Cucina - Southend-on-Sea

I’ve been here before and been given the old waffle about them liking tips in cash but now they actually print on the bill “service charge not included. Gratuities cannot be left on credit or debit cards as 100% of tips are shared between staff” I eat out a lot at all types of restaurant I’ve literally never ever had a bill like this with this wording insisting on cash tips Since covid I just don’t carry cash and I would imagine many people do the same All other restaurants I have been to without exception either add a service charge or allow a tip/gratuity to be added to the bill and in both cases the total bill can be paid for by credit or debit card These restaurants all then split the tip/gratuity between the staff by including their share in their wages which then ensures that tax is paid on the tips/gratuity as the law requires so this still ensures that “100% of tips are shared between staff” as the bill wishes The tip/gratuity if paid in cash like at this restaurant still needs to be declared to HMRC and I assume the staff/restaurant do this The advantage of allowing the tip/gratuity to be paid by credit or debit card is that this separate disclosure to HMRC is not required as it is dealt with through the businesses payroll system and tax applied accordingly

Our 5th time at this restaurant now and every trip has been excellent for all our guests. This restaurant has very quickly risen to be our favourite and have already booked up again for a Valentines treat.

We called in for lunch whilst in Leigh Broadway. This is how Italian restaurants should be. The food was WONDERFUL as was the service. We are not locals but would 100% go back. Stop by if you get the chance you won't be disappointed

We regularly visit Cucina and have always enjoyed the friendly welcome, the excellent food and the faultless friendly service. It was my nieces 13th birthday between Christmas and the new year and we wanted to surprise her with an evening out. The food and the service from the team at Cucina was, as always, awesome. Thank you for her birthday song and making it a special evening that she absolutely loved.

Cancelled my table. I was reading the menu outside of the restaurant, then went in at the end of the lunch service to enquire about a potential table for me and my partner that evening. The maitre de looked at me like I was a monster, and didn’t even answer me when I spoke to him to enquire… a friendly member of staff then took over and booked us in. I felt a little off about attending so decided to look at the reviews where my gut instinct was correct, various commentary regarding the maitre de being extremely rude to customers and judging people on how they look etc. I walked into the restaurant to just book a table, clearly my attire was not correct. But I felt uncomfortable the minute I walked in. Not sure who this man thinks he is… you have a small restaurant in Leigh on sea in Essex…who are you to judge?