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1. ASK Italian - Colchester
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· 488 reviews
16 North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1DZ, United Kingdom
andrew fennell: Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 3/5More
David Small: Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5More
Aslp: Food: 1/5|Service: 2/5|Atmosphere: 1/5More
Simon Says Yes: Family birthday occasion, atmosphere very good, service very good and food very good. All round enjoyable evening.
Sara Lopes: Food: 4/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5More
Debbie Salacuri: Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes Cheesecake Slice, Seafood PastaMore
Tony Morris: The Sausage dish had very little sausage in it, took them an age to bring dessert. On the plus side the lady that took our order was really nice and helpful. She seemed to be the only one really workingFood: 2/5|Service: 2/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
Roamers Two: Very pleasant meal here with my son. Good menu at very reasonable prices. Food was very good and well presented and service was excellent. Would visit again. Thank you.Food: 4/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Becky Rix: Last two weeks ordered online and the order has been missing items. Not impressed at all. Try to call Ask to complain and no reply on the phone. Not happy and won't order again.
Keith Raven: First went to ASK Hatch End 25 years ago, their first ever restaurant, and have been using them ever since. The food is always brilliant and the service spot on, and this definitely goes for Colchester. If you want good authentic Italian food go to ASK... simple.
Peter Rix: Order of food short ! Rang restaurant many times ,no answer . Ordered chips and only received what I call child size portion! Terrible service will not use again .Nor will.i recommend
E E: This place does great pizzas and drinks, and staff are lovely, but every other dish is so hit or miss and has been for years. The pollo della casa os so dry and lots of rosemary twigs to choke on.But pizza, drinks and desserts are great, so get those imhoKid-friendliness: Colouring activities and kids menu
Rob Theobald: Great meal, friendly staff and would definitely go back.
Cameron B: All round good nothing special thoughFood: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Lisa Morgan: Food is always fantastic & staff always great.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Seafood Pasta, Pollo Milanese …More
Puja Mitra: Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 5/5More
Carl Romano: Nice food and decent service. We were sat by the door so each time it was opened we (and our food) got colder. Tasty gluten free pizza so happy, would go back!Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
Paul Loft: Very disappointed to be having to leave a less than perfect rating.Having been here in early December during a trip back to Colchester from home in Spain, we were looking forward to coming again.A table for 7 people was booked for 7pm, as a couple of the group can't eat too late in the evening.The waiter was superb, as he was when we visited in December. Friendly, bubbly, chatty and very helpful. Great lad, our thanks to him.However, he was let down by the kitchen and their timing.We only had two courses, but having sat down just after 7pm, we finally got to pay the bill at 9.45pm.There was a long wait for starters, and then a huge wait for the main courses.All evening there was a constant flow of Deliveroo riders, and we were left wondering whether the kitchen was so busy getting the delivery orders ready that the folk dining in were lower priority and left to wait.Certainly there is an issue with food preparation time, and while I appreciate that not everyone wants to be in and out quickly, nearly 3 hours for two courses was excessive.Maybe we should have stayed at home and ordered a delivery?We won't be back on our next trip back to the UK I'm afraid 😔
Trish O: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes CalamariMore
Carol Smith: Always a great service and food!
2. Miseria e Nobilta' - Colchester
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· 211 reviews
11 Queen St, Colchester, CO1 2PG, United Kingdom
Maja Pulic: This is THE best place in Colchester (I would even say Essex) to eat authentic Italian food. Pizza is amazing! I always keep coming back to this restaurant because the food is so good. Staff is lovely and the atmosphere is relaxing.
David Nelson: Really authentic italian food. Friendly and cosy. I recommend the Spinich and Ricotta tortellini and the Gnocchi!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Gnocchi …More
Michelle Grange: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Arancino Alla Siciliana, Tagliatelle with Meatballs Wrapped in Speck in a Tomato Sauce Baked in the OvenMore
Sophie Duncan: A great welcome, excellent service and fabulous food. Plus very reasonable prices.
Helen Burnett: We visited on a Friday for a late lunch. Both starter and main were delicious we all had different pasta dishes. Lovely staff who adapted a meat tagliatelle to a veggie one.
shara hand: We were walking past the other day & we were very hungry. The menu looked lovely so we went inside intending on eating there but as we walked in it STANK of tobacco. I’m sure the food would have been lovely but the smell was so off putting we felt it would ruin the taste of the food as smell and taste are connected. I cannot see anyone else saying this in the reviews so maybe this is a new thing or a one off? But I felt I wanted to give you feedback on why we didn’t stay as the restaurant seemed empty and it’s such a shame as we definitely would have stayed had it not smelt like someone was smoking in there!
