The Basilica Restaurant in Southend-on-Sea

Brilliant atmosphere and equally exquisite Italian food

As if Christmas for me was not lonely enough. ... to book for an expensive 3 course meal ... and be begrudgingly served two ... not nice. I wae dumped at a small table between two bigger ones. Trying to attract the eyes of any waiter (5 of them) was really difficult. I have eaten here ojce before, a few yearscago. I got sick. The service then, was bad too. I felt invisible. And ended up fighting back tears. The starter was too big, a meal on its own. The turkey main course came swimming in gravy. Almost a soup, very off-putting. Dessert never arrived, and after sitting trying to get that service for over an hour, beginning to have stomach cramps, I gave up, paid, and left. At least my cats enjoyed the turkey. Perhaps I should be grateful they bothered to let a lonely person feel so much worse about the day.

Amazing place ! Worth a visit! Sea food pasta UNREAL

If you're looking for the perfect spot to complement your visit to the Cliffs Pavilion, look no further than this Italian restaurant. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it's ideal for a pre-show dinner or a post-theatre wind-down. The food is simply fantastic—authentic Italian dishes prepared with care and bursting with flavor. Whether you're indulging in a classic pasta or savoring a perfectly cooked main course, each plate feels like a little trip to Italy. A special mention goes to Sooraj Menon, whose impeccable service and genuine warmth elevated the dining experience. His attention to detail ensures every guest feels welcome and well taken care of!

Post theatre dining My wife and I visited this restaurant, after seeing the panto near by, as the reviews looked promising. They didn't dissapoint! Great food - Salmon was great! The homemade ice-cream was lovely! Service was spot-on, with friendly staff Ambient music was at a nice volume - not loud, but enough that you can chat without raising your voice to be heard. Would happily go again.

Really lovely restaurant, great atmosphere, great service and really nice food! Thank you

One of this country's finest Italian restaurants. Thoroughly recommended.

Had a lovely meal here last night, food and wine were both absolutely delicious, and it’s such a lovely atmosphere to have dinner in. I’d particularly recommend the mussels starter, it’s very filling and the mussels were very fresh and tasty. The staff are very kind and attentive and they really make sure you’re looked after!

Lovely restaurant!! We all had pizzas and they were fabulous. The gluten free base was amazing, one of the best I’ve ever had. So hard to find good gluten free Italian food and here it is made fresh to order, delicious and the chef assured us there was no cross contamination. Lovely and very attentive staff too. X

A big crowd headed down to one of our fave restaurants In town ,, we started as an 8 but after one of our favourite events locally , ended up a 12 wonderfully accommodated thank you 🙏 food and service spot on ,, we will be back on the 15th December ,, will Confirm numbers nearer everyone super happy with their yummy food ., everything from Whitebait to Chicken Diane … thank you to all front of house and back of house x

Small restaurant. Food was delicious worth the wait. Probably need one more waiting staff when diners attending Cliffs Theatre. We were sat at a table by the door which was not a good idea as people coming in were standing with the door open and almost on top of us eating. Please remove that table for two by the door.

Stumbled upon this restaurant as we were staying nearby. The food was amazing! Staff were friendly and attentive, the restaurant is very smart and clean. I had a brilliant meal and will definitely be back next time we stay in Southend. Our whole table was very impressed. Thank you very much, highly recommend.

Absolutely fabulous. Amazing food, and amazing staff 😁. Had my dad's 90th birthday at the restaurant it was just great, they made him feel really special. So many thanks to all at the Basillica and we'll see you soon xx

Absolutely stunning. I’ve eaten here many times. The food, the service, the environment. I can’t fault anything. The menu varies from a gorgeous filling £11 lasagne to a melt in your mouth £30 steak. they really give you the Italian experience. An absolute must try.

Visited here when in Southend for the theatre. I had their special Tris, which was absolutely delicious, followed by a homemade lasagne. Food and wine were outstanding, decor is lovely and the service is excellent. If I lived closer, I would be in here all the time.

