Very limited choice of wine by the glass. Food was average. Staff were friendly and welcoming.

Visited this restaurant for the first time tonight despite having lived in Southend for four years. Everything - food, service and atmosphere - was perfect. Huge thank you to Leona who served us and also to the rest of the staff. We will be back soon.

We went to this restaurant because it was near where we were going that evening, The service was friendly and efficient and the food was delicious. We will definitely come again when we have more time.

A beautiful small restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and great service, serving incredible food at great portions. From light and refreshing platters to perfectly cooked cutlets in beautiful wine sauce. A pleasant surprise was the price of cocktails, being about £7.50 for things I expected to pay double for. Amazing place, will absolutely go again.

Me and my friend went for dinner last Monday,the waiter was so far not interested to do his job,or he might not know how to do it,He just damp my cuttleries on the table when there was a table napkin for this purpose.We both had prawns as a main and garlic bread which was amazing, and cannolo so called siciliano(but only the shape would remind you of that) which was soggy an tasteless,and trust me I know what I'm saying about cannolo being sicilian.Later my husband join us and he ordered spaghetti carbonara which was made with bacon,no black pepper....and again his cuttleries was damped on the table without even being wiped after we had dinner and was some sauces .When we asked for the bill they told me they can't give me a printed bill,just an old fashioned hand written bill😳 on 2024.I gave the 3 stars o ly for the amazing prawns and garlic bread taste,nothing else.

We had a lovely meal today with our friends . Food was excellent and staff really friendly . Lovely menu to choose from .. could not fault our experience . Will definitely be back to sample more of the menu .

My wife and I have been frequenting Il Pescatore for a few years now and it is one of our favourite restaurants in the area. Definitely up there as being one of the best Italian restaurants too! The service is always good, the food is fabulous (good quality and portions) and the choice of wines is superb!

Outstanding Italian. Highly recommended

Lovely food , nice staff , great atmosphere , just expensive compared to other Italians locally

You can see their attitude to customers from their replies to negative reviews.

I came here last night with my partner for the first time and I have too say it definitely wont be the last !! The food, the service, the atmosphere, everything was perfect !! Was also very budget friendly :) Would highly recommended !!

Honestly me and my partner was blown away best food and service we have ever had on a date night the food was unbelievable and our waitress Liona was the best we have ever had ensure all our needs and wants where met and more , amazing atmosphere and above all amazing service. Would definitely recommend to someone look for a nice restaurant.

Had an amazing time at Il Pescatore, staff are very welcoming and friendly and food is incredible

I Recently visited this restaurant for an evening meal with my family and little girl who’s 4 years old, from my experience the waitress was great making sure not only we was happy with our food but also that we had enough drinks while enjoying our meal, I opted for the fillet steak and coming from someone who is particular with he’s food I haven’t ever taste or seen a fillet steak so big in all my life! The food was cooked fresh and on our table within 20 minutes(the hottest garlic bread I’ve ever had) while the atmosphere was extremely busy we genuinely couldn’t fault our meal or the staff here and have booked again for the following weekend! The kids meal selection really does make this restaurant cater for everyone!

All good even though expensive Great choice Friendly staff Good for a treat

Lovely hot, delicious food and good service.

Brilliant staff, great food, good atmosphere 👌🏼 good vegan options too

Delicious and tasty , fresh and great value Friendly staff … Compliments to the Chef and Staff A little gem in Southend, nice Cocktails

Very happy. Great location i.e close to both Southend stations. Food excellent. Authentic too. Service relaxing. Looking forward to going back. Richard Beams

Title: A Taste of Italy at Il Pescatore: An Authentic Culinary Journey Il Pescatore transports diners to the heart of Italy with its authentic cuisine and charming ambiance. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared Italian dishes and the warm welcome of the staff. The menu at Il Pescatore is a celebration of Italian flavors, offering a diverse selection of traditional dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for classic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or linguine alle vongole, or craving something from the sea such as grilled branzino or seafood risotto, there's something to satisfy every palate. One of the standout features of Il Pescatore is the attention to detail in every dish. Each plate is meticulously crafted with care, ensuring that every bite is a culinary delight. The flavors are authentic and reminiscent of homemade Italian cooking, transporting diners to the bustling streets of Rome or the picturesque coast of Amalfi. The ambiance at Il Pescatore is equally inviting, with its cozy interior and rustic decor. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner for two or gathering with friends and family, the atmosphere is perfect for any occasion. The attentive staff adds to the overall experience, providing friendly and knowledgeable service throughout the meal. In addition to its exceptional food and atmosphere, Il Pescatore also offers an extensive wine list featuring a selection of Italian wines to complement your meal perfectly. From bold reds to crisp whites, there's a wine to suit every taste and preference. Overall, dining at Il Pescatore is a true culinary experience that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. With its authentic flavors, inviting ambiance, and impeccable service, it's no wonder why this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned Italian food enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavors, Il Pescatore is a must-visit destination for anyone craving a taste of Italy.

Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. But a little concerning that booked online via Fork and restaurant had no booking?! But thank you to the staff for still finding us a table.

This restaurant never fails to deliver on excellent food, service & ambience

Can't fault the restaurant. It is a bit crowded with not much room but that is a small thing. The food and service were brilliant and we had a lovely meal for mothers day. The grandson was well catered for and there is something to suit everyone. They even came outside to find us after I forgot my bottle of wine on the table. Lovely people.

Came here as a solo dinner (billy no mates) on a Wednesday night as I was in Southend for work. Nice selection of dishes on the menu, food was tasty, wine list looked good, plenty of customers and service was decent. Prices for mains don't include sides, so bear that in mind. However the waiter did organise a small side salad for me when I asked, which wasn't on the menu. I had the seafood pasta, which had a good selection of shellfish. I wasn't impressed with the house white.

We found this little Italian restaurant online reviews are excellent. Great decor like stepping back in time. My friend had the pizza and I decided on veal with the marsala sauce, not cheap £18.99 without vegatable, with veg £5 not a problem. If I knew the veal portion was going to be to 2 slither of meat and a few veg I would of gone for something else. Nothing wrong with it just Nothing there. ..I left feeling hungry and said to my dinning partner I need to find some place to eat because I was still hungry. I not a big person, I have a small appetite....but not that small

Great food & service. Would definitely recommend.

Food was all delicious, and very good value from the valentine's set menu options (included coffee and dessert!) Staff were very warm and attentive. Used to be dimmer lighting which was more cosy but I can see why they thought to change it. Man at the table next to us was problematic but that's not the fault of the restaurant and he didn't do enough to be thrown out. This place has kept up its great reputation for high quality food and service even in difficult times!

Worst experience ever! Service was ok but we got food poisoning even though they was pretending that the food was fresh ! Do not go there please!

Great food, excellent service, reasonable prices, a very good evening out.

The delivery guy bring the pizza cold, all the toppings were in a corner of the box as the pizza was upside down during the delivery. We pay 30£ for nothing as the restaurant refused to refund the amount and advise us to complain to Just eat, as they don't hold the responsibility of delivery. Very disappointed as this was one of our favourite restaurants. Not ordering again.

Delicious food. A really nice restaurant

Live locally but had never been here before. Food was fantastic, garlic bread with tomato was amazing. Will definitely return!

Food was great as usual but delivery rider was extremely rude and one of the items off the order was missing, driver couldn’t care less. I called the restaurant who said that all the items had gone out for delivery. So going to request a refund for the item that didn’t arrive.

Great place, great food and a great service. Second time eating here and as before a very enjoyable experience. Don't normally leave reviews but the owner Dan was so polite and welcoming I had to. A real Italian experience with amazing food. I'll be back soon. Thank you

Took three of my sons for dinner here and absolutely everything from the food to the hospitality and atmosphere was incredible. The T bone steak and sauté potatoes was done to perfection! The boys all being fussy choose pasta dishes and pizza and cheesy garlic bread and when speaking with the staff and requesting what they wanted with items removed and added (fussy kids) it was not an issue and when came and in good time too.. was all spot on, no having to ask for anything to be amended or changed at all. Absolutely lovely all round that's all I can say

Delicious food and the place is authentic.Great staff and service!

Ive been to Il Pescatore multiple times now, and every time i have been i have had a great experience. The Atmosphere makes you feel like its the heart of italy in the middle of Southend. 5 Stars to the Staff and the Chef which never disappoints.

You have did it again Absolutely amazing We have been a few times Best experience in Italian food Xmas dinner was excellent 👌 Top notch ………

Had a lovely family lunch today (23rd Dec) and couldn't fault it. Would highly recommend! The business is family run - very friendly staff, great service - quick and efficient and the food was delicious, authentic italian. Loved it!

Hidden gem in Southend!!!! Could not fault this restaurant!!! The staff were very attentive, The food is freshly prepared and delightful. A traditional Italian.

Lovely food and lovely staff, so friendly and welcoming. Will definitely go again.

Lovely Italian in the heart of Southend, great food, wine and service.

Would not get the carbonara. The microwave ones probably have more taste. However the seafood was nice

Dover sole on special, drool….👍

The food was absolutely amazing and the service second to non, would highly recommend We will definitely be back

Great food, really great quality and a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

I met a friend for lunch and enjoyed the very best Spaghetti Marinara I have ever tasted. Excellent food and attentive, polite staff. Happy to recommend.

