Douro Valley - Carte

Amala

➤ 303 High Road, SS7 5LA, Castle Point, United Kingdom

Carte • Vegan • Indian • Vegetarian • Gluten Free

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"Have had takeaway from here both and it’s been pretty good, so decided to try the all you can eat buffet on a Sunday. There are 2 hour time slots, we went for the 2pm-4pm time slot. We were one of the last tables to arrive in that time slot meaning our orders were on of the last. Drinks took a long time and we had to ask for them twice. Starters were served fairly quickly but we ordered our mains after our starters were finished, we probably didn’t get our mains until 3:30pm at which some dishes were missing and they had to cook those. It got to just before 4pm and we were being rushed out as the next timeslot were arriving. No time to order anymore even though it’s as much as you like. The timeslots don’t work, it’s no good having everyone turn up at the same time, it needs to be spread over time. There were equally other frustrated faces in the restaurant at how long the food was taking, the food quality was not great either. Will not be returning based on that."

Cucina

➤ Broadway West, SS9 2BX, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

Carte • Pasta • Steak • Pizza • Italian

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"I’ve been here before and been given the old waffle about them liking tips in cash but now they actually print on the bill “service charge not included. Gratuities cannot be left on credit or debit cards as 100% of tips are shared between staff” I eat out a lot at all types of restaurant I’ve literally never ever had a bill like this with this wording insisting on cash tips Since covid I just don’t carry cash and I would imagine many people do the same All other restaurants I have been to without exception either add a service charge or allow a tip/gratuity to be added to the bill and in both cases the total bill can be paid for by credit or debit card These restaurants all then split the tip/gratuity between the staff by including their share in their wages which then ensures that tax is paid on the tips/gratuity as the law requires so this still ensures that “100% of tips are shared between staff” as the bill wishes The tip/gratuity if paid in cash like at this restaurant still needs to be declared to HMRC and I assume the staff/restaurant do this The advantage of allowing the tip/gratuity to be paid by credit or debit card is that this separate disclosure to HMRC is not required as it is dealt with through the businesses payroll system and tax applied accordingly"

Gambero D'oro Benfleet

➤ Belle Vue Dental Dental And Skin Clinic, 43 High Street,SS7 1NA, United Kingdom, SS7 1NZ, BENFLEET

Carte • Kebab • Cafés • Mexican • European

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"Tonight was particularly special as it was Amanda's and my first dining experience with our grandson Reggie, along with Ronnie and Ellie. Although Reggie is only 3 weeks old and may not understand where he was tonight, it reminded me of when my father took me out for my first family restaurant experience over 50 years ago. It's a precious thing to pass on those cherished memories so that one day, Reggie can write about his experiences taking his own family out to eat. God bless us all."

Alebro

➤ 1452 London Road, SS9 2UH, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

Carte • Steak • Vegan • European • Vegetarian

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"We were celebrating my husband’s 60th birthday. We always like the look of the Alebro as we walk past and it did not disappoint. Very warm and inviting with little lights making a pretty environment. The service was excellent, attentive without being overbearing. The menu looked delicious, and l could have had several dishes perhaps a tasting evening could be arranged? l settled for slow cooked beef and my husband had fish. Our starters were the confit duck wonton as nd the chicken strips. Nicely presented and tasty. We finished with a nice little cheese board, though really also wanted a taste of everything else on the menu! Everything was very tasty and nicely presented. Like a warm hug, Alebro really was a lovely evening and thoroughly recommend. I also thought it was great value, with two starters, two mains, a shared cheeseboard, a bottle of wine and coffee and soft drinks coming way under £100, not common these days!"

Howard's Fish And Grill

➤ 36 High Road, SS7 5LH, Castle Point, United Kingdom

Carte • Fish • Seafood • British • Fast Food

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"Howard’s are simply the best fish and chips in the area by far. Even though there are two others on the same road, it’s Howard’s that always has the queues and it’s easy to see why. Their chips, especially, are outstanding cooked in an oil that leaves the chips slightly crispy and clean rather than greasy and oily. The taste is phenomenal. Their fish is similarly generously sized and tastes amazing. I tried the grilled chicken on this occasion and it really was half a chicken, cooked beautifully. Howard’s isn’t the cheapest (a medium cod will cost you £9) but it’s a rare treat and worth waiting for."