Everyone love's to go out for a nice meal and making sure we pick the right one for a romantic valentines evening is essential.

There are a number of great restaurants in south Essex, but here are the top 7 most romantic restaurants according to Trip Advisor.

1. Felix Seafood Grill, Billericay

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According to one review; "Love the decor, food and wines, service really is the most attentive without being intrusive, varied menu, nicely presented and ideal for a special occasion."

2. Aspera Restaurant, Benfleet

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Serving Mediterranean, European and Turkish, Aspera Restaurant has an 86% excellent rating with Trip Advisor.

3. Padrino, Westcliff

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One of their recent reviews for this little Italian "Always met by the owner like old friends, the food is always delightful and the service is excellent"

4. Magic Mushroom, Billericay

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Situated in Barleylands the Magic Mushroom serves European and British dishes and gets a 4.5-star rating on Trip Advisor for its service and food.

5. Turkish Kitchinn, Hockley

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As the name suggests, the Turkish Kitchinn serves a mix of Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine.

Trip Advisor reviewers have given the restaurant a 91% excellent rating with this fantastic review "I would highly recommend this restaurant. The food was so good, the service friendly and in my opinion good value for money. If I lived closer I would eat there again and again."

6. II Pescatore Restaurant, Southend

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This little Italian has had 980 reviews on Tri Advisor with 753 of them being excellent. This reviewer went as far as saying, "Phenomenal.

"This is my favourite restaurant, ever! We have been dining here for over 10 years now, and I have introduced so many of my friends to the restaurant.

"The food is astounding, absolutely mouth-wateringly good! The owners/waiters are wonderful, and I love how they remember us and how we've been etc and they have memorised my order which is so great! Can not fault the restaurant at all, I look forward to every dining experience!"

7. Cucina, Leigh

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Another Italian makes the list, this time it's Cucina in Leigh which is described on Trip Advisor as attractive and lovely decor, with the food getting better and better every time