Milton Cafe & Fat Joe's Bistro in Southend-on-Sea

We popped into Milton Cafe for lunch - never been there before and so it was a random choice on our way to the theatre. Wow! The pasta dishes were lovely and the service was fantastic. Also got to try their homemade garlic bread and hot sauce. I couldn't stop eating! Really friendly, lovely atmosphere and next time we're in Southend I'd definitely go again. And prices all good too. Thanks for a great experience!

We have eaten at the Milton Cafe several times, the food is great. I had family and friends round last weekend so decided to order takeout, the food was wonderful and great value for money. This is genuine home cooking, family style Italian, you just don't find that very often. This cafe is a hidden gem! Thank you so much Joe (or better know as Dave from Romford!)

I had stuffed marrow today, I wasn't sure what it would taste like but dear God it was out of this world !!

I phoned Joe and placed my order, a new flavour of pasta, nice and creamy, hot chilli garlic bread. Went to pick it up and it was waiting on me, still very warm. If you are going to sit in, take your own wine, or your favourite tipple. I’ve been going to The Milton Cafe for over ten years, maybe even longer, and it never ever fails. Food is amazing, highly recommended

My husband and I became regulars from our first visit. We absolute adore the pasta dishes here and the garlic bread is amazing. We are big eaters but the portions, quality and price cannot be questioned. Lovely food and lovely people always full of locals and particularly Italians and if its good enough for them its certainly is for us

The rule of thumb for any great restaurant/trattoria in Italy is that if there’s an boisterous old Italian on the hobs at the back of the restaurant then it’s probably a winner. That’s applicable to Milton Cafe - although the friendly Italian chef probably isn’t that old. This is an excellent Italian place disguised as a bit of a run down greasy spoon. Driven past it loads, never considered going in, until close family took us after saying they’d gone in recently on the hoof and had amazing pizzas. I went for the pasta, a huge portion of Pasta Calabrese that will probably see me through winter. Delicious and cheap, the sort of surprisingly amazing meal that immediately turns a place from looking “run down” to “low key and charming”. Almost felt like not writing a review on here to keep it to myself, but locals should know when a gem is hiding in plain sight right in front of them.

Wow What a meal i had with my family today at milton cafe. 2 Full English Breakfasts and a Pepperoni Pizza and garlic bread. Fed the Family for less than 30 quid which is a right result. Will Deffo Visit again!

Revisted after the refurb and Wow what a transformation. The cafe is light and airy but homely at the same time, love the seaside theme bearing in mind it's a few minutes from the seafront. The food is as good as ever with more than ample portions.Joe and Bridget are as welcoming as ever.Overall an even better dining experience than ever, would definitely recommend a visit. We went for a pre Southend United match all day breakfast and it set us off nicely for the game.

i have had a few breakfasts now in the area, this is my go to place to eat i had a nice full english breakfast it was well priced and a cappuccino loved it..... there is parking if you need it but i can imagine if its busy you may have to park a bit further down the road

Went into this café not expecting this, THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD EVER. I had chicken Milanese,(a chicken breast in a home made coating, and spaghetti Bolognese)My kids had spagetti carbonara.We came out stuffed saying how fantastic it was,and I could not believe how reasonable it was(most dishes between £5/£6) Would I return YES

The other half & i returned to Milton Cafe today. It was nice to see that it has been renovated and the food is as tasty as ever. I had Ham Egg & Chips and the Mrs had a Small Breakfast and it cost next to nearly nothing and was delicious. Keep up the good work Milton Cafe.

Just left the Milton Café after our first visit and had to post a review. Absolutely amazing pasta dishes! My meat cannelloni was the BEST I've ever eaten. No exception. So fresh, massive portion and beautiful. My fiancé had the Calabrese special and my step son had Bolognese and all three of us are now in food coma heaven! Garlic bread with cheese was perfection also. The appearance of the café is basic but clean and the waitress was very warm and friendly. It's cash only but there is an ATM not far away. Can't wait to visit again except for the fact that NO-ONE eats this much for lunch!!

What a lovely place. Very reasonable prices and excellent food. Even though it was busy, got served very quickly. Specials board always a great thing !!!

