La Pizzeria in Southend-on-Sea

Can’t fault this restaurant - always a warm welcome from Ricardo, brilliant food in an authentic setting at reasonable prices. Definitely need to visit again soon.

Wow it's a diamond of a restaurant the chef is fantastic friendly and professional we had a barolo wine 🍷 on his recommendation the steak wow see you soon chef Ricardo oo by the way I love his cooking channel You can check out his channel on the restaurant website ☺️

First time here, for dinner ahead of a show at The Palace Theatre. Cosy, authentic, attentive service, fairly priced and excellent food! We’ll be back for sure - would highly recommend!

FOOD WAS FANTASTIC! Really friendly staff. I had a ribye steak and it was one of the best I've had, also tasting my friends dish I can quite happily said some of the the best Italian food I've had since going to Italy... Real home feel.

Our first visit and definitely won’t be our last! Greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. Our food was very tasty; garlic bread, stuffed peppers, steak, Mar E Monte, lemon cheesecake. Absolutely fantastic! Service was impeccable. Cannot praise this restaurant enough.

I had a delightful late-night meal at Riccardo's Cucina Rustica! The pizzas were mouthwatering, boasting a perfect crust that was crispy and tender. The toppings were fantastic, and each bite was an explosion of flavor. I couldn't get enough of the deliciousness!

Can't recommend this place enough - stumbled upon it about five years ago with a friend that was looking for somewhere that catered for those with Celiac disease....was fantastic for her and we've been back several times each year - always fabulous food, and a lovely warm welcome.

Ricardo's Kitchen Cucina Rustica in Westcliff-on-Sea is a standout Italian restaurant, renowned for its authentic Sicilian and Southern-Italian dishes. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the food is exceptional. Highly recommended.

We always receive a warm and friendly sicilian welcome at Ricardo's and love eating here. The food is always delicious with great specials available every time. Very much recommended 👌

From the moment you enter Ricardo’s you are overwhelmed with a sense of the true meaning of the word rustic: the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen; the warm greeting when you enter; the range of ages gathered around tables all hint at a trip to your cousin’s house in the country. There is an authenticity to a trip to Ricardo’s-you can’t fake what they have. I dined there recently with five friends on a Wednesday night before Christmas. We were greeted like old friends but then, that’s the way everyone is greeted at Ricardo’s. Although the restaurant was busy that night with families celebrating with relatives and a scattering of couples enjoying some pre-christmas quiet, we were quickly welcomed with drinks, smiles and menus. I went for Calamari which tempted my tastebuds before Tagliatelle Arabiatta continued my Sicilian journey. A simple meal but that’s what Ricardo does well: simple, honest food, cooked with care and well sourced ingredients and a nod to his homeland in most every dish. I don’t want to tell you about the dessert because I promised myself I wouldn’t have one but it was Sicilian and delightful just like our whole evening at Ricardo’s-we’ll be back.

Had the most enjoyable evening. Great food and atmosphere. Enjoyed the carbonara and wine very much.

What an amazing spread of food. It was so relaxing and the food is mouth watering. So delicious , we left more than satisfied!! I would recommend this place for anyone. Staff are so friendly and you enjoy their company as well Thanks

This restaurant that me and my wife went to was the best experience for us. Excellent service and food, Will definitely come again.

We were here for my husband's birthday during a weekend away from home and were very disappointed. Despite saying that they use fresh ingredients, they do not. I had a caprese where there was no fresh basil, only dried parsley. The olive oil wasn't great either. My husband had a Funghi alla pizzeria which was nothing as described... instead of stuffed mushrooms, he got a mix of vegetables in the oven. Very disappointing. My main was the Pasta al 4 formaggi but it didn't taste of cheese at all and, again, there was dried parsley all over it. My husband the the Pizza 4 formaggi and it was very average. After dinner I had an Irish coffee and my husband had a coffee with baileys. They were not good, both came with solid bits of cream. Staff we friendly but the service was slow, perhaps because there was only one person serving. What was supposed to be a special celebration ended up being a big disappointment instead. We wouldn't go back.

Lovely meal , food and service was really great. Feels authentic , you forget you are in Westcliff, We had garlic bread and 2 pasta dishes and everything was delicious

I am very angry that I write a really detailed review on my visit to this restaurant and it never got out on. The visit was amazing Ricardo made us feel very welcome and it felt almost like a personal tasting session with him waiting...

My wife and I had dinner here and we were very impressed. Lovely authentic food and great service. Can’t wait to come back!

