Maffia in Tendring

Food here is excellent. We had Sunday lunch. The pork came with a lovely piece of crackling. Very good choice of menu. Staff were very chatty and friendly, although the owners came across as the opposite, quite unfriendly and unwelcoming. The downside is the prices, although still reasonable compared to other local restaurants, are quite a bit higher than given on their website. Many people on here say their online prices need to be updated. I will definitely be going back, and will mention the online prices on my return.

We had dinner at Maffia's during a recent stay in Holland on Sea. Our starters of crab and smoked duck were both tasty but not too large to spoil our appetites. For our mains my husband had a beautiful fillet of halibut in a mussel and cream sauce and I had lobster thermidor with hand made chips. I enjoyed my lobster so much that I pinched the spoon used to serve my husband's vegetables so that I didn't miss a drop of the lovely cheesy sauce and the chips were to die for! We happily finished up with desserts of a blackberry infused creme brulee and lemon cheesecake which were also delicious. Based on our dining experience I would recommend this restaurant as offering a good selection of well cooked bistro style dishes.

Lovely staff and fantastic, tasty, well-presented food - If I lived closer I would make this restaurant a regular haunt!

Such a lovely menu we didn't know what to choose! We both had fresh Cromer crab, then slow cooked lamb shoulder served with crispy skin and pork belly with excellent crackling. Just managed to squeeze in desserts too. Very generous portions. Very friendly welcome and service. Limited but reasonably priced wine list. Only open Thursday to Sunday. Thoroughly enjoyable evening and really excellent food. A must visit if you’re in the area.

Just returned from a Sunday lunch, with my wife daughter and son in law. Staff friendly and welcoming, food very good. Nothing at all to complain about, and as a grumpy 87 year old, I am completely happy.

Actually gobsmacked !!! Table was booked for my mums 66th birthday! Our table was for originally booked for 12 people and a high chair ! Was changed to 8 and a night chair , so still quite a big party . We all arrived , sat and had drinks obviously catching up ! Ordered our food with the waitress , who I will say was wonderful. And an asset , she should be working somewhere else ! Now I wouldn’t say we was that loud , but restaurant was full so was quite a loud environment any way , but obviously there was laughing coming from our table ! This clearly rattled the management who was giving dirty side eyes to our table ! Just before our food came out , the owner decided to come and single one person out on our table to tell her to stop screaming ! When questioned who and what screaming , she stood there blank ! Now I am under no illusion that we were the quietest table but as a table of 8 and a baby , all catching up and celebrating I don’t know what was expected ? We certainly didn’t think we booked a table in a library ?? Owner clearly doesn’t like joy or laughter ! Secondly to single one person out and belittle them Is disgusting ! At that moment our party. Walked out ! Even with all this being said , I really don’t think we were that loud ! Avoid if your party like to talk or laugh

Booked this for my 66th birthday with family and grandchildren, even booked the highchair. We ordered food, the place was noisy in general then the owner approached a member of our party who is a veteran with 2 tours of Afghanistan under her belt, to tell her that her laughing was "too loud" and a customer had complained. The owner was rude and totally unjustified and made my Friend feel upset and very uncomfortable, we left and went to another restaurant where we had a great evening no excessive drinking or behaviour. I would not recommend this venue unless you are old, selfish and single minded.

As stated by previous review, yes prices more expensive than shown online But we had 4 different meals , all of which were excellent It’s my new CAT IN THE HAT frinton , that that has now gone You may pay £3/4 per main more , but this is certainly a quality experience