Lovely italian cafe serving a good range of delicious food. Even combines some Italian with some English meals in a great concoction! Try it out since its pretty cheap as well

I have returned to Southend from Australia after 15 years away, so much has changed not so for the good. Milton cafe is like an anchor to the former Southend as the service and food remind of what was good about the place. Bridget is such a character and Joes cooking is awesome, my favourite is the garlic bread along with any of the pasta dishes. I will be back almost every day before I return overseas.

The most delicious pasta you are ever going to get at 11.00 in the morning all freshly made by Joe. Just a sample of their English/Italian menu. Served by the wonderful Bridget and Joe.

Love going here for a typical cooked breakfast. Always too much for me to eat but partner finishes it for me. Lovely friendly owners nothing is ever too much trouble either. Keep promising myself I’ll try the Italian food as it looks great. There is so much to choose from the menu your spoilt for choice.

Went for breakfast with two friends, one of whom was a regular and recommended this place. Lovely warm welcome, real people with all the banter - food was lovely, I had a veggie breakfast and shared delicious cheese garlic bread with Chris who tucked in to Spag Bol (for breakfast) and Ian who had Meatballs! Real proper cafe, felt like I had stepped on to the filmset of Quadrophenia and a step back in time, deserves another visit.

Lovely friendly people, nothing is too much!! Visited with our five children and amazing Bridget and Joe made us feel so welcome! The food is hot, plentiful and delicious!! Perfecto👌😉 Highly recommend!!

Been a while since i had been here but still great as ever lovely husband and wife great food and proper coffee will be back and the italian homemade sausage amazing

Realmente alegre bienvenida, mucho hielo ambiente de clientes habituales y un buen café. Botellas de salsa necesita un limpio pero parece impecable.

Excellent and everything that I expected from the numerous trip advisor reports. Will be going again. My wife is disabled which did not pose a problem ,they showed care and compassion. As good as it gets

Estamos luchando con una adicción al merengue de limón hecha en casa! Café brillante, parece ser poco medio lleno de gente a cualquier hora y de allí. . . Señora de la casa parece saber los pedidos habituales de todo el mundo por el corazón! La verdadera cocina italiana y bienvenido!

Mi amigo y yo fuimos para el almuerzo de hoy, después de leer las críticas positivas de Tripadvisor, y las reclamaciones que la pizza es el mejor de la zona local! Decidimos que las reclamaciones necesarias para ser investigadas, y siendo expertos pizza pensamos que estábamos el derecho de la gente para el trabajo!!

Love returning back to this place, always happily welcomed and the food is exceptional every visit. 100% worth a go, you won't be disappointed.

Whenever I need good food this is the place to Go!, i love the people who serve me and I always leave with a full stomach and a smile on my face!, Thankyou :)

Always a pleasure to come here staff are great! Helpfull and are always cheerful and thats not all! The food is just as good! Will deffinately be coming back here again!

Comer aquí todo el tiempo - nunca han decepcionado. Escondido joya junto al pub y barato a crickerters. La pizza es el mejor de la ciudad de lejos, muy similar a la actual Italia. Saludos!

Have driven past many times but have never popped in. Decided to give it a go to see if it was as good as the reviews it gets and yes it it. My husband and I had the breakfast which was plentiful and used good quality ingredients, my children had pizza, spaghetti bolognese and these were thoroughly enjoyed.The pizza crust was really crisp and light and the bolognese tasted home made and was full of favour. A delightful little cafe with welcoming service.

I hate giving 'bad' reviews but sorry Milton Cafe my lunch was truly awful as were the surroundings. Tuna Jacket Potato (hot jacket potato with a tin of cold tuna 'dumped' on top of it).The accompanying salad was fresh and quite tasty but It was so cold in the cafe I had to put my coat back on to eat.The cold green colour scheme did not help.It reminded me of school dinner at my old convent school! The Waitress was helpful but that was the only good point. NEVER AGAIN!

Lovely cafe near the cliff pavillions theatre handy for breakfast or lunch when staying in local hotel qas hotel wjhere stayed wanted 13 pound each day per person breakfast friendly people and get to know everyone

Had the best colzone pizza I have ever had at this cafe. If you are in the area i would definitely recommend popping in. 10/10.

Fat joes pizza is the best thing you can ever taste I love him as much as his food ,my dad takes me to here as a treat cause the food is so delicious heraatreat cause the food

Calzoni is not on the menu. At £6.50 it is one of the most expensive dishes. Takes some effort to make. Absolutely delicious and massive. And Joe has slimmed down a lot. :-)

Hottest day ever in Southend - off to fat joes with the Mrs for some fantastic grub!It was absolutely rammed inside the cafe, a pointer to just how popular it is. Two Sunday roasts of gargantuan quality and portion size, we left happily fed and rolled our way down to the seafront.Thanks!!

