Ricci's Taverna

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “Lovely atmosphere, great service, and absolutely delicious food. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and everything made for a really enjoyable experience. Highly recommend Riccia Tavern — we’ll definitely be back.”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “The food was absolutely delicious, with fresh ingredients and great flavors in every dish. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and perfect for a relaxing meal. The prices were very reasonable, offering great value for the quality and portion sizes. The staff were friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and will be coming back again!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Good food, good atmosphere, the workers are really nice. Would recommend especially on a Thursday as it’s Jazz night.”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “The food here was so delicious and never failed to meet my expectations! Wonderful staff and loved the vibes of this restaurant”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “What a wonderful experience. The owners are very welcoming and we really felt like we were in a Taverna. Eating in a place where you feel like family is a rare treat. Our meals came out piping hot and were delicious. If you are in Southend you must come and see for yourselves. You will not be disappointed. My hubby and I absolutely recommend 😁”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Had a meal with my brother, sister in law and our mother. Fantastic, fresh food, attentive service and lovely wine. Very broad menu and very generous portions. Tasted great. Everyone was full and very happy. Will definitely recommend and visit again.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Sometimes you stumble across an absolute gem — and this was one of them. We were greeted warmly by the owner, Ricardo: a proud Sicilian, seasoned chef, and actor to boot. He and his wife run the restaurant themselves, creating a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ricardo expertly paired my meal with some excellent reds, all of which were superb. There was also a live jazz singer accompanied by a saxophonist, which added a truly gorgeous ambience to the evening. I chose the lamb chops with Sicilian-style mint sauce and potatoes. The lamb was cooked perfectly — tender, juicy, and a delight on the palate. The mint sauce had a gentle piquancy and was bursting with flavour. This is the sort of place that sets itself apart from so many other Italian eateries. If it were in Central London, you’d need to book months in advance. I strongly urge anyone to visit and experience what Southern Italian cuisine is all about. Bravo, Ricardo!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “I had such a lovely lunch at this Italian restaurant and honestly, it deserves so much more attention than it seems to get! First of all, the value for money is incredible. Their lunch menu is just £15.95 for a starter and a main, which is such a great deal considering the quality and portion sizes. You definitely don’t leave hungry. I started with the calamari, which was perfectly cooked, light, crispy, and not at all greasy. For my main, I chose a pizza, and this is where they really won me over. It’s so hard to find proper thin, crispy pizza in the UK, as most places tend to serve thicker, doughy bases. This one was exactly how I like it: beautifully thin, crisp, and full of flavour. Absolutely delicious. What surprised me most was that the restaurant was empty at lunchtime. It truly deserves to be much busier. With food this good, such reasonable prices, and such satisfying portions, it’s a hidden gem that more people need to discover.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·8 months ago

  “At last, an authentic Italian in Southend High Street. Greeted warmly by husband chef and wife running front of house. Chose from lunch time menu, and portions were great, see pics attached. Food was fresh and very tasty, well seasoned. Will definitely be back for lunch and dinner with friends and family.”

• G

  Google user

  ·9 months ago

  “Went to Riccardo's new restaurant in Southend tonight, amazing home cooked food. Better than ever. Friendly, welcoming, cosy family run restaurant. Food as good as it ever was, if not better. Will definitely be returning soon. Any regulars from Riccardos previous restaurant should give it a go, we cannot recommend a visit highly enough. We will be returning frequently.”

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