Padrino in Southend-on-Sea

What a fabulous and welcoming family Italian restaurant. Everyone so friendly and helpful. We had the set 2 course menu. Good varied options, big portions, delicious! Didn’t feel service was rushed as can often happen when busy. You can tell they take a pride in what they do. Will definitely be back.

Booked a table for 5pm, we arrived about 15 minutes early but were immediately greeted with a big smile & shown to our table. Was a bit surprised to see the place virtually empty - by 5.15pm the place was absolutely packed & buzzing !! Really good traditional Italian food & excellent service - would come back tomorrow if I could !! Mille grazie

A really nice welcome from the staff, and delicious freshly prepared food. A couple behind us were asking for strange combinations that weren’t on the menu, and the staff happily said yes to every request. The Scallop starter was beautiful and we used the fresh bread to some up every bit of the sauce. The mains and desert were all delicious, and right next to our concert venue to see Adam Ant. Thanks guys 🙏🏼

Booked Padrino after couldnt get a table in the Italian next door. Pleased we did. 4 of us seeing a show at the Cliffs Pavilion. When i booked, the lady said it was the last table available. Booked for 5pm and arrived a little early to a nearly empty restaurant but within 30 mins, the place was full & buzzing! Some of us ordered off the specials board. I had the wild boar ravioli to start and monk fish for a main...fantastic. All the food was great. Had room to squeeze a Tiramisu at the end...lovely, The 2 ladies shared a bottle of the house white which was very nice they said. Seem some reviews about rude staff & poor service, we didnt find this at all, perfect meal. Will be back. £95 a couple which we thought wasnt too bad these days

Cannot speak highly enough. Fabulous food and terrific staff. There were 18 of us for an 80th birthday. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere.

It’s such a shame I’ve had to review one of my favourite restaurant a one star. Myself and my partner have been coming here for years and my partner’s family even longer. We love the staff and love the food but wow how one night can an opinion. Firstly, we booked a week in advance as I know it gets busy on a Saturday; booking was for 7:30 for two people. We were greeted by the door and we were taken to a four seater table right by the door. I asked the waitress if we could move to the two seater table by the window or any of the other many tables available. However, they stated it will be busy very soon and there is a seating plan which people have called a few days before to get. I thought hmm well I have booked a week ago but it’s fine! It isn’t going to ruin our evening. We sat down and a table of three were seated to the table next to us which was one inch away so we were very cosy to say the least…we ordered our food which was scallops and bruschetta for starters. I said to my partner that the portion sizes seemed to be smaller and carried on eating. However, the table next to us got the exact same and had two more pieces of bruschetta and more scallops. This is when I started to get angry. I know it’s ridiculous but I don’t expect my portion sizes to be smaller. We got our mains but it was nice. I then asked to speak to a manager and was told there wasn’t one. So I spoke to a waitress who appeared confused. I told her I was not impressed that I was refused to move at the start and an hour later when we were done the tables WERE STILL FREE. She stated there was a plan but I’m sorry the plan evidently isn’t working when so many tables are free after an hour and we were asking multiple time to please move. I told the waitress I wasn’t expecting a free meal but I needed her to know how disappointed we were. She apologised. We asked for the bill and still charged full price. I wasn’t expecting a free meal but at least a discount on the food that was half missing. Absolutely awful service. Won’t be going back.

We recently visited this restaurant as a family group of 10 over the bank holiday weekend. We were there to celebrate our daughter’s birthday. There were so many aspects of our meal which contributed to a memorable dining experience. On our arrival we were greeted warmly by several staff members. Our drinks order was taken promptly and on placing our food order, the starters came up remarkably promptly. There was a respectable gap before our main courses arrived as was the case with our desserts. It did huge credit to the busy kitchen staff that everyone received their meals almost at the same time - no mean feat considering the party size. Everyone was very satisfied with the quality of their meals and portion sizes - a wide range of different options were selected from the extensive menu. The restaurant was very busy, with hardly a spare table whilst we were there - a testimony to the popularity of the venue. We all left feeling that we enjoyable evening spent in a very convivial venue.