This place is always great, no exceptions, freshly cooked tasty food. I try to visit when in the area and have never left disappointed

Have been here once before after a recommendation and had a pleasant experience so thought I would bring my wife along and try again.We both ordered the spaghetti & meatballs, with garlic bread on the side. I have to say it was cooked perfectly and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Neither of us managed to finish the plate as it was a huge portion, if I had room I wouldn't of left a thing.The staff which I think are the owners were very friendly and had a chat with us which is very unusual for staff to do these days, so this made the experience even better,I would highly recommend visiting this little gem.

Thought I would visit here again as loved it last time so took some friends.We all had something different, pizza, roast, carbonara and every dish was perfect!Lovely home made food, massive portions for the price! The owners cook the food to your preferences and are very friendly and welcoming as always.Defiantly give this place a go!

Had a full English and coffee! Both tasted cheap and nasty! See the owner walk in with cheap food from local supermarket! Would never go again

Been here a few times now and always great, friendly service and good food at great prices. All you would expect from a traditional cafe, but also some pretty good main courses for lunchtime meals too.

I read the reviews from Trip Advisor, and I'm glad I did.Lovely little cafe. Both owners were very friendly and helpful. Food was very tasty and at a very reasonable price. When we visit Southend again, we will definitely return.Oh! And the honemade pizza looked and tasted delicious.

Walked past this little place so many times before and was intrigued by the location and very rustic Italian offering for a long time. So this afternoon we finally gave it a go and mamma mia! We ordered pizza marinara and canelloni di carne to share. Put it this way - we were in the Venetian Coast for a week in May this year and most food didn't compare. Boss & Lady Boss were so friendly & helpful. Other patrons were all regulars and had such lovely banters, which made the cafe so characteristic. My little girl ate until she couldn't fit another bite (she exclaimed) as she claimed that everything tasted so amazing. Until the boss offered her a lovely ice cream cone on a very hot afternoon - for free, as a treat (which he very thoughtfully said 'only if mamma said it's ok' after he asked if it's ok). Everything was so lovely & pleasant and biggest shock of all was the price! I'm a huge eater. For 2 mains and 2 cold drinks bill came to 15 pounds. Need I say more? Please please please support your local Hero!!!

Fantastic food, always made to feel like one of the family, they can't do enough for you. Only cafe we will ever go to.

Been here plenty of times and never been disappointed. The food is always perfect , had the carbonara this time and it was huge! Lovely family run business, home cooked meals and great friendly atmosphere. What more could you want!

Small, quaint homely café. Lovely food with decent portions. Treated amazingly well and great prices. Would definitely go again with family. Very welcoming atmosphere.

Best Italian food in town by miles and cheap as well.I have known Giuseppe for 22 years when was chef at La Dolce Vita Leigh on Sea and his pasta dishes are legendary

Perfect food, yes perfect it really is, its not fancy or swish or super special as a place but it is perfect

I have been using this Cafe for many years now and I can say it has never dissatisfied . Joe and Bridget are two of the friendliest people I have ever know and each meal that is served is served with care and skill . Joes pizzas are the best in Southend in my opinion and his pasta is second to none . If you have never been to this Cafe I would say give it a try , I am sure you won't be disappointed . Also I would say this is a truly family friendly Cafe kids are always welcome .

tasty hot enjoyable wonderful food. this place never lets you down. good honest food from a place that makes you feel very welcome.

A little piece of Italy in the UK. Good portions and I enjoyed my 'stay'. I just wish you had a branch in Colchester!

We visit here about once a month when we have to be nearby. The homemade soup is always delicious. Extremely tasty and always hot. The service is warm and friendly. I had to take my Dad here as I am always talking about it. The surroundings may not be 5 star but the food certainly is. They always make you feel part of their family. There are often children in there and they are always made to feel welcome. They even arranged for my Husband to bring home some soup when I couldn't make the afternoon. Well done Milton Cafe (Fat Joe and Bridget)

We found this by searching on trip advisor. It's a mile or so walk from the centre which was fine by us. From the outside it's not much to look at (and from the inside really, just very homely and simple) but the lady serving us was SUPER friendly, recommended me a meal when I was dithering. The food was very obviously home-made and hearty. My husband thought the home-made chilli oil was stupendous and wouldn't let the proprietor take it away until he'd finished the last mouthful of his pizza. Coffee was lovely (although not very hot) and all in all we weren't disappointed. The lady that runs the restaurant is very proud of her ratings here on trip advisor but what I loved was we overheard her talking to her regulars about this, not once did she badger us for a good review which I thought was great. Well done!!!!

