Piccolo Italian Restaurant in Southend-on-Sea

Lovely Italian Restaurant close to The Cliffs Pavilion. Staff, food, atmosphere just totally fantastic. Recommend 1000%

An absolutely amazing meal pre theatre...food..staff..views ...absolutely faultless. What an absolute little gem this restaurant is...cannot praise it enough...we will be back..thanks piccolo

Great food, atmosphere and service. They never disappoint! Love this restaurant 😍.

Another fantastic meal at my favourite local restaurant

We have made it a family tradition to come for the kids birthdays as they love the food and staff. This year’s visit was more than worthy of a review. The staff were so lovely and made our daughter Everly feel so very special. The food as usual is epic - hands down the best pizza in Southend if you want authentic Italian bakes. Always a lemon chello on the way out and we’ll be back again soon. Well done Piccolos you done it again 👌🏼 Bravo 🇮🇹

Went here for a dinner with my partner. It was extremely busy with lots of diners inside. The staff were so lovely and warm towards everyone. They made the most of the relatively small space they have, in terms of the seating arrangements. Our food was really nice, I had the Bolognese pizza which was hands down one of the best pizzas I’ve ever eaten! Lots of drinks available and a nice view of the Thames from inside. Lovely family run place would recommend!

My partner and i love piccolo!! the vibes, the staff and how for every single birthday they just blast the music to a 100 and they bring the cake out. Normally I get the lasagne every visit which is very tasty highly recommended if you are not quite sure what to get. If you are going on a weekend I suggest you give them a call and book a table normally is very busy during those days. Thank team piccolo for the great time.

Had a lovely meal with the family on Sunday. Food was excellent! Calamari cooked to perfection, the two course meal they offer for £15.95 is great! I had the pasta salad to start with the Lamb and mixed veg for main. Kids portion of spaghetti bolognaise was good for my 7 year old. And the penne arabiata was very nice that my wife had, all moped up with some outstanding garlic bread. Highly recommended piccolo. We will definitely be back 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Authentic Italian Restaurant, reasonable, staffs were very friendly and polite. I would highly recommend this place if you are visiting south end on sea. - Garlic bread was so authentic and tasty. Its heavenly - portion size was good - We were four people and accommodated quite nicely - Being a vegetarian person i would highly recommend this place.

Amazing food and service, what a gem, definitely be back

A very cozy place, beautifully designed, with friendly, warm-hearted Italian staff and excellent food. The pizza is exceptionally good here.

Absolutely brilliant! The food was great, lovely atmosphere and it was my son’s birthday tonight, the staff made a fuss of him and he said it was the best birthday. The team at Piccolo really do make the evening special!

Fantastic pre theatre dinner. The atmosphere was amazing, every table taken. The set menu (before 7pm) was fantastic value and really yummy! Authentic restaurant and all the staff were friendly and attentive.

Very good, traditional food. Atmosphere great and generous portions. Highly recommend.

Well what a find! The place was packed so we sat on a small table outside. Service was great and the Pizza was perfect! Thanks, William and Kate.

Amazing friendly staff especially the manager great surroundings food lovely reasonably priced 👍

Great food and very good atmosphere

I haven't been to this restaurant in years,.it was lovely the first time round and this time didn't disappoint. Busy bustling restaurant with authentic delicious food. The service was excellent and the owner is such a lovely man who interacts with his customers. It was my daughters birthday and he went out of his way to make it special. Looking forward to my next visit... crab linguine was excellent, lobster ravioli, Halibut and pizzas all perfect and the seafood pasta (can't remember the name) Thank you to all at piccolo's for a lovely evening

Best carbonara I've ever eaten! Amazing food and service. I'll be back on numbers.🇮🇹

Unprofessional and racist people..

Lovely traditional Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere. Went for dinner and was very busy but the staff made the effort to find us a table despite a booking of 10 people arriving soon. Food was incredible with good portion sizes too. Service was a little slow but understandable as they were full to capacity. Will definitely be going back

Visited today for the first time, the food was delicious. Staff were very welcoming and friendly, lovely atmosphere. Will be my go to for Italian food in Essex from now on

Totally Italian, hospitality and excellent food!