Beautiful restaurant. Good food. Need a bit of improvement in service.

We had family from America,bowled over by the food Amazing everything first class haven't stopped recommending this Restaurant, will return.

Just enjoyed a wonderful meal with my family for our wedding anniversary. The food was amazing as were the staff. Definitely come here again 🥰

What a little gem this restaurant is. Visited on a Sunday night whilst visiting the area; wish we had this on our doorstep. Food was delicious, generous portions, friendly and attentive staff. We loved the decor, toilets were spotless, we couldn't fault the restaurant in any way.

Great food, lovely staff and the restaurant is architecturally beautiful

Had dinner for my dad’s birthday. Whole restaurant to ourselves and staff were attentive and kind. The food was amazing. I couldn’t eat another bite.

Found this little gem and booked for my birthday. Restaurant was decorated beautifully, spacious, soft music playing and an all around great atmosphere. Food portions very generous, presentation was superb on all 3 courses and the food was so flavoursome! Staff very attentive. The manager spoke to each table of guests and even shook our hand. On leaving the restaurant the manager opened the door for us. Highly recommend We will be returning

Such a lovely decorated restaurant and delicious food. I can't wait to try more things from the menu 😋 The service was great as well.

Second visit and staff still Friendly and hospitable, especially the manager. food tasted amazing. Will definitely be going back.

What a beautiful restaurant. This is my fourth time here and yet again it didn’t disappoint. The food was amazing, service was brilliant. I will definitely be visiting again soon. Thank you

Really nice place. Very clean and well turned out. Food was good; no complaints at all. Service was OK. We were asked if we wanted the bill before we had our mains. Then we order dessert and two minutes later we were asked again. Minor point indeed as I'd go back there. It just why they didn't get a 5.

Lovely meal this eve for 18th Birthday, thankyou!

Update 23.07.2024 - the restaurant called me today and apologised for the overcharge and have arranged a refund for the additional drinks. Thank you for doing the decent thing. 19.07.2024 Food was good, surroundings were lovely and staff were very friendly. HOWEVER should have checked the receipt before I left. We were charged for 4 drinks we didnt have which added an extra £16 to the bill! I always check but didn't this time so my fault I guess 😡. We won't be returning.

We had a good time and a delicious food. The staff were polite, welcoming, and humbled. We enjoyed the fish dishes. The desert was outstanding as well. I recommend this lovely place. It deserves to be visited.

Just visited the restaurant for the first time after finishing work late. I can honestly say we were both so impressed with not only the food but the fantastic service. We had a starter and main course which both tasted amazing, the food was seved hot (not always the case in some restaurants) and it was full of flavour. The staff were so attentive and friendly which made the whole experience that much better. We also liked the decor. All in all it was a 10 out of 10 for us and we will definitely be returning. Just as a foot note make sure you leave enough room for the desserts they looked amazing but unfortunately, we were too full to try them.

Had an amazing meal at this restaurant this evening. Very good service and attentive throughout our time there. There is an extensive variety of food for almost everyone on the menu and well displayed allergy and dietary requirement requests on the menu. Food is of the highest quality and comes out in good time and piping hot. Two people drinking prosecco and cola x2 each, 2 starters, 2 mains for under £90. It's refreshing to see a restaurant not impose a service charge on their customers too. Highly recommended.

Excellent place and food! Recommend

Lovely meal, great atmosphere and excellent service - definitely recommend!

Best in southern on sea great Italian food.

First visit for my friend and I on Wednesday early evening pre concert. The food was absolutely delicious. I had prawns, my friend had seabass and we shared the most delicious tiramisu. Lovely friendly staff and beautiful decor. Will definitely revisit soon.

2nd year in a row we came here with the jiu jitsu club with 30 people, fast service, very friendly but especially the food is very tasty!

