The best restaurants serving Italian food in East of England

Great family run restaurant. We're vegetarian, so I asked for food that was not shown on the menu and something from their lunchtime menu ... they were so accommodating. The tiamasu was to die for, as was everything we had. Special thanks to the amazing waitresses ... Mary and ilaria for their great service and the owner, Melinda, who all looked after us.

Amazing food and outstanding customer service!! Definitely our most favorite local Italian restaurant.

Fabulous meal at Cibo for a birthday evening. Great buzzy atmosphere, very busy on a Tuesday night. Always a popular restaurant. Big portions, great value and super service. Excellent 👌

Nice place and service were very kind!

Best place in Colchester for seafood!

Avoid this place at all costs. We'd been sat at our table for 10 minutes, the waiter came and asked if we were ready to order. I said that we'd like to order some drinks first. Before i got the chance he walked off telling me he was going to check the system. We ordered olives to share, they were the ones you get in a jar. We didn't want starters as we wanted to have dessert. I ordered fillet of salmon wrapped in Parma Ham with fresh asparagus, sautéed veg and white wine sauce. The salmon was so over cooked it stuck to my teeth, it was not wrapped in Parma ham, that was just plonked on the side of the plate. There was no asparagus. The sautéed veg consisted of 1 new potato, 2 slices of carrot and 1 piece of brocoli. The white wine sauce was congealed gunk. I sent it back. It took the waitress 15mins to come back and tell me they had no more salmon. By this time my partner had finished his main. He had liver, was supposed to come with onion and bacon, that was missing and the red wine gravy looked more like dishwater. I decided not to have another main and requested a dessert menu. After being given the menu it took the waitress 25 mins to come back and take the order. I just requested the bill. The waitress had the cheek to say we haven't charged you for your main course. I had ONE bite out of it before sending it back. They also didn't charge me for one of my drinks. Will not be returning or recommending this place to anyone.

We came to celebrate my mums 80th, there were 15 family and friends and nothing was too much trouble from start to finish. Staff, food, ambience, all was 5* and I thank you all for your professionalism and for keeping the secret!! Well done x

Evening Meal in this local Italian based restaurant. The food was absolutely fabulous. The calamari perfectly cooked and all the food beautifully presented and delicious.

Tried to visit Francesco & Amorosa for another superb Italian meal, but found the restaurant closed. Oh no. We have been eating at Francisco's for a few years now and always have fantastic food served with passion and friendship. The end of an era. Wishing you both a long and happy retirement. Affectionately yours; Claudio (Ranieri), Sylvia & Da Grandson. All the very best....

I’ve been to the “cottage bar and bistro” twice in the last couple of weeks and have enjoyed the food on both occasions. I had the mussels to start followed by spaghetti with seafood. Both were nicely cooked with fresh seafood and very delicious. Previously I had calamari and sea-bass which were also lovely. The portion size was perfect for me. The service was efficient and the chef was able to offer an alternate for our friend who had specific dietary requirements. I will return as there are other dishes on the menu which I’d like to try.

Went with the family for my wife’s 60th birthday celebration, Katie and the team made it a special night. Thank you! Nick

Amazing food, great atmosphere, the staff are so welcoming and really go that extra mile to make the experience one to remember. Food was amazing, drinks were fab! Not a bad word to say at all!!! I would highly recommend for work related meals, family, couples and friends. This is the best Mediterranean Restaurant in Hertfordshire!!! If you haven't eaten at the gables then you need to you are missing out!

Lovely authentic Italian food! The staff are really friendly and welcoming and the food was delicious! A wide variety of food was on the menu, with many great vegetarian options as well!

Service very good, drinks expensive. Adult x 4 meals were good, 2 pizza and both linguine. Price reasonable. Kids menu VFM. Drinks expensive :- £36 Prosecco x 1 bottle £7-8 beer x 2 £4 coke x 4 = £70 (4/10 of the £178 bill) Add £13 service charge which we did not mind paying as most of the staff were engaging, pleasant and helpful.

Took my partners parents out for lunch for their anniversary to this pub. Very friendly staff with a fantastic menu. Cannot begin to describe just how good the food was!, meat was cooked to perfection. Was a shame that I was so full I couldn’t enjoy a dessert! Really hoping the pub is doing an xmas lunch as we’ll defiantly be booking if they do