Booked this restaurant as near the theatre. Excellent find - really tasty food. The staff are so friendly and welcoming - Great atmosphere.

We've been coming here fairly regularly for around 7 years and have never had a disappointing evening, the staff are lovely, very friendly and very efficient. The food never fails to deliver, always piping hot and packed with flavour - their bruschetta is the best I've ever had (always my starter). Really love it here, if you're in the area make sure you go, just book in advance as it's VERY busy. Keep up the good work guys, Natalie x

Me and my partner came here on a Friday night. We have been before and it is our favourite date night! Staff are lovely and the food is always tasty. Recommend to anyone in the area or visiting. Be safe to book in advance

Firstly this review is 100% genuine. I have recently had a lovely salmon meal here. I enjoyed the whole experience and would not hesitate to return again. Well done.

Eight of us went here for lunch to celebrate my 40th birthday and it couldn't have been better. The food is absolutely delicious, and the staff and location of the restaurant fabulous! Thanks so much Padrino.

Fantastic staff, very attentive and made us very welcome. It was my girlfriend’s father’s birthday and they brought out his desert with a candle and made everyone sing to him which he loved

This was our first time in Westcliff ,we had booked blind but thought it necessary (it is) . The staff are incredibly attentive and could teach many places that think they are more upscale than they are. The food was absolutely magnificent . The range of mains is incredible using much seafood. We are vegetarian ,but there was a large choice . Would thoroughly recommend the Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto and the Cannelloni. Thank you to all the staff bur particularly the lady with the Glitzy shoes! When we return , we will , the only thing we'd change is that we'd stay in Westcliff .

I called in for takeaway. The staff are lovely and the food is extremely good. Highly recommend this restaurant for eating in or out.

Food is good and a wide choice of specials on the menu. Big downside is the rush to get you out of the restaurant. Our table was booked for 19.30 and within minutes we are asked what we would like. We asked for a little time to make our choices which we got. Desserts on the other hand was totally different. Pestered constantly and at one stage waitress pulled a face and checked her watch in front of us. We were finished and out of the restaurant by 20.30. Not quite the relaxing evening with friends that we anticipated. I’m afraid we won’t be returning.

Have been here a few times. Food and service is always spot on. The staff remember you and are always super friendly. The staff make a real effort especially as they are always super busy. The fact they take the time to make each table feel special shows how good they are. Eve though it’s busy I never feel rushed, the atmosphere is relaxed and homely. The food is always amazing. My son loves the carbonara and I’ve tried the duck and lamb off the special board both are mouth watering. The garlic bread is delicious. The plates are hot so the food stays warm and meat is cooked perfectly. Hats off to the chefs. The food is cooked fresh but the wait isn’t as long as I would expect. Food portions are large. But I can’t stop eating as it’s so good I’m always stuffed after. My son loves taking his leftovers home and the waitress gave us tips on how to reheat it so it would still be good. The staff paid close attention to our conversation with them and brought my son a scoop of ice cream with a candle on the house and sung happy birthday which I thought was such a sweet touch. The waitress even remembered his name when we left. The price is also very reasonable. They don’t enforce a service charge but I always tip as they deserve it. Waiting staff don’t have to make the effort they do. My mum insists on visiting when ever she comes down to visit. I genuinely can’t recommend this place enough. It’s one of my favourite places to visit. Make sure you book to avoid disappointment. But definitely give this place a try. And a note to the front of house and back of house staff. Thank you for another fantastic evening you are all truly wonderful.

Went here with friends last night for a 7:30pm dinner. By 7:40 we had been asked three times our food selections ! The drinks were brought promptly and we hardly had time to start them before our starters were brought up. We asked for a break between courses but the main meal arrived almost immediately. Once this was finished we just wanted to finish our wine and then order our desert. However the staff still kept badgering us to order. In the end my husband said we want another five minutes and the tall waitress gave him a dirty look and looked at her watch. When we did order the older waitress said we needed to order coffee also as they were turning the machine off! By 9pm they were pulling the blinds down and almost everyone was out by 9:15. A great disappointment when spending £95 per couple and you aren’t allowed to have enjoy an evening. Surely it’s not too much to ask for the establishment to stay open until 10? The food however was very good . We had a similar experience a couple of weeks ago with a pre theatre dinner but thought we would give it another chance. We will not be returning so I would only advise you to go there if you choose to be fed by catapult!

