Bedford
Riobello

Riobello

6 St. Marys Street Bedford, Bedfordshire MK42 0AS, United Kingdom

Italian • Chinese • European • Fast Food


"this use to an old favorite restaurant of us many years ago before it changed the hands. we saw the alex polizzi TV program, but since then did not have the opportunity to visit. we have booked online. when we arrived, I tried to explain that we had reserved online, but the waitress did not seem disturbed, nor did she check. she wanted to tell us that the pizza oven didn't work so there were no pizzas or garlic bread etc. it was good to say before we came to our table and we appreciate it. the food was excellent and the chef came out a few times to check that everyone enjoys his meals, which was a very nice note. the waitresses were very pleasant, but seemed to have confidence in what they did. there were some confusion about our weeping mission, which was our fault. we were not offered when we arrived, and it was only after they came for our food order that we could ask for drinks. there was a pretty wait for our appetizers (tomatenbruschetta and mushroom bruschetta) and then the main dishes (tomatenwurst al forno and lasagne), but if that is what it takes to prepare the excellent food we enjoyed, then it is worth it. we also think that we are too familiar with restaurants that almost food of not particularly good quality. overall a very good experience and we will return. Perhaps the waitress could do with a little, but more workout to improve her confidence."

The Cochin Indian

The Cochin Indian

76 Tavistock Street, MK40 2RP, Bedford, United Kingdom

Pizza • Cafés • Seafood • Fast Food


"Well where do I start with my review of the Cochin restaurant? Firstly having never dined there before we were not sure what to expect. We had only read reviews on TripAdvisor and Google which had been very complemently about the food and service so we wanted to give it a try. We had a table booked for 2 at 8.30, and we were met at the door and shown to our table by the window by a very pleasant waiter. He prompty brought over our menus, and we began to peruse through. The menu had a extensive selection of fish dishes which pleased me as I love fish, so I felt spoilt for choice as my expectations grew. The waiter was very attentive and informal and very knowledgeable about the dishes on their menu, and was happy to answer any questions we had. I finally settled on the fishermans soup for starter. Sadly this was a big let down! Very watery, no depth of flavour and next to no fish in an actual fish soup!!! My friend ordered the minty chilli prawns, the sauce which coated the prawns was tasty and zingy and the prawns cooked nicely however sadly the portion size and presentation was disappointing. Both starters seemed to arrive very quickly after ordering, which was a surprise. It seemed to me they had just been warmed through and thrown onto a plate. For my main course I ordered the mixed seafood curry which consisted of King fish,squid,prawns and mussels cooked in authentic Kerala special spice mixed sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly and the earthy Kerala special spice mixed sauce was the perfect accompaniment to the fish. Sadly the squid was over cooked and rubbery which was the only negative aspect to the dish. My friend overed the kuttanadan duck roast which consisted of slices of duck cooked in thick roast gravy sauce. The sauce had a lovely velvety rich flavour to it however the duck itself was a big let down as sadly it was tough a chewy. All in all some postives but also some negatives. If this was a school report it would probably read, 'tries hard but can do better '!!!"

The Higgins Pantry

The Higgins Pantry

Castle Ln, Bedford MK40 3XD, United Kingdom

Wine • Pizza • Tapas • Pasta


"This wasn 't my first time dining at 'The Pantry ' so my expectations were high after previous postive experiences with their service and food, however this is my first review of this friendly and well known Bedford Italian eatery. On arrival we were given a warm welcome by the front of house staff and were shown to our table promptly. There was certainly plenty of space between tables which in my opinion certainly made it covid friendly. The informal, warm and relaxed atmosphere certainly encourages a postive and enjoyable dining experience also. We ordered six tapas dishes off of the tapas menu which were delicious, freshly cooked and vibrant. I would certainly recommend you try the sautéed King Prawns and the Whitebait which were very moreish!! For my main course I ordered the Pasta Cozze which was spaghetti with mussels cooked in a white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes. All my mussels were prepared, and cooked beautifully. The spaghetti was perfectly al-dente which I prefer, and in my opinion is just how it should be cooked. My wife ordered the chicken cutlet with fries and salad which she enjoyed. The bread crumb coating covering the chicken wasn 't soaked in oil but delightfully golden brown and crispy. We also sampled the lobster ravioli which was cooked to perfection along with a homemade pizza which my son really enjoyed. It has been a while since we had previously dined at the pantry, but I can honestly say in my opinion the service and food has remained excellent. Thank you for an excellent lunch, and we will certainly return again soon."