Business Details
Authentic Italian Dining in a Historic Setting
Nestled in the historic village of Cressing, Il Salice Italian at The Willows Inn brings decades of culinary expertise to the heart of Essex. With a legacy built on 25 years of immersive experience across Italy's diverse regions, we craft authentic Italian dishes that prioritise simplicity, quality ingredients, and traditional techniques. Our menu showcases seasonal produce sourced locally, complemented by imported Italian staples, ensuring every dish delivers genuine flavour without artificial additives. We cater to diverse dietary needs through vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, all freshly prepared in-house to accommodate specific requests.The restaurant's setting within a 500-year-old listed building preserves historical charm with original oak beams and fireplaces, enhanced by flexible dining spaces suitable for intimate meals or private events. A dedicated bar area and al fresco terrace provide additional ambiance, supported by a curated selection of wines and draught beers. Recognised for excellence in local media, our commitment to accessible pricing ensures exceptional Italian cuisine remains available for regular dining occasions, not just special celebrations. This approach has established us as a destination where heritage, hospitality, and culinary authenticity converge.
Services
Italian Dining
Takeaway Service
Private Functions
Dietary Catering
Gift Vouchers
Highlights and features
- We have 25 years of experience crafting authentic Italian cuisine across Italy's regions.
- All dishes use fresh seasonal ingredients with no artificial additives.
- We cater to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dietary requirements.
- Our historic venue combines original architecture with modern dining comfort.
- Private dining spaces accommodate weddings and special events without venue charges.
What people say
Best pasta ever
Exceptional service
Authentic Italian experience
Beautiful historic setting
Excellent dietary options
Services
Italian Dining
Our traditional Italian restaurant serves handmade pasta, regional specialities, and seasonal dishes using fresh local produce and imported Italian ingredients. Each meal is prepared without additives, focusing on authentic recipes and presentation. The historic setting enhances the dining experience with original architectural features and flexible seating arrangements.
Takeaway Service
Enjoy our Italian cuisine at home through our takeaway service, offering the full menu for collection during regular opening hours. Dishes are freshly prepared to order using the same ingredients as our dine-in service, ensuring quality and authenticity. Orders can be placed via phone for convenience.
Private Functions
Host weddings, birthdays, or corporate events in our historic venue with exclusive use available for larger groups. We provide tailored menus and flexible seating without additional venue charges, accommodating special requests for dietary needs or custom dishes. The space combines centuries-old charm with modern event amenities.
Dietary Catering
We accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free requirements across our entire menu, with clear allergen labelling for nuts and gluten. Ingredients are sourced specifically for dietary needs, and dishes are prepared separately to prevent cross-contamination. Advance notice ensures optimal meal customisation.
Gift Vouchers
Purchase gift vouchers for special occasions, offering recipients a choice of dining experiences at our restaurant. Vouchers can be redeemed against any menu item or private event booking, providing flexible gifting options. Physical and digital formats are available upon request.
Questions
What Italian regional cuisines do you feature?
Our menu draws from multiple Italian regions, including Lombardy, Veneto, and Sicily, with dishes like risotto alla Milanese, Venetian seafood risotto, and Sicilian caponata.
Can you accommodate severe food allergies?
We prioritise allergen safety with separate preparation areas and ingredient transparency, though we cannot guarantee environments free from cross-contamination with nuts or gluten.
Do you offer wine pairing suggestions?
Our wine list features Italian varietals selected to complement specific dishes, with staff trained to recommend pairings for optimal flavour enhancement.
What private dining capacities are available?
The venue accommodates up to 50 guests for exclusive events, with flexible seating arrangements and customisable menus for weddings or corporate functions.
How far in advance should I book for weekends?
We recommend booking weekend tables at least three weeks ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings which experience high demand.
Reviews (6)
Elaine Grundy
Jan 23, 2022
Report
The food was excellent, great menu with specials of the day. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Food was piping hot and very well presented. Highly recommend
Andrew Bolton
Jan 13, 2022
Report
The service and food were both amazing. The place gave a very warm and homey with a great server to match. Definitely worth the trip from Scotland and would do again
Diane Slingsby
Dec 18, 2021
Report
Lovely Italian restaurant, tasty food, second time we have been to this restaurant and both times couldn't fault the food. Friendly owners, lovely place to go for something above average, definitely not run of the mill and would definitely return.
Peggy Sinclair
Dec 12, 2021
Report
Fantastic menu that delivers on flavour! As your dish is placed on the table your senses are inundated with the tastes that await you. Simply scrumptious. Good, honest, fresh and tasty food. Great interactions with the Salice staff who do this with their whole heart.
Lishi McDonagh
Sep 15, 2021
Report
An amazing experience! We came for my parents wedding anniversary, and we were far from disappointed! The food was amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly despite, most likely, being tired from servicing a large wedding party just before we arrived. All in all a great experience and we would definitely go again!
Daniel Robert Thorpe
Jul 21, 2021
Report
Wow... All I can say is stunning. Great food. Julia and her family are so welcoming. If I could give this place a 6 it would be a 10...I'd recommend that you eat here ASAP. My sea bass was stunning