Maffias was recommended to us by a work colleague. Looking at their website was a little disappointing as it hasn't been updated for some years and so we had no real idea of their current menu or prices. We decided to try it out anyway as it was my husband's birthday on Easter Sunday and it's quite close to where we live. We were greeted and seated on arrival by Hannah. Our drinks were prepared while we looked at the menu. There was plenty of choice, both from the menu and from the chalk boards. We both decided to have the prawn and crayfish cocktail with granary bread. The starters were served very quickly and looked lovely, well presented and fresh. They were delicious and the bread was very fresh and full of flavour. My husband had steak with pepper sauce and I had roast pork with cider gravy, Yorkshire pudding and crackling. Both were served with mashed and roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables; cabbage, broccoli and mashed carrot with swede. I also had apple sauce. Everything was cooked beautifully and served lovely and hot. If there was one thing we had to "complain" about, it was that the sauce was served on the steak rather than separately, but that's more of a personal choice than anything wrong. We finished off with Malteser chocolate cheesecake, one with ice-cream and the other without. It was delicious, not too sweet nor too rich, with a flapjack style oaty base which really complemented the topping. We both had plenty to eat and didn't feel rushed at all. Staff did check if everything was okay, shortly after each course was served and then we were left in peace to enjoy our food, but at the same time you could see that they were alert to if and when you needed their assistance. Everyone was very cheerful and polite and the atmosphere was genuinely friendly. We noticed that a fair number of the diners were regulars which only served to confirm that Maffias is definitely worth visiting more than once. I know we definitely will be visiting again. Thank you all at Maffias for helping to make my husband's birthday one to remember for the right reasons.

This restaurant has been part of our lives. My parents, aunts & Uncles have all retired to Clacton and so for the past 20 years whenever I visit my parents we always have lunch at Mafias! My kids are 14 & 11 and we’re both babies the first time they visited, bottles warmed, high chaired supplied, all without a sniff, this place is a constant. Now they have distraction of friends and school, with sports events every day of the weekend, Mafias is they only way to get them down to visit the grandparents!! In all this time we’ve never had a single issue, the roasts are amazing and as for the fish and chips!!! But the real reason for the 2 1/2 hour trip down is the cheesecake, the contents vary but it’s always the best, not for your diet but for your sole!! Here is to many more lunches!

Excellent food, but as mentioned by a previous “reviewer”, their website menu proves need updating. The prices are much higher in the restaurant than as given on their website menus.

Nice restaurant, staff really friendly, can't fault the food. We did look online at menu before arrival there seems to be a bit of confusion on prices.There was a £9 difference on a main course to what we paid.Menu prices should be updated on website. Had a nice evening though.

Wow! we were doing a wildlife talk in the hall next door so decided to treat ourselves as we had another talk in the afternoon!! What a little gem this place was. A very substantial choice of food on the menu and chalk boards. We both went for the fish bake and it was absolutely delicious. Cod, salmon and smoked haddock in a really tasty cheese sauce and properly cooked fresh vegetables as well. I had a decaff latte and junior management had a pint of pale ale. All very reasonable and we have told our best chums as we will return and spend a day in Holland as we are not local.

Brilliant roast dinner ,Brilliant service George and Hanna still a joy .can't think of anywhere better for my Sunday dinner, Love them all

A smallish restaurant in Holland-On-Sea but considering the limited opening hours it offers a tremendously varied menu. We were certainly not disappointed with our choices and thoroughly enjoyed everything on our plates. Granted, we went with relatives who are regulars at Maffias and who the staff knew well but we have no reason to believe the service would have been any less excellent in any other circumstance. Not cheap eats but very good value for money nonetheless. Good choice of beers, too. Recommended.

Wow this restaurant is not to be missed out on, superb menu excellent selection & quality food presented by excellent chef & hard working front of house team. Beautiful surroundings & a hidden vine covered terrace. Having visited a number of times we have had a warm welcome.

Have always had a great time and food at Maffias. Chris and the team are great. Last Saturday night my Dad came over from Ireland and all my sisters from around Europe to celebrate his 90th birthday. He was made feel so Special. The food was wonderful. The staff were brilliant. George is just incredible. She welcomed everyone and was so pleasant and such fun. They’re all looking forward to coming back to Maffias again. Just a brilliant place. 💛🌟💛

The best place in clacton for a Sunday lunch, great food great atmosphere great service. Been for dinner as well, never disappointed. Reasonable priced for quality food

Oh my word… I have just had the best lobster Thermidor ever My husband and friend had lamb which they said was amazing. Will definitely be back. Great staff amazing food. Thank you

We were strangers to the area looking for something to eat for lunch on a Sunday. Stopped on the off chance and made to feel very welcome. Food was fresh and delicious starters were smoked salmon and crab, both tasty and nicely served. For mains we had one skate wing and one roast pork. All served hot and tasted wonderful, served with plenty of salad for the fish and fresh veggies for the roast. Happy to recommend and if we are in the area again will definitely be back. Thank you and all the friendly staff.

