Rated: The ten best places to eat out in Southend

Depending on your mood and preference, there is always something on offer to tickle the palate.

But which of the borough's cafes and restaurants is the best?

Website TripAdvisor receives thousands of reviews, both positive and negative, about restaurants across the country.

Here are the top ten rated venues in Southend, as chosen by its users.

Do you agree with the top ten, or think another location deserves a place in this list? Leave your comments below to nominate your favourite Southend cafe or restaurant.

10) The Dining Room, London Road, Leigh

How they describe themselves

Bustling bistro serving an eclectic menu with Asian and European touches and members' deals.

What diners said

The office came here a while ago for a retirement and awards dinner. Super service, excellent eats, delightful drinks, tastefully understated decor. What more could you ask for in a restaurant? It was a great evening, despite saying 'goodbye' to one of our most popular colleagues. Thanks, Dining Room, for holding this dinner for us. (Dave K, Southend)

Professional service, amazing food, great wine! Really nice atmosphere, the food was well presented and was generally an amazing experience. (Sadie C, Essex)

9) Coast Bistro, The Ridgeway, Westcliff

How they describe themselves

Our family owned and run bistro is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy our range of home produced dishes

What diners said

We eat here regularly as delicious home cooked meals are served. We have visited in the evenings and come often for Sunday lunch which is delicious and excellent value for money. The menu cannot be faulted whether it be evenings or lunchtime food. The service is superb and very attentive with pleasant surroundings. (TessGY)

Lovely little restaurant, with great food and lovely decor. Set menu on Friday night was great value (Deborah E, Benfleet)

8) Pipe of Port, High Street, Southend

How they describe themselves

We offer an extensive menu of classic and contemporary British food, with the occasional twist.

What diners said

We ate at this restaurant with friends who know it well. Their recommendation was well placed. An excellent range of wines and craft beers with very knowledgeable and friendly staff to guide us through the drinks choices before and during our meal. The food was excellent especially the amazing fish pie! We had some fantastic desserts too. (Steve B, Suffolk)

Had a lovely meal, waiter attentive but not overbearing. Food was delicious and well presented. Would go again (Karen B)

7) Istanbul Turkish Restaurant, York Road, Southend

How they describe themselves

A traditional Turkish restaurant offering takeaways

What diners said

I visited with friends and was glad I had recommended the restaurant. It is in a run down part of town next to the bus station but the food is excellent and the place is clean and welcoming. fantastic value and has yet to disappoint. (DonnaH48, Southend)

The greatest experience, was the very friendly and polite manager, who was then replaced by an equal friendly and polite waitress. Great food, great big portions, great staff (Milodog73, Southend)

6) Cucina, Broadway West, Leigh

How they describe themselves

Cucina was opened in Leigh in December 2013 and is the result of a lifelong passion for Italian food and the places in which it is served.

What diners said

First class service from the minute we arrived to the minute we left. Nothing was too much trouble. The staff were in complete control, not rushing anyone. Food was superb. My hubby had the biggest lasagne he has ever had in a restaurant I had the fillet steak. Wonderful. Generous portions beautifully presented. (oldbid48, Hadleigh)

The best Italian restaurant in Southend ! The risotto is delicious and the stuff is very friendly and gentle . The location is lovely and it's not expensive ! (Tony W)

5) Padrino, Shorefield Road, Westcliff

How they describe themselves

We pride ourselves for being an independent establishment with a combined experience in Italian cuisine of over 25 years.

What diners said

Eight of us went yesterday evening for a last minute dinner. The staff found us a table with no fuss, a great welcome and the service was really good for the whole meal. There was lots of choice on the menu and really good value for money specials. The food was very tasty, everybody enjoyed it. We will definitely be returning. (theydonflower, Essex)

This is our absolute favourite Italian restaurant! The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fun and the staff are so friendly. Love it here! (julsf2016, London)

4) Legend-Deli, Market Place, Southend

How they describe themselves

Serving up gourmet food at cafe prices

What diners said

Great welcome and very friendly. Good choices on the menu both for veggies and meat eaters. I had green eggs and ham without the ham and it was divine, so, so delicious! It’s probably a little more expensive than some but worth it for the fresh, delicious food. (pookiefatcat, Southend)

Excellent food and service at a very reasonable price. Have worked my way through most of the menu. Can't be faulted. (Luke K)

3) La Pizzeria, London Road, Westcliff

How they describe themselves

Stepping into our small, unassuming restaurant, you could be forgiven for believing you’d suddenly awoke in a traditional Sicilian restaurant high up on the mountain side.

What diners said

We've wanted to eat here for so long and finally lucked out getting a table. Gorgeous meal. The arancini was melt in your mouth-freshly made and not doughy. The stone baked pizza was the best we've had. The pasta tagliatelle was fresh and the meatballs were delicious. Generous portion sizes. The restaurant was spotless and the welcome warm and authentic (chickenslovetotravel, Essex)

A really authentic pizzeria. The pizzas were lovely and so was the welcome. Will definitely be going back again. Reasonable cost too given how much all restaurant prices have increased this was definitely value for money. (Claire T)

2) Il Pescatore, Queens Road, Southend

How they describe themselves

You will experience the Italian way and enjoy the friendly ambiance. With our opera singers performing, you will feel the Italian way of life while enjoying your meal.

What diners said

The atmosphere is always so welcoming whether we are visiting for an intimate meal for two or the whole family young and old. The food at Il Pescatore is reliably good and last night was no exception, I had spaghetti marinara which was cooked to perfection. It was my mum's birthday and the staff made it memorable with a candle and a song. (360Debra, Rochford)

Had a late Sunday afternoon meal yesterday. Very delicious starter, main course and dessert. Friendly atmosphere and staff. We were all made to feel very welcome and although we do not live locally we shall definitely return for more. (gwynnebaines, London)

1) Pasta Pia, London Road, Westcliff

How they describe themselves

We want to share with you our love and passion for 'Italian Street Food'. Simple, authentic, fresh high quality ingredients bring your meal to life.

What diners said

Pasta Pia is probably the smallest place you could think of eating I walked by it loads of time before I ever went in. That was one of the biggest mistakes of my life! It's now my favourite place to eat and have been going there ever since. The Piadina is the most amazing thing an Italian street sandwich oozing with cheese and spicy sausage (other flavours are available but this is the best). The pasta is equally as good in fact this is making me hungry so I think I'll get lunch! (willmudie, Westcliff)

Great place, great atmosphere, good food, good price! Very friendly staff. Just like being in Italy. Benissimo! (Richard H, Southend)