8 Restaurants In Leigh-on-Sea That Locals Love For Views & Food!

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Last updated on December 28, 2022 by Wandering our World

A charming seaside town, Leigh-on-Sea is known for its picturesque coastline, but is also starting to gain a reputation for its delicious food too.

Whether you’re over for the holidays, passing through, or thinking of moving down there, we thought we’d make a list of our favourite restaurants, bistros, bars, and cafes in Leigh-on-Sea to help you out.

From surprising but delicious cuisines like Nepalese and Jamaican, to fine dining with a view, the restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea are full of surprises and an impressive range of food diversity.

Enjoy the food and the views!

Chef opens oysters in the restaurant.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/davit85

The Best Restaurants In Leigh-on-Sea: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. From Eden Restaurant & Bar

Classy, modern, nature-themed restaurant and bar, open 7 days a week, with delectable food and an amazing ambiance. Outdoor seating is available with live music on Sundays.

This nature inspired little eatery is one of the best, new restaurants to have opened in Leigh-on-Sea in the last few years. So, if you want to impress your friends and family by knowing the hippest and hottest spot in town to grab lunch, brunch, cocktails, or afternoon tea, From Eden Restaurant & Bar will surprise and delight you in unexpected ways, making it the perfect place to wind up at. 

From Eden is a chic and modern eatery with indoor and outdoor seating, so you get to enjoy the absolute best of both worlds. Enjoy their amazing interior or catch some sun outside and work on your tan while enjoying some delicious food.

The indoor set-up is lovely, with multiple dining spaces, so if you want some privacy for your dinner, you can book one of the smaller rooms and enjoy it without any interruptions. They also have live music on Sundays!  

From Eden has multiple menus to choose from depending on the time of day you go: they have a breakfast and brunch menu, an afternoon tea menu, a cocktail bar menu, a Sunday lunch menu, and some lunch platters if you’re wanting to host an office party or a lunch gathering.

Every single menu includes all kinds of dietary sensitivities, so if you like vegan or vegetarian food, they’ll have something for you specifically. Try their seafood and roasts to really understand how well they know their craft!

From Eden Restaurant & Bar is open Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm, on Friday and Saturday they are open from 8 am to 11 pm, and on Sunday they are open from 8 am to 8 pm.

Address: 1452 London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2UW

Seafood and wine
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Petrenkod

2. La Sirena

Classic Italian spot with modern décor and a fully stocked bar, perfect for date night!

Italian food made fresh from scratch with heirloom recipes passed down from generation to generation? Sign us up!

Not only does La Sirena make some of the most amazing Italian food that you’ll ever taste but it also has amazing décor and ambiance that’ll give you an excuse to dress up and feel wonderful. Go with friends, family, or even solo and discover your new favorite spot in Leigh-on-Sea.

This place has a very classy vibe with crisp white tablecloths, comfortable seating, and a modern bar right up front. With neon lighting on the ceiling in the colors of the Italian flag, nothing is boring about La Sirena. Even the bar has its own blue mood lighting that makes for a very interesting blend of lighting and colors.

Whether you choose to sit at a table and enjoy their food or pop by for a quick drink at the bar, the service is exceptional too, and will bring a smile to your face.

As far as their food is concerned, we recommend trying their Soup of the day or Salad as a starter, then moving on to some Pasta or Pizza. Both of these are made fresh daily, from scratch on a per-order basis.

So, be prepared to be wowed by an amazing selection of ingredients, locally sourced, and food that’s made with the finest quality in town. It’s truly an experience that is well worth the time, especially if you’re looking to go to a place where food and service is the priority.

La Sirena is closed on Mondays. They are open from Tuesday to Friday from noon to 2:30 pm for their lunch service and from 4 to 10:30 pm for their dinner service. On Saturday, they are open from noon to 10:30 pm, and on Sundays, they are open from noon to 8 pm.

Address: 101 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1JL

Italian pastas with different kinds of sauce
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Roxiller

3. Boatyard

Elegant Seafood restaurant known for its stunning décor and mouthwatering food, live music available on weekends with an outdoor dining area as well.