Well after reading the reviews on here, I had to give this place a try and I wasnt dissapointed, the cannelloni was something special but special mention has to go to the cheesy garlic bread which was the best I've ever tasted. the staff were lovely, and I cant wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.

Everything is great here. I always come here for the great food it's the best. Very friendly and quick service

I first are here when I was a labourer aged 18 Now 23 years later and still eating here I would not look anywhere else for truly authentic Italian food. My kids love the place and fat joe always makes them laugh.Amazing cannelloni that I always seem to have See you soon

Second visit today. Full marks on everything! Service, food and value. You will genuinely find it hard to beat this place anywhere in the UK if your looking for very good homemade honest food at a fantastic price. Canaloni is a must but go there hungry as the portions are massive. Thank you to everyone at the Milton Cafe.

I have been going here for years, the food has always been excellent with a real Italian chef who has a real passion for food and his customers, a family business offering great tasting Italian food - massive portions and also traditional English menu all at excellent value. If you have never been you must visit ASAP you will not be disappointed. They are also open Sundays.

We've been eating here for years and never been disappointed. A quick phone call if it's a large group (6+) and the tables have been re-arranged before we get there. Food on offer is from a pasta / pizza / breakfast / roast dinner / snacks menu, or the Specials board and sometimes other stuff is on offer which is being trialled. We are often surrounded by Italian families who sometimes ask for other delicacies not on the menu. No licence but it's ok to bring your own drink. Well done Bridget and Joe - smashing!

Visited here again as was in the area and still love this place. Joe and Bridget are always very welcoming and friendly. Ordered a Margarita pizza, which was home made and lovely. My sister had a full English breakfast which was huge!! Good quality home made food, big portions and good for your money. What more could you want! Defiantly give this place a go.

This was my third visit to Milton Cafe. Joe and Bridget were as friendly as ever. Every customer is made to feel special and the place has that homely feel. As for the food well wow is all I can say in one word. The Italian pizzas and pasta dishes were authentic and fresh. The English home cooked items ( we all had different meals but loved our own so shared the love..taste wise) were wholesome and very tasty. Cannelloni was my personal fav but my daughters pizza was so light and fresh, the full English looked divine and the steak and kidney pie I tasted was delicious. We have decided to make it our mission to go through the menu in time and it will also give us a chance to see these two lovely people again. I encourage you to go, you know what you are getting and you won't be disappointed.

Ate here at the weekend based on the reviews on here. I was intrigued by a typically English cafe that serves homemade Italian meals. Firstly there is nothing typical about this cafe. The welcome was warm and genuine, the decor is perfect, please don't ever change it, it's part of the charm. My kids were made to feel special which resulted in them enjoying the experience as much as I did. Now on to the food. I opted for homemade cannelloni as did my wife and it was very very good and I would definitely order again and it has prompted me to make it at home soon. One small thing if you're not a lover of melted cheese you may want to ask Joe to go easy on this as he is generous on this just like his portion sizes. One of our table had the full english and it was polished off and plate wiped clean with some buttered bread. What you get hear is good honest food that is made with pride, it's not fancy, it's wholesome, genuine and tasty. The balance between Italian and English food works incredibly well.You could pick this place up and put it down in Dalston and all the East End cool people would rave about it. I will definately be going back and would highly recommend, 3 adults and 2 children fed very well for less than £40! Thank you

Once again i have returned to Milton Cafe.This time it was for a family party. You can rent out the whole cafe and have Joe's amazing food in the evening and the whole place to yourselves.We asked joe for a medley of dishes beforehand and he delivered spectaculary. The Bistro/Cafe is not licensed and we had to bring our own alcohol, but fun was had by all INCLUDING the staff!Thanks Bridget and Joe!Jenny xx

I've been visiting Milton Road Cafe for many years, Joe never fails to deliver fantastic quality, tasty, affordable and hearty food every time.I've been to many Italian Restuarants all over the world however Joe and Bridget's is the best around, it's a cafe that you must try out!Jeff and Jules

The god father pizza is immense.This is the best spaghetti in essex, i have been to italy twice and this tastes just like the pasta i had whilst in Venice.Seriously please give it a try.Joe.