We came here after a recommendation and so glad we did. We arrived 30 minutes prior to our booking time but they seated us anyway. The staff were super friendly and attentive. Food was amazing. We ordered a ravioli and pasta. Both really yummy. Lots of flavour. Felt it was a very reasonable meal. My husband told them it was my birthday so they brought over a tiramisu with a candle and sang happy birthday with a horn and rubber chicken! So funny. Really great atmosphere and very friendly people.

Last sunday the flight from my daughter and me was canceled from London Luton and we should fligh the next day from Southend. We booked a lovely hotel in Southend and they advised to take diner at Piccolo. And we loved it! The meal was amazing, the people who were working were all lovely and this together made the birthday from my girl complete!

This is by far the best Italian restaurant in Southend. Great food, service and ambience, just a shame they don't open for lunch, but perhaps too much of a good thing?

I'm in Southend to watch Gladys Knight and chose to eat at Piccolo restaurant as it looked good on their website, I can honestly say it's one of the best meals I've had out in years, the whole experience is (I'm still here eating) fantastic. Well done Piccolo.

The food is delicious and the service is great!! When I get in this restaurant I feel closer to Italy 🥰❤️ I always drive 1h and 30min just to eat here and is worth it every time!

Came here following a suggestion from one of the local residents. I have to say this was an incredible experience, the atmosphere was lively but also quaint enough to enjoy a meal, the staff were very friendly and accommodating, I couldn't decide between the lasagne or the spaghetti carbonara and so the chef created a dish that incorporated both for me, it was absolutely delicious. The prices are more than reasonable too. I would highly recommend this Italian restaurant and I will certainly come here again.

Excellent, wonderful friendly staff. Molto gentile!!

Really enjoyed my meal and really enjoyed the service, what a fantastic restaurant it really was eccellente

Best place for excellent food, lively birthdays and enthusiastic waiters!! Loved it and looking forward to the next birthday bash.

Lovely restaurant. Great food and staff.

I was so very lucky, being taken here while on holiday from 🇨🇦by a family who come here Every special occasion. It was the 60th Birthday of my friend, their sister and it was an Absolutely Amazing dinner! Can’t wait to be back in England, and to eat here again!!

The pastas are all very delicious and the portions are very big. All the staffs are very nice and they treat my son a free chocolate ice-cream. I would highly recommend this restaurant. It's amazing and I will definitely come back!!

Tipical italian atmosphere. The food was excellent and respects the typical Italian recepies. And the service was amazing. Compliments to the chef. I recommend it 👌

We eat here when we come for a show at Cliffs Pavilion and this is the third occasion. It’s just excellent. Great atmosphere, lovely service and delicious food at reasonable prices. I can highly recommend this lovely restaurant.

I love this place, the atmosphere is amazing (there's always one member of staff who's very cheerful and looks happy to be there, which is rare in the service industry), great music, and last but not least by far, the food is delicious! You can tell they put heart in what they do, and they're brilliant at it 👑 Favourite dish: the sirloin steak 👌🏻 and you can't go wrong with any of the desserts!

Great Italian food and always a good atmosphere 👌

Very good Italian food, Italian climate and great and friendly service. I recommend it to😋 everyone

If you want atmosphere, then this is the place to go. Food is fab.

Small tables. Food ok, not great. Small portions. No second visit, just presumed all ok. Waiters efficient but not friendly. Would not return. Spent £85 and left hungry!!

Great overall experience BUT membrane was left on the octopus in my pasta dish which nearly choked me to death, basics not covered here, I will pass on the octopus next time .... 🧐

Fab food great atmosphere and service and staff are very special too. Thanks for making my sisters birthday very special!

When we arrived the table they had ready for us was clearly too small you couldn't order a pizza it was that bad. After we asked to be moved to another table they made rude comments about us the staff were not aware someone in our group could speak Italian. I would never go again the staff are rude and they try to pack in as many people in as they can. Awful experience.

This has become a go to restaurant while visiting Southend-On-Sea. Friendly service and very accommodating family run restaurant!

Went in by chance on a Sunday at 4 pm - it was busy, great atmosphere, great food and great service. Quite a surprise. Amazing value for money too and no, I don’t know them and I don’t work there. If I’m ever in Southend going to the theatre, I’ll be back for sure

Unprofessional and aggressive behaviour from particular waiter.

