Mama's Pizza House in Southend-on-Sea

Great service had really good time here, would recommend

We come here after seeing all the reviews, and receiving good recommendations from friends. I booked this restaurant for my partners birthday, we ordered garlic bread and cheesy garlic bread to start which was nice. We then had the spaghetti meatballs, margarita pizza, and spaghetti bolognaise. Upon arrival it looked delicious all covered in cheese! Dug in and was immediately disappointed. I don’t know what them meatballs are but Jesus take the wheel, when I say they was vile I mean it. It is very clear they do not make the meatballs in house, they were all the same size and shape so clearly bought frozen. Everything with them was awful, The taste, the texture… my daughter said the pizza was nice. My mother had the bolognaise she pretty much left the whole meal, it was swimming in pasta water and the meat was very sparse. We each had a dessert which we were hoping would save the experience but in all honesty it just added to it. The banana split was old, and the tiramisu had no coffee flavour, nor did the ice cream. Such a shame, £80 just went down the drain. I will not be returning and I do not recommend this establishment. I understand people may think there is “always one” but trust me, book somewhere else. Sorry spaghetti Junction, this place is a no go for me and my family.

Amazing food, great atmosphere, highly recommend

Amazing food and friendly staff, highly recommended!!

A fantastic spot just a stone’s throw from the Cliffs Pavilion—Bucatini is the perfect pre-theatre lunch or dinner destination in Westcliff. The service was excellent: friendly, efficient, and genuinely welcoming. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a stylish, modern interior that still feels cosy. The food was impressive across the board. The Mozzarella Frittas were a real highlight—crispy, golden and full of flavour, served with a rich tomato sauce that paired beautifully. For mains, the Crab Linguine was the standout dish: creamy, fresh, and bursting with flavour. We also tried the penne with courgettes and pesto, which was tasty, though slightly outshone by the linguine. Everything was perfectly complemented by a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, crisp and refreshing. Overall, a great experience with quality food and excellent service. Just shy of 5 stars as a couple of dishes didn’t quite hit the same heights—but we’d definitely return. Highly recommended if you’re in the area, especially before a show at the theatre!