I have been to this cafe many times now and I have always been impressed by the food and the service! The pizzas are amazing and breakfasts are amazing! Joe and Bridget are very welcoming and perfect hosts!

We have been going to Joe and Bridget's for at least 15 years now. The food is always fantastic. We love Joes pasta arabiatta, and garlic bread with cheese made in their pizza oven! We are always well catered for. Scrummy!

Having eaten at the Milton previously I took my wife and daughter for lunch. They loved it. A family run cafe where everybody seems to know everybody else which creates a warm friendly atmosphere. A lot of the customers who were there on the day I visited were Italian (what better advert for good home-cooked food). Bridget & Joe are so friendly and accommodating nothing is to much trouble. We had garlic bread to start with and it was superb. The girls both had pasta dishes and I had Chicken Milanese with spaghetti. Portions are plentiful and we all agreed it was some of the best pasta we have tasted. If you like a little kick to your food ask for the home made chilli sauce. My daughter couldn't finish hers so Bridget boxed it up for her to take home. Prices are very reasonable and excellent value for money. There are also a selection of other temping food including breakfasts & specials of the day. My only advice to you before you try this excellent place is make sure your hungry. Highly recommended.

I popped in here today for lunch and loved it. The staff were very friendly and even the chef come out to say hello which was a pleasant surprise. I had the meatballs with pasta and oh my god was it nice. Proper home cooked , freshly made food. The portions was huge, i had enough for dinner as well. A added bonus is you can see your food being cooked ! Will be returning again this week for more that's for sure. Defiantly worth visiting.

I love this café, if you want fantastic pizza and pasta, a roast dinner or a full English breakfast you won't find better quality, quantity or value for money. Joe and Bridget are so friendly and you always feel like you are catching up with old friends. The banter is good, service is fantastic, and the food is always super scrummy. Julia

I ate at Milton cafe' this lunch time.The food is always excellent quality, & great value for money.Between the 4 of us we had a huge 2 eggs bacon sausage & toast, 2 pizzas & 1 lasagne..All of which were freshly cooked, & piping hot.Joe & Bridget are the perfect combination of proprietors.A real treat of an authentic no frills ,eating experience. I would highly recommend a visit,

I've been eating here for over 15 years now. Either a weekday lunch or Sunday roast. The menu is a cross of traditional cafe and Italian cuisine and i must admit i always go for the Joe's pasta!Portions are huge and extremely tasty and the owners (Joe & Bridget) ever so friendly.I recommend this cafe to friends all the time

After driving past I decided to stop of here with a friend. I have to say I was very impressed! I had the carbonara and my friend had a English breakfast. The food was exceptional and the portions are huge! The owners are very friendly and welcoming , taking the time out to even have a chat with you which you don't get in your big chain restaurants. I have to say this place is a little gem and I will certainly been going back here on more than one occasion.

Joe and bridget have welcomed me for more than 10 years. I eat here everyday for lunch and never get bored of the food. Its as close to home cooked for you would get anywhere. The pizzas at other places are muck. Joes more than happy to let you watch him homemake and cook then serve you the best pizza for miles.If you are new to the town, take it from me, you wont find a better place to eat.Jason Bell - JKracingUK.

Joe & Bridget always make us feel very welcome. Fantastic value for money and the Vaticano and meatballs are to die for.Clare & Ian

Been to this cafe a few times now with my friends and we always have jobs fresh Italian food I have had a pizza, fag to, caneloni and pasta carbonara... All dishes perfect .. who would think you can get better Italian food in the middle of the day than going to an evening restaurant !! Cheers Milton cafe

Joseph and Bridget run this cafe. Joseph prefers to be called fat joe.I had the Sunday roast ( I usually have this ) and my partner had a full breakfast and both were superb. We have been eating here for over 15 years, and have seen Joe and Bridget progress through the years. This is still the best Italian cafe in the area. They serve all types of Italian classics, and i have yet to have a better pizza than one of fat Joes.Seriously get your bottoms down here!Jenny xx