Herd

25 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG

Famous for it’s top notch burgers.

Our favourite place for a Sunday Roast and some top tunes. (Watch out for Reggae Roasts!)

Maison Le Votre

Silver Street, Bedford, England, MK40 1NT

A brand new,  petit slice of French chic, offering beautiful, buttery pastries and sandwiches in their delicious home baked baguettes. We loved the Americano, served French style; in a glass, short and strong, just how we like it.

Marcio’s Brazilian Food

3 Mill Street, Bedford

Marcio’s Brazilian Food is an offshoot of his Castle Road based Italian restaurant, run by his daughter, Nicole. A truly family affair; this cafe serves a wide range of homemade Brazilian cakes and delicacies such as Pasteis; a light and tasty samosa like pie and a delicious soul soothing homemade chicken soup. I have heard that the sone in laws speciality burgers are a real taste sensation too…

Greek Bites

 2 Althorpe St, Bedford MK42 9HF

Somewhat off the beaten track, this bright,  cheerful and brand new cafe is bound to become a firm favourite.  Offering a wide range of handmade, Greek patisserie delights; from vegan baklava to feta and spinach pie, exquisite cheesecakes to delicate biscuits by weight.  Everything looks beautiful.

Additional food items, including sandwiches to come. We loved the coffee, the nautical decor touches, the friendly welcome and boy, is that feta pie delicious! Moreish!

Paninoteca

Unit 2c Merchant Place, Riverside Square, Bedford, MK40 1AR

Owned by the Naughty Pizza crowd, this is a great day time spot for pizza by the slice, pannini, fresh pasta and also, great coffee. We rate the caprese panino. Open Mondays too, which is a bonus. We have yet to enjoy a spritz or a beer here of an afternoon, but its surely only a question of time…

Marcio’s Delicacies

101 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP

Family run, cosy and inviting. Chef patron Marcio serves up everything from a New Yorker breakfast (scrambled egg & smoked salmon), to a chicken and pancetta salad. He specialises in Italian food and does a mean version of my favourite; spaghetti aglio e olio, which really packs a punch!

There is an excellent 2 course lunch for under £15 and its also open for relaxed evening dining. Look out for Brazilian flair and touches.

The Old Curiosity Cafe

The Old Curiosity Cafe is Bedford’s latest (and potentially greatest) independent coffee shop/cafe. At time of writing (Jan 2024), the cafe has just opened its doors and has yet to offer it’s full menu, but we can report there will be a full brunch menu, some delicious sounding Danish open sandwiches on rye (yum!) and Octavia’s legendary afternoon teas…

There is already a wide range of homemade sweet treats and an impressive range of coffees, including cafe bonbon and affogatto (again, yum!).

This place is full of cosy nooks; eclectic, atmospheric and super friendly; we think you will like it!

Gallones

1, 2 The Arcade, High St, Bedford MK40 1NS

Although Gallones is primarily an ice cream parlour, we would wager that it is possibly the most community minded coffee shop in town. Hot drinks are £1 (yes, really!) making this place accessible to people on all budgets. Owner Martin and his right hand man, Aaron make sure that everyone feels welcome here and long may it continue! (Plus, we love the coffee and toasted tea cake offer – currently only £3).

Project 229

227-229 Bedford Road,  Kempston

Project 229 is a super impressive community cafe in Kempston.  A friendly drop in hub for all manner of workshops, community groups and classes. Also perfect for lone coffee drinking/dining.  We love a Friday lunchtime when a restaurant quality soup is served up to all for a donation (regardless of their means). Warming, in so many ways.

Italian Touch by Ivano

St Cuthberts Arcade, Bedford 

Yay! Ivans back after a several year hiatus, bring us excellent, Napoli style pizza including the legendary Giullietta with cubed potatoes, Italian sausage and gorgonzola. What is really setting this place apart right now are his panuozzo “sandwiches”. This freshly baked megawich, stuffed with all manner of beautiful ingredients will blow you away! Also equally noteworthy is his excellent espresso. A taste of Napoli on our doorstep. Join the Tiktok generation and check out those sarnies!

Roosters

25 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG

A handsome spot to enjoy all manner of deli style sandwiches, homemade soups and impressive daily specials. Look out for celebratory specials such as the St Patrick’s Day “Ronan” and Irish stew (which both got the thumbs up) and their forthcoming supper club…

Etna Pizza Co

1a The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ

You won’t want to miss this seriously good, quality pizza take away. Authentic, slow proved dough with top notch toppings. We love a simple marinara or the gorgonzola, mushroom and truffle oil pizza. Lip smackingly good.