Always wonderful food and exceptionally friendly service. Unfortunately the blonde manageress has upset many of the customers which includes my friends and family with her dreadful telephone manner, reception and abrupt behaviour but her husband, the manager is lovely. I wouldn't let this one gripe put me off going.

without doubt the best restaurant in the area. Incredible food, immaculate service and very clean. Always recommend this place as they never let you down

Lovely food; can't stay away. Best in Essex. Ignore the bitter and twisted one star reviews :-) Friendly staff, great atmosphere, fresh veggies and perfectly cooked fish and meat. Magic!

Firstly the food was very good ! But we found it very cramped!! too many tables have been squeezed in, we asked to move tables but the lady who seemed to be in charge was quite abrupt and definitely not very helpful. It was such a shame as the experience didn’t live up to the food.

My family have been trying to book a table here. First we were told they are too busy and could we phone back. Then we phone back and told too busy and to phone the following day. We did that to go through the diary with the lady then told she was too busy she then took a number which took longer than taking the booking and were told we would get a call the following day. No call was received. So tonight we tried again. The phone was answered and hung up. The phone was then busy for a while. When we did get through the lady said she would call tomorrow. We explained she said that the previous day and we didnt get a call. She then said she wasnt going to argue but was very aggressive. I cant believe they have any business with her attitude. Hung up and booked Piccolo next door. Very simple process with a gentleman who was keen to help and clearly wanted our booking for 9 people! Padrinos loss.

Fabulous food and fabulous service. Great variety, and always delicious. Have been going to this restaurant since moving to the area about 6 years ago and it always delivers.

This was my second visit to padrino And won’t be my last I had the seafood risotto for my main and enjoyed it , The staff are very attentive without being annoying There was a good atmosphere even though it was 5pm on a Sunday

Been wanting to try Padrino’s for a long time after lots of positive recommendations! Finally we managed to arrange and get booked in. It didn’t disappoint, fantastic service, the restaurant was buzzing with happy customers and the food was AMAZING! Thank you we will return 💫

There’s always a warm welcome at Padrino and the food is reliably good with quite generous servings. The menu offers a good deal of choice and there are always specials on the blackboard. We love the informal atmosphere, it’s very popular indeed and birthday party groups are not unusual, so I wouldn’t go for a romantic tryst. I very much like that there’s no additional mark up if you buy wine by the glass.

Great restaurant with friendly staff and good food in a quieter part of Southend. We had travelled from London to Southend on the Waverley Paddle Steamer. Walked to the restaurant from the end of the pier on possibly the warmest-ever October day so was in need of some food and and drink. Although we were too early staff found us a table. The staff were both professional and friendly. Even a local cabbie who was having a coffee break helped us with directions to the local railway station. If you are visiting Southend go to this restaurant you won't be disappointed. Mike w

Brough my wife and mother here for Sunday lunch and glad we booked as place was understandably packed. We had set menu and one of us a pasta dish, all food was freshly prepared and delicious with excellent portion sizes. This was our first but definitely not our last visit here and very much recommended.

Had a family meal here before a show at the cliffs pavilion . The food was absolutely amazing and great value for money I thought . I would definitely return .

Not been for a while for no good reason but as soon as we entered I remembered how great it was and was not disappointed, super food choices and lovely meals. Better still staff service, we were made to feel special and really looked after. Lovely place.

popped in on Saturday night early evening, we managed to get the last table. i was very impressed at the service and food, i have king prawn pasta the sauce was perfect, the scallops to start also very good

I LOVED this place, the staff /girls/ were amazingly friendly, and the food? Omg the prawn dish was super nice. Definitely coming back .What a gem.

Had a lovely meal here after watching a matinee at the Cliffs Pavillion. It is clearly a popular restaurant and I can see why. The food was spot on. I loved what I had and everyone else's dishes looked amazing too. The staff were excellent...

I took my mum for pre theatre dinner last night as part of her birthday treat and cannot rate Padrinos highly enough! The food was delicious and the service was impeccable especially considered how busy they were. The icing on the cake was that I...

