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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 21:00
Mon
16:00 - 22:00
Tue
16:00 - 22:00
Wed
16:00 - 22:00
Thu
16:00 - 22:00
Fri
16:00 - 22:00
Sat
16:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
features
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Marco and the team at La Romantica welcomes you to Rayleigh’s oldest independent serving Italian restaurant. Established in 1969, this family run business has built its reputation with the motto “ Let Our Family Look After Yours” and has always enjoyed 5-star health & hygiene ratings. This grade II listed building is situated in Rayleigh’s charming historic high street, overlooked by Holy Trinity Church with its 15th century tower and delightful grounds.
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
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4.5
629 reviews
Excellent
451
Very good
90
Average
46
Poor
25
Terrible
17
Bigaitch27
Rayleigh198 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We, my wife, son and I had an enjoyable meal as first time visitors to La Romantica. My starter of deep fried Brie with onion chutney was very nice and my sirloin steak Milanese was fantastic, the sauce being delicious and the sautéed potatoes and vegetables cooked to perfection.
My wife had garlic bread for starter and my son opted for calamari, both of which were huge in portion size and enjoyable. For main course my wife had chicken breast with breadcrumbs and my son had spaghetti Bolognese and again both were enjoyable , apparently without being brilliant, However, having had large starters they struggled to demolish it all.
We were all too full for desserts so had to decline,
The service was very friendly and prompt without being rushed. One slight complaint was that our drinks, were a little on the warm side, which was not great, and the bill, before the ‘Eat out to help out’ discount was deducted was a little steep I felt, however with thirty quid off I could not complain.
I would highly recommend La Romantica, however I have been to better.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karinw88
Hockley22 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Booked for Neil Diamond tribute, not only was he brillian (close your eyes and you would not know its him). the food was and always fantastic, huge portions freshly cooked food, the staff are spot on and very friendly along with a great repo with the customers. If you want authentic italian food, this place is a must
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KellyVictoria
Southend-on-Sea181 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
Me and the wife has dinner on the first night we could (july 4th) as it would likely be our last date night before baby no 2.
Not only was the food as good as always (never a problem, always delicious) but the staff were very attentive and conscious of social distancing (couldn't count how many times they used sanitiser)
Theres now a new menu with a bit for everyone to choose from. I had he Paella Gamberoni, the missus had the Tagliatelle Carbonara and we split a Garlic Pizza Bread.
There was only a little pizza breas left from the three generous portions (which I had for lunch the next day...) as all three meals were delicious.
Cannot fault La Romantica. Top Marks!
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DollyBilly
Benfleet153 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Most of the food was good except for the 'crispy duck salad' starter that was on the specials board. The charge for a few hard bits of what appeared to be skin was a liberty.
The meat dishes were served with saute potatoes and vegetables. We asked to change the the saute for chips on one meal and was quite surprised when the bill came that we were charged for the portion of chips as an extra. We were only served one portion of saute so thought the extra charge was quite petty.
Have to say that it was extremely noisy and the tables are very close together.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol-Anne Smith
Essex5 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
This was was my first visit and was taken there by my partner for my birthday.
It started badly, we were not greeted very well, and were sat by the door.
There was not good evening we were just handed the menus no wine list, we were not asked if we wanted a drink. I actually had to ask for all the drink I had throughout the evening.
I felt I like we were actually a bother as they seemed to be more interested in talking between themselves, than serving us.
The food was very average, I was expecting a truly Italian meal as I had looked at the reviews which were good. How disappointed was I. I didn't even finish my main course as it was tasteless.
My partner had called earlier and spoke to one of the staff to arrange a special dessert as it was a special occasion. The member of staff said to ensure that he makes himself known so that he can arrange for a candle in the dessert and they will sing happy birthday. He did just that when we arrived as I actually heard him say do you remember me calling this afternoon to which the member of staff said yes.
We finished the main course and ordered coffee and desserts. I would have left then but my partner had arranged the surprise so he wanted to stay. Needless to say that nothing was arranged the desserts just arrived just placed on the table no candle no singing nothing. We asked for the bill and my partner actually gave them a tip, I was still unaware of the arrangements he had tried to do for me.
We left there wasn't thank you see you again nothing we just left. So if you are thinking of going I would think again I would not recommend this restaurant and will never be going back.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaymi S
24 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
We have just had our food delivered from la romantica. The delivery service is very prompt and the food was piping hot and freshly cooked. I cannot recommend this place enough. The food was absolutely delicious. Thank you
Written 22 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debs166
Rayleigh45 contributions
Dec 2021 • friends
We went there with friends for a Freddie Mercury tribute night.
