Southend-on-Sea Restaurants
Book your table now
Available for lunch now in Essex
OpenTable Icons
Find the right table in Southend-on-Sea
Let OpenTable find the best spots for you.
New restaurants to OpenTable in Essex
Check out diners' favourite restaurants in Southend-on-Sea
Updated on
Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.
The Punch Bowl
££££•British•4.8(150)The Punch Bowl is a 17th century newly refurbished restaurant and pub located in the heart of rural Essex and the Crouch Valley and South Essex salt marshes.
Chef Patron Rob and Front of House Manager Sally run a Two AA Rosette-rated restaurant, offering a nose-to-tail style menu with unpretentious dishes that focus on flavour. Everything is made in house - from bread to mayonnaise, and we use local, seasonal and organic ingredients. Our menu changes daily as the season's best comes in. The menu will always feature day-boat fish, meat, offal, rare breed steaks and excellent vegetarian cookery. We offer two or three roasts on a Sunday and hold regular exciting food events which showcase classic cookery and intriguing ingredients.
Our beautiful garden bar has a lawn and York-stone patio looking out across the farmland of Paglesham and the River Crouch. Throughout the summer we offer BBQ dining and live music to entertain while the sun shines.The Seafood Shack
££££•Seafood•4.3(58)Welcome to The Seafood Shack.
We are an award-winning bar and grill serving fresh seafood, flame-grilled dishes and mouth-watering classics, right in the heart of Southend and just steps away from the seafront.
Our menu features hot and cold seafood, grilled meat classics, vegetarian, vegan as well as gluten-free dishes - all freshly prepared for your enjoyment. We keep our customers excited with rotating specials to discover every week.
Our bar manager Jake will keep you spoiled with a selection of premium tapped beer range, carefully curated delicious wine and cocktail list to perfectly pair with our gorgeous food.
Takeaway is available but we highly recommend dining in to enjoy the full Driftwood experience.
Founded by lifelong friends Sandy and Wendy, the creators of the original Shack, Driftwood is a place created by shared passion, friendship and love - and you can taste it in every sip and bite.
Outdoor dining in Essex
See what locals rave about in Southend-on-Sea
- JJaneLondon •2 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoWe went there last night for a family birthday celebration. The staff were so friendly, polite and nothing was too much trouble. The atmosphere was great as the restaurant was busy for a Monday evening. Service couldn’t be faulted and the food was amazing. Will definitely be back and definitely recommend. The evening was perfect.More infoMedusa££££• Mediterranean• Southend-on-Sea•4.9
- SSteveEssex •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoAbsolutely superb full English breakfast and Eggs Royale. Lovely venue, great weather and setting!More infoLa Petite Petanque££££• British• Southend-on-Sea•4.6
- AAliceEssex •9 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWe found this amazing place at the weekend, Aloha, such an incredible evening, started with a cocktail each, we knew the night was going to be a good one, we shared some starters and sharing plates with a bottle of wine. We were so warmly welcomed and the atmosphere and music was perfect. Huge recommendation, thank you for a fab night Lauren, we will be back xMore infoAloha Lounge££££• Hawaiian• Southend-on-Sea•4.7
- BBernardGoldEssex •184 reviews4.0Dined on 16 June 2026We enjoyed our Peroni and Pizzas. The service is helpful and very friendly at this restaurant.More infoPizzaExpress Southend - London Road££££• Pizzeria• Southend-on-Sea•4.3
- SSaimaEssex •1 review5.0Dined on 24 May 2026We loved the food, great options. Outdoor waitress was amazing.More infowagamama southend££££• Asian• Southend-on-Sea•4.1
Trending dishes in Southend-on-Sea
Restaurant experiences trending in Essex
Private Dining
Private Dining
Frequently asked questions
Celebrate special occasions at the best restaurants in Southend-on-Sea. Our customers recommend Medusa, The Punch Bowl and La Petite Petanque
As of 6 Oct 2026 there are 9 restaurants in Southend-on-Sea. Filter by ‘outdoor dining’, ‘romantic’ or ‘dog friendly’.
On OpenTable we support all cuisines. Find Mediterranean, British, Seafood, Hawaiian, Asian and more. Use our filters to find exactly what you’re looking for and make your booking today.
Yes! We partner with restaurants in Southend-on-Sea who deliver with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, Postmates.
Yes, you can also see restaurants near you offering takeaway.
Yes! OpenTable provides free, convenient and trusted options to book the best restaurants in Southend-on-Sea either on OpenTable or directly with the restaurant.
Yes, we partner with a third party to bring back menu information for restaurants near you.