Lovely lunch for twelve today. Been coming here for many years service and food always excellent. Really lovely place and very reasonable. You won't be disappointed.

Went for dinner with our girls after an afternoon Theatre trip at the Palace. Service was absolutely fantastic, very attentive and made us feel incredibly welcome & comfortable. Food was delicious. I had the sea bass which was cooked wonderfully and the desserts are to...

Visited to celebrate a family birthday. Lovely warm welcome from very attentive staff. Good choice of menu and reasonably priced. Recomend the cheese garlic bread which was great to share. I went with lasagna which was one of the best I have tasted. Followed by...

Booked in advance well advised as when we got to this amazing restaurant it was full. We 2 adults 2 children were seated straight away By fantastic friendly staff. Food was amazing we love to come here whenever we visit Southend. Till next time can’t...

Wet here for pre theatre meal. Staff were very efficient and was seated quickly. The food was of a moderate quality with garlic bread starter tasting reheated. Mains were reasonable quality. The big downside of this restaurant is the quantity of tables packed closely together....

We've eaten here twice now and both times the food has been very good - especially the pork with pancetta and mushrooms, the walnut and apple salad with blue cheese, the grilled asparagus with ham and mozzarella - definitely the best Italian in Westcliff since...

Went to Padrino after show at Cliffs. Been several times before here and the service and food always amazing. Dinner tonight no different family of 5 thoroughly enjoyed garlic bread while waiting then starters and mains too full for dessert but the desserts looked delicious....

Pre theatre dinner and the food was really excellent- we all ordered from the specials and the lobster ravioli was particularly good.

Great meal good service great value for money spent. Would suggest it as a venue for a nice meal - always full when I go past

Had a great meal here last night, after not going for a while. Huge choice on menu, then 12 specials for mains course. Food was amazing & service spot on. We will be back!

The server took our order and ran .. therefore she didn't get everyone's orders . The vegetable medley was pathetic , with the broccoli almost completely raw , 3 slices of carrot and a spoon of cabbages.. the sautéed potatoes were soggy roasted potatoes. Then...

Went last night for Wife's Birthday they had a full menu unlike most who have halved them since the dreaded C word realyy good food. Had seen good reviews se We went was suprised when they actually bought out proper Birthday candles as they don't...

What a find! All of the staff were friendly and attentive and the food was utterly delicious. We can highly recommend the ravioli ( both the lobster and mushroom ones); the crab pasta and the pizza. The pasta was freshly cooked and was bursting with...

Our go to place. Great quality home cooked style food at reasonable price. Best restaurant in area. Lovely people, always so friendly.

We visited for a family celebration, we arrived and our tables were ready with high chairs in place, wonderful welcome and beautiful food. The service was outstanding and children treated extremely well. I just cannot thank them enough for such a fabulous evening.

Visited for a pre-theatre dinner. Such good value for the two-course set menu. Plenty to choose from and we were happy with our choices - especially the lasagna. Service was efficient and friendly. Will definitely visit again.

Passed this by chance and what a little find… Staff were all accommodating and very helpful advising us on food. Starters including the mussels were rich and creamy, delightful. The dover sole was outstanding so full of taste and the pizza was delicious. Thank you...

Yet another wonderful meal!! Popped in on a Sunday afternoon and although they had many bookings, they managed to find us a table! Opted for the set menu as it’s amazing value for money, (the mussels and bruschetta starters are to die for!) and honestly,...

Welcomed and seated by attentive waitress, to a table of our choice. Orders taken promptly and served without undue waiting. Daily special was only £13.95 for 2 course and portions were not skimpy. Whitebait for starter and Pulled pork for mains was perfect. Plenty of...

I booked a table for 10 on a very busy Sunday afternoon before the panto. The restaurant was packed out but the service was attentive and friendly and we didn’t feel rushed. Some great specials, and family particularly enjoyed the very generous seafood dishes. I...

Was absolutely fabulous. We were a family party of 14 . 6 being kids. They looked after us tremendously and food was best Italian I’ve had in a long time. Very good value for money. Will be returning soon, we all loved it!