When in town one of the most important cuisines to try is seafood, of course! So we made it a point to include one of the best seafood restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea, Boatyard!

This nautical-themed restaurant won’t fail to impress. Whether it’s their absolutely scrumptious food or their lovely décor and interior, both are excellent and easily explain why this restaurant is often full and very popular.

Boatyard has live music over the weekend too, which adds another element of magic to the meal, so if you want to hear some local talent head on over during the weekends to add more excitement to your evenings.

Apart from this, they have a boat-shaped bar, which is as quirky and unique as it sounds. They also have stunning views because they are right beside the sea, so looking out is just magnificent – best of all, you can also choose to have your meal alfresco by sitting outside on the pier.  

The menu is really extensive and features a wide variety of seafood options, including oysters, lobster, crab, and various types of fish. If you want to live like the locals try the lobster, it’s a big hit with regulars and is known to be succulent and flavorful. Then end your meal with their Sticky Toffee Pudding – another favourite in town.

Boatyard is closed from Monday to Wednesday. They open Thursday from noon to 9 pm, with last orders at 7:30 pm. On Friday and Saturday, they are open for lunch and dinner from noon to midnight with last table reservations at 9 pm. On Sunday they are open from noon to 7 pm, with last food orders at 4 pm.

Address: 8/13 High St, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2EN.

seafood sharing
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Dmitriy Galaganov

4. Leigh Bistro

Neighborhood Bistro serving some exquisite food in a great ambiance with professional service!

Chef Gjovan’s brainchild, the Leigh Bistro, serves Modern European delights with an English twist, so if you’re in the mood to experiment with some superb food while enjoying their exceptional service and awesome interior, then Leigh Bistro is one place you’ll want to visit.

The aesthetic of the place is super cool and chic, with a blackboard mural on one wall and plenty of interesting wall art on the other. The pink chairs and mood lighting really add subtle pops of coloUr that work well with the vibe the restaurant creates too. Plus the chandelier is a fun touch!

Their Linguini, Lamb Shank, Sirloin Steak, and Chef’s Mixed Salad are some of the most requested menu items, so grabbing one of those would make a great meal.

They even have some sharing platters for two that are worth trying if you have company. Plus, your server will be happy to help you if you have any sensitives or allergies as they can work around those.

Leigh Bistro is open every day of the week. From Tuesday to Saturday, catch them from noon to midnight. On Sunday they are open from noon to 9 pm, and on Monday they are open from 5:30 am to 10 pm.

Address: 123 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1PG.

beef steak display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/lisovskaya

5. The Oaktree Vegan Restaurant

Vegan dishes made from scratch at this family-owned eatery with an amazing menu and extensive wine list.

When we said Leigh-on-Sea had something for everyone, we meant it! The Oaktree Vegan Restaurant is a place where anyone who enjoys vegan food can have some amazing delights 6 days a week! It’s a family-owned restaurant opened by husband and wife team, Samantha and Jim, who make sure that their passion for food and service comes through as soon as you enter their doors.

Recently renovated into a darker-themed restaurant with black walls and trimmings, the interior of this restaurant is gorgeous – it is definitely one of those places where you’d want to take a million pictures. 

They also have very cute outdoor seating that has a great vibe and feel to it, so no matter what the weather’s like, you’ll have plenty to choose the perfect spot to settle down in at this amazing café.

Their cauliflower poppers, Thai curry, Loaded fries, Nachos, salads, and bagels, are what they are known for, so make sure you order one of those to get started.

Apart from this, they also have an extensive drinks menu full of wine, spirits, lager, ale, and cider. So, make sure you ask your server for a recommendation to pair with your meal.

They also have some amazing desserts that you simply have to try. Their Warm Chocolate brownie, Ice cream, and Caramel, and Apple Pecan Crunch are all known for tasting amazing, so grab them after your meal or just come here especially for dessert, we won’t judge!

The Oaktree Vegan Restaurant is closed on Monday but opens all other days of the week. Go between noon to 10 pm to try out their food. On Sunday, though, they open from noon to 6 pm, so make sure to double check the dates and times.

Address: 75 Leigh Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1JN.

