If you’re looking for the best pizza in Bedford, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s no wonder Bedford is renowned for amazing Italian food given it’s history. Bedford is a town with a large and vibrant Italian community, dating back to the 1950s when many Italians moved to the area to work in the local brick industry. With around 14,000 people of Italian origin living in Bedfordshire, you can expect to find some of the best pizza places in the UK. Whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and cheesy, there is a pizza for everyone in Bedford. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy the best pizza in Bedford.
We have updated this selection for 2024 as when we first published our list we were met with uproar (quite rightly) that we’d missed Mamma Concetta from our list. We held our hands up, revisited them as a priority and so brings our newly updated list of the Best Pizza is Bedford…
Mamma Concetta
Mamma Concetta is a family-run pizzeria & restaurant that takes Bedford back in time, to the more traditional Italian values of food and hospitality. With classic Italian food in their home-from-home atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to grab a pizza with friends or celebrate a family occasion.
Naughty Pizza
Naughty Pizza is a new addition to Bedford’s pizza scene, having opened in 2020 and has already cemented it’s place on our list of the best pizza in Bedford. This place offers vegan and gluten-free pizzas, as well as classic toppings and sauces. You can choose from 12-inch or 16-inch pizzas, or go for a slice if you are feeling less hungry. Naughty Pizza also delivers to your door, so you can enjoy their pizzas from the comfort of your home. Some of their popular pizzas include the Naughty Vegan, the Naughty BBQ, and the Naughty Pepperoni.
Pizzeria Santaniello
Pizzeria Santaniello is one of the oldest and most authentic Italian restaurants in Bedford, established in 1980. The restaurant is run by a family from Sicily, who use traditional recipes and ingredients to make their pizzas. Given their longevity, it’s no wonder they make some of the best pizza in Bedford. You can watch the chefs prepare your pizza in the open kitchen, and enjoy it in the cosy and friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Pizzeria Santaniello also offers pasta, salads, and desserts, as well as a takeaway service. Some of their signature pizzas include the Santaniello, the Capricciosa, and the Quattro Formaggi.
Pizza by Ivano
Pizza by Ivano, is a hidden gem in Bedford, located in a small shop in St Cuthbert’s Arcade. The owner, Ivano is passionate about his ingredients. He makes his pizzas with fresh dough, san marzano tomato & fior di latte mozzarella from Naples. You can enjoy your pizza on the spot or take it away. Pizza by Ivano also caters for events and parties, and delivers via GoGetters, Deliveroo and Ubereats. Some of his best-selling pizzas include the Margherita, the Diavola, and the Funghi.
Fold me Close
Fold me Close is a pizza food truck that pops up at various locations and events in Bedfordshire and beyond and offers by far some of the best pizza in Bedford. The name comes from their signature style of folding their pizzas in half before serving them, making them easy to eat on the go. They use their own slow rise dough and the finest Italian and British toppings to make their pizzas, which are cooked in a stone oven in 90 seconds. They also have seasonal specials and collaborations with other local businesses. Some of their fan favourites include Pete’s Sweet Meat, The Del, and Ultimate Garlic Bread.
Curly Sisters
Brought to you by the family behind Marcello Pizzeria, Curly Sisters Catering offer authentic Italian woodfired pizzas. They can be found at events all over Bedford and are regulars at Cranfield Market. The sisters bring a perfect mix of laughter and pizza, and are rarely seen without a smile on their faces. Come to think of it, we don’t think we’ve ever seen them not smiling!
Why Pizza is so Special in Bedford?
Pizza is more than just a food in Bedford; it is a symbol of the town’s rich and diverse culture. Bedford’s Italian community dates back to the 1950s, when thousands of Italians migrated to work in the brickworks industry¹. They brought with them their traditions, language, and cuisine, especially pizza. Over time, they established themselves as an integral part of Bedford’s society, contributing to its economy, education, arts, sports, and politics.
Pizza is also a way of celebrating Bedford’s Italian heritage and identity. Every year, the town hosts an Italian festival, where people can enjoy music, dance, and as you can imagine…pizza plays an important role in the festivities
What’s your Best Pizza in Bedford?
We know pizza can be a decisive topic, so we’d love to hear in the comments if you think we have missed anywhere from our list of the best pizza in Bedford.
