Magic Monkey in Southend-on-Sea

A great space for a girlie brunch. The food was just amazing. Magic Monkey had a fab atmosphere and very friendly staff.

Visited for Saturday Brunch, the food was delicious, everyone in our group enjoyed their dishes, cocktails were expertly mixed and presented. Service was efficient and friendly. Great music playlist as well, only two minor issues, would be great if the beer choice was more extensive, maybe a selection of craft beers and some of the menus were very tatty and need replacing, highly recommended and will certainly return in the future.

A big group of us celebrated an anniversary here last night, Wednesday 18th September. Everyone had a wonderful time, we couldn’t fault the food, service or atmosphere. Thank you Magic Monkey, you were brilliant, this is a gem of a place and I can’t wait to return!

We had dinner here on a Saturday evening and were very pleased with it. The decor is original and fun with a relaxed vibe accompanied by a chill soundtrack. The price we paid probably distorts the value because we did start with cocktails and also had a ‘good’ bottle of red wine that was a bit more than normal but it was a favourite that we don’t see that often and thought why not! We were served predominantly by Georgia but assisted by Luke. Both of which were wonderful and a credit to the restaurant, friendly, attentive and happy to have a chat and a laugh. The food was lovely, it was an all round enjoyable experience I can’t really find any faults. All in all, a great time was had and would recommend it without hesitation.

So I took my new partner here for our first date, so it needed to be special, and it didn't disappoint. From the moment you walk in you can feel the vibe of the place. The staff were courteous and efficient. The food? So we had the "Monkey Bowl" Prawn and chilli. Wow! Just wow! Absolutely outstanding! I'd give it an 11 out of 10...In my humble opinion, and the reason I knocked 1 point off the atmosphere, it was because with it being such a small restaurant, unfortunately people are sat very closely together. So wether or not you want to, you can hear everything and everyone. It was very noisy and difficult to talk to one another. That's the only thing I could fault it on. And that's probably a little unfair. But if you get the chance, then EAT HERE!

Just had an incredible takeaway from these guys. Was amazing and travelled well to Westcliff. Jerk pork and blackened cod were delish in particular! And those truffle fries went down a treat.

Surprised how quiet this place was at lunch time. The monkey bowl I ordered was excellent - really fresh delicious food - and sensibly priced. Service was helpful and considerate. If only all your indoor tables didnt require us to climb up on high chairs, I think you would have plenty of retired folk in at lunch time. I mentioned the great food to my friends but as I soon as I spoke of the seating they all said they couldn't manage that.

Superb place with great decor and delicious food. Highly recommended. Would visit again.

I had iced coffee and yoghurt. The price is reasonable. Friendly and efficient service. I sat on a table where I had a sea view. The toilet is unisex and clean. The tables and the chairs are high so may not be suitable for babies.

We went to this restaurant for the first time yesterday, I must say the food & staff were amazing. Great atmosphere & a beautiful restaurant. I would recommend this to anyone

We came for my Aunt’s birthday and were met with excellent service, a great atmosphere and amazing food. The Banoffee French toast was the best I’ve ever had. Freya and Jamie made us feel very welcome and my Aunt really enjoyed her special day. Definitely come back!

My wife and I went to th8s establishment for brunch on a whim and we throughly enjoyed. We had come in early and we were surprised that there were not many people in there. The service was really attentive. I ordered the chicken tacos and it was absolute delicious I would highly recommend this place and would love to come again, but for dinnertime.

We had a fantastic birthday meal for my wife and family everything was fantastic can't wait to come back.

Just fab! Great staff advise and service. Food wonderful. Very high stools would put me off in future

Amazing time as always here! Staff are so friendly welcoming and kind. Food is insane! Would recommend to everyone to visit! Been for brunch and dinner and was absolutely blown away both times!

Food was amazing, service was the best I’ve experienced in a long time. Will recommend. Thank you ☺️

Good atmosphere, great customer service, would definitely go again and recommend to a friend.

The food is delicious. Nicest food we’ve eaten for 7 months at restaurants.

Food was delicious (we tried 10+ small plates, all very nice!). Staff were really friendly. The restaurant has nice decor and a nice atmosphere. Would really recommend for an evening meal out with friends and family

Amazing place for birthdays and brunches. Had a great time. Friendly stay and great cocktails

Very friendly and approachable staff. Cocktails were very good. Food was tasty and it comes at various times and not in one go so you know it's been freshly prepared. Small venue but lovely decor and relaxed feel. Definitely will go again.

