Manoly Thai - Southend-on-Sea

We went to this restaurant with our friends after not visiting for a while. The food was good, but the prices for the food, drinks, and service were extremely high. As a result, we do not think we will be returning. The main dishes were much more expensive than the takeaway menu, and the portions were smaller. The sticky rice, priced at £4.75, was pre-packaged portions in plastic wrappers that did not taste good at all. The mains had more vegetables than meat. The wine list was expensive, with a decent sauvignon priced at £30 a bottle before service charge. Even the small Tiger beers were priced at £5 each. Despite the staff being pleasant and efficient, we felt that leaving a £16 tip was excessive. The restaurant had poor lighting and lacked ambiance, with stark and empty tables. It was not busy on a Thursday night, which was not surprising given the high prices. While the food was good, it was not exceptional, and based on this experience, we do not plan on returning anytime soon.

This restaurant used to be fantastic, but now the food is just average and tasteless, especially the set menu, and the prices are fairly high. It's a shame because I used to really enjoy this place, but there are better value and tastier options available elsewhere.

This was our first visit here in a few years. We used to come here a lot before COVID and always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We visited yesterday around 7pm and immediately noticed that the layout was different and the atmosphere had changed. The food, as always, was delicious, albeit a bit expensive. We did have an issue with the soup not coming out with the starters, but no one informed us until we asked. It would have been nice to be notified. The food, however, was really good. The restaurant quickly filled up with large groups, so it is not the best choice for a quiet meal. The atmosphere here is not what it used to be, as it was quite loud and we could hardly hear ourselves talk. It may seem minor, but we wanted to mention it.

We went here for a family celebration when we arrived were told that only had the table for 2 hours but was not advised this when we booked otherwise would have gone else where. Food was average , small portions for the price.

We visored here recently and we’re surprised at just how good it is we used to go years ago but had tried other restaurants in recent years. The food was very tasty hot and well presented with good portions of meat. We really enjoyed it and would go again. Our only criticism is that the prices on the menus did not reflect the final bill. I think all the dishes were a pound or so more expensive than what the menu stated and this should be clarified.