Rayleigh Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Rayleigh

At the Saffron Tandoori we indulge your desire for exquisite hand-crafted food that looks sensational & tastes divine! We take pride in the quality of our food. Each dish is individually prepared to order using only the finest ingredients. If there is something you would like and it is not available on the menu, please do not hesitate to ask us, as we will try to cater for all Indian, Bangladeshi & Nepalese style dishes.

Based on Castle Point's bustling London Road (A13), the Maharaja is a Multi Award Winning Indian Restaurant in Essex, offering unique sub-continental dishes in a princely setting. Specialising in royal Indian Cuisine and lean, low fat dishes with a spicy slant, the popular family friendly food haunt is frequented by groups, celebrating diners, charity organisers, daytrippers and holidaymakers alike. Voted one of the top ten 'Best in the South East' at The Curry Awards several times, the Maharaja is warm and welcoming, offering delicious food in opulent surroundings, with chandeliers dripping from reflective ceilings and an intricately designed private dining room that's fit for a Queen..or any VIP celebrating a special event! Perfect for any occasion, the Maharaja is full of atmosphere, with a 'multi colour dance-floor, a vast buffet bar, group Seating, disability access and quieter Seating options for couples and those with younger children. The Maharaja menu is diverse and exotic, offering something for every taste. With mild to hot options, free from artificial flavours, our dishes range from traditional to fusion, with the exclusive 'Lean Menu' providing the perfect choice for those watching their waistline. Our skilled chefs can also make your favourite dish if it's not on the menu or you have a food allergy. Private functions At the Maharaja we can cater for all of your special events big or small, whether that is a charity night, a birthday do, a hen party or a romantic dinner for two. Why not plan your party using the Maharaja menus and dance the night away on our spectacular dance floor. With 200 seats including a glittering private 'Maharani' dining room that seats 10-12, the Maharaja can cater for all functions and dietary requirements. Our chef is happy to create a dish of your choice upon request if it's not on the menu. Exclusive hire of the restaurants is available for maximum 200 guests. The Maharaja remains one of the trailblazers for restaurant charity events in the UK, having raised over £3 million for various causes. In fact, the reputation of The Maharaja reached Britain's lawmakers in Westminster and was chosen to cater for the launch of the first nation-wide Bangladesh Festival of Food and Culture in Parliament, the well-known restaurant even received praise during a debate at the House of Commons!

Latino's was established in September 2005 by two Portuguese families with over 10 years experience in the Restaurant business in Essex. Latino's has since established itself as one of the most reputable establishments in the area, having regulars from all over Essex and East London. At Latino's we stand for good quality food & wines at reasonable prices. We will always accommodate our customers needs if possible, why not give us a call or book a table to check for yourself.

The Bellhouse an idyllic country restaurant and pub located in the quaint village of Eastwood. Set in beautiful surroundings, the recently refurbished, family run 15th century Bellhouse steeped in history and charm really is the perfect place to relax and unwind with family and friends. Our fine selection of beers, traditional real ales and extensive wine list can all be enjoyed within our grounds, dining al-fresco on our large patio or simply cosy beside our open fires, whichever your preference you will be following in the footsteps of your Royal Heritage.At the heart of our pub is a team of highly experienced chef’s and staff who are all passionate about food. The style of our food is traditional British, influenced from all that is available locally and seasonal. The meat we use is of the highest quality, our roasted leg & loin of pork is from our Scott’s Hall farm in Canewdon which has proved to be equally as popular as the succulent Dedham Vale roasted rib of beef on a Sunday.All of our cured meats and smoked products are produced in house by our chefs. Fine mouth-watering examples include our house hot smoked salmon with pea puree confit cherry tomatoes and soft duck yoke and our house smoked wood pigeon salad served with butter roasted hazel nuts and toasted walnuts. We are equally passionate about using seasonal vegetables. Our chef’s take a lot of pride in their on-site herb garden. Other fresh ingredients arrive daily, some of our most exciting seasonal produce can be experienced on our daily specials board. A great deal of time is taken in preparation for your arrival and every meal is cooked for you to order.We are very conscious of our countries depleting fish stocks and try to utilize more sustainable species, as specials, which we find can be more flavoursome and offer a much greater variety.At the Bellhouse we are proud to support British farming. We hope you share our ethos of supporting local producers and suppliers and share our passion for Great British Food