Piccolo - Southend-on-Sea

We stopped here for lunch before a matinee performance at The Cliffs. Our table had a lovely view over the sea, the food was superb and the service was excellent. We will definitely return.

The moment you walk into this restaurant, you realise you are going into a family run business where you are going to be treated very specially. And quite simply, I can’t wait to return. We were all made to feel like we were the most...important people in the room. What made our attendance a little bit more complicated, was that there were eight of us with four children under the age of four, but the staff couldn’t be any more accommodating if they tried. Squeezing us in but still given the space and respect accordingly With a menu that boasts some of the most imaginative and mainstream options that you would expect from an Italian restaurant, it’s when taking the order that you realise that everything is bespoke and completely made fresh on site. What would appear to be a huge disappointment when we found that the half lobster pasta, which was showcased on the specials board, was no longer available, we were then presented with a waiter who wanted to showcase the very large Nigerian prawns that he could substitute with. Incredibly motivating in his presentation of this, he also highlighted that this would be a huge reduction financially. What turned up with a selection of some absolutely outstanding food. Of course these prawns served with a crayfish and calamari tomato cream tagliatelle was absolutely out of this world and probably one of the best dishes I have ever eaten in the area. But the Dover soul, pizza, and even chicken Milanese was out of this world. No similarity in flavour, everything was made to each other’s tastebuds without just chopping and churn in the same sauces in every dish. What secured an outstanding set of service was when we found out that one of the deserts was also not available as they had run out of strawberries to create the eton mess. Within seconds the head waiter pulled cash out of his pocket and instantly another waiter went outside, jumped on his motorbike, and drove up to the local shop to buy some strawberries so we were able to have the dessert! I cannot think of another time or restaurant where they will give so much special attention to make sure that their guess got what they wanted. Brilliant. Outstanding food. Outstanding service, what an absolutely wonderful restaurant!

Amazing eating and excellent staff. I always enjoy my visit and the food is perfect. I recommend it very much!

Very much doubt I will go back to the piccolo, who was in the pastness of one of my favorite places to eat and I never had a bad meal. I've tried to train it for as long as I've been. However, the shares for the same price have become smaller, the tiramisu that I saw that someone almost half the size it was earlier. my man and I have ordered more than one time sweet for two and it is barely enough for one. there is now also a two-hour cap, how long you can eat at the table. I wanted to book for 11 of us, and I fear that as the service was always slow, it would not be a pleasant culinary experience. eating after all, especially since this restaurant is not cheap, is a tasty bite and a very social thing, often to celebrate birthdays etc. so they really want to keep their watch all the time to make sure everyone is finished in time. children do not eat quickly. also the tables are jammed. Maybe if they come here for the first time and did not know how this restaurant was of how it was (and not for the better) then it is reflected as by many diner’s reviews, how not to blame it. this restaurant had always very loyal customer base and I personally recommended many friends and family, but I wonder how many people from this area now feel the same way as I?. also note that there is a service fee. owners fantastic and very family-oriented and friendly. do not define the same, if he is not there.

Visited shortly before a show so time was short. the restaurant is fully understood and completely delivered. I have the garlic bread for the starter, partner had the mixed olives. I got my garlic bread. a lot of Gooey cheese and a large plate (my partner ended...help me) main course for me was the lobster special with tubular pasta steak for my partner I was absolutely dekerned I was in a hurry because I really loved to have taken my time with my dinner as it was devine. I live an hour away from the restaurant and consider it to drive up the car at this weekend - that eating was good. the employees were attentive and polite, as they were completely booked and beaten away from their feet! 10/10 would recommend. (we were just after venice, so I would say that eating was really in place!/if not better than some places in venice) thank you for a nice evening.