The Higgins Pantry Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

"We wanted an Italian pizza and we found it here. Tasty and you will be not disappointed. Before I only tried lasagne for takeaway. Definitely need to return to try something else."

"Wow, how have I only just discovered this place?! Absolutely cannot wait to return. The pasta was incredible, so tasty and the perfect portion size, my fiance demolished his steak, and don't even get me started on the brownie, best I've ever had. The staff clearly love their job, very friendly and accommodating and the premises itself is great, lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Can't wait to visit again! X"

"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."

"Superb, always friendly, food is very tasty and accessible, pizza is excellent too. Great vegan broccoli salad. Just wished there were a couple of other vegan options. You won't be disappointed with anybody the dishes here though. Great for couples, groups, families and seniors. Unusual to find a place which gets it right at all points."

"We booked a table outside months in advance but the restaurant had given it to someone else - they offered a smaller table outside after a while but by then we’d settled inside - a bit disappointing. Other than this the service was very friendly and efficient. The food was ok - cannelloni beans on toast starter was fresh but needed a twist of salt or something to give it an edge. The main vegan salad was also cannelloni beans with broccoli - and again needed something else to give it some impact - half way through I found myself not really wanting to keep eating it so I stopped and took the rest away - with some salt and chilli oil added as home with a squeeze of lemon it perked up. The best dish was the side order of chips - hot and crispy with fluff interior. So overall an enjoyable experience but fairly average food."