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What is the best restaurant in the Colchester area?
Where your reviews suggest you must eat in Colchester?
Where should I eat dinner around Essex?

The food outlets below are listed by category, good reviews and by location. You therefore can see at a glance which are the best, which are the nearest to Colchester and which are the best value. The aim is that you will be able to plan your evening eating out with confidence and at speed!

Crucially the 'More' tag at the bottom of the review list goes to an Eating Out Map with all local Restaurants, Pizza Houses, Pubs and Takeaways around you. In case we have missed anything we have the Thompson All restaurant tag at the very bottom.

Enjoy eating out around Colchester!
Granata's Restaurant

42 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1PY, UK – 01206 762277

This lovely restaurant is a little gem. Step into Colchester's true Italian place. Forget those chains visit our own little Italian full of authentic dishes. Great service every time

The food here is sublime, exactly what you'd expect of a traditional little Italian place. The food is inexpensive; the service is personal and has a strong family feel; and the decor is spot on. From the quaint red and white tablecloths, to the intimate touches on the walls and the cozy interior design. The main waiter/owner is really friendly, singing as he goes around recommending the tiramisu (which was sublime). It would be an excellent date place and it's quality through and through, can't recommend it enough!

Na-Ree Thai Restaurant

10 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1DZ, UK – 01206 560633

Superb, Thai food! The pork laarb was particularly good and the service was speedy and friendly. The restaurant is a little cramped but in terms of value for money you'll rarely come across a better deal.

The food is exceptional here. I would highly recommend the Tom yum soup. Lovely customer service too.

Middletons Steakhouse and Grill Colchester

19-20 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1DZ, UK – 01206 542854

Food was really good- couldn't fault it and didn't want to stop eating. Good value for money. I had the mushroom Wellington- amazing! However, service was not great. The first half of the table had finished their starters before the second half got theirs. Took a long time for plates to be cleared and also to get the bill. All mistakes remedied with lots of apologies given- it was his first day to be fair! They did take very good care of our disabled party member to their credit. I'm giving it 5 stars as I wouldn't hesitate to go back as the quality of food made up for the service.

Very good pricing. Very good atmosphere. Very good food! We've been coming for a few times and not had any problems. Definitely recommend booking on the off chance they are packed.

Best Reviewed Indian Restaurants and Takeaways in Colchester or in Colchester area

Maharani

102 High St, Colchester CO1 1TH, UK – 01206 367800

We had. A lovely curry, very quick polite service, food was amazing, would definitely go back again and recommend x

Always fresh and tasty. We order on a regular basis.

Paradise Masala

58 London Rd, Colchester CO3 4DF, UK – 01206 765566

We've been ordering for a while from Paradise Masala, good delivery times, was always great food with free poppadoms and dips, however the food has been getting spicier and spicier over the past few months, doesn't taste like it used to, and today both our meals were SO spicy neither of us could eat it! Not pleasant. Chef needs to tone down the spice, our dishes were supposed to be mild but they burnt our mouths and made us feel ill! We had saag aloo, chana masala and aloo gobi!

This was most impressive a well presented had a delightful meal freshly cooked. 10 out of 10 thank you for the service we will be back for more

Curry India Tandoori

119-121 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3HA, UK – 01206 571555

Great restaurant. Rich depth of flavour. Can't wait to go back.

Best Curry House in Colchester. Amazing Food. Friendly Staff

Best Reviewed Italian Pasta and Pizza Restaurants

ASK Italian

16 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1DZ, UK – 01206 366379

The food is good and the price is reasonable, especially when you have a voucher. Perfect place for a catch up with friends. Sometimes you take pot luck with the service, either too efficient that you feel like you've just eaten a course before another arrives or you've left waiting for ages and have to go and hunt someone down to get the bill.

A very enjoyable evening. A tasty menu with the option of a vegan menu too for those that tell everyone about their life choices. All in all no one had any complaints.

Favoloso

2-4 Balkerne Passage, Colchester CO1 1PA, UK – 01206 549080

Very nice place,super food

Been so many time just come back for our anniversary if you want a place that is so enjoyable and good that you return time after time this is the place The food is cooked by his wife who visits all the top London markets to obtain the freshest produce and is all freshly prepared on the premises including all the sweets and starters I absolutely love this place

Carluccio's

Fenwick, 152 High St, Colchester CO1 1PN, UK – 01206 562746

Only ever had good food from Carluccio's and always been greeted well. So relaxed when we dine here. Enjoyed my time as always. Patrick

Manager extremely helpful, nothing too much trouble. The menu was very good and dishes presented well. They were appetising and extremely well presented. The atmosphere and views from the huge window across Colchester made the day. Pity it cannot open in the evenings!

Find the best reviewed Wine Bars and Nightclubs

Twisters Bar Colchester

45 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1PY, UK – 01206 500204

Bigger than it looks from the outside, good music and good vibe, unfortunately the price here is a bit steep and you have to work your way around people just to get to the loo.

Drinks drinks drinks. Loads of cocktails and I recommend getting a teapot. The do a deal on Thursdays called "toss the boss" - order your drinks, flip a coin, if you win it's half price.

Waikiki Bar & Club

33 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3EN, UK – 01244 341576

Not a fantastic place. No food available and no price list displayed for normal drinks, only cocktails.