I haven’t visited in years and this place never disappoints! The food was amazing fresh hearty traditional Italian food, best carbonara I’ve had in the uk, reminded me of my trips to Italy. My partner got the monk fish from the special board and was...

Spoilt again … great Specials boards and fabulous service 💯😍 Arthur, Vera, Luba and the rest of the crew Thank you 🙏 we shall see you all again soon x

Ate here bonfire weekend with our two little girls. My husband is Italian and can be quite fussy but there was zero complaints from any of us. The portion sizes were good, food was fresh and tasted lovely. Service was attentive but not pushy and...

Went down to Southend to watch the Guy Hawks fireworks and decided to have dinner too. Booked in advance, just based on reviews on trip advisor and google. When we got to the place it was packed of people and full og character. We had...

Nowhere comes even close to Padrinos. Immaculately clean, perfectly prepared food, fresh vegetables; everything you could wish for. Plus the best staff anywhere. Friendly, attentive, obliging. Ignore the meaningless one stars; probably from their rivals :-)

Visited here in August and the food was gorgeous, the carpaccio was delicious and the tagliatelle prawns with truffle oil was heavenly. I would of given it a 5 but the service was a tad slow. Will definitely visit again ❤️. A tad pricey but...

Lovely pre theatre meal . We chose two pasta dishes from the specials board. One prawn and one vegetarian. The staff were friendly and efficient with the whole restaurant because the knew we were all going to the theatre. Great place within easy walking distance...

Was our first visit, lovely situated restaurant with sea views, the atmosphere was good, lots of staff who were very attentive. The seafood linguini was the best I have ever tasted, the kids loved the spag bog. The desserts again were very tasty. Definitely recommended...

I ordered the seafood pizza and asked for without tuna (I asked if this was okay to do and the waitress said this was fine). The food took nearly 40 minutes to come out (we dined on a Monday evening), our garlic bread was very...

We went for a friends Birthday with our 2 teenage sons ,Hadnt booked as it was last minute to go out , we were welcomed and shown to a table straight away no hassle ,even though they were quite busy,Lovely atmosphere for couples & families...

Incredible food at reasonable prices and friendly service this has been consistently good for over 5 years - it's certainly a place I recommend to friends as I know they will not let me down.

Had a meal here last night for my sons birthday.. It was my first visit here and I can say it won’t be my last. We had a 6 o’clock table booked and it was really busy.. Service was fantastic, all staff very friendly and...

Came from East Sussex to see a show with friends who had booked a table for six people only to be told we didn't have a reservation. Checked our phone to see a nd went back in. Lady manager very very rude and didn't want...

As ever we received a warm welcome - this in spite of having to cancel a short while before at short notice because of a problem at the Dartford crossing. Padrinos never lets us down. My starter was excellent and my main meal veal was...

Absolutely superb. Extremely friendly staff. Varied affordable menu with our delicious meals served promptly. Restaurant surprised us with ice cream and candle and sang happy birthday to my mortified granddaughter. An extremely pleasant Sunday lunch. Will definitely schedule a return visit.

A very good meal , first time we had been to the restaurant and it was very good. Beautiful food; simply cooked with good service. Lots of parking nearby

We went for dinner and received a really warm welcome. Each member of staff we passed greeted us. They were good with the kids and very helpful. Food was good. There are a few parking spaces just outside, but a car park just round the...

Excellent food and very nice staff. We had veggie cannelloni and seafood spaghetti and the food was very nice, good ingredients and very well cooked. We had tiramisu and Nutella gnocchi for dessert and it was lovely, too. They accommodated us without reservation but make...

Great location overlooking the estuary and just around the corner from the Cliffs Pavilion. We arrived at 4:30 to a quiet restaurant but by the time we left it was packed and gave off a great noisy Italian-like atmosphere. The staff were friendly, personal &...

5/5 Amazing service, was fast and friendly. Amazing food, had the risotto, food was delicious and hot! Amazing price, £12 for a selected menu, absolutely brilliant!

Phoned and made a booking only to be told on arrival my booking wasn’t on the clip board. Even showed the rude lady the telephone call made a few days previously on my phone. Very unhelpful and rude !

