The best restaurants serving Italian food in East of England

We had a lovely early dinner . The food was good and tasted delicious. The staff were attentive and friendly. The service was excellent, we didn’t have to wait at all

My partner and I had quite a good meal. The restaurant wasn't too busy, so felt comfortable. The staff were quite helpful to us. Food was lovely

Positives.... Attractive building and interior. Italian man who sat us was pleasant and friendly. Extensive menu and nice atmosphere. Negatives.... The waiting staff lacked professionalism and training. Firstly, when asked if we wanted to try the wine, she poured a little into a glass for tasting. However, after saying it was fine, she promptly put the wine bottle back in the ice bucket instead of serving it to the table. During dessert, the waitress started clearing our table despite 2 of us still eating. In hospitality, this is a no-no. You wait until all guests have finished eating. After that, the staff clearly wanted to go home, stood behind where I was sitting, just chatted, and yawned away. No one asked if we would like coffee's or a nightcap. As for the food, it was nice and enjoyable, but there was nothing to write home about, especially considering the price. I myself work in this industry and know it can be tough, but good service can really make or break an evening, and unfortunately, it broke ours. I think some good training with role play would easily bring the service up to a good standard. Normally, I would have said something. However, as friends were taking us out for dinner, it didn't feel appropriate.

We came to Colchester Dough & Co as we had been given a £60 gift voucher from Dough & Co headquarters for 3 absolutely disgusting takeaway meals from Maldon Dough & Co shop. Burgers not cooked properly, didn't get dirty fries we ordered, just cold chips. Maldon manager refused to deal with us, so went to headquarters instead, who were very helpful. Vowed never again to go to Dough & Co in Maldon and so we ventured to Colchester one instead. Wow, what a complete difference I am glad to say. Service was fantastic, very friendly and helpful. Food was excellent, the garlic bread was divine, soooo good. The rest of our meals were really good too. Would definitely recommend Colchester Dough & Co and will definitely go there again! But don't bother going to Maldon Dough & Co unless you want food poisoning!

A friend and I went for a meal last Monday 30th January. We arrived at 8.15pm and our order was taken very quickly, but not one thing was right. Both my friend and I ordered the vegetable and pasta soup, which on a positive note was delicious. However, my friend did not receive his at the same time. He waited patiently, then after ten minutes asked where it was. The waiter apologised, admitting he had forgotten. I had finished mine by then as my friend had asked me not to wait for him. For the main course, my friend ordered the vegan spaghetti bolognaise and I ordered pizza. My friend said his meal was tasteless and could have been hotter, and my pizza was barely warm, so I sent it back. I was promptly told that nothing could be done as the kitchen was closed (at 10 past 9?) so I mentioned that surely he still had access to a microwave. He commented that they don’t usually put pizzas in the microwave (Erm - I wanted it warmed up) but he did. For too long, though, as it was tough and inedible, so left it. We also asked for a jug of water. Along came a small jug despite there being two of us, and two dirty glasses, so we asked for two clean ones, which were then provided and should have been provided in the first place. Back to the jug, it was clearly a jug for one and not enough water for a whole glass each. For dessert, I ordered tiramisu and my friend ordered cheesecake, both of which were fine, but we had expected dessert spoons to eat with, not teaspoons… We had a 25% off voucher, which was why we chose Prezzo, but we will not be choosing the Buckhurst Hill branch again. The staff seemed in a rush to get rid of the customers who were left, so we didn’t order coffee, nor did we leave a tip, nor will we be returning, despite not being charged for the pizza I didn’t actually get to eat. Appalling service from a well-known and reputable chain.

Family owned, amazing service, amazing food. We had the fish and the house wine plus dessert! Made reservations but didn’t need. Highly recommend!!

Went for a Country themed bottomless brunch. Had an amazing time. Food lovely, drinks aplenty! Great atmosphere. Staff very polite and attentive. Music, live singer and dancers were fabulous. Can't wait to go back!

Not great value for money , food was bland , service diabolical, really dissapiinred

Lovely dinner with the family, thank you Poppy for amazing service and being so friendly. Lovely food, great company, fab service. Thank you!

They muck up orders, the pizza is so thin it falls apart when picked up, deep pan would be nice, food is okay, but overall quite poor, wouldn’t recommend to be honest.

Fast becoming my favourite Cambridge Pub. The Italian food is great and the family that run it are always welcoming. Eating lunch there accompanied with young children was a very comfortable experience. There is am extensive range of beers and the coffee is good too.

This restaurant is sited within the Best Western Atlantic Hotel, the menu choice currently offered is much reduced and not open on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, go elsewhere.

Fab spot for local produce and a coffee! Came in on a wim while my car was being serviced down the road, I have come back again and again! The staff are welcoming and very polite.

We were at this cafe on 09/17/24 at 5am before our flight. Extremely bad service! The waitress was rude and unfriendly! We waited a long time for a coffee! We will never go back here.