We had a lovely lunch at magic monkey today. Food was gorgeous. We had chickpea curry tacos and french toast and it was delicious!!! We were served by Ara who could not have been more helpful and she was extremely friendly!!! Nice vibe in there! Great music and decor. Will definitely be back. Thanks Ara. Dawn & Charlotte xx

Been meaning to come for a while now and all i can say is fantastic. Great service, great portions and my taste buds were on fire. Well done guys

Should be able to give 6 stars sometimes.. And here would be that time

Booked a last minute table on a Thursday evening. Service was so attentive (but not in your face) throughout. Food and drink quality absolutely great - really good cocktails, tasty food and generous portions for small plates. Definitely value for money. Beautifully decorated restaurant. Thanks for a lovely dinner!

Amazing food & cocktails!!! Sat next to the bar, felt like we had our own personal mixologist (Luke) highly recommend it. Defo come back, bottomless brunch next time.

Service was outstanding and very attentive I must say. Food was absolutely incredible also, we had the chicken tacos and fillet tacos, a definite recommend. Cocktails were great too !

Amazing service, amazing food and a fantastic mellow atmosphere. What a leisurely Sunday brunch should be. Worth a visit!

Fabulous meal on Saturday staff friendly and helpful, its not a large restaurant but its certainly cosy inside.

Amazing food & service. I highly recommend this business. The staff are lovely too!

Friendly staff, great service, amazing food.

Incredible friendly service, stunning food and a beautiful interior. Magic Monkey is an absolute VIBE and we will be returning very very soon! We managed to get a last-minute table for 7 on my birthday at 9pm on a Saturday night, after having a nightmare at our original booking in Southend, and the stars must have been aligned because it was the BEST night we could have ever imagined. The food was simply incredible, we ordered every single dish as there were a lot of us and every one was unreal!! The cocktails were fantastic and strong (just how we like them!) and every single one of the staff were super attentive and made you feel really special. I thoroughly recommend booking a table for food and drinks, after that one visit it's now my new favourite hotspot in Leigh (and surrounding areas!) and we will definitely be returning. Thank you Janel and the team for making my birthday so special.

We hired Magic Monkey for my sister’s hen party, and it’s safe to say we have had the absolute best time! Janel was so hot on the communication in the run up to the event, and created an amazing venue and drinks packages for us all tailored to our individual needs - it was all amazing! On the night, Janel and her team were incredible - Luke made fantastic margaritas and tropical cocktails all night for us, and Natalia put up with all of our rowdy Prosecco orders perfectly! We had considered a night in London for this hen party - I’m so so glad that we picked Magic Monkey, because they had the most amazing atmosphere with the loveliest staff, and the intimate atmosphere with the insane tropical decor tops any experience you could have in London - I could not recommend enough - this will be our first choice venue in the future for big events and birthdays! Special thanks also to the team for putting up with our mad 80s-Pitbull playlist!

Absolutely amazing from start to finish. We hired this venue out for a hen party. The staff were so helpful and kind, the food was delicious and the decor was on point. The venue was the perfect size for a wonderful hen party. Plenty of room for dancing after dinner. Luke was fantastic and really joined in with the jokes. He is amazing at cocktails. 100% would recommend. Great job guys xx

Just had the best breakfast I've ever eaten in Magic Monkey!! The presentation was like a work of art and the taste was exceptional. Definitely worth a visit if you're Leigh!!!

Date night or out with friends this spot is the go to, with sharing plates making it a great sociable setting. The food is always incredible and served to perfection. Polite staff, beautiful interior and a great vibe the whole meal. Definitely recommend trying the pork belly and steak bites! We can’t stay away

Good vibes, cheerful staff. The food is great

The food and the service was 10/10. Best brunch I’ve had in a while. A big thanks to Ara, Jamie and Sammie.

Wow! Amazing food and brilliant service. Thanks for a lovely evening, we will be back soon!

A beautifully maintained and well presented venue for food and drinks with an exceptional menu with plenty of choice for all. I came for dinner with a girlfriend and we had a wonderful time! The staff and the owner are super friendly, attentive and nothing is too much. We ordered a selection of small plates to share and food was incredible. The cocktails were great, as was the choice of wines and spirits. The venue had such a good vibe and every table taken on a Friday night is always a good sign! Thank you Magic Monkey, for a wonderful evening, we will be back!

My wife and I had breakfast here this morning. The food was delicious and the service was excellent we shall return.

Food was lovely!!! The service was also amazing. Will definitely go again!!

Unreal prawn tacos🥰Atmosphere always amazing and great music thank you!

Great place , from start to finish ... food was on point , staff really good . Can highly recommend. make sure you check them out.

Wow wow wow, this place is absolutely amazing! The setting and vibe is on point and the food never disappoints, my partner and I are massive foodies and are usually disappointed when eating out but everything is spot on! Thanks for always making us feel welcome ☺️

Food was incredible, best place in leigh on sea. Great service great atmosphere.

Went for lunch and coffee, absolute gem of a place. Friendly staff and amazing food (chickpea taco was incredible)

Great service as always , can highly recommend Magic Monkey, food , service and place is A1 . Keep up the good work .

Had my birthday brunch at Magic monkey and it didn't disappoint! Quite pricey and the portions were a little on the small side but all tasty and the cocktails were amazing. The decorations and atmosphere was lovely! Lots of options for vegetarians and vegans, only wish would be there was more on my plate!!

Lovely venue- get decor and friendly staff. Food is delicious and great quality. I opted for a matcha smoothie bowl and it was great, my family opted for the tacos which were amazing

Amazing place!!!! My husband took me there for our 19th Anniversary and we had the most amazing time. Freya made us feel at home. Can't wait for our next visit hopefully with the kids!!! Hats off to chef - Frank, you are doing an fantastic job!!! The music was on point too. Loved it !!!!

Lovely decorated friendly place. We only stayed for a cocktail as we had a booking elsewhere but will be back for dinner soon!

Best restaurant/bar in town hands down! Food freshly prepared, staff attentive, music spot on. Feels like a trendy london brunch/bar in the midst of Essex!

Love this place. Great staff and great cocktails.

Had dinner at The Magic Monkey last weekend and the food was delicious, very kind staff and great value for money.

Loved it. Food and service was pukka! Can’t fault it 🙌🏼

Planned to go there for lunch. We were a party of 5, including a toddler. Were told no children allowed. Disappointing and unexpected for a lunch time crowd. Place was empty so it was especially surprising. Haven't come across a place on the Broadway that doesn't accept children at lunch time.

I came here with my girlfriend last weekend as she raves about this place! Food was absolutely amazing and came out quicker than expected. Drinks where unreal and on point! Staff where so lovely and accommodating to all of our needs. The service was very helpful and we felt very welcomed! This place in unreal and we will definitely be returning.

I've been to Magic Monkey on a few Occasions now, and each time it just gets better! From the amazing staff through to the stunning decor and the AMAZING food, there's not a bad thing I can say about my experience here. I have taken my sister, my wife, my best friend and most recently my mother (all on separate occasions) and they have all shared the same 5 star experience as me. The menu is a carribean fusion style menu, and everytime I try something different, and have yet to choose something that I didnt enjoy. The decor is all tropical with an abundance of Birds of Paradise flowers (which were my wife's wedding flowers), so always feels special when there. The attention to detail from the staff is a1! The owners Janel and Jamie always go above and beyond to ensure that my experience is as best as it could possibly be. Highly recommended! (Oh and they now do a bottomless brunch which from what I can see, looks like all the above, but with live DJs also! Can't wait to try this!)

the BEST food and atmosphere in leigh in a long time!! the bottomless brunches are unreal and will not disappoint! defo recommend this beautiful restaurant 🤍x

Wow what can i say! This place is truly one of a kind and the food is out of this world! The staff were absolutely amazing and produced brilliant service! Our food come out very quickly and efficiently and we did not feel rushed at all. Kitchen staff was extremely accommodating to dietary requirements which was so kind! I would definitely be returning x

Wow what an amazing find! This restaurant is truly one of a kind and especially stands out in Leigh. The food is absolutely amazing, coupled up with great service and drinks. Will definitely be returning regularly.

What can I say…. Amazing food, delicious drinks and even better service and atmosphere. Magic Monkey really is unique. It’s such a cool looking restaurant and the music and vibe had us from the moment we walked in the door. We cannot wait to go back again. Such good value and so tasty our only issue was what to order as we wanted it all!!

Food and drinks were excellent, along with the atmosphere and decor, such a shame it was let down by poor booking management. As soon as we sat down we were told we only had the table for one hour 45 minutes, which for a group birthday meal was a bit rushed. We were still eating our mains (half an hour before our time was ‘up’) when the bill was abruptly out on our table! A few minutes later before we’d even had a chance to look at it, the card machine was brought round. A real shame as we would have loved to stay on and have more drinks but were essentially booted out! A would-have-been great time out spoiled by poor service

Wow Wow Wow. What else can I say, fantastic restaurant with wonderful staff. Food is amazing, atmosphere BRILLIANT.

Exceptional.😍 The name truly fits with its unique interior and supreme service! We recently had the opportunity to visit the Magic Monkey and had nothing short of a wonderful experience! Its infectious vibe and great music just makes you want more! The food was exquisite and thats understating it. Especially the Fillet Steak Caribbean Taco! - recommended at the highest standard. 🌮🌮 Thank you @magicmonkey and team for a wonderful brunch! We very much look forward to visiting again soon! 🙈🙉🙊🌿🌴

Went for drinks with some friends - cute place .. Great service .. Great atmosphere !!!

