There’s nothing quite like the feeling of realising you’ve conveniently not got anything for dinner and have to get a cheeky takeaway instead. 

But decisions, decisions, decisions… Do you go for an Indian, a pizza or Thai? 

With the introduction of delivery apps the possibilities are endless as to what to choose. 

You can go for a classic take-out, get something a bit healthy or go wild and try something completely new. 

But sometimes all of this can be a bit overwhelming when you’re hungry and you just want to know where the best place is. 

So to make it a bit easier for you we’ve compiled a list of Tripadvisor’s top five independent restaurant deliveries in Southend: 

La Pizzeria

Opening times: 

Tuesday to Saturday - 12pm to 3pm then, 5pm to 10.30pm

Sunday - 5pm to 10pm

The Italian pizzeria in Westcliff-on-Sea is the number one takeaway and delivery restaurant in Southend as rated by customers on Tripadvisor. 

The restaurant has over 800 'excellent' reviews with people raving about the "fantastic" food. 

One happy customer said: "Owner and Chef Riccardo is really on the ball with his exquisite wines and the lobster ravioli was truly amazing whilst the Sicilian sausage was outstanding."

Istanbul Restaurant

Opening times: 

Everyday - 1pm to 12am

The Istanbul Restaurant on York Road has recently been awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award 2020.

A true character and charm, Neset Koc has owned Istanbul for nine years. 

He said: "I think we are so busy because we understand the demand and what people want. 

"All of our food is fresh, tasty and we serve good portions." 

Home cooking all of their kebabs, vegan special and entire menu has ensured the restaurant has had a loyal customer base. 

One customer said: "The owner filled the restaurant with laughter and chatter by telling us lots of stories. My dad is now set on going here every year for his birthday!"

Gold Coast

Opening times: 

Monday to Saturday - 12pm to 2pm then, 6pm to 10.30pm

Sunday - 1pm to 10pm

This Cantonese restaurant on the Eastern Esplanade is the third best restaurant in Southend. 

Some of the customer's menu favourites include the spare ribs and stuffed crab claws. 

The Gold Coast is a family run business that has been operating for over 30 years with customers returning time and time again. 

One customer on Tripadvisor said: "The choice of food is great to suit all our friends taste buds.

"We have found their food to be the best in our local area and is normally delivered in 30 / 40 minutes, piping hot & in accordance with our order."

Pieno-Lleno

Opening times: 

Monday - 4pm to 10.30

Wednesday to Thursday - 4pm to 10.30pm

Friday - 4pm to 11pm

Saturday - 12pm to 11pm

Sunday - 12pm to 9.30pm

Pieno-Lleno is a Mexican Restaurant that offers a varied menu including fajitas, burritos and steaks. 

Exciting customers with their food, one client said: "The best chicken fajitas I have had because of such great depth of flavour and spice on the sauce accompanying the chicken.

"No wonder this place is usually packed."

Red Chilliezs 

Opening times:

Everyday - 12pm to 3pm then, 5.30pm to 11pm

Described as a 'must visit' for curry lovers, Red Chilliezs is located on London Road. 

The restaurant opened in 2013 driven to capture the essence on Kerala and bring South Indian cuisine to Southend. 

With hundreds of raving reviews, one diner said: "It's beautiful, really fresh home cooking and it's run by really nice people. 

"If you are going to get a curry I highly recommed Red Chilliezs for authentic quality food with a slight difference from what is usual."

Do you agree that these are Southend's best takeaways? Have your say in the comments.