The best restaurants serving Italian food in Chelmsford East of England

I really want to like this place but feel the service is letting it down - although looking at other reviews, we might be an anomaly. We had reserved a table and ours was the last table free - a good sign. But after we had been seated, it took over 20 minutes for anyone to come to take our order, and even then it was only after we attracted attention. Obviously we could see that the restaurant was full, but the staff didn't seem like they were rushed or short-staffed, and were being very attentive to other tables around us. When we were placing our orders, we asked if the house wine - listed on the menu by the glass only - was available as a bottle, to which we were told it was. But when we asked for a bottle of the house red, the waitress said, 'Oh no, only rose or white.' Bit confusing and frustrating, but we were still able to order 2 glasses. After that service did speed up a bit and the food came out at a reasonable interval, beautifully presented and delicious. We decided we wanted to order a dessert, but once again we had to flag someone down to request a menu. I'm not sure if we were in a blind spot, or if there was a mix up over who was meant to be serving us, or that we booked for a bad time, but the service did mar the experience for us. The staff were all polite enough, but we felt forgotten and like we'd inconvenienced them when we drew their attention. It's a shame because the food is so good and the chef is so friendly, and clearly loves his work. I'm not going to say I'll never be back but I have been put off.

I would highly recommend a visit to this fantastic restaurant. It was our first visit and we shall certainly be back soon to try the highly rated Sunday lunch. The staff are also very friendly and attentive to the customers needs. Well worth the visit 👌👍

Here for a celebratory work lunch. Great food and excellent service! Massive amounts of pizza and excellent value for money! Bolognaise on a pizza though? Not sure about that one.

The pizzas were excellent, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming! A big thank you to Ely❤️

First time visit for 5 of us for my wife’s birthday and loved every minute from the moment we arrived. The owner made us all feel incredibly welcome and took time out to chat to us throughout the evening. The food was incredible and cooked and presented perfectly. We all came away very, very impressed and it definitely will not be my last visit. You can tell that there’s a lot of personal pride in the running of this restaurant and it really does make it stand out. Thank you to everyone for making such a special evening for us all 🙂

Took my team out for working lunch … and could think of no better place than L’unico … why? The food!!! You have to taste it to believe it! The lunch menu is incredible value for money! We had the mezzanine table and there was no problem keeping the table after food to get the laptop out run through some work things ! Highly recommend not just the food but the staff as well… they could not have been more accommodating!! One of my team has quite specific food likes and chef made bespoke dish for him - at no extra cost! Needless to say I’ll be back and so will my team 🤩

Wow!What a fantastic 80th Birthday celebration yesterday 15th March 2025.As visitors to Italy,Sicily and also Sardinia on several occasions,and various regions of all those places,I can safely say that this is the best authentic Italian food we have ever eaten outside of the three aforementioned countries.Well done! We will be back 🇮🇹❤️.

This amazing gem of an Italian is run and owned by an italian and the quality of food and wine showed, good service great food . We found out that you can get great coffee and food during the day also as they owned Poliano that was over the road so we will be back again definitely .

One of the nicest meals we have had. The staff were wonderful and the food was so fresh and delicious 🤤 Can't wait to go back again

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.

Order was put back multiple times, arrived cold and was not enjoyable

At very short notice they fitted 7 adults in last night my birthday 🎂 the staff were very attentive and the service was spot on Food was absolutely delicious and the cocktails were great..the restaurant recently had a makeover which has been done extremely nice .will certainly be back ..thank you Chelmsford branch 😊

Uncleared tables are just the norm in this cafe and very annoying. Most times you have to clear a table to sit down in the nice area with casual sits. It was so at 3pm on Friday. The coffee is good but the ambiance is dire.

Open on Christmas Day. Very friendly service. Pizzas and chicken bites made freshly. Excellent quality. Thank you very much!