Great place, great food, great cocktails and great atmosphere. Staff couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful to make our daughters 21st be extra special.

Incredible food, amazing service!! Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back already 😍😍

Had the most delicious 'monkey bowl'. First visit. Food and menu look amazing. Something a little different. Will be back soon!

First time at Magic Monkey and will definitely not be my last! Fantastic food and service! Staff very friendly and a really good atmosphere 🙌

Excellent food and service… will 100% come again. Best food in Leigh

Friendly vibes and tasty Tacos from the brunch menu. Look forward to trying more in the future

DELICIOUS food, so tasty and unique! And the staff are so lovely and friendly. Would absolutely come back again! ☺️

Cool decor, cool tunes, the most warm, welcoming and friendly staff and amazing food. My margarita was spot on too. Will most definitely be back to try the new small plates menu when it launches.

One of the most impressive and welcoming experiences you could wish for after a sea swim. The Vegan Brunch was perfection with scrambled Tofu and hash browns generously slavered over vegan sausage and bacon...the obligatory avocado a delight!!! Fried bread and mushrooms and tomato completed a veritable feast!!!! Great food Great coffee Gorgeous people running a wonderful cafe. Get there and enjoy!!! You need this place in your schedule!!

The food here is amazing and the service and atmosphere is very good

Never usually leave reviews but this time I just had to! One of the best dining experiences I've had in a LONG time. The hospitality was the first thing I noticed and when the food arrived, me and my fiancé were blown away. The presentation was immaculate and every single dish was beautiful and fresh. Also the cocktails were bloody great too!

Brilliant restaurant, the food was incredible with a large variety of options to choose from. Service was lovely, felt very welcomed. Would definitely recommend.

Came in for dinner & drinks on Friday - food was amazing & drinks was lovely too. DJ was gave a great atmosphere! I will definitely be returning to this restaurant with friends and potentially family too!

In this time of different dietary requirements, really shocked to fined couldn't accommodate a gluten free diet

Amazing dinner!! Went to Magic Monkey last night to celebrate my boyfriends birthday and was not disappointed. The restaurant is stunning, food was delicious and the service was brilliant! Our waitress in particular was really lovely and went out of her way to make my boyfriends birthday extra special - thank you so much for a great evening, we will definitely be back!

Great food and cocktails, great service. Friendly and professional staff.

Had such a great evening at Magic Monkey. We was fortunate enough to have owner Janel look after us, so obviously our service was 5 🌟 Food was delicious, the wine was superb. My friends had cocktails, they also looked fantastic. Look forward to returning with my husband very soon. Thanks all at Magic Monkey. Laura x

The food was amazing, good vibes with the music! Would defiantly come back and recommend to friends & family! Came for my friends birthday, really enjoyed our evening! Staff were so friendly and polite! What a little gem on Leigh Broadway

Went for lunch on Saturday. Really excellent food and service.

It's yes for me. Definitely come back and recommend!! Delicious food and excellent choice of cocktails all adapt to non alcohol👌 Service 10 at 10. Friendly, polite, interactive, attentive and very helpful🤝 Beautiful deco🐒🌿🪴🌺. Comfortable seats. Thanks for that👍 We absolutely loved our experience💖

Had a lovely time at Monkey Magic today. The service was excellent (especially Alicia - so lovely), the food was delicious and well presented, and the decor and ambiance, beautiful - perfect for family, friends or a date night with the Mr (next time). Definitely a glam asset to Leigh!!

Great food. Very friendly staff

Quirky and fabulous. Tasty food, great atmosphere, great staff. Highly recommend. Booking essential for evenings!

Fabulous restaurant the food and staff were absolutely amazing. Will be visiting again very soon my new favourite place!!!

Food was 5* friendly staff great service warm and inviting Would recommend

Lovely food that keeps you wanting more. Super flavours with banging cocktails

fantastic place - great food service and atmosphere- quirky modern interior - great cocktails - best pina colada i’ve ever had!

Had a great lunch here with my wife, staff are super friendly and food was awesome.

Had a fantastic meal, it was the first night on their new menu. Amazing food and the service was excellent. Would highly recommend this restaurant.

Great place to eat, menu is different and interesting. Very friendly. Probably not one for Granny.

Excellent food and service. Tad expensive for me.

I performed at the venue and what lovely staff! Lee and lily in particular were absolutely brilliant, great hospitality great food and drink especially the steak sandwich 🙌🏻 cannot wait to perform again soon. Massive thanks to Ben & Laura the owners 👏

Beautiful food, amazing cocktails and a fun atmosphere. Went for valentines and the food was incredible. Nice to have somewhere like this locally as would usually have to travel to the city for a similar standard.