Booked a few days before thinking we might not get in but they managed to get us in at 5:30 but had to vacate at 7:20. Even though this was the case was never rushed. Staff lovely and welcoming even though busy. food was great...

We had an amazing dinner here tonight, before a performance at the nearby Cliffs Pavilion. We chose from the £11.95 set menu (for 2 courses). Not only was the food fresh and flavoursome, the portions were extremely generous too. Each and every staff member was...

Booked a table through their website for 7pm and received a confirmation email. When we arrived, they couldn't find my booking and told me I probably booked in the wrong restaurant as they do not accept 7pm bookings. My fault somehow! After showing confirmation email...

Booked for dinner 14th February. Booking made 19th January and deposit paid. The restaurant does not issue email confirmations because all bookings are done over the phone. I called on the day to confirm the time and booking, but they were unable to find my...

We visited on Valentine’s day and so it was packed. They key points are that the food was very very good and the staff were brilliant. The menu was great and we were really spoilt for choice - everything we chose was great. Staff were...

My wife and I attended this Italian resturant for the first time on Saturday 12 February 2022 prior to an evening show at The Cliffs Pavillion Theatre, Southend. We have been to the theatre a couple of times in the last six months and noticed...

We ate at Padrinos last night, before a show at the Cliffs. We had the set menu, which is ridiculously cheap and utterly delicious. We added dessert too, and garlic bread, with hot drinks and it was still under £20 per person. Service was exceptional...

It seems like only yesterday that I wrote my last review and yet it was October! We did re-visit in November and we'd love to visit more, but it's 24 miles away! So, a matinee at The Cliffs and an early dinner; 5pm table! The...

Booked this restaurant before a show, the first restaurant Piccolo was fully booked and opted for Padrino. I am so pleased we went here, the two course pre show £11.95 was great value. There was the option of the special board or a la carte....

Excellent place, very good food and nice atmosphere. Great value for money. Whitebait and crab linguine were cooked to perfection.

Visited recently for a birthday meal with my partner, staff are all very friendly and welcoming which is always a great start. We started off with a chilli tomato garlic bread which is perfect for those who love a bit of spice. It’s big enough...

Lovely staff, restaurant always busy and I always have the Protection Pizza (garlic, chillis and red onions).

Went here a few days ago, to treat my mum in law to a meal out, while we were staying with her in Westcliff. Very warm welcome by staff and we were quickly shown to our table and menus left with us. Service was fantastic,...

It was a bit of a shaky start. I’d been recommended this restaurant and had tried to book a table - but kept calling them and either no answer or it would go to voicemail and nobody called me back. So we turned up here...

We live in Gidea Park and feel robbed, because we don't have a restaurant of Padrino's standard anywhere near us. But, whenever we are visiting The Cliffs, Padrino's is always our first choice. In fact, when we visit friends around the area, we always insist on a visit to the restaurant.So many people simply turn up, expecting to get a table, but this restaurant is so popular, so please do book.Lots of staff, friendly staff too, and so helpful. Lovely being greeted with a smile.A nice buzzy restaurant too, music isn't stupidly loud - a great all-round restaurant that cannot be faulted.We have never been on a Saturday night, so I can't comment, but probably been every other night of the week.We tend to book an early table (5.30pm). They ask for the table back at 7.20pm, which is fine - show at The Cliffs starts, and the evening guests start arriving!There's a set menu (what a bargain), but our party never tend to take advantage of that. We last visited on 17th September, starting with some mussels and breads to share. I then went for one of the daily specials; king prawn spaghetti in a cream and truffle sauce - it was truly scrumptious! We eat out a lot (and some very fine London restaurants), but I can honestly say this was one of the best pastas I have ever tasted. One of our party had the skate, which he said was delicious. My husband and friend both went for the Spaghetti Marinara (good seafood in this dish). The men had a couple of beers and then on to the house red, which was great. No puddings for us - the portions are large and what with us going off for a little 'soul' night at The Cliffs, we needed to get up and have a dance!The restaurant is pretty big and popular not only with visitors to The Cliffs, but locals alike. Definitely one of my favourite restaurants and, in my eyes, the best Italian in Essex.We are due back on 15th November, but no doubt we will be booking Padrino's - not sure I could wait that long. If only our area had such a great restaurant. Excellent value, not stupidly over-priced - they have everything just right!Oh, and on a lasting night, this is also a favourite of a friend of ours who is a vegetarian, so ....... win win!Thank you.