Ma Ghonim: GreatFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
terri curtis: Thankyou for the wonderful meal on Saturday evening food was delicious and such a lovely atmosphere in there , will definitely book again
Kenny Hill: We booked and went to this Italian on a recommendation and found the food to be 10/10, the belly pork was amazing as was the home made tiramisu, will return
Samantha Digby: Our second visit here to celebrate a family birthday. The food was delicious and the welcome and service was the best. Thank you so much. Sam
Kate Allan: We popped in for lunch before visiting the castle.Service was super and quick but not rushed.Food was lovely, definitely recommend coming here rather than any nearby chain restaurants.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Lucy Pace: Our favourite restaurant! We love it here and visit at every opportunity! The service is so friendly and the food is delicious. Authentic, cosy, family-run, Italian restaurant with great prices. What’s not to love?! Can’t recommend this gem of a place highly enough.
Maria Riches: food was ok but not as good as the competition in the townFood: 3/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
daniel bostiog: 🙃
Vanessa Ward: great place recommend to everyone))
Jill Hurr: Excellent restaurant. Great food. So much better than going to a chain restaurant.Vegetarian options: Plenty.Kid-friendliness: Run by Italians need i say more!Dietary restrictions: GF if they are informed.
Emanuela Veninata: This old fashioned family restaurant tries hard to project Italian food values, but misses the mark by offering below standard quality and cooking. We had a fritto misto, which was ok, followed by home made cannelloni and lasagna (home made perhaps, but not well executed...) and some overcooked sword fish with a nice salad. It was a Sunday lunch devoid of any pleasure. Call in Gordon Ramsay!
Jackie McNicholas: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5More
Lauren Hetherington: The most AMAZING Italian!! Waitor was lovely, super friendly and the food was 10/10! Will be back and bringing all my friends and family!The tiaramisu is the best I have EVER had!!
Sam S: I was a little suspicious as the place was empty when we walked in. But this is the BEST Italian I have ever been to.The service, the food, is all absolutely perfect. I hope this place stays open forever.
3. Ristorante Favoloso - Colchester
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· 143 reviews
2-4 Balkerne Passage, Colchester, CO1 1PA, United Kingdom
Aaron Braddy-Green: Nice little restaurant...liked the service and the foodVegetarian options: The menu had a few vegetarian optionsFood: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Aaron Hunt: We had a really nice evening for Dads 80th.The food as usual absolutely brilliant, thank you Carlo and your super wife !
Gary Reakes: Lovely restaurant food is awesome service good and not crazy prices would definitely recommend look forward to going back again soon.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Chicky Fenning: A lovely eveningFood: 5/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Geta Solomon: Absolutely amazingly fresh seafood!!* Highly recommended****
Lisa Lee: Favoloso it was!!! A party of 14 of us decided to try this little jewel hidden in the middle of Colchester last Saturday evening and we were not disappointed. Being a large party we had pre-ordered our food which was served up hot, tasty and very well presented. All the waiters/waitresses worked very hard all night and were very polite and helpful. The Chef came out to chat to all her customers to see if we enjoyed the food to which I thought was a lovely touch. It was nice to see a restaurant doing really well. This is a must try!!
Rebecca Davis: Fantastic food lovely service a, lovely restaurant for couples and large groups 😊
Christian Lewis: Best place in Colchester for Italian food, hands down! Great family run atmosphere, will go again and again.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Glenn Minter: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5More
Sharon Boniface: Excellent food and service...every time we go.. our favourite restaurant...Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Katrina: Wow, this place is absolutely excellent! The service was a little slow, but it seemed some of the staff were new, and it was a busy Saturday night so this can be forgiven. The range of fish specials was great, alongside traditional pizza/pasta, and the lobster & scallops dish I had was better than those I’ve enjoyed in high end restaurants - at a more reasonable cost too! Highly recommended, a hidden gem.
Rosalva Johnston: As always, delicious seafood!
Leon Langrish: Loved this place for dinner. Had a nice chilled vibe while we were there. It was a midweek evening meal and probably about half full. Great service from friendly staff and the food was great. Definitely recommend getting some good wine here too all for a very reasonable price. This was my first time here but I'll definitely be back now if found it.