Me, my husband and our 5 year old found this restaurant while spending a couple of nights in Holland-on-Sea. We loved it, such a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and staff were great. They welcomed children, and even gave our daughter a balloon. It felt like we were in a restaurant abroad. The service was quick and the food was delicious. We had a really lovely evening and will definitely go back if we visit here again.

Went on Saturday for our wedding anniversary very rushed service had to ask twice for something’s not much room no crab no mussels no pate and over priced won’t be going again

We booked the whole place for our daughters 30th birthday on bank holiday Monday, food was fantastic and the staff brilliant nothing was to much we was all made to feel welcome and looked after thanks Chris and team for a fab day

Went to Maffia's to celebrate a family birthday. Known locally to offer a great Sunday menu but for week-day eating is rather pricey compared with other local eatries. Probably why it was empty when we arrived ..but in fairness we did eat early. I had...

Had the most amazing night here . We booked a table last minute and was welcomed very much ,the staff were lovely and the food was amazing . Irie j was performing here on the night and was an all round lovely evening will be...

Having travelled from London to dine here, it was so worth it. The food was perfect, as was the service. Only downside was they didn’t serve non alcoholic beer as dad was driving. Will definitely return

Wow, just got home from our evening at this restaurant. We arrived just before our arranged time to this restaurant (they were unaware it was a day that was special for us) (45 year anniversary) we had a choice of a table and made so...

Food was okay, however, the staff really let this place down, the lady dealing with our food bill was unbelievably rude, I've never experienced such rudeness in my life, she completely made a mess of our bill which resulted in us paying an extra £40...

Nice airy restaurant and a lovely hidden garden at the rear but its all about the food and the service. Great choice, beautifully presented and service with a smile. Can't wait to go back.

Never had a bad meal at Maffias, the staff are lovely and the food is great. Would recommend the prawns on the starter menu 👌🏻 Always something new to try on the dessert menu aswell. Keep up the good work! TM

This was our first visit and we were not disappointed a very good selection on the menu to choose from, good presentation.very clean and comfortable. We will certainly visit again.

Must be our 4th or 5th visit to Maffias restaurant for a Sunday dinner. Service is always spot on and the Food is absolutely amazing. I have heard people say it is a bit pricey, but there's Toby carvery for £9 or the Roaring Donkey...

First time here with friends. Excellent menu and service. Fantastic food and atmosphere. Thank you for a brilliant evening x

We had booked a table of five on a Bank Holiday Saturday so expected it to be very busy so we sat down shortly after they opened. The service was polite and efficient without being over the top. Main dishes were very nice, particularly the...

Having dined at Nastro Azzurro for 2 nights we decided to give the Maffei a go. Food fantastic but service absolutely diabolical. We attempted to purchase bottles of wine, to little avail. Served with breads but no side plates neither butter nor oil, a real...

Amazing lunch as always. Phoned had an hour before to make sure that had space as know they can get very busy!! Very welcoming staff and Sunday lunch was lovely. One of the best restaurants in the area 👍🏼

We had never eaten in Mafias before so decided to give it a try. There was 8 in our party, we go out for a meal about once a month and like to try different restaurants. We ordered drinks, (they only had one flavour of...

Always have a really good meal here - we come nearly twice a month and love it - the menu doesn't vary too much, but they always have lovely tasty meals on the specials board ! Wine lust is good - fine dining with a...

Been many times, lovely food and ambience. Young waitresses work their backsides off and are so lovely. Only downside is the weird stare of the owner and hearing her speak down to the girls. Also heard arguments from the kitchen when going into the garden...

