Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas
A family-run gem on the Southend seafront, offering an authentic taste of Spain with exceptional seafood tapas and a relaxed beach vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-run gem on the Southend seafront, offering an authentic taste of Spain with exceptional seafood tapas and a relaxed beach vibe.
"Expectations were met and exceeded last night, will not hesitate to visit again."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand, especially during peak times. Book several weeks in advance.
Sharing is Caring
Consider sharing small plates. About 6 tapas dishes are recommended for two people unless you're very hungry.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tapas
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1702 808350
Address
Kiosk 12, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2YH, United Kingdom
Website
billyhundreds.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachfront Dining with Spanish Flair
Enjoy unique beachfront dining away from crowded tourist spots, with a relaxed atmosphere and sea views. Experience Spain in Southend!
Fresh, High-Quality Seafood Tapas
Savor traditional fish dishes and delicious tapas crafted with high-quality fish selected by experienced fishmongers.
Sweet Endings: Local Desserts
Delight in locally made desserts like Churros and white chocolate cheesecake, perfect for a sweet conclusion to your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand, especially during peak times. Book several weeks in advance.
Sharing is Caring
Consider sharing small plates. About 6 tapas dishes are recommended for two people unless you're very hungry.
Local Drink Pairings
Try local drinks like Gold Wakering ale or Sangria, which pair exceptionally well with the food.
Pet-Friendly Atmosphere
Dogs are welcome at Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas and staff often make a fuss of visiting pets.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand, especially during peak times. Book several weeks in advance.
Sharing is Caring
Consider sharing small plates. About 6 tapas dishes are recommended for two people unless you're very hungry.
Local Drink Pairings
Try local drinks like Gold Wakering ale or Sangria, which pair exceptionally well with the food.
Pet-Friendly Atmosphere
Dogs are welcome at Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas and staff often make a fuss of visiting pets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas is praised for its fresh, high-quality seafood and delicious tapas, offering a unique beachfront dining experience. Diners highlight the friendly service and vibrant atmosphere, making it feel like a holiday. While generally excellent, some noted that certain dishes were a bit pricey for the portion size.
"I recently visited this charming Spanish tapas and fish restaurant in Southend-on-Sea, and it was an unforgettable experience. It was my first time in the area, and I was especially excited to try the food here. From the moment we arrived, the staff were amazing, particularly a young lady named Lois. She was incredibly friendly and super helpful, going above and beyond to accommodate us despite not having a booking. Lois showcased excellent customer service skills, patiently answering my numerous questions and ensuring we felt welcome throughout our visit.
The restaurant itself is very cozy and authentic, with lovely decorations that strike a perfect balance between simplicity and attention to details. Sitting outside and overlooking the sea was really nice; we thoroughly enjoyed the weather and the brilliant atmosphere.
The food was nothing short of spectacular—very fresh and presented beautifully. The dishes were simple yet sophisticated, reflecting the high quality and originality of the cuisine. My favourite were the Bang Bang Hale and the Sof Shell Crab.
The prices were reasonable given the quality of the food. The highlight was when the owner himself came to present the food, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.
We enjoyed multiple dishes, each one more delightful than the last, and the Eton mess dessert was simply superb. We had a wonderful time and I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommended!"
Khuzama
"The food was fantastic, two of the five dishes were really memorable, the rest was just really good 🤣
The views across the estuary are fantastic and the venue played up beat Latin music which really set it all off.
I was well impressed! It's not a large venue though, so book early!!"
Adam Webb
"Stumbled on Billy Hundreds whilst out for a beach walk. Extremely friendly service and the quality of food was excellent. Definitely had a beach vibe even in an overcast day in the UK. My only (small) gripe is that £12 for only one fish taco was a bit disappointing. I had expected two tacos at least."
Chu Man
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and often fully booked, especially during peak times. It's advisable to book several weeks in advance.
Yes, the restaurant has a charming partly-covered outdoor eating area with lovely views overlooking the sea, offering a great beachfront dining experience.
Yes, dogs are very welcome at Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas, and the staff often make a fuss of visiting pets.
Popular choices include Bang Bang Hake, Soft Shell Crab, and the Patatas Bravas. Many also enjoy the fresh cod and chips and various tapas options.
Yes, the restaurant is knowledgeable about allergies and offers gluten-free options. A vegetarian diner also found plenty of choice.
The restaurant offers local drinks like Gold Wakering ale and Sangria, as well as a selection of cocktails.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
19 of the best restaurants in Essex
Billy Hundreds Fish n Tapas in Southend-on-Sea is passionate about cooking mouth-watering fish dishes. Owner and head chef Graham along with his father Gordon, who has been a fishmonger for over 40 years, personally select the fish they serve ensuring they only get the best quality available. The menu has a fantastic variety of fresh seafood served as tapas dishes simply perfect for mixing and matching with family or friends.
5 of the best tapas restaurants in Essex
Owner and head chef Graham and his father Gordon, a fishmonger for over 40 years, are passionate about cooking mouth-watering fish dishes, personally selecting the fish to make sure they get the best. The menu has a fantastic variety of fresh seafood served as tapas dishes simply perfect for mixing and matching with family or friends. Treat yourself to chilli prawns, crab tacos, whitebait and some superb crayfish tails.
Southend seafront and Old Leigh best places to eat with view
On the beach - Billy Hundreds Fish N Tapas (Image: Google Street View). A small family-run fish and tapas restaurant right on the beach in Eastern Esplanade, it is loved for its hand picked fish, and delicious tapas with a relaxed atmosphere, like being on holiday. Out of its 1,036 TripAdvisor reviews, just over 703 of them brand the seaside venue as “excellent”.
Dog-friendly Southend | Dog-friendly Essex
Dogs are very welcome at Billy Hundreds – a quirky fish and tapas restaurant right on the seafront. Staff make a real fuss of all visiting pets and if they’re lucky, they might get a dog treat or two. And if you’re after delicious meat-free meals, head to the Oak Tree Bistro in Leigh where dogs are allowed both inside and out.
Best Arts and Culture Places in Southend-on-Sea
Billy Hundreds is a real local favourite, and for good reason. Another place right on the seafront in Thorpe Bay, this family-run restaurant has a charming partly-covered outdoor eating area. There’s an excellent, reasonably-priced tapas menu on offer.
The best restaurants in Southend
Billy Hundreds is a real local favourite, and for good reason. Right on the seafront in Thorpe Bay, this family-run restaurant has a charming partly-covered outdoor eating area. There’s an excellent, reasonably-priced tapas menu on offer.
Top 30 Gluten-Free Breakfast Spots to Delight in Southend-on-Sea
Great choice of food and very knowledgeable about allergies for my coeliac wife (gluten free.) Delicious tapas in a great setting right on the beach.
Best Breakfast Places in Southend-on-Sea [2025]
If you’re searching for a small, friendly restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, look no further than Billy Hundreds Fish & Tapas.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit