The best restaurants in Chelmsford East of England

How disappointed we were I booked a table for 7 people at 11:30 and a further 7 people for 12 noon We were running the Chelmsford 10k and half marathon The 11:30 crowd arrived early and had breakfast The older lady in charge was very abrupt bordering on rudeness There were 2tables reserved for 12noon crowd which we suggested she gave up as people were waiting and we would go when the others arrived hence giving them our table I have subsequently heard that they were requested to leave as they had been sitting there from 11am and one lady was not allowed to finish her meal It was not just us who found her attitude rude but subsequent other diners not linked to our group I come into Small Talk when I visit Chelmsford but after this experience I shan’t visit again A very disappointed diner

Yeh attitudes at this restaurant is appalling, when I arrived I found my table, then approached the till to place my order it was 11:28, there was no one at the till as they were making coffee, they did acknowledge me and said they world be with me in a moment, when they did arrive to take my order at 11:33 they said they stopped taking breakfast orders at 11:30, had they served me while I was waiting I would have got my order in. I just think is diabolical the attitude, I was kept waiting for 5 mins, and then they did not take my order, I think even Ryanair would allow 3 mins grace! Even though I was not looking for grace I was there at 11:28 but kept waiting for 5 mins. Definitely the last time I will visit this place! So be aware! Get to the till quickly and get served.

Beautiful spot to have a cheeky breakfast watching the wildlife and world go by out of the massive windows. Excellent hot hearty breakfast and decent value. They have a huge deck on the water that I look forward to coming back to try out in the summer.

Food was poor. Ordered pork loin, with parmesan potatoes and seasonal vegetables Pork was so tough and dry, not sure how long it had sat before it was served, I'm guessing by the look of it at least a couple of days. Seasonal vegetables were a tiny portion of cabbage and 2 shavings of carrot, hardly any gravy. I did complain, will not be back again.

A school holiday visit with the grandkids (their request) for breakfast. A 20+ mile round trip but they used to love the toasties & paninis. Now the new owners have introduced a fancy, expensive new menu - only 9 breakfast choices. Don’t like poached eggs? Then your choices are down to 5. Halloumi, granola or porridge? No thanks. Choices now down to 2……..forgive me for thinking this was a joke but it wasn’t. So we reluctantly left and I can’t believe I am writing this about a place we loved. I also can’t believe that we are the only ex customers who feel like this.

My partner and I crossed wires, we both booked a table at the restaurant for Valentine's day! When we arrived the hostess didn't even greet us or look us in the eye, we tried to explain the mix up just to be told they would have to charge us a cancellation fee for the other table and add it to our bill... despite the restaurant being barely half full that night. My partner had booked the premium table and paid £30 in advance - add that to the cancellation fee of £30 they just told us they would charge and we're already £60 down for nothing... The hostess didn't know where to sit us! She seemed confused and just dumped us on a table. We were just seated on a table for 4... nothing special about it at all - complete con for £30 'Premium' table (which is not even deducted off your bill, by the way). It took a while for someone to take our drinks order. Then it took another long while for someone to take our food order. When we asked for the set menu, we were told it was not available. So we then needed more time to pick other dishes. Attempt number 2, the first dish we asked for we were told was also not available! Guests should be told when they are seated if something is not available to them on the menu - such a waste of time. As sushi does, it comes out whenever it's ready in the kitchen. We had order lots of small plates and the waiting staff would come over, hover over us waiting for my partner and I to move all the plates around on the table to make room while we were trying to eat - so unprofessional. When I asked the waiter what one of the dishes was, he looked confused, nervous and said "umm, I don't know, it's X I think" gave a small laugh and walked away. The sushi was OK, but the pork belly bites were hard and BURNT. The long waits and average food could be forgiven if the service was outstanding. But the staff are in desperate need of training, confidence and personable skills with guests. It's such a shame. It's a lovely venue and used to be great.

Went here with my family and had the most amazing food and service. The food was excellent. The sushi was fresh, presented well and plentiful. The cooked food was made to perfection. The service was amazing and it was very easy to get the attention of staff when needed. The staff was very attentive overall. A big shout out to the manager Alan, he done an amazing job in making sure we were happy with our orders. He has an excellent customer service and knows how to keep his customers happy. My family will definitely return and even my son wants to come back to have his birthday dinner here.

Popped into The Eatary on Saturday and had Pie and Mash,it was amazing. My husbnd was even more made up they had chilli vinigar and white pepper. Staff were amazing and polite definatley be going back soon

Went in to muffin break today not been in for few months couldn’t believe the price of the cakes slice how much it was over £5 a slice 3 coffee and 3 slice cakes nearly £29 a joke may be make slices smaller and price lower

Fast improving and lovely pleac

The snacks are ok and the drinks are lukewarm however their innocent smoothies are lumpy and tend to be out of date. millionaire shortbreads have to be my favourite item on the menu. i also love the toilets as they are very well maintained and also provide an easy staff room entrance

Hadn't been here in awhile and was not disappointed my all day breakfast was amazing not greasy at all bacon and sausages were very good quality everything was perfect can not wait to go again. Thankyou kings cafe

Always looked at this place never sure , but what a place I have been missing although I didn’t eat this time I was welcome by the staff and made very welcome the staff explain all the points of the restaurant and explained the happy hour times and what to expect on different nights so we will be using this place again dave and Chris rogers

Not been hear since pandemic began but pleased to say its got even better with a lovely outside covered seating area. Service friendly as ever and the food is fresh, simple tasty and generous……try the gammon.

Probably lunchtime fish and chips is better. Seems fresher than the evening portions. The chips are often slightly undercooked. Seems petty I know but why are the staff so miserable? No smiles, chats with customers. Shame as it has so much potential. Would also be nice if the owners or Managers responded to these TripAdvisor reviews. Would be if use to them to improve.