Michele Murphy: I don’t know where all the good reviews come from but we didn’t like the food we were told the bread was fresh Italian it was just a French stick my steak was tough & tasteless & the duck was really chewy the veg was pale & cold very disappointed & very expensive we we not be returning not a patch on Bella pais
Jane Terry: Great food service and prices Fantastic Ice cream
Presnel: Closed on Tuesday lunch time, need to update their opening times
Oladapo Odeleye: Came here for 20th Wedding Anniversary with my wife. Nice and cosy atmosphere, well presented food, good customer service. Everything went well. Loved the prawn dishes, can't remember the names now. If you come to Colchester, you must visit Ristorante F. Will be coming back.
Ross Thompson: Food is absolutely incredible
Colin Smith: Superb food. Good selection of fish dishes although meat dishes are also available in their menu.Vegetarian options: I didn't read the veggie menu
Em-Elle Kay Gee: I'm very surprised at all the excellent reviews which makes me think perhaps we went on a bad day.My husband booked this restaurant for our anniversary and we were looking forward to trying somewhere different. From the outside, the restaurant looks run down but the inside was much nicer. We were surprised to see that it was virtually empty at 7.30 on a Saturday evening but the staff sat us right next to a large table. As the tables were cramped together, it was difficult to get out to use the bathroom. The waitresses looked bored and didn't smile once in the whole time we were there. The starters were OK, nothing spectacular I ordered the seafood risotto which tastes like rice, tinned tomatoes and seafood. Not very exciting at all. My husband ordered a rare steak which was overcooked. The whole meal, including paying the bill took 45 minutes as there was no time to pause between courses, as soon as our cutlery was down, the next course arrived. The bill came to over £100 which we thought was steep given the good was OK at best and the staff were not particularly attentive. Overall, a disappointing evening and will not be returning again.
4. Al Pacino Italy - Colchester
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· 176 reviews
Museum St, Colchester, CO1 1TN, United Kingdom
Joseph Kwan: Food was not good, and the service was truly awful. Almost every order was wrong. Just a very bad meal
Allan Etrata: delicious food. i really like their seafood pizza. highly recommended!👍Food: 5/5|Service: 3/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Cătălin Crișan: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Calamari Starter, Ravioli, Spagetti Carbonara, Chips, Pinot Grigio Rose, Lasagna Alforno, Garlic Bread with Cheese Starter, Bufala Caprese, Pizza Margherita, Schnitzel, Calzone, Pan Fried Skate Wing, Garlic Bread, Bruschetta Clasica, Lasagne, TiramisuMore
Daniela Handra: Good food. Nice, friendly staff. Central location. Clean restaurant.Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Charlie R: Booked a table for yesterday evening (21/02/23 @ 7pm) for a birthday dinner and the occasion was made even more special by this wonderful place! A huge thank you to the attentive staff who were so warm and helpful.The food was delicious, fresh flavourful and there were generous portion sizes (pizzas and pastas galore) Plus it was very reasonably priced. We shall look forward to coming back :)
Andrew Worth: Having visited Al Pacino's twice recently. Both times, the food and service were excellent.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Calzone, Tiramisu …More
simon greenish: Lovely friendly restaurant
Aleksandra Kasinska: The tastiest food we had in a long time. Great service and prices. Came from a different town specifically to come here. Definitely recommend!Vegetarian options: Good selection
jade williams: What a hidden Gem, my family and I had a fabulous experience.The food was delicious the drinks were plenty the staff were absolutely amazing & very friendly the atmosphere made me feel right at home. The whole dinning experience was my best yet. I want to pick this place up and move it to my home town.
micaela smith: Amazing restaurant, one of the best meals I have ever had. The service is also great and everyone is very friendly. Live music creates a relaxing and welcoming environment.
Amel: We had a great time, the food is delicious, with lots of options. The people in charge of the restaurant really welcomed us in the best way, I recommend
shara hand: Had such a lovely evening here. The waiter was so lovely and attentive to us, even though he said he usually doesn’t do the waiting but they were short staff that evening. He even went out and grabbed us a ginger beer when they ran out in the kitchen. The food was AMAZING! We ordered chilli oil as we both love spice and it was sooooo good! We nearly had the whole pot of it! Waiter told us it was homemade! The pizzas were amazing and so was the dessert. Such a lovely evening and all the other guests eating there were lovely we even got chatting to some other people! :)Vegetarian options: There is a good range of veggie options!
