Waterside Deli

Waterside, Brightlingsea, Colchester CO7 0AX, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(117 Reviews)

Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Brightlingsea, Waterside Deli is a delightful café that perfectly encapsulates the charm of British coastal living. This cozy establishment is where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee meets the tantalizing scent of homemade pastries and hearty meals, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

As a hidden gem in the Colchester area, Waterside Deli specializes in a variety of delectable offerings that cater to every palate. From their renowned English breakfast, often hailed as the best in the region, to an enticing selection of daily specials—including their famed cream tea—dining here is a sensory delight. Picture perfectly cooked items served alongside golden toast, rich beans, and local sausages, inviting you to savor every bite. It’s not just about the food; it’s about experiencing a moment of bliss with each delicious mouthful.

Reviewers frequently gush about the welcoming atmosphere, with Mr. P stating, “It’s very good food, we’ll be visiting again. Thanks guys.” This speaks volumes about the effort that the staff puts into not only crafting delicious meals but also ensuring that every visit feels special. Many guests, including Paul Wilks and Andy White, have praised the bright and clean eating area, complimented by the warm smiles of the staff that make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

The outdoor benches are perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying a delightful cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal spot to unwind and recharge. Andrew Cartwright describes it as “really quiet and peaceful” especially on Sundays, allowing for a leisurely escape from the hustle of everyday life. Beyond what’s on the menu, visitors like Thomas Monson have shared heartwarming experiences about the attentive service, particularly highlighting the skills of the staff, who are eager to personalize your drink orders to your taste.

Whether you're craving a classic fish and chips, as praised by Paul Toon, or simply looking for a comfy spot to sip the best flat white in town, Waterside Deli has something for everyone. It's a cozy retreat that draws you in with the promise of good food and friendly faces, making it an unforgettable stop on your journey through Brightlingsea. Don't miss out on this delightful café—your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

117 Reviews
Mr P

14 Sep 2025

Been twice now and both times, the food was delicious.. On our first visit we had an English breakfast, best we had in ages! Second time we ordered from the specials, and had a cream tea too.. It's very good food, we'll be visiting again. Thanks guys. Can't reccomend more!

Andrew Cartwright

10 Sep 2025

Nice little shop - sells food and drink, great for when we needed a cup of tea / coffee! Has a few little benches outside to sit down and chill. On our visit (on a sunday) it was really quiet and peaceful!

Paul Wilks

16 Jul 2025

Went in this morning greeted by 3 smiling faces and a lovely warm clean eating area. Ordered our food it arrived after a short wait and was probably the best breakfast I have eaten. We are now going to be regular customers. Many thanks

Andy White

24 Jun 2025

Hidden gem! Custom Roll Mop and Potato salad. Best Coffee and Essex tea. Great friendly service. Been coming here for several years and cannot fault it.

paul toon

15 Jun 2025

Excellent fish, definitely recommend to anyone who is hungry and fancies fish and chips

Thomas Monson

15 Jun 2025

I would agree about the lack of food options but service was amazing ,and the young waitress Ida? makes the BEST flat whites and went out of her way to make me and my little boy Thomas feel very welcome.

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