I would definitely recommend this restaurant, food was lovely and staff were very friendly.

By far the best Italian restaurant in Southend , lovely decor inside and a lovely selection of old wines to buy as well .

The good bits first. The service was good most of the time. Not hugely attentive but friendly and helpful. The decor is nice a bit 1990s but nothing wrong in that. Why they have a mini grand piano in there is a bit of a mystery. The pricing isn’t bad, well appears not to be in comparison to other Italians I eat at in Essex and London. But read on. I mentioned the 90s previously. This is where the food comes from. Smothered in thick sauces etc. That old Anglo/Italian. 2 of the party had fried Mozzarella, looked bought in and deep fried but ok. The capacio beef was ok. Drowned a bit clearly pre prepped. The mussels hadn’t seen the odd Marienera sauce during cooking. Under seasoned and bland. On to the mains, a steak dish with something resembling Parma ham and cheese was cooked to order but again lacked seasoning. The Lasagne was again pre prepared banged in the turbo oven to reheat with a crispy bottom. Sea bass hmmm a plate of oil and low quality sea bass fillets fatty rather than crispy skin, Cherry tomatoes, most of which went back. The rack of lamb special was probably the worst of the lot. Cooked to the desired order but bland under seasoned, on a bed of lumpy mash and covered in some brown gravy which tasted of nothing, waste of good ingredients. A chicken breast in beige tasteless sauce topped off the ensemble. Nothing inedible but nothing good which at their price point it should be. We decided against deserts, the double espresso was poor. Went to pay with Amex as they presented the bill in an Amex folder and had Amex stickers on the doors. To be told they don’t accept it. That is always amusing. Overall I would recommend going elsewhere. Unless it is the 90s Italian thing you are after.

Starched table cloths, linen napkins. Attentive staff. Great value 3 course dinner with loads of choice. Generous portions which were served hot and grease free. Spotless toilets too. This feels like a family restaurant from the past

Had a beautiful family birthday meal here on 29/03/24. It is a beautiful restaurant, great atmosphere, friendly clean staff and Fabulous food. We all can't wait to go back until we've had everything on the menu. Food so tasty and plentiful, flavours and presentation are great . We'll done Basilica, hoping to see you all soon.

My wife and I have dined here on 4 occasions in the past month or so (as a couple and with friends). We have been served by the proprietor, Mr Burzotta, at 3 of the meals. What a professional he is. Basilica is a really good old style Italian restaurant with proper white linen and, most importantly, great Sicilian food. Mr Burzotta and his family have been serving up great meals in the wider Southend area for over 50 years - no better track record than that. Give it a try - you will not be disappointed :)

Awful lift music in a large empty room. Food was nice but overpriced for what it was. Would I go back, no.

An Italian restaurant. Food was good service was good.

Brilliant Valentines day meal with my lovely wife. Service and meal could not be faulted (as always) can't wait to return with the family.

This was my first visit to Basilica and it wont be my last. I was in a party of 6 adults celebrating a birthday. The restaurant is stunning, as soon as you walk in you are struck by the decor which is really different, one of the party likened it to The Venetian in Vegas, another to the Sistine Chapel ! The food was brilliant, we had a variety of dishes including steak , seafood pizza and salmon for mains. Starters of whitebait and mussels were also excellent. No one had room for desserts, the food really was excellent. The service was great, not overbearing but always attentive and proactive with things like providing sideplates for the empty mussel shells and topping up drinks. Overall a definite 5 star experience. We will be back !

Lovely Italian restaurant, beautiful food, nice atmosphere

Lovely food, service and atmosphere. If you haven't been, check it out, it's really a nice authentic Italian restaurant

Great music and food when will the next one

Wonderful and friendly staff. Food is fresh and tastes like a little burst of Italy in your mouth. Recommend!!!!!

All delicious and handmade food!