Fabulous experience , our evening was spent in Ricardo’s hands our hake from specials board was a solidly delicious, coupled with a lovely Sicilian wine . Great hosts , Already looking to put next visit . Don’t pass this by best Italian in town !

This restaurant has became a firm favourite for my partner and I. The restaurant itself is cosy in size, it always lively and the ambience is perfect! The food here is amazing, I would describe it as rustic Italian cuisine (though I’m far from a...

Ricardos is wonderful! The food is delicious and authentic, it's a family run resteraunt so the staff are so friendly and welcoming. The ambiance is lovely for couples and families too. My partner and I go at least once a week, the garlic bread with...

A favourite. My dad is from Napoli and when he says the food is amazing, believe him ;) Had a lovely meal, had the Tagliatelle con Salmone, with a glass of Vino Rosso. Lovely desserts and coffee too.

Walked past many times and finally visited and wished we'd gone sooner. Really tasty food in a friendly and relaxed small restaurant. Good food,good wine and good hosts. Going back with more friends and family very soon.

Amazing food and service! The bolognaise and garlic bread are extra delicious! Can’t wait to return, defo recommend :)

No 1 rated restaurant in the area, and rightly so. We are regular visitors and often choose a taxi round trip here over a walk to some of the more local restaurants in leigh on sea. Why ? Simply because everything about is better. There’s...

Fancied an Italian after the planned place didn’t have a chef in as was Ill!! Only 1 chef and I’ll on a Friday with all the good reviews!!! Ricardo the boss was cooking and wow so glad we come!! Real Italian food which we don’t...

Our first visit to La Pizzeria but it won't be our last, for sure. A bizarre situation where my step children had driven over from Germany to surprise their mum. They had even booked themselves into a Southend Hotel so while they spent the afternoon...

An amazing little restaurant (it only has 30 seats inside) and fully booked by 7pm. The food is stunning and of such high quality. You can see the chef cooking from your seat. He comes out to greet the customers, superb. He shows you some...

The place is perfect for a meal out with family, friends or even with workmates. And if you want to have a cup of coffee with a someone and have a nice chat, they have a good outdoor seating area as well.

This place is amazing & Chef is very friendly. We had tomato and chilli garlic bread is wonderful and the fillet steak superb all fresh.food is healthy. Thanks to Riccardo

Great restaurant, friendly staff, food was incredible. Super comfortable atmosphere and I had a great time here.

Unfortunately, we can not agree with all the other reviews on this place. Visited recently for the first time in many years to try this highly recommended (on TripAdvisor) Italian restaurant. We were all very underwhelmed with the whole experience. The choice on the menu...

It is our favorite Italian Restaurant, the food is freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. Always excellent food and service Ricardo (the owner) is very pleasant and helpful, the menu is extensive and well-described. Very pleasant atmosphere with soft background music. Would recommend this restaurant...

really good food and great service would highly reccomend one of the best pizzas ive ever had and service with a smile

Fantastico grazie per la disponibilità per la cena di oggi buona giornata anche vuoi stupendo la cena il vino 🍷...

Another fantastic visit to Riccardo's Pizzeria. Wonderful food... Recommend the Chicken Valdostana 😀 Definitely the best and most authentic Italian in Southend.

This place is awesome , great food , atmosphere, owner A real gem give it a try, it’s rated so high for a reason Home made desserts at the end just too good

Just really beautiful food, great starters and the best pizza I have eaten in a long time. The base is perfect just like the very best pizza in Napoli. The toppings and cheese are of the best quality and made with love.

Once again another fantastic family meal with Riccardo and his team. The food is cooked with love and everyone in our party of 26 left very happy and full!

Delicious food in a cosy authentic atmosphere. We had tomato & olive bruschetta, tomato & chilli garlic bread, spaghetti aglio olio, meatballs and tagliatelle mussels with garlic & white wine sauce - will definitely return 😋

Excellent food and friendly staff!! Always a treat to come here and the food is gorgeous every time. Pizzas are to die for!

Ate here last night with the family. All 6 of us had different meals but all fantastic. The pasta was fresh and the sauce delicious. Pizza and garlic bread tasty with the base crisp and authentic. The chef came our several times to help with...

Went to this restaurant with my friends and was super impressed by the service. Food, delivered quickly and went down even quicker, yum yum yum 😋 .

I really enjoy the atmosphere here lovely and welcoming. The food is amazing never had better pizza.

I always come to this Italian restaurant as it’s hands down the best in the southend area. The food is always lovely and the young waitress who works there is always so kind and welcoming as well as all the other staff. I will 100%...