Lovely food as always, great staff and such a friendly atmosphere. Looking forward to my Christmas booking

I’ve been to this restaurant 3 times and the service is absolutely amazing, food is delicious and atmosphere is great! Last time I had pizza and it was fantastic 🤤 I truly recommend it to everyone who is looking for an authentic Italian restaurant!❤️

Absolutely delighted to share my experience at this remarkable Italian restaurant. Over the past decade, it has consistently been my go-to for authentic and mouthwatering Italian cuisine. The commitment to tradition is evident in every dish, showcasing a mastery of culinary expertise. The fresh fish, a personal favorite, never fails to impress with its quality and flavor. Impeccable service and a warm ambiance add to the overall exceptional dining experience. Here's to another decade of savoring the exquisite tastes crafted by the talented team at this culinary gem.

Personal favourite! Above and beyond with service, such a beautiful environment. The food is amazing and always so fresh. Every experience i have had had been perfect with the other half. 10/10

A true old school Italian restaurant with food that can awaken all of your taste buds and quickly teleport you to a small Italian village where everything is fresh and life is simple. You really don’t want to leave that place. 10/10 food, 10/10 service and the owner/host is a real gentleman that will make everyone feel welcome. He has preserved this place to the highest standard for many years and it is definitely worth visiting again and again!

The staff does not know the menu or the drinks that it has in the restaurant. The food was good but not wow, the pizza I ordered, the top (dough) was not well made and it was very thin and hard.

Really super local Italian with good quality food and an extensive menu.

pizza was ok italian meat was just basic the garlic veg pasta was bad not worth the money at all i only give bad reveiws if its a total rip off or if the food is bad 2 for 2 i also give really good reveiws if the food is good but this is just my oppinion which i have a right to share i gave one star because it was the worst pasta dish iv ever tasted 😂

Ordered what I thought was complete dish with veg and the like, but when it turned up was just the meat, checked menu and there was no mention of side order's so naturally assumed it was a complete dish. And it took them nearly 2 hours to deliver it to me all of 3 miles away. Now having to do some more food which I didn't want to do as been travelling all day. Very poor.

OMG, this restaurant is an amazing place, and the food was great, especially the seafood. Very good portion size. Would definitely go back again.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Il Pescatore in Southend-on-Sea. It was a wonderful experience. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious. The overall atmosphere was great. If you pay them a visit, don't miss the seafood pasta—it's a real treat. I'll be back for sure!

Come here with my sister over the weekend and I had a lovely spaghetti bolognaise and a fillet steak all cooked to perfection and I will most definitely be coming back. Customer service was also excellent.

I have been visiting this restaurant for many years and known Dan since he worked there with his father. absolutely love this place, the food, staff and setting are wonderful, will always recommend. I have always taken my children from a young age, they are all grown up now and they still use it today and always recommend to their friends.

If I could give more stars I would!! the food is so comforting and made with love it makes it taste 10/10. Customer Service was also really good I definitely recommend 💓

Delicious Italian food, great service in a cozy place. The atmosphere is quintessentially Italian, definitely my favourite Italian restaurant in Essex.

Great experience!!! So happy my wife and I chose to spend our anniversary dinner here. I was greeted with friendly staff and was amazed by the authenticity of the food! Will definitely be coming back again.

Drinks from the can are flat as a pancake, and the children's meatballs come out cooked with chilli in, so if your child doesn't like spice, it's a complete waste of money. When sent the drink back for being flat, we were told that'll be the same if we order another can of coke, baring in mind you're paying £3 for a can. Not any that I've had at home come out as flat as that. Pollo Milanese was quite dry and over fried.

Delicious food, aubergine parmigiana and chicken Milan with spaghetti. Thank you Il Pescatore.

very delicious food. Friendly and helpful staff.

Absolutely lovey staff waitress nice food fantastic would go bk expensive but maybe worth it not great deserts that's only thing

I ordered two meals, have eaten the first one, Tagliatelle Pescatore, which was delicious. I expect the Aubergines Parmigiana will also be deliciouis. Il Pescatore is the only restaurant that makes Aubergines Parmigiana which I love. Thank you, Il Pescatore.

Service was good and friendly, atmosphere was nice and relaxed during the off-peak season when I went. However, the food was awful, the food barely looked like the photos on Google. The fish was dry and overcooked, the scallops were so inedible I had to spit it out. It’s unfortunate because it’s nice place but the food didn’t measure up.

Lack of professionalism and taste in food. On the menu was written coca cola and receiving flat, deluted with water and ice Pepsi, even wasn't mentioned by waiters. At the end it has been rectified after complaining we wasn't charged. Food quality sadly only mediocre. Won't be coming again.