Popular Restaurant, Leigh-on-Sea

Have eaten here a few times in the past and have never had a bad meal.Last Sunday we decided to try the Sunday Roast offer ( btw £7 and £9 for adults and a huge child's portion for £3.95). Great atmosphere ( very child friendly), a decent roast dinner for the price with lovely home made yorkshire puds!We will be back whenever I can't be bothered to cook on a Sunday.

As a Greek family we were delighted to find a restaurant just outside our door. We went out on the 8th and it was like eating in greece ! Our meze was superb with lots to choose from and, unlike most foreign restaurants it was authentic.the staff were friendly and the inside looked wonderful with a nice atmosphere.

great night out

Went to The Popular on a bitterly cold night, on a first visit. For early evening it was nice to see that there were quite a few tables filled. We went for the greek section of the menu, and chose calamari and greek salad starters, stifado and souvlaklia mains. Unfortunately as it was early the kleftico lamb was still cooking (some came out later and looked superb), but my wife said the stifado was a delicious 2nd choice. we really couldn't fault any of it, huge platefuls of well presented fresh food with plenty of salad/pitta garnish.just too much to eat, so we took the rest home!

Try it - we eat out a lot, and some of the previous reviews are harsh and dont do the restaurant justice under it's current management, in our opinion.

Went for Greek night on the 1st November ( Greek Night Every Thursday ), it was fantastic there is nothing like it in Leigh. They had a live band playing and the atmosphere was like in greece.Our meze was wonderful, And all In all it was a great experience. I would recommend to all looking for authentic Greek cuisine, Wife loved it.

Nov 13 2010. Arrive @7.45 for table for 2 reservation @8.00. Your early was the greeting.Sat us so close to couple next to us, might just as well had table for 4. Selected 2 x starters & 2 x mains from limited menu. Wife and I passed the hour we had to wait by listening to couple next to us and then see them complain about their food. On the hour, waiter brings up our main course..er problem we have not had starters yet. Are you sure is the reply, yes we have actually just taking the p. So off he goes back to kitchen with our mains. Call him back fearful that they will blitz main course in microwave. Skip starters, wifes mousakka ok and my beef in wine tough and obviously cheap cut. Many apologies followed and we got a free bottle of water and coffee. This was our first and last visit and if you want my honest opinion, don't go here if you expect quality service and food. Not up to Leigh standards by far

Went for a meal on Saturday night the food was mediocre not great not bad but the service was appalling such a long wait and no explanation.

The whole experience was not great one I will not be repeating.

Menu very small and when the food comes a bit cafe like.

Last month (august ) visited the popular taverna, it was a mediocre experience, there was a large Greek manger who greeted us, he came across as a publican rather than a restaurateur, the food was of a good standard but overall the experience was lackluster. I returned this week with friends, to be served by the owners and told the manger had left, we immediately felt welcome by there hospitality and warmth. The Presentation and taste of the food was outstanding,a big improvement, would recommend.

Been to resturant before, then it closed down for refurbishment and re-opened. I found tables very sticky not cleaned properly. They have cut back on things like bread rolls offered when you are seated, wine glasses on the tables and most of all linen napkins. The menu has got smaller not offering the same varied menu. I felt like i was in a back street cafe due to me asking for a large coca cola and got a glass with ice and a can, for the price you pay for overall experiance you would not have expected this. Unfortunately i will not be returning food was lovely but the overall experiance was alot to be desired.

Having eaten at the Popular in Leigh on Sea i can say that the food is awfull. With a menu that sounds good on first reading and then coming to the table, there is a massive transformation. The ingredients are cheep and this obviously affects the quality of the food. With frozen chips and out of date meat i can safely say that i will not be going back... ever. It is a disgrace to the gastro community.

The Popular Restaurant in Leigh-on-Sea is nice and calming. I have been there 6 times now, and it has been good all the time. Staff are very nice and polite.