Lovely food. Lovely staff. Highly recommend the mussels in white wine as your starter, they are fabulous . The price is extremely reasonable and be certain that you won't be waiting between courses. As a regular, I can honestly say that there has only been a single occasion where the main course was not up to the standard expected and the staff were so shocked and apologetic and did everything they could to make it right, including not charging and offering to make a new dish. When I declined, they brought complimentary drinks and every visit since has been wonderful. That was 100 percent an isolated incident and the food and service before and after has been second to none. Couldn't recommend it more. Go, enjoy.

We went for my dad’s birthday. Everyone was so friendly. The food was delicious! The atmosphere was great. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and will definitely be going back.

I honestly don't know how this place is reviewed so highly. The food was very average I waited over an hour and half for our mains. The table was booked for 7.30 and didn't get our mains till 2 hours later which wasn't worth the wait but they was quicker enough when I asked for the bill and didn't want desert was such a shame as it was my mother in laws birthday! I wouldn't mind but everyone who came in half hour after me had there deserts and out the door before us

We absolutely love this place!!!! The food is amazing and the staff are incredible. They make you feel apart of the family and it’s a truly home from home restaurant. Portion size are extremely generous to say the least. The children get to choose what they would like to do for their birthday every year and their response is always the same , piccolos . I’ve never came across a restaurant like this before and it is an absolute lil gem. We would just like to thank all the staff for always giving us a amazing experience.

The food, staff and the outstanding atmosphere makes it a must go to place.

What a lovely restaurant I went for Mothers Day. The food was outstanding the waitors couldn't do enough for us. They were friendly, happy, and helpful. Our children, 3 of them under 5, were treated with kindness and very playful with them. Overall, it's a fantastic place to eat I will definitely be coming again 10/10

Very good home made Italian food, very friendly knowledgeable staff. Lovely little setting great for pre show food if you’re heading to the theatre.

Fantastic place beautiful people food so yummy loved this place very welcoming prices very reasonable

One of the better Italian restaurants in this area. A friendly place and good service

A superb meal, in lovely surroundings, excellent view, even on a winters day. Only added to by exceptionally friendly staff. A real gem of a find. I can recommend the veal milanese, it was delicious. And all at a reasonable price. We are already planning a return visit after our next show at the Cliffs.

Piccolo is the best Italian restaurant in the city of Southend-on-Sea

Amazing food! Amazing people! Great atmosphere!

We just finished from the Cliffs Pavilion theatre just after 10pm and having skipped dinner we were very hungry. We were lucky enough to find this hidden gem of a restaurant 5 minute walk from the theatre. Despite the restaurant preparing themselves to close the owners (3rd generation family) were kind enough to cook us a late dinner. We had the grilled veal with vegetables and chips, and it was lovely. The lovely owners even provided us with complimentary home made coconut ice-cream which was delicious. It was a perfect ending to a perfect night. I cannot thank the lovely owners and their staff enough. I actually want to go back to Southend just to eat at this restaurant again! Thanks!

Great service from all staff, so welcoming, amazing authentic Italian food, thank you Philpo you had a great sense of humour. Definitely will come back xx

I lived in Italy (Puglia County) and I can 100% say that the food at Piccolo is incredible! After the first bite of garlic bread, I knew I was in heaven! Filippo, the waiter, had an amazing sense of humor and knowledge of the dishes! We were also given a pack of Italian biscotti as a token of gratitude. our evening was a 100% success and it’s all thanks to the amazing Italian restaurant Piccolo! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT 100% 🍕🇮🇹🍝

Nice place. Delicious food. Squeezed us in with no reservation on a busy night which was great My partner was served under cooked chicken unfortunately but they apologised and brought a fresh dish with no fuss and brought fresh vegetables too. Handled well in my opinion. Will be back next time we visit The Cliffs.

Whenever I go to visit my friend, we go as a child. Because the environment is very festive, all year round. Then they always celebrate birthdays at full blast.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 and even my children always treat them like 10.. so we feel at home... we can comfortably ask things in Italian because everyone understands us... and nothing .. I love little

Great food and good quality wine

Superb restaurant. Staff were brilliant, great atmosphere and food was fab. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a good meal.

Lovely meal but more importantly a great atmosphere and lovely staff.

First time visit to this restaurant. Very impressed with the food and the staff were very friendly. Definitely will return.