At coffee after starter and main menu, waitress gets pushy and asks to drink your coffee outside because she needs the table. - Just bring lots of money and spend it to keep the waitress happy.

Such a great place to go and eat, friendly and chilled. Menu is great and reasonable. Food was scrumptious and hot, plenty of it and service was fabulous. Went home happy and full.

A wonderful little restaurant in westcliff , the pizzas are the best and the owner always makes you feel welcomed. Would recommend

Went here last night very busy! We were a party of 6 girls food tasty. My only little thing was my fish soup was very watery was expecting more of a bouloubaise texture and maybe some fish as well as seafood but that's just my...

What a lovely little restaurant! It has a really authentic Italian feel about it, very cosy and comfortable atmosphere. And the food is superb, the service is superb, and the icing on the cake is that the prices are very, very reasonable. We will definitely...

Amazing food, husband said best spaghetti Bolognese he has ever eaten, friendly atmosphere, would highly recommend eating here, thank you Ricardo.

This is a small family run restaurant in Westcliff. As soon as you step in, it's like stepping into Italy. Food and wine are both fabulous and there are Scillian specialties as Riccardo the owner/chef is from Palermo. You will get to meet Riccardo and...

Forget chain restaurants and go direct for authentic Sicilian cuisine. Family owned at affordable prices. A slice of Sicily on your doorstep, family friendly, fantastic food and a superb choice of wines to complement the food. I highly recommend this family owned Sicilian restaurant

Outstanding Sicilian food with the best Ragù you have ever tried. A really lovely atmosphere which instantly feels like holiday when you sit down. This is the only restaurant in town I keep going back to again and again!

Riccardo just prepared the most wonderful food for our dear Mum's funeral wake.Excellent value for money and a lovely ambience.He also opened up early for us.The table settings were spot on for our twenty five guests.Thank you for easing our burden of grief at this...

A beautiful restaurant. The food was lovely and the service and attention to detail amazing. We came for my daughters 18th birthday and had a lovely time. As we were a big party we gave our orders in ahead of the party, everything ran smoothly....

We visit here often when in Southend for business. I would definitely recommend that you give it a try , you won't be disappointed

I found la Pizzeria a nice small cosy place and the food was amazing, very popular and well visited place with regular clients and a family place too. Definitely highly recommended

My daughters meal tasted of fish, we can only assume chef didn't wash the pan out from when he used it before. My carbonara was tasteless with too much sauce, served on flat plate which made it look extremely unappetising. Pizza and cheesecake were good....

I celebrate my leaving do with my best colleagues! The place is little, but a brilliant, friendly, attentive and happy atmosphere was special. The Italian décor characteristic of Sicily remind me my origin Country. I arranged in advance a typical ‘Sicialian antipasto’ -Starter. Riccardo arranged...

Wonderful food, the most warm welcome and service that we have experienced in some time. Really worth a visit, menu has a variety of Italian food, Riccardo is a well known Italian chef.

I have been going to La Pizzeria for many years, always great food, great atmosphere, it reminds me of wonderful holidays to Italy. Really enjoyed our night there. Will pop in again around Christmas time.

Great food! Absolutely Brilliant! Serving best authentic Sicilian menu. Chef Ricardo is a great host.

Genuine Italian cuisine serve with delicious food and fresh, My partner enjoy a lot the service and athmosphere.

A delight to the palate and the crust was tasty.as usual. Didn’t notice how many slices I already ate. Must try again and again.

First of all, If its italian food that you are thinking. This is where you would go. Youre not just only getting a proper genuine italian taste but also the feeling of being so welcome and looked after.

Visited for the first time last night with a couple of friends. Very friendly restaurant with a n extensive menu. The bruschetta starter was so fresh and tasty. Couldn't decide from the great choice of pasta sauces so asked for 2 starter portions. They were...

Fantastic restaurant. 28 of us for a birthday lunch and as usual excellent food and service by Riccardo and his team. Everyone had an amazing time and would highly recommend.

There’s a reason this place rates so highly. Fantastic friendly service from a great family. Superb atmosphere and the tastiest food you could imagine. You will not be disappointed

Me and my family come here for an evening meal and it was amazing. The garlic bread for a starter was good and they ask you if you would like it thin or pan base. The main meals are amazing. The staff are all very...

I have been coming to this restaurant for many years now with my family and the staff always make me feel welcome. The staff couldn’t do enough for you and the food is just amazing! Can not recommend this restaurant enough

I haven't been to La Pizzeria in quite a few years but had fond memories of the last time I came for a big family meal. Today was just me and my son and I am so happy to say the place is as I...

