Colchester has a huge selection of bars and restaurants, from independent local eateries to outdoor terraces and coffee shops. 

There are are number of five star establishments in the town according to the review site TripAdvisor, which have been ranked for the top five.

The restaurants that have made the list have a variety of food and atmosphere, meaning there is something for everyone on this list. 

Here are the best rated restaurants in Southend accoring to TripAdvisor ratings, going down from 5th best to the top rated establishment.

What are the best rated restaurants in Colchester?

Bella Pais

Gazette: Bella Pais (Google StreetView)Bella Pais (Google StreetView)

Where: 7 Centurian House St. Johns Street Centurian House, Colchester CO2 7AH

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5

Starting off with one of the most commended 4.5 rated restaurants in the town there is Bella Pais.

This steak restaurant has managed to receive 747 'Excellent' reviews based off 1,034 total ratings.

It was described by one reviewer as having the "best steaks around", with praise coming in for its surf and turf as well.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

North Hill Noodle Bar

Where: 2 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1DZ 

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5

The best ranked 4.5 rated restaurant in Colchester is the North Hill Noodle Bar.

It has received 758 'Excellent' reviews out of a total of 1,084 total ratings.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given its name it really makes an impact with its patrons through its noodles, as well as its king prawns and ribs.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

Falafel and More

Gazette: Falafel and More (Google StreetView)Falafel and More (Google StreetView)

Where: 9 Queen Street, Colchester CO1 2PG 

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

The first 5/5 rated restaurant in Colchester comes in the form of Falafel and More.

Every single one of its 46 reviews is in the 'Excellent' category on TripAdvisor.

Its Middle Eastern cuisine has been a real hit with customers, especially its falafel.

One reviewer described the food as being "exceptional" with one another saying it had "nice ambience".

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

Cowabunga Pizza

Where: 1/1A Moorside, Colchester CO1 2TJ

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Runner up for the best rated restaurant in Colchester is Cowabunga Pizza.

Sitting on a score of 62 "Excellent" ratings out of 63 they have clearly made an impression.

It has received praise for it "friendly service" and "piping hot" pizza.

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.

Balkerne & Colne Restaurants

Gazette: A chef preparing dishes at the Balkerne Restaurant (TripAdvisor)A chef preparing dishes at the Balkerne Restaurant (TripAdvisor)

Where: Sheepen Road, Colchester CO3 3LL 

TripAdvisor rating: 5/5

Number one spot on this list goes to the Balkerne & Colne Restaurants.

It has amassed 183 'Excellent' reviews out of 212 ratings, with only one 'Terrible' rating to be found.

What perhaps makes this acheivement more impressive is that the restaurant is staffed by cookery students from the Colchester Instutute.

The food has been described by reviewers as being " tasty and beautifully presented" and that " every course was the standard of a michelin star restaurant".

You can book a table at this restaurant via the TripAdvisor website.