A O: The restaurant is situated close to the museum. On entering, I was welcomed by the most pleasant waiters I have ever met with lovely Italian songs playing in the background, the interior is nicely decorated with rare exotic pieces and a pleasant aroma, and the temperature was warm despite the harsh cold outside making it cozy and homely, it is an amazing spot for a romantic candle dinner. On Saturdays, they have a saxophonist play all through the evening. Meals are very tasty and it is worth every penny spent. You can have your birthday party, child christening, and even a wedding reception as the ground floor can seat about 45 to 60 people. It is the best Italian restaurant in Colchester and its environs, a visit will convince you.Vegetarian options: They have some vegetarian meals in their menu.Kid-friendliness: Alpacino restaurant is kids friendly, they will provide a high chair for toddlers so they can dine with the rest of the family. They have a kid's menu, and the kid's meal is served with a free drink, orange juice or apple juice or fruit shoot.Wheelchair accessibility: They have wheelchair accessibility, entrance, and a toilet downstairs to support people with disability, this toilet also doubles as a changing room for babies
Ankhang: Food: 5/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5More
Martin Prior: Amazing food and splendid staff. The wait for food was reasonable and the waitress was always around checking if people were okay etc.Will absolutely go again.
Mircea Alexandru: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Cottoleta Milanese, Calamari Starter, Lamb Chops, Pan Fried Skate WingMore
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5. Piccolo at 42 North Hill - Colchester
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· 72 reviews
42 North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1PY, United Kingdom
James Hills: Excellent Italian restaurant, food was superb, service was friendly and atmosphere made for a great Italian evening
Emily Hardisty: This was a lovely cosy experience. Such friendly staff and authentic experience.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Bruschetta …More
Chris Baldwin: Had great lunch here with friends. Wonderful food and wine. Relaxed atmosphere, welcoming staff, highly recommended!
Zoe Easteal: Had a fantastic night with friends. Really amazing food and very friendly and fun service!
Stuart Fagg: Very good food and serviceFood: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Ian Jewell: We had our first networking meeting hereFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Pasta Amatriciana, Bruschetta, Vegetable Soup …More
Richard Fanders: Probably the tastiest lemon chicken I have ever had.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
martin erdbeer: Soooo good, best food I’ve had in Colchester for a while. I would definitely recommend this very authentic Italian restaurant.
ANGELO IOVINO: Wonderful dinner, beautyfull resgaurant, Tito is the master of entertaiment
Silas Okengo: Amazing Food, Amazing service!Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Tom Patel: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Pumpkin Soup, Pasta Amatriciana, BruschettaMore
Istvan Demes: Good place for an Italian style dinner. Also the staff is always very friendly.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Jack Swahn: Lovely place very high food quality don't usually leave reviews but this place is a hidden gem *****Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Dennis Lunt: Booked a table for three two weeks prior. Couldn't find booking and were put upstairs and squeezed on a table for two. Not ideal to celebrate a 70th birthday.Food: 4/5|Service: 3/5|Atmosphere: 1/5 …More
yaxin Luo: It is a very happy dining experience. My friend and I ordered a pumpkin soup, a pasta and a pizza. First came the soup which was the best soup I have ever had. The pasta and pizza are very delicious, and the old lady is very kind, she explained the dishes to us patiently. All in all, I think I will come to eat here again if there is a next time.
Edward Powell: Wonderful food and service at this small family run business. We only came for lunch but would definitely return for a full evening meal.
Didi: Came to piccolo for lunch when visiting Colchester and was hugely impressed with the quality of the food and how delicious it was. The grilled salmon with arrabiata tagliatelle was amazingFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Jake Dolman: Just phoned to book a table but was greated very rudely. Defiantly avoid this place.
Peter Hackett: We were recommended to this great restaurant and were not disappointed. Great service, great food.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Richard murden: Lovely little restaurant that makes you feel like you are in italy, would highly recommend a visitFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
macy guyton: We loved Piccolo!! The staff were all so friendly and happy. The food was delicious and very reasonable prices! The restaurant was very cutely decorated. A fab restaurant.
6. Zizzi - Colchester
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· 664 reviews
12 Headgate, Colchester, CO3 3BT, United Kingdom
Oh Oh: Horrible service, we booked a seat of 5 and we got sat upstairs with no one there and it was horrible , dirty and windows have cobwebs every where. This was the 2nd time something like this has happend before never coming back.Horrible
Adrian Jenner: Great food and service 👌Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Stuart Flack: Service was poor.took about 45 mins from getting the bill to paying as we had vouchers and they kept leaving the tip on despite telling them to take it off. 🙄Parking: Depending when you visit it can be hard to find a space close by.