We always want to support Rayleigh businesses and didn’t hesitate to go. However, the food was ok and plentiful. It was the drinks. At the end of the night we were presented with a bill that said, meals£….. drinks £… no drinks itemised so we couldn’t see what we were paying for. A few people were querying the Bill at other tables. I feel deeply disappointed that we were ripped off with an extortionate drinks bill and a £75 service charge.
Will I go back? Doubt it unless they start itemising their bills so we know exactly what we had.
Written 25 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annette G
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I visited with my mum who lives locally for an early evening meal on Saturday. The restaurant was pleasantly busy with a good atmosphere. It had a very relaxed feel with friendly and attentive staff. Mum had the skate wings which was one of the specials and I had the Penne with chicken and chorizo. Both meals were delicious and due to the large portion I couldn’t eat all of mine but they put the rest into a take away carton for me. I last went to this restaurant for my 12th birthday (I am now 49) and I was delighted to learn it is still being run by the same family. Excellent meal, lots of flavour, large portions and good value.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnbudge0408
Benfleet23 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We booked a table for 6 on Sunday 19th January for a birthday celebration.
Some of the party had been before and recommended the Sunday Roast so we thought we would give it a try.
We were welcomed by Marco, the owner, who made us feel very special. We had a drink in the bar and then sat down at.our table. 5 of us had the roast and wow! It was delicious. We all said we have been to several restaurants and pubs for a Sunday roast but this was by far the best and an Italian restaurant as well!.
You can have other dishes as well if you dont want roast.
Apart from the food being superb, the service was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble and always with a smile.
If you love your Sunday roast then you must give La Romantica a visit. You will not be disappointed.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angnoelsy
Essex12 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
We have been visiting this restaurant for 20 years but hadn’t been for a couple of years due to moving out the area but visited again on Saturday 25th July for our wedding anniversary and it didn’t fail to disappoint. Marco and the team go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and nothing is too much trouble. The food is amazing and worth every penny the steak is the best we’ve eaten. Such a lovely cosy atmosphere have definitely missed this place and will be back very soon
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BajanBetty
Westcliff-on-Sea20 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
The food is first class, the addition of a pizza menu adds to the experience, some of the best pizza anywhere. Service exceptional and the whole restaurant, restrooms and kitchen have been replaced and redecorated. Highly recommended
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
15 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
We booked a table for 4 with my daughter and husband for Sunday lunch. We were very pleased to see it is covid friendly with perspex partitions seperating the tables.
The new menu is very extensive and we all chose a starter and went for the traditional roast.
The portions are good and the food delicious. We could not fault it in any way.
The staff were attentive but not overbearing and it was a very enjoyable couple of hours.
We would definitely recommend this restaurant.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisjohnkreyling
Borough of Brentwood4 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
We went to the restaurant last Friday to see the 'Rod Stewart Act' which was excellent. The restaurant was filled to capacity with a tremendous atmosphere, I think the other customers were like us, just waiting to see and hear 'Rod', we weren't disappointed.
The restaurant was very clean and tidy and the service was excellent, it's very rare today, in my experience to be waited on by such staff who were determined for us to enjoy our evening. The service was prompt and efficient, we didn't have to wait long for service. Once we had eaten the starter, main meal and desert, the plates were promptly cleared without any fuss, only to ask if we enjoyed it, which we did, the whole meal was so enjoyable and hot. Nothing too much trouble for Marco and his staff, we are booking again shortly and will be taking guests. A lovely evening in an enjoyable atmosphere, well done, you are so professional. Take care, John.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
15 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
My wife and I decided we could not be bothered to cook a Sunday roast and had heard good reports abou La Romantica and had been before but some time ago.
We booked a table for 3.30 and had the set menu which includes a roast upto 5.30pm
We both ordered the insalata calprese and the roast.
The starter was delicious and well presented and the roast was amazing. Plenty of meat and a good selection of veg. For an Italian restaurant it was exceptional.
At 14.95 for 2 courses it is great value.
The staff are so friendly and attentive and make you so welcome.
I cannot recommend La Romantica enough.
Well done
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorraine
United Kingdom2 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
I done my birthday here with a group of 12 it was absolutely amazing the staff was very friendly and quick when it came to serving food and drinks nothing was too much trouble for them . We had a fantastic night and would definitely be returning . Food was amazing and a good size no one left hungrey would defo recommend to do your birthday meal here . Drinks was a reasonable price and so was the food . Staff was amazing very nice relaxing Resturant . 10/10 if you ask me
Written 27 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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