Great find! Wonderful food,friendly service and such a lovely atmosphere! Although my friends & I don't live in the area, had been to the Cliffs to see a show, we very much look forward to returning soon!

Go here! Great service and fabulous food! Popped in after a show in hope of getting something to eat and the staff could not have been nicer. The food was just delicious, huge portions, so tasty I just couldn't fault it for a traditional Italian vibe. Homemade deserts were excellent and the price was such great value. They even gave us a cheeky free garlic bread which was a lovely touch. You'll love the food and the service is fab!

Very attentive staff, lovely ambience and fantastic food

Wonderful Italian restaurant with very hospitable owner. We enjoyed a conversation about Italy and drank a local specialty together.

Visited this restaurant for the first time tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it! The food was amazing and the service was second to none. Staff were very welcoming and accommodating. We took recommendations from the chef as we were undecided and we're so glad we did as we ended up having things we wouldn't have necessarily chosen! We'll definitely be back!

What a perfect place to dine! Lovely arrive by the staff, beautiful decor & amazing well priced food. Me and my family will definitely be back! Thanks.

First time here and it is now one of my favourites, worth going to visit, service was so friendly, food was truly amazing, could not fault it and cant wait to go back.

First time dining there, and I was impressed. The food was delicious, everything was very fresh and cooked perfectly. I will go back for sure.

Went Friday 30/06 for dinner, great food and service, and the live music was excellent, Chess Taylor, if you are going, book when she is on, I lived in Northern Italy for a few years and this was as good as there, a little bit pricey for a meal for two, but I was more than happy to pay, and also, they dint add service to your bill, much better way of paying a tip at YOUR discretion

Attentive; amazing food; authentic, lovely and relaxed. You must try this restaurant. Outstanding.

Friendly staff. Great service and delicious food which was well presented.

Beautiful restaurant, fabulous food (even did me a starter that wasn't on the menu, as I rang beforehand!!), excellent service, lovely staff, fantastic ambience - all in all a great experience!!

I was pleasantly surprised by this place! I’ve walked past it for years, but the inside is so gorgeous, traditional and the food is to die for!

Very good restaurant. Tasty food. Excellent service. recommend

For our first time here, we were pleased with the overall experience. The food was good, with an extensive menu, the wine was great, the decor is cool. We’ll definitely be back

Such delicious food and our experience was made even better by our really lovely waitress who was attentive throughout the evening. No request was too much. Definitely worth a visit as it deserves to be busier!

Nice food and good service and nice staff. I recommend this restaurant

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! For less than £20, we could have a lovely 3-course lunch! The starter mussels are really tasty! (And the portion is so large that my wife cannot even finish it!)

Absolutely amazing experience. The owner and the waiters were absolutely lovely! They took a very good care of us, they made sure we have everything we needed and when we required assistance they were more than happy to help! The food was fabulous! Everything was cooked and seasoned properly, the portions were enough big and good for the prices they have. Also the inside of the restaurant was so beautiful! Made our experience even more pleasant. If you ever have a chance to visit, we absolutely recommend!

Really great food and friendly staff

Impressive food! Unique menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant is beautiful, classy, with high ceiling & chandelier. Pricing is fair for the quality and dining experience. Look out for the dessert display at the back with so many kinds of handmade gelato. Highly recommended!

My partner and I went here for his birthday. Our meal was excellent, the staff were brilliant.we would go again and highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you Basilica.

The food was absolutely delicious. The staff is very nice and helpful. The restaurant is old-fashioned and clean. Highly recommended. Will definitely eat out there again.

Amazing restaurant. Delicious food, lovely and welcoming staff. So much to choose from on the menu. Will definitely be going back.

Had a wonderful time! Food, wine, staff. Most excellent!!

Great venue, great staff and great food! We will be visiting again.

The food is delicious and service is fantastic. I loved the references to the buildings past. There are a few images on the wall and still some fantastic features for us to see within the building to this day. A really delightful restaurant. One that I wish we had been to more beforehand.