Went for my daughters birthday yesterday as it is her favourite restaurant. Absolutely gorgeous food and the service was amazing. Highly recommend.

One word to summarise: Incredible! If you want incredible food, steak, seafood and an authentic feel with great staff come here

A real gem, authentic italian food and in authentic Italian setting. We booked to go back whilst we were there.

My family enjoyed their dishes, looked nice, they tasted great. The staff where jovial and gun with a good balance banter and care. Place itself was lively, a real family place. My disappointment came when, after I had ordered a Cacio e pepe, they brought me a tastless carbonara with a feel of sainsburys local. Not sure if the chef didn't know how to make a cacio e pepe or our waiter couldn't distinguish between that and a "Car~Boo~Na~Ra", either way my fault. I'll be ordering something different next time

Piccolos is a classic. Excellent old school Italian restaurant in a nice spot. The owner is very welcoming and remembers his customers. I have always found the food to be spot on, great pasta, great pizzas, lamb chicken and fish all nice. It’s a small restaurant and always very crowded, service is usually a bit chaotic but take that as part of the charm.

Birthday dinner, excellent food in an excellent setting, very chirpy waiters keep the atmosphere going. Huge portions even the starters.

Good family atmosphere. Food was tasty.

My new favourite place to go, absolutely brilliant experience

The best restaurants with perfect environment and great staff.

Wonderful place, amazing puttanesca

Delicious food excellent staff love the place. Attention to detail is spot on. Nothing too much trouble.

We visited here before going to the theatre, everything was great! Food was really good and service was spot on. Definitely recommend this place for dinner

Never had a poor meal here. Since moving home I still drive 60 odd miles to come here, wifes favourite restaurant. Recommend the veal with creamed mushrooms.

Amazing authentic Italian food for a good price and the staff was very friendly! *I would highly recommend make reservations before hand. There only few tables.

Family meal to celebrate my birthday. Food was deliziozo! Salmon pasta, spaghetti bolognese, pizza and steak. Service was perfect. Only downside was the noise from so many guests, which made it difficult to have a conversation. I will still recommend Piccolo.

Excellent service and food, we will be back...and dog friendly too...thank you

The food was great and the portions generous! Friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere! I would definitely visit again!

Absolutely love this italian as a pre show meal. Food ,service and staff brilliant . Be back in november

In September, my wife and I celebrated our marriage with dinner for our wedding party. It couldn’t have been better. We had the best service, the food and drink was spot on and we couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere. My goodness, everything was perfect. Can’t wait to go back.

Went on Sunday for lunch 4 adults and one child. Such an amazing atmosphere. Felt so special from the moment we walked in to when we left. Couldn't do enough for you and the food was exceptional and great value our grandson had lovely treats and a special pizza . Thank you all so much for an excellent afternoon. Keep on singing 😉 Southend 🙌🙌🙌

A great restaurant with a great atmosphere. The place was packed and the staff coped admirably. All in all the experience was great, we shall be working our way through their menu. More to come…..

Had a lovely meal with my boyfriend on Sunday night. I had mussels to start, the Porchini mushroom ravioli followed by lemoncello sorbet flute. My boyfriend had super large king prawns, salmon for mains and tiramisu for dessert all washed down with a superb bottle of Gavi. The waiters were attentive and funny. Will be back!

The wife loves it the kids love it and so do I Such a nice place food and atmosphere all round 12 out of 10

Great place amazing staff very welcoming food was delicious 😋

Brilliant meal 😋 well worth it xx

Best Italian restaurant food service atmosphere 6 stars

Jadłem pizze z mortadela i piłem Aperolka. Wszystko było cudownie pyszne. Nawet zjadłem końcówki z oliwek czego nie robię. Nie mogę się nachwalić jakie to było dobre.bardzo polecam.

Would highly recommend a visit , must book to avoid disappointment

Such amazing staff, what an amazing place. Authentic Italian, great atmosphere for groups or couples. You’ll love it!

Food was well priced and delicious. Service super fast and friendly. Everything served with a smile. Very busy and noisy Definitely will be going again very soon.

What a great place. Arrived on spec and was greeted by a great member of staff. Seating was quickly found for us even though it was very busy. Lots of locals - good sign. Food standard/ quality and service excellent. Best Italian we have had in a very long time.