Pieces of chocolate biscuit brownie covered with melted dark chocolate on the black background
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Oleksandr Sytnyk

6. Calypso

Mouthwatering Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine made fresh daily, in a themed ambiance with efficient staff.

If you’ve never tried Caribbean food, then going to Calypso would be an ideal introduction to the cuisine. They’ve won numerous local and international awards for their dishes, so you’re definitely going to a place that’s known for its quality, standards, and flavors. An awesome trio that’s hard to come by!

This eatery is really cute, and it’s done up in the colors of the Caribbean, so there’s green, red, and yellow popping up everywhere which really brings the place to life. They also have murals painted on the walls and some amazing, themed wall art that just adds to the ambiance. The bar is also made in the form of a little, mini-Tiki hut, that really goes well with the theme and ambiance. It’s a fun place!

Try their Ackee & Saltfish, Jerk Chicken Fillet, Curried Beef, Coconut Chicken, Monk Fish Fillet, and Rasta Pasta as those are their most famous items on the menu. Apart from those they also have a ‘kiddie corner’ that has some of your little ones’ most favorite dishes, so that they can still eat something they are familiar with.

You can also order any of the above dishes as a half portion for your child with a 50% discount on the price, which is amazing if your kids like to experiment and try new stuff.

Calypso is only open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 pm onwards – it’s recommended to reserve a table in advance.

Address: 1350 London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2UH

Caribbean food
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/FromMyPointOfView

7. Yak and Yeti

Delicious Nepalese and Indian cuisine served in a great atmosphere with amazing staff

If you love Indian and Nepalese cuisine, then Yak and Yeti should definitely be on your radar. Not only is it one of the best restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea, but it also has one of the most authentic dining experiences that you’ll find in town.

The food is outstanding, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff are all incredibly friendly. It’s an absolute delight, so head on over for a special occasion or just make any evening special by visiting and enjoying your time there.

Upon entering, you’ll immediately be struck by the inviting atmosphere of this restaurant. The decor is traditional and calming, with beautiful artwork and decor from Nepal adorning the walls. The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful and make you feel right at home, adding that element of relaxation and love that’s always a sign of a great restaurant.

As for the food, it’s known for being absolutely delicious. Start with an assortment of appetizers including momos and fish pakoras, both are cooked to perfection and packed with flavor.

Next, for your main course, we recommend ordering the Himali Chicken Korma or Pasanda and the Nepalese Lamb Shank, both of which are very popular. The korma is rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of spices, and the lamb is spicy and full of bold flavors. Both dishes are served with rice and a side of naan bread, which is the perfect complement to the curries.

Yak and Yeti is open seven days a week, from 4 pm to 10:30 pm Monday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, they are open from 3 pm to 11:30 pm and on Sunday they are open from 1 pm to 10 pm.

Address: 1030 London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS9 3ND

Indian food display
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/LunaMarina).

8. Little Talk Café

Elegant café serving breakfast and brunch specials in a cozy setting with kind staff!

Little Talk Café‘s coffee and brunch is a must-try for anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience. From the delicious food to the cute atmosphere, if you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a tasty meal, this cafe is a great option.

One of the best things about this cafe is the ambiance. The decor is bright and airy with comfortable seating and a cozy environment. Sunlight streams in through the large windows, creating a warm and pleasant space. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a lively place to catch up with friends, Little Talk is the perfect hangout.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as soon as you enter, pulling you in to take a seat and savor the moment. The menu offers a variety of coffee options, from classic espresso to specialty lattes and cappuccinos, but the real star of the show at this cafe is the brunch menu.

From savory eggs benedict and avocado toast to sweet waffles and pancakes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The dishes are expertly prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the presentation is always on point. In our opinion, this is easily one of the best breakfast and brunch restaurants in Leigh-on-Sea.

Little Talk Café is closed from Sunday to Tuesday and reopens from Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Address: 1090 London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS9 3NA.

Waffle stack
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/balbaz)

The Best Restaurants In Leigh-on-Sea: Final Thoughts

That’s everything, from our side! All our favourite restaurants we had to tell you about in Leigh on Sea. We hope you have a fantastic time and make some amazing memories savoring each bite!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.