While no Southend eateries have attained any Michelin stars, there are plenty worth shouting about.

They might not fit into Michelin’s strict criteria to gain one of the stars but there are many places that you still need to try – or visit again.

The stars are awarded to restaurants Michelin considers the very best in a given area, and recipients gain immense prestige and exposure along with the honour.

Even without a star, we want to spread the word that they can still be remarkable.

So we thought we’d shout about some of the best independent restaurants in Southend.

The following restaurants have been selected based on their reviews on TripAdvisor.

Read more >>> Best brunch spots (to nurse that hangover) in Southend on TripAdvisor

Revolution, Southend

This bar and restaurant is sandwiched between The Forum and Southend’s University Square building.

It offers amazing cocktails, delicious food and a great atmosphere with its floor-to-ceiling windows and heated upper terrace. 

The venue won TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2021 and has received 764 excellent reviews.

One said: "Had a Christmas work do here, was greeted by amazing front of house staff, food come out straight away and was presented beautifully and tasted great."

Pasta Pia, Westcliff

This unfussy restaurant offers a traditional Italian experience with its street eats such as pastas and piadinas.

It also won TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2021 and has 405 excellent reviews.

One said: "We have passed this tiny restaurant a few times and not thought much of it, but decided to try it for lunch with the children.

"Wow! It was amazing! We had a buggy and the restaurant is tiny, but it was a gloriously sunny day so they suggested we sit in the garden at the back easily accessible by a driveway for us to get the buggy through.

"The garden was a lovely secluded patio, away from the noise of the main road and a lovely spot to enjoy the lunchtime sunshine."

Billy Hundreds, Southend

This fish and tapas restaurant offers stunning estuary views and the freshest local fish dishes.

So customers won't be surprised that it was also awarded TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Award 2021.

Read more >>> It all happened so fast: ‘Stupid idiots’ banned from Leigh restaurant for life after brawl

It has 614 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. One reviewer commented: "Amazing range of tapas and fish, well priced and fantastic service, cute rustic beach shack...can't wait for our next visit."

The Peterboat, Leigh

With estuary views and great views, this traditional pub in the heart of Old Leigh is incredibly popular.

It is famous for its excellent fish dishes, charming fishing village surroundings and welcoming atmosphere.

And it has a whopping 1,519 excellent reviews.

One happy customer said: "Come here every year without fail in the summer period to enjoy the large beer garden.

"During summer days this pub is always packed and servers are always so busy but I have never had a bad experience with anyone that worked here and servers have always gone above and beyond with their friendliness."

Gold Coast, Southend

For more than thirty years this family-run Chinese restaurant has been providing a wide variety of Cantonese and Chinese cuisine to suit all of its customers' tastes.

The venue is situated on Southend seafront with stunning views over the estuary. 

It is closed until August 21 for their annual Summer leave, but it is definitely worth a visit once it is open again.

One TripAdvisor review says: "This is a must place to visit if you are in the area or looking for somewhere to have a nice experience with delicious food overlooking beautiful scenery. 

"This place has the right old-fashioned values of making sure that the customer is content and is worth 10/10."