Nathan Turner: Fantastic, best Italian I've had.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Calzone Pulled Beef & Harissa Chicken, Chips, Garlic Bread …More
Paul Boorman: Simply rude.Food: 3/5|Service: 1/5|Atmosphere: 1/5 …More
K VINCE: Terrible, awaited to be seated for a booked table, long wait for drinks, (as a former alcoholic non alcohol drinks were ordered just to be asked if a beer was mine !? Then alcoholic versions of my Moktail were brought to the table) longer wait for starters (which was cold, bland and basically microwaved) ate as hungry. Longer wait for mains during which new cutlery wasn’t replenished (so had to steal from a uncleared table. No condiments, sauces offered they had even run out of parmesan at 8:30 ?? Dinner was dreadful bland, overcooked, no chicken the the chicken carbonara both - sent back..Decor was dreadful, wine cabinet was for paper work, staff in their own clothes.Single-handedly the worst dining experience in my 47 Italian heritage years.Kid-friendliness: Terrible experience
Simon Phillips: Good meal, attentive staff. Food hot, music a little loud. Over all enjoyed our first visit and will return. Vegan option well received.Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Tim Edwards: Friendly staff who went out their way to look after us and made sure my brother could leave in time to catch his train! Nice food too.
Just a sec: Abysmal experience. Went recently. Place was COLD. Served burnt food didn't have courtesy of offering discount or complementary drink. Made you wait (in a cold restaurant) for new order while friends ate in front of me. Pizza was underwhelming. Nothing you wouldn't get from high quality fridge section supermarket. Prices are RIDICULOUSLY high. Will Never go again.
Mike Lewis: A typical Zizzi’s. I hadn’t been to one for a while and there were a few changes. The arrancini with mozzarella was quite small. Six little balls vs 3 larger ones. Honestly they could be two different variations of the dish. The bruschetta was quite good. Service was okay. Everyone enjoyed their food.Recommended dishes King Prawn Linguine, Garlic Bread, Bruschetta …More
LA: I was a little disappointed with our evening, the food was well cooked but boring I thought. The atmosphere of the place is not great, but 5 stars for the staff, they were all great.Overall, it's not a place I will be returning, sorry Zizzi.
Yasmin Braddon: Very nice.Food: 5/5|Service: 3/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
Nicola Harley: Despite being quiet we were repeatedly asked if we would like the bill. Lots of items were not available (at 6pm on a Friday night). Veg Lasagne was tiny but expensive.Food: 2/5|Service: 3/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Yokem Hard: Overpriced but good. Typical Italian fare with high brow decor and overpriced pasta and pizza.Food: 3/5|Service: 2/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
Rikki Longhurst: Went here today and to be honest the whole experience was poor. They were obviously short staffed. Food sitting waiting to be served at one point I timed how long it sat on the pass and it was nearly four minutes. My chips were cold and sea bass over cooked. While we were eating they had at least five customers food go back.Over priced poor quality food Sadly never again.
Dan Ronald Groza: Service 👎Food: 4/5|Service: 1/5|Atmosphere: 2/5 …More
Danielle Lett: Last night, three friends & I went for dinner at Zizzi on Valentine’s Day. However, little did we know how shambolic it would be. When we arrived, the four of us settled on the Valentine’s Day set menu, which was 3 courses for £24.95. But as soon as we ordered, it was mishap after mishap – and by the end, we wished we’d stayed at home instead.Firstly, they’d run out of pink prosecco (which you’d have expected them to have plenty of). But no bother, I thought, so I settled on the blush rosé. They’d also run out of mint for cocktails.We then placed our food orders on the app, ordering all 3 courses at once. Two of the table ordered the bruschetta, which was essentially barely-toasted bread with a punnet of chopped, sour tomatoes thrown on top. My other friend & I had ordered the garlic bread & the calamari, respectively. The waitress wandered around aimlessly with the garlic bread, and rather than ask if it was for us, instead gave it to another table. This was 35 minutes in. My calamari also made its way around the restaurant, bypassing us before being snuck under the counter & shared among the wait staff as they worked. Once again, they didn’t think to check to see if it was for us. “I swear I just saw one of the waitresses eat your starter over there,” my friend said. I couldn’t believe it, as we were just feet away. So I called the waitress over to let her know two of us hadn’t been served starters, and that we’d ordered them 45 minutes ago. The garlic bread arrived about 5 minutes after, and my calamari followed shortly. No apology from the waitress, either. My friend & I hurriedly ate our starters so the mains could arrive (it was 9pm by this point & we were conscious that the restaurant was due to close in an hour).The mains arrived about 15 minutes later, but halfway through eating, we decided to take them home in to-go boxes so we could have dessert. While waiting for the boxes, we ordered another round of drinks on the app. We placed our drink orders, and one of the waitresses informed us that they’d run out of dessert except the limoncello tart & ‘lots of ice cream that we could’ve had instead!’ Maybe the staff ate the desserts too?By this point, I was honestly expecting Gordon Ramsey or John Taffer to walk out. “This sort of service only happens on Kitchen Nightmares or Bar Rescue surely,’ I thought to myself. Three of us passed on dessert, boxed up the one that was ordered, and asked for the bill so we could leave. When the waitress brought over the bill, we were billed for the entire meal – including the 3 desserts we hadn’t eaten along with the 2nd round of drinks we never received.We had to contest the bill with the surly assistant manager, who argued that she was unable to take anything off the set menu price, but would ‘waive the second round of drinks as a gesture of goodwill’. Oh, the drinks we hadn’t had? How generous.She brought over a new bill, and we had to explain that we hadn’t had those drinks anyway & we weren’t going to pay for desserts we hadn’t had.That, paired with my starter eaten by the staff, really made for an overall poor experience. When asked why they ate my starter & gave one away to another table, they replied with ‘oh we didn’t realise they were yours’. Eventually, the bill was reduced so we only paid for 3 set courses in total.Unsurprisingly, we weren’t the only table that night to receive poor service. The table behind us were told they could use a voucher before ordering, only to present it upon paying & be told that it wasn’t valid for that night. And the table next to us were given their mains before their starters.As someone who reviews restaurants as part of my job, this was hands down one of the weirdest dining experiences ever. The food was mediocre (and certainly not worth the wait), & the attitude from the staff was unbelievable. I fully appreciate restaurants running out of dishes & being busy, but the lack of apologies & insisting we pay the full bill was shocking. In future, make sure to support local family-run Italian restaurants instead.
Emily Hilson: Absolutely shocking service. 2 starters came out and we waited 30 minutes for the other two to arrive. During that time we saw the starters come out, get taken to another table, and when the table were confused they left one starter and took the other behind the counter which we then saw the staff snacking on!! The two starters that did arrive were not good; bruschetta which was basically a piece of soggy bread with a punnet of tomatoes chucked on top. When questioned on why our starters took so long to come out, we were told it was because it was ‘super busy’ (side note: surely you should be expecting it to be busy on Valentines Day? Plus, they said it was all bookings so they knew in advance how many people would be dining that evening), when we told them that wasn’t true and we had seen them take our starters to another table and then keep one for themselves, they came clean and said ‘oh yeah well we didn’t realise they were yours until after’. Furthermore, we had ordered our set menu as soon as we arrived, an hour and a half later after we had finished our mains we were told they had ‘run out of desserts’ - surely they would have known this way ahead of time seeing as we ordered upon arrival?? Even though we ordered a 3 course meal and only received 2 courses, they were still expecting us to pay for the 3 courses, but would take off our drinks as a ‘gesture of goodwill’. When we got the bill there was actually a round of drinks on there that we never received! We had to completely argue our case that we were not going to pay for 3 courses when we had only received 2 before they would even look and ‘see if there was anything they could do’. What’s even worse, is they forgot the starters for a table near us and brought out their mains, and also told another table when they ordered that they could use a voucher, but when they paid told them they wouldn’t accept it as it’s Valentines Day! I get that it’s busy and difficult to deal with the volume of orders, but this was actually ridiculous and the way the staff handled it was embarrassing, no apologies or anything when our food came out super late, not taking items off our bill that we didn’t receive etc. Completely ruined our evening and I can only hope others don’t receive this level of shocking service.
Georgia: Waited 45 minutes for starters to come out in which time 1 was taken to the wrong table and the other was left under a counter because they apparently didn’t know whose it was. After complaining about the wait time we were given the excuse that it was “just because it’s busy, the kitchen is making your starters now”, once we informed them we saw/heard what happened with our starters they told us “we didn’t realise they were yours until after” !! We ordered 3 courses upon arrival to be told an hour and half later - after our mains - that they’d run out of desserts but couldn’t deduct anything on a valentines set menu apart from the cost of a couple of drinks (that we ordered but never received anyway). Shocking service. I hate to be a Karen in a restaurant but we should not have to pay a full price bill when we only received 2/3s of the order.
Joshua Green: Awful customer service and lack of care for customers. Starters took 30 minutes to come out and people who arrived after received there’s before us. Also lied about us being able to use a voucher on a specific day making us spend more money despite us asking beforehand. Staff were reluctant to try and help and were not respectful or considerate when discussing this.
