Il Mondo Southend — Restaurant in England

Been going to this restaurant for years, and it's always been great. However, the meal I had there last night and the service was awful. I wouldn't normally comment, however when you see other people getting better service just because they are the friends of the restaurant staff, it really annoyed me. The starter was fine, then had to wait 45 minutes to get out mains, which we had to ask for, and the waiter gave us a nasty look when we did. We'd also finished our drinks and nobody seemed bothered to come ask us if we wanted another, or to clear the empties. So we took our empties to the bar and ordered there, still waited another 20 minutes to get new drinks though. Whilst a couple next to us (friends of the waiter) was being treated like royalty by the staff, got their food fast and drinks whenever they wanted them. Their portions were massive, whilst we were left feeling more hungry after the meal then before. When we finally got our mains, I had Pasta and the waiter asked if I wanted some grated cheese. I said yes please, and saw him leave to never come back again. In fact, I saw him giving parmesan cheese to what felt like literally everybody else in the restaurant but me. I tried waving him over but was ignored. Our mains were cold and dry, like they'd been made then left under a heating lamp and then forgotten about. We had already decided we weren't going to tip, but when we got the cheque, they had put a 10% service charge on for the first time ever, which given the rubbish service was a joke! I've been in there when it's busy, and never had service so bad. I probably wouldn't have the hump if everyone had been treated the same, but when the friends of the staff (and it seemed to be alot of their friends in there last night) get better treatment then all the other paying guests, it rancles me. I will never go back there after last night, there are better Italian restaurants in the area, but we go to this one out of loyalty. Well never again,...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Il Mondo in Southend, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Nestled in a charming spot, this restaurant offers a delightful ambiance that perfectly blends cozy and elegant.

The menu at Il Mondo is a culinary tour de force, featuring a wide array of Italian classics and innovative dishes that cater to every palate. I started with the calamari, which was perfectly crispy and tender, paired with a zesty lemon aioli that elevated the flavors beautifully. For my main course, I opted for the seafood risotto, which was an absolute delight. The rice was cooked to perfection, and the generous portion of fresh seafood was bursting with flavor.

What truly sets Il Mondo apart is the impeccable service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring every guest has a memorable dining experience. Our server made excellent recommendations and was always on hand without being intrusive.

The dessert menu is not to be missed – the tiramisu was a heavenly conclusion to an already perfect meal, light yet indulgent, with just the right balance of coffee and cream.

Il Mondo is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine in Southend. Whether for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this gem of a restaurant offers an unforgettable experience. Highly...

This is one of, if not, the best restaurant I've been to in Southend. This Italian restaurant really makes you feel like your at home, wit the good food that's also classy, the ingredients fresh and this makes every flavour in the food really pack a punch. The pizza I had there was amazing. You got the classic Italian style of amazing crust and full of toppings, with the extra touch of the parmesan shavings to give it that sharp, and tangy touch. I also had the cheesy garlic bread, which was good, with lots of cheese and a strong garlic flavour running throughout. Finally I had the "Gnocchi Nutella" which was small doughballs that was stuffed with the Nutella, I would come back to the restaurant just for these. We also had steak, which looked amazing and cooked to perfection, tiramisu (also amazing) and finally another starter which was incredible. The atmosphere was incredible, with the owner coming around and singing songs and cracking jokes really brightened up everyone's day, the waiters/waitresses were all really nice as well, with quick service and great small talk, making you feel welcome. I would 100% recommend this restaurant for anyone who's looking for a good Italian restaurant to go to in Southend. Pics...