Service lovely, friendly staff, made us feel welcome. Food wonderful value for money. Love it. No complaints here about anything. Others should take note or may be not.

Wow, so much good value for money! Two courses for £11.99. Then I had a pud to finish plus a large beer for £20 Atmosphere is brilliant and it’s always full. Fully recommend this restaurant!

Four of us went to Padrino’s last night Monday 27th September for a pre show meal and it was amazing, the food was delicious possibly the best Italian ever ( outside of Italy ) they had a large menu with so much to choose from plus a big specials board and the staff were brilliant very attentive without being over the top.I would certainly go back when we are next down in Southend for a show.

Have visited Padrinos umpteen times over the years and never fails to impress.Have tried most things on the menu with particular favourite being lobster pasta. Being a seafood lover the selection is excellent and even when restaurant is boiling with customers the service is first class. Will always return.

It was good to see this popular restaurant flourishing again after the lock-down. The extensive menu provides generous portions at very good prices. Our choices were served piping hot by the friendly staff. The restaurant is very popular and booking is essential. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK.

This was our first time dining here and WOW were we satisfied, from the moment we walked in we were greeted by a very nice lady who welcomed me by name, the ambience has a feel of traditional Italy in its decor,and is very spacious and comfortable, the restaurant has a good view of the see to.We ordered drinks and were given plenty of time to order, i had Melon and parma ham for starters which was really lovely, fresh and tasty, my partner had calamari which she said was amazing not chewy and light batter, for main i chose Lamb rump in garlic and red wine gravy, with saute potatos and 3 veg everything was cooked to perfection and was very tasty, do'nt think ive had better my partner had chicken breast with prawns and crayfish in a creamy mustard and brandy sauce again with amazing saute potatoes and veg, she loved it ,i tried it and was blown away by the flavour of this dish, will order it myself next time we go. I opted for an irish coffee to finish with again ive never had better, my partner had torte lemon cheesecake, which was light and refreshing finished off with complimentry chocolates and limochello. All in all we had an amazing meal served by friendly staff. Loved it.

Wow, where to start. We originally booked this as a table for 2. However our family were able to join us so we were able to increase our table to 6 the day before. I should state we were eating on aSunday night, I can’t imagine it would be possible to increase by that volume on a Saturday but always worth checking. We were welcomed, seated & given our menus and shown the specials board. After a few minutes our drinks orders were taken and bought quickly. We weren’t ready to order food yet as there was so much choice. The waiter came back a few minutes later and took our orders. Unfortunately the lobster Thermidor wasn’t available that my husband wanted but he did discuss a couple of the other dishes with the waiter and chose something else. The waiter was apologetic (it can’t be helped if something has run out though) but we were impressed by the time he took to discuss the other dishes, it felt like he cared. The food we had was amazingly tasty, I opted for Devon sole with the lemon butter sauce. It is an expensive fish but wow they did it justice it was phenomenal. They asked if I wanted it and on the bone or filleted. Well I hate filleting fish but I don’t recall before being give you be choice in a restaurant. I opted for it to be filleted for me and it was so much easier to eat and enjoy. We had a wide variety of dishes, sea food mixed grill, pizza, pasta, steak… everything was cooked perfectly over the starters, mains and the deserts. There isn’t a single thing we can fault and we will definitely return if we visit Southend again.

The first time we’d been there, attracted by the existing reviews, of course. The restaurant was packed, mainly family and friends - as you’d expect when it’s Italian cuisine. The staff are excellent and the food is plentiful and all served hot. My carbonara was rich and tasty, the pasta just right. But maybe the best guide to the quality would be the spinach and ricotta cannelloni that my wife had. Light years from the supermarket convenience version - this is how it should be done. It was a generous portion too, but it was all eaten up. We’ll be back!