By Kingfisher Visitor Guides
Bedfordshire is a hidden foodie gem with a host of fantastic restaurants, bistros, cafes and pubs and here are some of the best places to eat.
Papillon Coffee House
![Sandwich and chips at a cafe](https://kingfishervisitorguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2020/07/Sandwich-and-chips.jpg)
133 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3RF
Papillon Coffee House is situated on Castle Road, which is an exciting part of Bedford. With the River Ouse and Embankment parallel, it’s a great place to pop into for some food after a lovely walk. You can sit in the new seating area for a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere and order one of the freshly-prepared sandwiches, baguettes or paninis. Whilst sitting you’ll often be able to smell the aroma of the freshly-baked cakes which are baked on site, so why not try one with an amazing cup of coffee?
Vanilla Tree
![Portuguese custard tarts](https://kingfishervisitorguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2020/07/Custard-tarts.jpg)
29 St Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford MK40 3JG
At Vanilla Tree you can drink locally-roasted, Italian-blend coffee and taste scrumptious cakes, tarts and biscuits. All of which are handmade and baked in small batches using natural ingredients from local suppliers. Taste the Portuguese-style custard tarts – enjoy crisp, flaky pastry filled with smooth, creamy custard with a hint of cinnamon and dusted with icing sugar. Visit website
Rustico Italian Bistro
![Hot food at Rustico Italian Bistro restaurant in Bedfordshire](https://kingfishervisitorguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2020/07/Rustico-Italian-Bistro-dish.jpg)
7 New Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2LS
Giovanni, Luca and Valentina welcome you at Rustico Italian Bistro, a small intimate Italian bistro run by three friends from Lake Como. From breakfast to dinner the team offer a real taste of Italy with a contemporary twist using the best quality locally-sourced produce. Visit website
El Picante Mexican Grill
![Tacos Mexican food](https://kingfishervisitorguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2020/07/Tacos.jpg)
28 Allhallows, Bedford MK40 1LJ
El Picante Mexican Grill was established in 2013 and is located in the town centre. The team prides themselves on being the best Mexican restaurant in Bedford. The restaurant offers exquisite Mexican and Latin American food, freshly prepared on the premises, almost right in front of you, giving you an exciting dining experience. Visit website
The Bell in Studham
![Toad in the hole food](https://kingfishervisitorguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2020/07/Toad-in-the-hole.jpg)
Dunstable Road, Studham, Dunstable LU6 2QG
The team at The Bell in Studham pride themselves on providing a warm welcome with fantastic attention to detail. Enjoy home-made pies, Sunday roasts with all the trimmings, fresh beer-battered cod and triple-cooked chips to eat in or take-away and ‘99’ soft ice creams! Alongside authentic pasta dishes, fresh fish and fine meats, be enticed with the aroma of fresh dough pizzas, cooked in the stone clay oven. Visit website
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