Victoria Knowles: Waited 3 hours for our food and it came out stone coldFood: 4/5|Service: 1/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
7. Portofino Colchester - Colchester
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· 43 reviews
Haven Rd, Colchester, CO2 8HT, United Kingdom
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Tracy Wharton: 100% got my recommendation, always accommodating, the food is made with love and you can tell it’s a passion, no pre made food, fresh as always.
Clare Stow: Just had a delivery of possibly the worst food we’ve ever eaten! And not only was it greasy and like rubber, but a hair was thrown in for good measure! We will never order from here again!
Good vibes TwentyFours (GAMING-SOLJA): If you really care about your health you won’t go here. Food was barely edible. I wouldn’t recommend this place to not even my enemies, food was barely edible, dry, if you closed your eyes and chewed you wouldn’t think it’s food. Shocking performance!
Claire Louise: Amazing takeaway, portions were huge and food was really delicious. Will definitely order here again 🙂👌
Lorna Constable: Is it me or just weird that all the raving reviews are written by a handful of the same people?One of my most ‘interesting’ take away experiences.My order: pork chop (MW), chips, salad, peppercorn sauce, coleslaw and calamari.I ordered my meal and was kindly called by the restaurant to be told it was going to be late as they didn’t want my food to be cold and offered a free drink which I refused. I was also asked if I could have wedges instead of chips. That was fine. Italian restaurant = plain or herb, garlic seasoning right? I was impressed! All I said was “please make sure my food is hot”.My food arrived. All hot and cold food except the pork chop (served in a fish and chip cardboard box) was packaged in the delivery bag. I checked the pork chop and it was tepid. I quickly stopped the delivery driver, informed him and he honestly reacted as if I’d asked him the theory of gravity. No problem! It takes two minutes to pan heat meat right? So I opened the rest of my order. Everything was cold. I tried to call the delivery driver and the restaurant countless times to return my order. But to no avail.45 mins later I finally get through. I explained that my food was cold and very under pas, could they please come and collect it all as I’d like a refund.My sauce was separated and solidified, calamari was greasy and cold, pork chop was cold an very undercooked (MR) potato wedges were cold, greasy with southern fried seasoning. No apology whatsoever!Instead I was told that I was given a piece of carrot cake for free and I should be happy. Also that the food was hot “it was in a special heat retaining bag and doesn’t lose heat”. That’s fine if you don’t stack cold and hot food together. I was also told that was my fault ordering food from their restaurant on just eat because I’m too far away and I had a hidden agenda. Really! Apparently how you ask for meat to be cooked and how you get it is all ‘open to interpretation’. Nothing to do with meat bleeding out on your plate at all.I’ve got to give this guy The Darwin Award for the dumbest question ever. “Was your cold food cold?” Well of course it was. It was very efficient in cooling the hot food. 😂😂😂😂😂God forbid if you raise the issue that southern fried wedges are not the norm in Italian cuisine. If you do, you’ll be told that Portofino is not an Italian restaurant. It’s an Italian fusion restaurant. Perhaps you’d like to check your branding. It clearly states Italian. I asked a fusion of what. He couldn’t answer. A fusion of Italian and....... Birds Eye? Iceland? GRUEL? Fking attitude! Denial!Would I recommend this restaurant? Absolutely not! However the carrot cake was delicious or perhaps I’m delusional as it was the only edible food item. Needless to say I went to bed hangry.
Monty “Mont”: I could write an essay based on the service and quality of food here but to sum it up.OVER PRICED, TERRIBLE FOOD, VERY VERY SLOW SERVICE, ZERO ATMOSPHERE, BADLY STAFFED.Have seriously had better meals at a greasy spoon cafe.SO DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!!!!Plenty of more pleasant and cheaper restaurants in colchester to choose from.I would not let my dog eat here its that bad HONESTLY!!
Linda Moles: Booked a table for this evening to find the restaurant closed when we arrived. Feeling angry
Austen Mitchell: Booked a table for 4 a week in advance for 8pm on a Saturday night.... arrived to find the place almost empty and no staff in sight. After a few minutes somebody came over and said they were on their own and couldn't therefore do anything for us! So we were left at 8pm on a Saturday looking for somewhere else to dine! I understand things can go wrong but why not contact us earlier in the day to let us know the situation? Needless to say we won't be going back!
Lena: Very good service and food at a low price. Totally recommend
emma youngman: Beautiful
Sarah Partridge: I booked this restaurant online for a meal on Friday 3rd May for 7pm. When me and my friends arrived the restaurant was obviously shut and when I tried calling no answer. Has this restaurant shut? Would help if someone could ring and confirm your booking!