After a great light lunch the Robin Hood earlier, I had booked this restaurant for dinner, you always need to book as it is very popular, Chris is a great hostess and with her back up crew nothing is left to chance, we had two...

Friendly staff with excellent food. Have been a number of times and recently for a family birthday meal for 8. Great service and atmosphere. Will be back again

It's been awhile since I'd been here and as my boyfriend had never visited before we decided to book for Saturday evening. We arrived and our table wasn't ready, but no problem we had a drink at the bar. We ordered our food, garlic king...

Had a great meal with wine at this charming restaurant. Had a great choice of meals on their menu and the food was absolutely delicious. It was a a good choice of venue for a meal with friends and I would recommend this place to...

First visit here and will definitely return servis was excellent staff so helpfull had roast dinner was first class hot and lots of it the hole visit was perfect highly recommend a visit

Had Sunday lunch at Maffia's and it was absolutely delicious. The staff are very friendly and attentive, the restaurant is clean and cosy but the food is the best thing! We had roast pork and all the trimmings - there was so much that I...

We have only just moved into the area, but have used Maffia's on several occaisons when visiting. Staff were very attentive, especially the little live wire that worked behined the bar! Could have been more choice on the menu, but the food that we had...

We were thrilled by our all round experience at this restaurant. Don't be put off by the dated website. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated and conducive to a great night out for any occasion. Service from arrival was attentive and friendly. The food was...

Do not go there in a large party, hand written bill, one bill per booking regardless of number be it 2 or 50. Our bill was wrong but they would not admit their mistake, we had each paid for our meals to our leader so...

Very comfortable seating and easy parking. Excellent half lobster with tasty cheesy creamy sauce, very good potatoes. Most enjoyable.

Popped in here on the off chance late on a Sunday afternoon and they found us a table for two without any fuss even though they were very busy and my oh my what a wonderful roast dinner we had, so much so that we've...

We visited MAFFIA'S 3 times in 2 weeks, we had friends visiting us so this was the place to eat, we always had a good meal, the girls are friendly and work hard, we have never had a bad meal here, although I would say...

Nuestros amigos creo que eres demasiado exigente cuando se trata de buena comida, así que tranquilamente puedo cuando su turno para recoger esa ubicación noches. Habían comido aquí varias veces y se atrevió a compartir con nosotros. Viven en Paterna y vaya regularmente, si viviéramos allí así que nos. Teníamos un buen entrante de cangrejo, así que vamos a conducir un viaje de ida y vuelta de 140 millas para ir allí de nuevo y supongo que eso lo dice todo. Buena comida, buen servicio, buena compañía de nuestros amigos que no sospechen de qué más se puede pedir. Probar por ti mismo su sorprendentemente sabroso, agradable y bueno.

never had a disappointing meal. Great place to eat.with good wine. starters are great especially the mussels. The deserts are just the same if you have room. Sunday roast is the best.

Sunday roast good xmas day dinner no no no good .two sittings wait wait if you are on the second sitting well well under staffed . The food nice when you get it not a xmas cracker on the table no parsnips no sprouts sold...

Always have good fresh food here. Went recently for lunch with my friend, the crab was a starter but I asked if I could have it as a main meal, and it was served with salad and chips it was lovely the salad was freshly...

We are not from the area but having driven past a few times when visiting family I wanted to try it. The food was nice, but not the best I've had. The main course was the better course, my starter which was a prawn and...