Wendover Caffe

8 Wendover Dr, Bedford MK41 9QN

Formerly known as “the Honey Crust bakery” this cafe/deli/bakery has been a perennial Bedfordian favourite for many a year. Pick up some fresh pizza dough whilst you enjoy anything from a full English to a frittata or a Milanese. Something for everyone here.

Portu Gallos

Unit 1, 147 Brooklands Avenue, Wixams, MK42 6AE

Portu Gallos is a real slice of Portugal in Wixams.  Based on the Portuguese churrasqueira charcoal grill concept, this is a must for all meat lovers. Piri piri chicken in various combos and sizes to be recommended. There is an authentic vibe here from the family welcome down to the ice cold Superbock beer!

Mill Yard Coffee Lounge

1-2 Mill Yard, Mill Street MK40 3HD

Very good freshly cooked vegan and veggie breakfast options in this low key, tucked away cafe. (Also noteworthy they are serving quality locaI bacon, for those who partake). Illy Coffee. Simple menu, with nowhere to hide. A friendly (& hardworking!) owner with a nice outdoor seating area.

Giuseppe Deli

94 Queens Dr, Bedford MK41 9BS

Now incorporating a sandwich shop with a couple of outdoor seats. This is a longstanding, authentic and very friendly spot. Pick up all your favourite deli items, specialist Italian drinks, fresh bread and homemade pasta dishes. Or just have a chat with the friendly owners, over an espresso.

La Piazza (The Piazza)

St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ

A Bedford establishment, run by Libby for more years than I care to remember! Serving simple, fresh, quality food and drinks at reasonable prices – It is easy to see how this place endures! A great place to meet friends and soak up the market atmosphere. We love a Sunday morning when you can watch the moped tribe assemble…

Mangal BBQ Grill & Meze

3 Springfield Centre, Kempston

Firmly off the beaten track, this Kempston based turkish take away has an impressive menu. Alongside italian style pizza, they offer the turkish version, pide. Traditional style kebabs, ribs, wings all cooked over charcoal and served with a choice of rice or couscous and tasty turkish flatbread. A good few dishes for the veggies too, including the tasty Satma Beyti; oven cooked aubergine, potato,  mushrooms  and cheese wrapped in the aforementioned bread. Then topped with tomato sauce and served with yoghurt, salad, couscous or rice. Portions are seriously generous – you definitely wont need to order a side of chips here!

Fancy Bakery

35 Roff Avenue Bedford MK41 7TH

A nirvana for any lover of cakes and sweet treats, Fancy is located off the beaten track in PrimeMinisters area (Black Tom to Bedfordians of old).

Owner Saffron has been baking in the area for over 20 years and offers a tantalising and ever changing array of cakes, pastries, scones, all in house. She also bakes a mean sourdough loaf. A small deli section at the back of the shop offers some fab Spanish brands such as Ortiz seafood, Torres crisps and our favourite picante Perello olives.

Seating area is now back!

Aconchego Portugues

Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ

Literally translates as “cosy” cafe and mini market, where I heartily recommend a delicious coffee and a pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tart) whilst you peruse your purchases from the neighbouring shops! You would be seriously hard pressed to find a friendlier and more hardworking host than the lovely Ana. This is the kind of place where you find yourself striking up a conversation with the next table, such is the bonhomie!

Taquitos Bar

50 Ram Yard, Bedford MK40 1AL

until recently offering only take away, Taquitos now has a small seating area and offers a range of mexican food from Tacos (soft or hard), enchiladas, fajitas and of course, the burrito. A good choice of fillings and sauces of various heat levels. We loved the Dia del Muerte mural, the ice cold San Miguel, the south american tunes and the friendly welcome.

Eats & Treats

137 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3PT

Traditional neighbourhood cafe/deli. Good for all your Italian meats, cheeses, olives etc. drink offer. A real hive of activity and chat; Joe will keep you up to date with local goings on. We go as much for the craic as the coffee!

Mamma Concetta

35-37 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LA

We love this super friendly, family owned pizzeria. With vintage styling and an impressive pizza oven centre stage, you will find yourself transported to Naples or Rome. We love a cheeky Aperol Spritz and a Pizza Napoli, but there are loads of authentic combos to be found!

You for Coffee

7 Howard Street, Bedford

Formerly The Gallery and expanded from the pop up in the fabulous Arc emporium, this well put together space will suit all comers from “cofficers” (who have their own designated spaces) to those with buggies (a helpful ramp makes this place truly accessible) and everybody in between. With the cutest little mugs, style is very much at the forefront here. One of our favourite features is that it opens on Mondays. We hear evening events, drinks licence also on the cards. So stay tuned….