Great energetic club with brilliant drinks and amazing scenery

Slug & Lettuce Colchester

111 High St, Colchester CO1 1TB, UK – 01206 367320

Absolutely loved my food it was the best burger that I've eaten in a long time. Staff were nice, polite and helpful. The atmosphere and décor was really great. The toliets were clean and also nicely decorated. The only slightly annoying thing was that my table was wobbly which made my drink spill. I enjoyed the view of the high street also as I like to people watch. Would definitely go back. Price of food wasn't too bad either. 😁

Been to the Slug multiple times, it can have mixed service depending what time you go. You can arrive gone 7 or 8 and still get food but we had to chase someone down to wipe the tables and to order our drinks etc. Great food and fantastic cocktails! It becomes a club at night so can be quite noisy in the evening so if you want a more quiet meal come before 6. It's a good relaxed environment, great for a chilled out meal. Toilets can be a bit hit and miss, the ladies only has 3 loos so on a Saturday night by a certain point there can only be one with loo roll. Don't come here expecting a restaurant environment, it's definately more of a pub/club.

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Colchester Chinese Restaurants

China Chef

73 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3EZ, UK – 01206 546953

Wonderful Chinese. Always get a takeaway from here. The only downfall is that you sometimes have to ring multiple times to get through to someone (I once had to call 15 times over and over again), but is well worth the hassle.

Extremely good Chinese restaurant. Food is superb. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

Noodle Zone Restaurant

19-21 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3EN, UK – 01206 575111

Great food, service and location. We opted for the lunch time special £7.50 for a two course lunch. We were not disappointed. I had the vegetable spring rolls followed by the vegetable and tofu soup. Hubby had the pork ribs followed by chicken noodles. Both of us were full. Fantastic value for money. It's the first time we have been here, we will be back.

A great place to eat. Good Malaysian menu. Food well presented. Some unusual dishes to try out. Chefs special a must. The staff are very friendly and remember you . Great place to eat before or after a trip to the Odeon just around the corner.

Embassy Oriental Buffet

2 Balkerne Hill, Colchester CO3 3AA, UK – 01206 572266

All you can eat Chinese buffet with lots of different choices so everyone should find something to their taste. Drinks are not included and are over priced. Can get very busy at peak times and it's a cash only venue.

We have been before for lunch but this was our first time for dinner and it was amazing. 3 adults and 4 children and we all came away very happy and very very full. Lots of choices and good quality.

Colchester Vegetarian or Vegan Restaurants

Timbers

22 Trinity St, Colchester CO1 1JN, UK – 01206 367676

We have been here twice and both food and service is second to none! Absolutely love it. Our two boys love Lou Lou's breakfast and keeps begging us to take them back! It is a must if you are in Colchester. X

Love this little restaurant. Food is lovey. Would recommend it to anyone

The Nourish Co.

23 Crouch St, Colchester CO3 3EN, UK

First time I have been to Nourish. Great little place. Friendly staff and very tasty food. I had the satay salad. Really tasty and filling. The energy ball is so so moorish. I'll definitely be returning.

Absolutely delicious food & drink. Welcoming atmosphere. The staff are always willing to help and did I mention the food & drinks are delicious.

Zizzi

12 Headgate, Colchester CO3 3BT, UK – 01206 576816

Foods always good here if you like Italian. Service is a bit slow but the staff are polite and entertaining. Menu has decent choice, especially when it comes to drinks. Overall can be quite pricey but if you head on their website and grab a good deal it can save you a lot of money. Always happy when I eat here.

Awesome food! Vegetarian selection is amazing and they will literally cook what you want within reason! The wait was a reasonable time. Staff were pleasant and clean. Everything was amazing!

If you are looking for a either a meal or a drink this Colchester Food and Drink page will show virtually all the Public Houses in Colchester or near Colchester. Choose either the best reviewed pubs or the ones nearest to you. We list the best reviewed Pubs first. If you would like to see all the hospitality venues us click more. This also displays their a Colchester street map with the location of all public houses. Enjoy!

Pub Food with Reviews, Maps and Links to their websites

V Bar

105 High St, Colchester CO1 1TH, UK – 01206 561611

Very small but excellent bar. Good alternative crowd often playing music from rock/metal through to all sorts of classics. Good selection of spirits, some lagers and ales. Part of the three wise monkeys and twisters.

Dancing the night away with Barbie whilst Freddie plays the hits. Start of something magical

Britannia Gurkha Restaurant & Bar

42 Meyrick Crescent, Colchester CO2 7QY, UK – 01206 761003

Food is great and very interesting. Good price too. Really enjoyed the goat curry, not so much of a fan of the strange sponge dessert. Furniture is a bit worn and my chair was nearly collapsing. Toilets are presentable enough.

Very thoughtful, friendly and caring staff. Superb food, mild but extremely tasty. Set menu but delicious food and plenty of it. Menu changed daily. Pleasant surroundings, nice atmosphere. Can't recommend too highly. We will certainly return. Please try it, you will not be disappointed.

Three Wise Monkeys Colchester

60 High St, Colchester CO1 1DN, UK – 01206 543014

Can get crowded but it is a really good atmosphere. Good food and a huge selection of drafts. I would recommend hitting up the gin bar downstairs for a different experience. If you are looking for a good lunch hit this place up, want a drink? Get some friends and have a cheeky few.

A live music venue that does open mics nights. The very talented local people put on a good show the other night. The beer selection is great and the staff are all very friendly. They also serve what looks like great bar food, but I haven't tried it yet, I'll probably try that tonight because I'm definitely going back there again!