I don't normally write reviews but on this occasion I felt my whole experience was so bad I would have to.Upon arriving to this slightly dated looking bar and brasserie me and my wife were greeted by a very pleasant and professional blonde young lady who showed us our table although we did have to wait around 15 minutes to be seated as there was still people on it. unfortunately it went down hill from here on.The place is very small and could do with updating and looks like it has not had any money spent on it in 30 years. The food here is very basic and probably frozen by the looks and taste of it, we had heard very mixed reviews about this place but we went here with an open mind but unfortunately we would definitely not go back, the service is slow, and food overpriced, the elderly owner/manageress has a really bad attitude problem and was talking down to the waiting staff in front of everyone and when she was not doing that she was at the bar drinking wine by the bucketload, not very professional at all.It seemed to us that she has her small number of loyal regular customers coming here that probably are not that fussy on what they eat and she is not bothered on any new customers walking through the door as she make no effort to engage with people and just stares at you while your trying to eat (very strange indeed) maybe this is just a hobby for the owner and that would make sense. From what I have seen I can't believe that this place gets any "excellent" reviews on here, I would imagine these are from friends or family. Don't waste your time and money going here, there are far better places with better food and service from the management around this area.

Our party of four entered the restaurant at just before 8 o clock and was told that our table wasnt quite ready for us and we therefore ordered our drink at the bar. During the course of our wait, we were told by the lovely waitress of the table's progress. However, at 8.25 one of our party asked the owner, rather cheekily, weather our round of drinks would be on the house as we had waited 25 minutes. Our reply was that she would find out the progress of our table but "we could always leave". Whilst we were digesting this, the owner came back and said "I just don't think I could please you this evening" as if we were completely unreasonable for our request.Our party asked if she was refusing to serve us, not quite believing what we were hearing. We were told by the owner, that she had served many people in her 22 1/2 years service. We then asked again if she was refusing to serve us to which she told us she would, however she did not think she would be able to please us.Our party said that we were very sorry if we had offended her and really did not think that our request was unreasonable. The owner said that she could not keep a table free between 6.30 to 8.30 for us and that she had us down for an 8.30 booking - I did start to disbelieve ourselves but when we first arrived and was told that our table was not quite ready at just before 8, this confirmed our thoughts that we had the right table time.Would just like to say that the menu looked amazing and the waiting staff were great. Unfortunately, due to the complete rudeness of the owner, we felt we had no alternative but to leave. As in other reviews maybe the owner was a little drunk and this is why she had such an attitude problem, one things for sure we will never go back to this place and will make sure everybody we know, is aware of what a bitter old lady the owner really is.Such a shame for what could have been a lovely evening . The waiting staff were really friendly and were mortified by the owners attitude.

Very pleased that the four of us decided to visit this establishment .My friends had been on a couple of occasions so we decided to join them on this visit , and we made a good choice .Very nice varied menu , to suit all tastes and pockets.Bright, clean looking restaurant and polite attentative waitresses.Food was very well cooked and presented in an appetizing manner.Two of us had fresh crab the others pigeon for starters. I did enquire if the crab was fresh not frozen, was told fresh , and fresh it was , a delight .Mains, one ribeye steak, thick and cooked how requested, served with homemade chips (my once a week treat)tomatoes and mushrooms.My wife had the slow cooked pork, she remarked on the lovely presentation, and judging from the plate being empty, she enjoyed it . Mate had lobster thermidor, a mixture of lobster meat ,mushrooms , cream , egg yolks and sherry cooked in lobster shell. Mates husband had fillet steak medallions.All served with vibrant "al dente" vegetables .If I had to be picky I would have cooked the pigeon breast whole then sliced opposed to cutting in strips, but this is just a matter of preference .Service was very good , not pushy.A good night was had by all ...we will return .Thanks Maffia.

Our favourite restaurant in Clacton keep up the good work Chris adie dave and all the staff you all work so hard 10 out of 10

excellent service ad food very tastefully decorated ideal for a special occasion etc also i think its available for weddings and has live music and events

I have eaten here on various occasions and have always had very good food. It is the type of place to go for a special time. The staff are friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is very relaxed. I can recommend Maffias to anyone.

The staff were very welcoming. The food was of a reasonably high standard. I would go back as it was an enjoyable experience.

Lovely restaurant pleasant staff and a very good choice of menu. We ordered a chicken and bacon salad and we were not disappointed. Nicely presented and very tasty. Pleasant impromptu lunch.

Went to this restaurant a couple of weeks back it was my first time. The food was quite nice but to share a small bowl of vegetables between 2 people there was not sufficient vegetables for two people one person i would of thought definately not 2 . It was very expensive for the amount of food that you get . So i wont be going there again im afraid sorry.

