15 of the best 'hidden gem' restaurants and takeaways in south Essex

As the weather finally starts to improve, residents are always looking for "hidden gem" restaurants to visit away from the busier and more widely-known chain venues.

To help you find some of the best lesser-known spots to satisfy your cravings, we asked our readers what they thought were the best “hidden gem” restaurants, cafes and takeaways in the south Essex area.

Many places received multiple recommendations, so here's a breakdown of some of the most popular choices (from more than 400 comments).

This is not an exhaustive list, as there are so many amazing lesser-known independent restaurants, cafes and takeaways to try across south Essex.

Saras Tea Gardens in Old Leigh

This cosy and quirky tea garden in Old Leigh High Street offers traditional cream teas with home-made cakes and locally sourced food.

It is also family-run and dog-friendly.

Gregory Dean said: "Saras Tea Gardens in Old Leigh is the absolute best! It’s so cute outside with loads of pretty flowers. Doggy friendly with a doggy menu and Sara and the team are so lovely to everyone."

The Mews in Southend

This Nelson Mews venue is described as a "buzzy bar with brickwork and leather sofas, and 1st floor restaurant serving European and Asian food".

Lisa Atkins said: "Loved it here, definitely a hidden gem."

Hgiel Otalp added: "In my opinion the atmosphere, food and service are incredible."

DB Shack in Basildon

The most popular among readers in our Facebook post with more than 60 comments mentioning it, this takeaway at the back bar in Lee Chapel's Castlemayne pub is a "hidden gem" for those in the town.

It offers mouth-watering ribs, burgers wings, BBQ and desserts.

Sarah Baxter said: "DB Shack is by far the best in Essex."

Devon Mary added: "DB Shack in the Castlemayne in Basildon. Best burger you'll ever eat."

The Pipe of Port in Southend

Tucked away just off Southend High Street, this basement restaurant is a firm favourite in the area known for its vast wine list, tasty pies as well as its eclectic décor and comforting lowlighting.

It features a wine bar, restaurant and WSET Accredited Wine Academy in the heart of the city.

A Google reviewer described the venue: "Great little restaurant with traditional décor. I love the sawdust on the floor, and the candle light. Food was perfect, and exactly as I remembered it from years ago. Definitely worth a visit."

Cubanos in Leigh

Further away from the hustle and bustle of Leigh Broadway, this English café bistro in Elmsleigh Drive offers a Cuban twist.

Chloe Melons commented: "Great breakfasts, delicious Sunday roast and Friday and Saturday nights. Dog friendly and people friendly."

Teresa Mays said: "Definitely Cubanos Leigh, food and ambience are fabulous."

53 Fobbing

Tucked away in Fobbing Farm Shop, off High Road, this bistro opened just last year but has already quickly established itself among foodies in the area as a hidden gem.

Helen Cornhill explained: "53 Fobbing is amazing and the staff are so lovely."

Emma Rowe agreed: "53 Fobbing. Brilliant food, staff and setting."

With its traditional breakfast, lunch and Sunday roasts, 53 uses fresh ingredients, sourced using the best of local and independent producers.

Enchanted Cafe & Bar in Hadleigh

Described as a "truly alternative dining and social experience", the fantasy-themed cafe and bar in London Road offers diners an escape from reality alongside its wide range of food and drinks.

Shirley Salter says: "I would highly recommend, lovely food friendly staff and great themed events!" while Louise Moses shared: "So pretty inside, but give it a try."

The White Hart in Great Wakering

This traditional High Street pub serves great real ales, beers and lagers, alongside classic wine as well as a hugely popular Sunday lunch.

Charlotte Reanna says: "The White Hart in Great Wakering. Traditional village pub including the decor. Great drinks and amazing food!"

Charlotte Dawson agreed: "The White Hart in Great Wakering. Amazing food. Especially a roast on a Sunday!"

The Crafty Cockney Pie and Mash on Canvey

Delivering traditional East End pie and mash straight to customers' doors, The Crafty Cockney was the second most popular eatery after DB Shack.

The High Street pie and mash shop is praised for its "delicious" food and welcoming staff.

Hayley Smith said: "The Crafty Cockney Pie and Mash all daaaay looong! Best place to eat by far."

Cafe Max in Benfleet

Based in High Road, Cafe Max serves Benfleet with breakfast, lunch and beyond in a beautifully decorated setting and a surprisingly spacious outdoor seating area.

A TripAdvisor reviewer gushed: "Have been coming here for years and service is impeccable and so is the food. High standards here and always has been consistent over the years. You certainly can tell the quality of the food. Staff amazing and always helpful and smiling."

Essex Oyster Company in North Benfleet

Hidden away in an unassuming Basildon industrial estate is a “high quality” seafood restaurant with a rapidly growing reputation through word of mouth.

Essex Oyster Co’s Surf and Turf Restaurant, just off Pound Lane, Bowers Gifford, serves up fresh seafood from Essex fisheries and further afield.

Debbie Lane said: "100 per cent try No1 restaurant Essex Oyster Company, the best food."

Stoked Vegan BBQ in Westcliff

The "first fully vegan BBQ restaurant in the UK" opened right on our doorstep in Westcliff in 2020, and has quickly grown a loyal customer base.

Now, it regularly sells out of it's one of kind food where the menu changes every six to eight weeks.

Off Broadway in Leigh

This coffee bar and rotisserie restaurant in Glendale Gardens serves high-quality Portuguese, Brazilian dishes.

A TripAdvisor reviewer explains: "This little hidden away gem transports you out of the side streets of Leigh, and into a little part of Portugal. We were sat in the outside area, but it felt very much warm and watertight and like being inside."

Max's Café in Brentwood

No it's not deja vu, another "Max" cafe was a popular choice among readers - with this one nestled in the beloved Hopefield Animal Sanctuary so adults can enjoy a coffee and cake while their little ones burn off some steam after meeting the adorable rescue animals.

The sanctuary describes it: "Max’s Café - nestled in 53 acres of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and its 600-plus rescued animal residents. It also has a large playground and a wonderful plant-based menu."

World Wide Wings in Leigh and Benfleet

World Wide Wings, based from its delivery kitchen in Benfleet as well as its new home at the Sarah Moore pub in Leigh, the bosses behind this hidden gem are passionate about what they do, bringing unique wing flavours from around the world.

Using their own delivery drivers, they serve their signature wings and weekly specials to the SS9, SS0, SS1 and SS2 postcodes.

Katherine Le Gros said: "World Wide Wings...the loaded jacket potatoes with boneless wings and their weekly special sauce."

And a few more honourable mentions include...

• New Indya, Southend

• Meadow Croft Kitchen, Battlesbridge 

• Jilly Beans, Canvey

• Wildflower Teas on the Bus, in Drake Trees garden centre, Battlesbridge