A Casa di Anna, Bedford

There's a little slice of Italy hidden away on Castle Road in Bedford, serving authentic Italian dishes, homemade pasta and Anna's famous cakes and bakes. The warm welcome is instant and makes me feel like I am sat in my Nonna's kitchen, enjoying proper home cooked Italian food.

A Casa di Anna is owned by husband & wife, Anna & Stefano, and their gorgeous little dog, Ragu, who is a local celebrity. Anna & Stefano moved to Bedford in 2024 after running a restaurant in London. London's loss is very much Bedford's gain, and they have created one of my favourite places to visit.

The restaurant is open Wednesday to Thursday for breakfast, lunch and dinner alongside a monthly changing specials menu that focuses on seasonal ingredients. Choose from cicchetti small plates, fresh pasta dishes inspired by Northern Italy, thin crust pizzas and an abundance of delicious seafood dishes. It's hard to resist ordering one of everything, but make sure to save room for one of Anna's beautiful desserts or Italian cakes, you will not regret it.

I've been to A Casa di Anna many times now and I've enjoyed every dish so far. During the warmer months, there is often lots of seafood on the menu with one of my favourite dishes of all time, Spaghetti alle Vongole (with clams), or the Tagliatelle all'Astiche (with crab). If you prefer a meatier pasta dish, then there is venison or wild boar ragu, or Stefano's mum's recipe with Italian sausage and green beans.

A Casa di Anna's menu has something for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans as well as being able to deal with allergies very well. As they make most things from scratch, they are fully aware of all ingredients used and have lots of gluten free options.

I think this is the third time I'm going to mention Anna's cakes in one short post, but they really need mentioning! The best thing about this place is it transforms across the day from an Italian cafe & bakery to a cosy Italian taverna / bistro but the sweet treats are always available. The cakes on the counter are always there to tempt you and the dessert menu is one you can't refuse. The pistachio layered cheesecake tastes as good as it looks and the tiramisu has converted me (I don't even drink coffee).

Always one of my top recommendations for anyone looking for a cute date night, girls night or a luxuriously laidback lunch with family or friends. When you go, go hungry, and make sure to say hello to my little pup friend - Ragu!