I ordered sole fillets on a bed of asparagus. The fillets looked a very unhealthy grey, and tasted awful. I ate one of the four on the plate, and remarked to the waitress who cleared our plates that they were terrible and I thought probably frozen. The response from the management was foul mouthed and abusive. The chef said we were elderly fools and he hoped we died soon and that our deaths would be painful ! We are indeed elderly (78 & 79) but are quite capable of making informed judgments on the food we eat, We were ordered from the restaurant. At no time did any member of staff engage us in conversation about the meal or express any regret that we didn't enjoy it. All they would say amongst their foul mouthed abuse was that their restaurant didn't use frozen fish ! An appalling experience.

Found this lovely brasserie by chance and what a find!!! The sun was out so we sat outside in the lovely courtyard area. Plenty of shade too if you need it. The menu was varied and good value. My cod was very nicely cooked in a light beer batter, hubby's calves liver & bacon very tasty and my daughters's seafood linguine had a very good variety of seafood. Desserts followed with coffee with soft drinks came in under £50 very good value!!!Give it a go I know you wont be disappointed. 143 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, Essex CO15 5UR Opening times12:00–2:00 pm, 6:30–9:30 pm

This restaurant is truly an Oasis in area of mediocrity , we had a fantastic meal at Mafia , and I would say the steak I had was the best I have ever had! , how they do it ? , love and dedication , the staff are top notch , look forward to going there again !!

Dropped in for lunch without booking in advance, and were warmly welcomed. Excellent range of foods, particularly fresh fish options. Starter was so large, and tasty, we were unable to try the tempting-sounding puddings. My main course of crab salad comprised a good quantity of fresh crabmeat, and varied salad, Husband had sea food gratin, which he declared to be very tasty, and a variety of fresh vegetables were included in the price. Choice of wines by the glass were limited, but OK. Nice atmosphere, and we thought it represented very good value for money with main course specials at around £10 (and we eat out a great deal!). Good atmosphere and friendly service. We will certainly go back if in the vicinity, and would take friends there. Thank you.

Have the good fortune of living within walking distance so very convenient, That being said I'd drive there. Food is great, service is friendly, great fillet steak

Been using Maffias for many years and can honestly say its one of the best restaurants in the area, quality food, beautifully presented, good portions. Always has a great atmosphere which is enhanced by the profession but friendly staff. A gem!

Went back Friday night, as good as ever, great service, great food, great atmospherealways consistantjust keep on doing it

Food and Staff really good enjoyed by all 4 of us. Would recommend not sure of evening opening times. We where on a day out and had booked prior from internet.

Had a wonderful meal, service and food were excellent. Great place for that special evening out. Made to feel very welcome even though we had not booked.

polishing tables whilst eating not accepatable and that was the owner. Recommended wines and brought the wrong one (they didn't even know about wines)

good food, good drinks, ideal for an occasion/celebration, a little over-priced and the service is okay. Very warm welcome on entry :D 4/5

Very nice food, had to wait a little while, but this is expected of a busy restaurant.The price was a little over priced but a very warm welcome and a nice atmosphere.

I have been to this restaurant on a few occasions when visiting family in Clacton. We always enjoy our evenings in there and never come away disappointed.Food is fantastic and the owners are lovely and friendly.

I use this restaurant frequently (every other week) and the food is always lovely! The owner kristine is always seen to be drinking and 'staggering' around the place, being a frequent customer we see this more than anyone. And the way she talks to her staff sometimes is appauling. Besides that the food is superb and the chef david does such a fantastic job.. He doesn't get enough credit! The restaurant its self is really hot, especially when it gets full then it becomes quite unpleasent to eat!

Having used this restaurant for special family occasions for many years we have never been disappointed with the service or the varied and interesting menu on offer. The food is always well prepared and presented being served by efficient and friendly staff, nothing seems to be too much trouble! The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and is well laid out so that you do not feel claustrophobic.