This is the best Italian family restaurant in the area. Always delicious food and warm welcome. Very reasonably priced.

Absolutely excellent. The owner, staff are friendly and the food is excellent. The menu is comprehensive Italian at reasonable price's

This is a true hidden gem 👌🏻 We visited for the first time earlier in the year & have been back time and again! Super friendly staff, cosy restaurant serving real authentic Italian food! Absolutely love it here & recommended to anyone x

If you haven't been, try it. I'm slowly going through each dish on the huge Menu. Freshly prepared and authentic, great service and great value.

Just a great night! Superb food prepared and served by authentic Scicilians 👌 in a warm cosy atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Food was lovely, very good portion sizes. Great service from all the staff. Looking forward to our next visit.

Such a hidden gem, food & service is just amazing.. can’t fault it! Always have the best time coming .. 10/10

Can't fault La Pizzeria. We've been there a couple of times..Chef Riccardo and his team always make us feel so welcome... the smell of fresh basil is so homely... you know your getting the best ingredients...my husband loves the paella so much...just yum

Decided to come here with my business partner and I did find this restaurant a truly outstanding little gem the chef Ricardo's a great host and the filetto trapani was good once again amazing We also were cheking out his cooking episode on Ricardo's kitchen

Excellent food so friendly good price amazing cheesecake so love this place well recommend my favourite ever

Great food and great service. I have visited many times and it never disappoints. The atmosphere for such a small place is amazing and has a great value for money. However most important the food is to die for with such a good selection on...

Every time we visit the cliff theatre we have dinner here. And it's always so amazing. Lovely staff and amazing food ❤️

Visited southend for our yearly international Ju Jitsu championships. Found this hidden gem what a lovely ambience and great food at a great price. Highly recommended

I've been a fairly regular visitor to La Pizzeria for at least ten years - usually dining with ex-work colleagues at lunchtimes, enjoying the delicious pizza or pasta dishes that Riccardo, the proprietor of this wonderful restaurant, and his team offer. To celebrate my 60th...

If you are in Southend area and up for italian, this is the perfect place you want to be. The staff are very friendly and amazing as well.

Had any early dinner before going to a concert at the Palace theatre. Really friendly staff, and just fantastic food. Really reasonable. Recommended by friends who live locally and now by us. The place to go.

Really nice small restaurant. Food was exceptional and large portions. Staff were friendly and there was a lovely atmosphere. I would definitely recommend.

Wow I. M Speechless 😶 Ricardo the chef is amazing truly amazing thank you 🙏 the food the wine and everything about this guy makes me want to go again and again

Another beautiful meal from this restaurant.I have been on several occasions and each time the food is amazing I particularly love the pasta dishes. It has a nice traditional atmosphere and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.very good service I would definitely recommend you...

We booked this as were impressed by all the positive reviews on trip advisor. So pleased we did. Absolutely delicious! Every course was exquisite. Really friendly staff & a very rustic charm about the place. Sadly we live a bit too far to make it...

Very good value Italian restaurant. Tasty food coupled with freindly and efficient service. Don't be deterred by the the fairly basic decor. It's about the food right?

Twelve very happy diners with twelve very full bellies after a celebratory amily meal. A good range of generous pizzas piled high with toppings. A subtley-flavoured seafood risotto loaded with mussels, prawns , squid and fresh parsley leaves, some great pasta dishes, and some very...

First time eating in this restaurant although we live locally and have tried takeaways (well recommended). Absolutely delicious food. The calamares were melt in the mouth and also had bruschetta as a starter which was so flavoursome and fresh. Main courses were equally good, lots...

We have family who live nearby and we travel from Kent to meet up regularly and love coming to La Pizzeria. We are always greeted with a smile and this place oozes warmth. The owners and staff cannot do enough for you and the food...

We have come here on many occasions, with friends and my family. Every time I come here the food is lovely and they always accommodate my child's needs to make sure he can enjoy his meal too. If my son had it his way he...

Very welcoming , well presented , absolutely amazing food and service , we will definitely go back, I would recommend to anyone who wanted a lovely calm evening and obviously real Italian food. ENJOY

We visited for my Brother in Law’s birthday, a group of 7. The menu is huge, with everything from pizza & pasta to steak or fish. The food was lovely and all prepared and served by Ricardo the owner and another chap who is really...

Came here tonight with my girlfriend on a last minute decision after seeing reviews. Pleasantly suprised the food was really nice the staff are really friendly and the food was amazing really happy. We had 2 starters and 2 mains all of which were lovely...

My husband & I have been coming here for years as the best Italian in the area! Gorgeous food and drink for a reasonable price!