ISLAND CAFE — Restaurant in Castle Point

Absolutely lovely. Super welcoming service, which isn't common for a niqabi!

Although it was cold, we chose to sit outside as it was a nice day otherwise - a server, Carlos, immediately came over and offered us the Turkish Breakfast when my husband enquired about anything being halal - and it's our new favourite breakfast.

I didn't take any photos, unfortunately, but the plate looked like a gourmet meal! Slices of, and I can not emphasise this enough, EXPERTLY flavoured meat, soft cheese, scrambled eggs, halloumi, black olives, and some tomato and cucumber slices. Gorgeous! And for drinks, my husband chose a hot chocolate while I asked the server about their tea, and tried it on her recommendation, which was a good one (reminder to self to get the notes so I can put her name here!).

Also, the owner greeted us on his way out, giving his salaam to us - all staff are wonderful.

We will be stopping by again next time we're in Canvey... or maybe we'll make the nearly 2 hour journey just...

A lot of bigger restaurants are under more and more pressure to please us, especially as more and more of us eat out. This sometimes shows on the staff's attitude and the little things like cleanliness of cutlery etc... You sort of feel like you are part of a fast turnaround production line. The Island Cafe is exactly the opposite. Friendly staff who appear to genuinely care about your welfare from the warm welcome you get when you arrive to the friendly goodbye when you leave. The food I have eaten simply could not have been better and the atmosphere inside is of warmth and familiarity... Some visitors are obviously well known to the staff and that adds to the experience. Mine was a truly amazing experience and one which I will want to have much more. Can't praise the staff and management enough Long may it last. Note: they only take cash but the prices are very reasonable so you won't need...

Okay, great food and lovely workers. I do have 1 question. Why didn’t they leave the menu on the tables?

Would love to give 5 stars but workers seem a bit unorganised. They didn’t know if they were coming or going. New girl is absolutely love, she couldn’t stop apologising for her mistake, I told Hermits absolutely fine but then she came across as a bag of nerves and seem so out of it but again, she’s a lovely girl needs to chill out a bit and recognise that we all...