Celebrated my grandsons 7th birthday and my daughter's 40th here wed night .what a wonderful restaurant the best meal I've had for years.everyone enjoyed their meal and the waiters were first class so friendly and lovely with the kids atmosphere great will definitely be going again plus value for money.

Nice decor good food portions and service not cheap but well worth it.Went in a party of 8 all ate something different and everyone agreed the food was delicious and would come back again

Quality food and service in a lovely atmosphere……5**

Fantastic restaurant friendly welcoming atmosphere food was on another level even made me a long island ice tea that wasn't on the cocktail menu 😁😁😁

Absolutely outstanding and could not recommend more. The food was incredible and the decor and staff were perfect. Even the tiniest details were thought of and a great atmosphere.

Beautiful meal with my partner for her birthday. Not busy in restaurant but didn't detract from the ambiance and the attentive staff. Highly recommended

Poor food over priced. When I complained about food was ignored. Avoid like the plague

Food amazing and service was outstanding

We go to Basilica most months for special occasions and to just enjoy some great food. Love it. Owner and staff could not be more welcoming.

A very pleasant Easter lunch with impeccable service Today we had the 'grande piacere' of a most enjoyable and leisurely lunch at the Basilica restaurant in the Westcliff area of Southend. I don't believe it is possible to speak too highly of both the welcome and the service we received from Salvatore and his team this afternoon. As you walk into this sublime restaurant, it is just as if you enter a little piece of Italy right here in coastal Essex, the ambience and whole experience is as close to dining in Italy as I can imagine, so one must say a massive 'Complimenti!' to the entire team. With a superb choice of menus (including, on certain days, a set menu that offers incredible value!) not to mention an excellent wine list, it only remained for us to undergo the gastronomic experience and, it is more than fair to say we were not disappointed here. From starters through to desserts we were treated to the finest quality seafood, pasta and desserts, accompanied by excellent wines. Indeed, as we enjoyed our lunch, there was a large table celebrating a 50th Wedding Anniversary, which definitely added to the atmosphere making this a most fortuitous find for us for an Easter lunch, it has indeed been a great experience and, as we said to Salvatore, while this was our first time to visit the Basilica, it will most certainly not be our last!! Most highly recommended, our compliments to the chef, kitchen staff and Salvatore together with his front of house team! Semplicemente meravigloso! Aspettiamo molto la prossima volta!!

Delicious Italian dishes and friendly service!

Beautifully decorated and furnished restaurant serving awesome food along with superb service. A must for foodies

Great venue, good food and pleasant helpful service. I liked it.

Great food, staff and atmosphere it's my favourite restaurant and our valentines night was extra special

Lovely place Fantastic atmosphere Great variety of wines

Wonderful italian restuarant. Lots of Vegeterian options as well. My wife and I went there on the first day of shifting to Southend-on-sea. We ate to our heart's delight and had a very nice conversation with a gentle hearted soul- Mr.Salvatore, the owner of the establishment.

A great setting with authentic Italian food. 3 of us had lunch here and were not disappointed

Had Sunday lunch here and really enjoyed the fine atmosphere and decor. Not many places in Southend give good dining at realistic prices but this is certainly one.

What a fantastic lunch to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday. The menu and service was second to none, and was finished with a complimentary limoncello shot to toast the birthday girl. All six guests would definitely recommend and wouldn't hesitate to return.

What a fantastic Italian restaurant, great food, great decor, great service and at an affordable price . Forget all the chain restaurants, if you want proper Italian food in Essex then look no further ……. 10/10 ! Went to The Basilica before a show at the Cliffs Pavilion with my family as it’s only a 5 min walk away. We will be returning to this restaurant many times.

Very proper atmosphere of a italian restaurant, real italian ingredients and special cakes and desserts original South Italian

61 five star reviews for a reason my new favourite.