The Olive Branch - Carte

Shakers Dairy Free

➤ 11a Eld Lane, Colchester, United Kingdom

Carte • Vegan • British • European • American

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"Literally stumbled upon this place by mistake, I must have walked past it a dozen times in the last month and never noticed. Shakers is situated above shops but dont let this put you off. The place is quiet and welcoming with a diner...vibe, the staff seem to be very friendly. We ordered a hotdog and bbq bacon burger of the moving mountain kind with a couple of shakes. First off the hot dog was spot on and the shakes were very nice but not cold enough, equally the burger and hotdog arrived a considerable time after the shakes and therefore were somewhat warmer with little left to wash down with. Didn't really enjoy the burger as I felt it was slightly undercooked and a little sloppy, have had this burger brand at various locations and really like them, this time was my least favourite. I really dont want to knock this place as I feel with time this can be a proper gem being a vegatarian for over years and now in my I remember how options were very limited, so I will be returning It would also be a good idea for some menus on the tables."

Rice N' Spice

➤ 59 East Street, CO1 2TQ, Colchester, United Kingdom

Carte • Pizza • Mexican • European • Vegetarian

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"Generally, the food at this restaurant is incredibly tasty—always hot and full of aroma. I typically dine here once a month and usually get takeout, but it has always been a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, there used to be a whole section offering the mains with jackfruit or vegan meat alternatives, but now there are no other options for vegans apart from the generic vegetable curry, which not many of us enjoy. However, the paneer was excellent for vegetarians. I hope they bring back the previous options as I used to enjoy dining here before they removed them."

Middletons Steakhouse & Grill - Colchester

➤ 19-20 North Hill Colchester, Essex CO1 1DZ, United Kingdom

Carte • Beer • Steak • British • Burgers

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"another wonderful evening here with family. that never disappoints. the filet steak boiled medium rare is a firm favorite of me. the rest of my family loved their chicken burgers and mixed grills. the appetizers were again amazing, I had the chicken warm wings and the rest of my family had the baked camembert, broth board, calamari and tomaten and mozzarella salat. the staff above all the woman who greeted us and the lady who took my call when we held in traffic and delayed, were especially beautiful, understanding and friendly. we also had a really nice waitress who served us from the main course. we would definitely come back here and recommend it."

Dough&co Woodfired Pizza Colchester

➤ 48 St Johns Street, Colchester, CO27AD, CO2 7AD, United Kingdom

Carte • Pizza • Cafés • Kebab • Seafood

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"I was very disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. After enjoying a delicious gluten-free pizza at a sister restaurant in Bury St Edmunds, I was surprised when the waiter advised against getting a pizza and recommended pasta instead. The pasta dish I ended up having was lackluster and no better than what I could have made at home. I was really looking forward to having pizza. The staff seemed uninterested and were standing around looking bored. The restaurant was nearly empty, with most of their business coming from takeaways."

Carluccio's Colchester

➤ 22b High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom

Carte • Cafés • Pasta • Coffee • Cheese

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"Carluccios was my first dining experience out following I was impressed by the measures put in place by the team and how well these were adhered to. I felt completely at ease throughout my meal, staff wore face masks, tables were socially distanced, staff...were visibly washing their hands/using hand sanitiser throughout and the cleanliness of the restaurant was unmatched. It was reassuring to see these protocols in place during these uncertain times. The staff really went above and beyond to deliver the authentic Carluccio’s experience despite the current challenges! My experience was amazing from beginning until end. I was greeted by management at the door and by the wonderful bar team, Gemma and Emma, who made me feel welcomed with their friendly greetings as I shown to my table. I was then greeted by my amazing waitress Sasina, who is an absolute credit to the team! She was so friendly and bubbly, very attentive to our needs and delivered an overall wonderful experience! Our drinks order was taken promptly, we were asked if we had any allergies (very impressive and offered bread and olives to start off with. Once our drinks arrived, our food order was taken quickly without any hassle. Sasina suggested the lasagna for my main with a side of the garlic and rosemary roast potatoes. Her suggestions were superb! Sasina was also very mindful of the fact my guest was a vegetarian, making sure to point out all the vegetarian options (and even went out of her way to get some vegetarian Parmesan cheese Our food came promptly and cannot be faulted. It tasted incredible (big thanks to the amazing chefs We had the garlic focaccia with cheese, tomato bruschetta and calamari to start which was delicious. The calamari is the best I have ever had! And for mains, we had the lasagna and the spinach and ricotta ravioli (which the lovely Sasina was able to change the usual sauce to a tomato one with a side of garlic and rosemary roast potatoes. Our meal was phenomenal and the service was even better! My mother and I will be returning to dine with the amazing team at Carluccios without a doubt! Overall, the restaurant had a lovely, welcoming ambiance. All of the staff were smiley and friendly and all made a point of saying goodbye to us as we left the restaurant. I look forward to coming back and trying more of the mouth-watering new menu! Thank you all for a terrific experience!"