Chai Rasoi

167 Castle Road Bedford MK40 3RU

A new addition to Castle Road (and as such, my new neighbour), with some sheltered outdoor seating. Offering homemade Indian style street snacks and some western dishes such as salmon Wellington and lasagna. Old school favourite chocolate toothpaste is proving popular. I can attest to the delights of the homemade samosa (having had one each day since its opened!). It will be really interesting to see how this evolves…

Putnoe Cake Shop

12 Library Walk, Bedford Mk41 8HF

Old school style Cafe opposite the library, with calming decor. A good range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes and pastries. The cakes look very impressive too.  Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a good option for a spot of lunch, if you are in the area.

Bernie’s Cafe

4 Greehill Street, Bedford MK40 1LX

Tucked away beside the bus station (next to the post office/newsagent) you will find possibly the friendliest cafe in Bedford. This charming mother and son duo have served home cooked meals and cakes to the good people of Bedford for over 14 years. You will instantly feel at home here and will enjoy the cheerful chatter of satisfied customers. One customer told me that the secret of Bernie’s success is the she cooks what people likes – can’t say fairer than that!

Il Basilico

12 Mill St, Bedford MK40 3HD

You’ll be assured of a friendly welcome and excellent service at this family restaurant. Their mid week lunch deal is too good to miss, with their beautiful homemade bread pannini.

La Piccola

10 Wendover Drive, Bedford MK419QN

Be transported in this small, but perfectly formed gelateria. La Piccola offers delicious handmade gelato in a variety of tempting flavours and sizes. A range of vegan friendly sorbets are also available. Coffee from the pizzeria next door means you can also get hold of the perfect affogatto. Don’t forget gelato has less sugar and cream than ice cream, so you can get stuck in with impunity!

Baladi Chic

Whitehouse, Manx Rd, Milton Keynes MK8 1ET

Authentic Egyptian food, MK based, but keep your eyes peeled they may be popping up near you any time soon. Think freshly baked baladi bread stuffed, felafel, meze and various salad bowls. A beautiful combination of fresh herbs and warm spices pulse through every dish. Our favourite is Messaka’s Abul Sid; slow cooked aubergines and peppers in a tangy tomato, garlic sauce. We see no reason to dispute their claim that #egyptiansdoitbetter!

Kazoku

9 St John’s St, Bedford MK42 0AH

Newbie Japanese with longest menu. Don’t be put off; the friendly staff will advise (the first 6/8 pages are sushi, so skip those if you’re not in the mood). Stand out dishes thus far have been the miso cod and tempura prawns. Also great gyoza, prawn skewers and delicious miso aubergine. Many more dishes yet to try.

Naughty Pizza

Unit 2b Merchant Pl, Riverside Square, Bedford MK40 1AR

Aptly named.

Some very indulgent creations here… Love the Amalfi themed interior too.

Vanilla Tree

29 St Cuthberts Street  Bedford Mk40 3JG

established in 2017 and recently given a cheerful face-lift, you will find top notch coffee, loose leaf teas (in cute teapots) and excellent home made bagels. We favour the super tasty vegan bagel, but have heard the handmade hot salt beef knocks it out of the park!

Chaathaus

32 The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TH

The latest addition to the Asian restaurant scene is a winner (and a bit of a looker too!) Local boy, Dishoom trained, Anwar Miah is cooking up a storm with his small street food inspired plates, that we think are ideal for sharing. We love the dhaal with spinach pakoras, the Bombay firecracker prawns, Manchurian tofu and Hakka chilli paneer (to name a few).

Cibo

38 Newnham St, Bedford MK40 3JR

A family affair, specialising in an ever changing american influenced deli sandwich offer.

Also great pasta, salad and fish dishes.

Carumbar

11 Howard St, Bedford MK40 3HS

We love this slice of Caribbean sunshine. Favourite dishes are the tilapia pit stop combo and those jerk wings…washed down with a little Red Stripe or their legendary rum punch. Watch out for music nights, wine tastings and other special events.

Siam Heaven

36 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TH

More than a little slice of Thai heaven here; food, service and atmosphere all top notch. Also open for a great lunchtime deal (our favourite meal of the day).

The Cochin

76 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RP

An authentic South Indian cooking is what sets this cosy restaurant apart. Favourite dishes include the mixed seafood platter, fisherman’s soup and the fish polichathu. You also won’t want to miss their famous dosa.