Mark Sanders: Highly underrated! This is a lovely restaurant. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the food is excellent and very reasonably priced. This was the second time we have visited and can't recommend it enough. Portofino is well worth a visit.
Sam May: Great food, reasonably priced..really friendly, helpful staff...they need your support. I definitely recommend it 👍🏼
Ruth Puxley: Love food great service
jo bush: Excellent! Good service. Beautiful food. Only down side, rather chilly inside.
Zilvinas Stasionis: What can I say :) After long week and hard day today me and my wife decide to try this restaurant which I spotted on the way past. The atmosphere, service, quality of food,... was absolutely perfect! It was more then we expected and definitely will came back in the future :) Thank you for a perfect service and make us feel so special. And food OMG just out of this world 😍
Kelwyn Kwan: Came here with my girlfriend had dinner together. Food was extremely tasty. The venue is quite romantic which we enjoyed very much, including nice piano music in the background. Very friendly catering. Price is on the higher end, but worth it. Definitely recommend.
Sally Mina: Superb setting great food great service
KADEN MYHILL: WENT FOR A MEAL HERE TODAY FOR MY MUMS BIRTHDAY, FOOD WAS QUALITY, STAFF WERE VERY FRIENDLY, WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. 👌
Ziggy Jennings: Lovely staff and delicious tasting Italian food. Shame to see it so quiet but worth a visit.
Martin O'Connor: Wonderful food at reasonable prices, very warm and friendly service.
8. Carluccio's - Colchester
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· 161 reviews
152 High St, Colchester, CO1 1PN, United Kingdom
Alan Smoughton: Do not be American and auto. add tip. Leave to discretionary.Food: 4/5|Service: 4/5|Atmosphere: 3/5 …More
Brian Smith: Really enjoyed the Opera Evening. As usual, Keni and the team ensure you have a great time. Good place to visit when you are in Colchester or enjoying some shopping at Fenwicks.
John Williams: I had a coffee. Reasonable price, plus waiter service. Served on a tray with iced water. Much better than some of the more popular outlets.Food: 3/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Stuart Davies: Nice surroudings. Service 1st class. Food well presented.Food: 4/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Kyle Smith: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Tiramisu, CalamariMore
Mechelle: Great place to have lunch. Food is always fresh and hot and the staff are very friendly. Will certainly continue eating at Carluccio's.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Veganesca Spaghetti VG, Ravioli …More
Leo Pang: Breakfast and lunch was greatFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Chris Thurston: Lovely food excellent service friendly waiting staffFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Mark Hyett: Slightly disappointed on this visit. Ordered bread to start and that was forgotten so came with rhe main. Wife's chicken was on the dry side.Food: 4/5|Service: 3/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Joanna Carr: Great. Had a fantastic lunch. The service was exceptional. Bit pricey, but it's Carluccios! The calamari was especially good.Food: 4/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5Recommended dishes …More
Glenda Briggs: During a girls shopping trip to Colchester we went for lunch. It was very busy so, very glad we had booked ahead. Table ready and waiting; waitress was excellent, friendly and efficient. Food and beverages were amazing and delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant, but book ahead to ensure table.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 4/5 …More
Elaina Marsh: Can't wait to go back, friendly staff fantastic food. Ten out of ten.😄 The latte was amazing xFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Natalie Munday: Quality food and good serviceFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
David Meachem: Kid-friendliness: No problemFood: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
R Islam: Great service, attentive staff and wonderful food at reasonable prices. What more could you want?Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Recommended dishes Squid as Food …More
Tilly Somervell: Can’t say how lovely the wait staff were!! Food was incredible! Lovely place to go x
Andy Snowsell: Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5Parking space Plenty of parking Parking options Paid parking lotMore
Melvin Morris: Went here as we were in Fenwicks. Really good service, very relaxed and friendly.I had the toast and jam and it was a very light breakfast. Would definitely use again.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
Jim Lambert: We really like this restaurant and go quite often.Food: 5/5|Service: 5/5|Atmosphere: 5/5 …More
9. Pizza Express - Colchester
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· 456 reviews
1 St Runwald St, Colchester, CO1 1HP, United Kingdom
10. DOUGH&co Woodfired Pizza - Colchester
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· 301 reviews
48 St John's St, Colchester, CO2 7AD, United Kingdom
11. Cafe Bellissimo - Colchester
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· 178 reviews
1b Wimpole Rd, Colchester, CO1 2BX, United Kingdom
12. Valentinos - Wivenhoe
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· 114 reviews
11 High St, Wivenhoe, Colchester CO7 9BE, United Kingdom
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