The BEST Italian Restaurants in Bideford, Devon (2023)

Bideford is a beautiful port town located in North Devon, England, that is renowned for its scenery, rich history, and thriving food scene. It is a popular destination for foodies who are looking to indulge in a range of cooking, including Italian food.

Italian cooking has become increasingly popular in Bideford in recent years, with more and more Italian restaurants opening up in the area.

From classic pasta dishes to delicious pizza and gelato, there is something for everyone when it comes to the Italian menu in Bideford.

Key Takeaways
Bideford is a popular destination for foodies looking to indulge in Italian cooking
Italian cooking has a rich history in Bideford
Bideford has a diverse range of Italian restaurants, including Belluno, Giovanni’s, The Italian Kitchen, and The Drift Restaurant
When choosing an Italian restaurant in Bideford, it is important to read reviews, check menus, consider ambience, support local businesses, and ask for recommendations

History of Italian Cooking in Bideford

Italian cookery has a rich history in Bideford, with the first Italian restaurant opening in the area several decades ago. Since then, Italian cooking has continued to evolve and flourish in the town, becoming a firm favourite among locals and tourists.

One of the unique features of the Italian menu is the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Italian chefs in Bideford and across the world place a great deal of importance on using locally sourced, seasonal produce to create delicious, authentic dishes that showcase the best of Italian cooking.

Another aspect of the Italian dish that makes it so popular in Bideford is its versatility. From hearty pasta dishes to delicate seafood plates, Italian cooking has something to offer everyone, whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian.

The use of simple, flavorful ingredients and traditional cooking techniques also means that Italian cookery is a great option for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

The history of Italian cooking in Bideford is a testament to the enduring popularity of this delicious and versatile menu. Whether you are looking for a cosy Italian restaurant for a romantic dinner or a lively Italian style for a family celebration, Bideford has plenty of options to choose from.

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Best Italian restaurants in Bideford

Bideford is home to a diverse range of Italian restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience.

Here are some of the best Italian restaurants in Bideford, based on factors such as food quality, ambience, and service:

Belluno

This elegant restaurant serves a range of classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta and seafood specialities. Their signature dish is the Spaghetti ala Carbonara, made with fresh eggs, crispy pancetta, and Pecorino cheese.

Belluno also boasts an extensive wine list and has won multiple awards for its exceptional food and service.

Giovanni’s

Located in the heart of Bideford, Giovanni’s is a family-run restaurant that has been serving authentic Italian cooking for over 30 years. Their menu features a range of traditional dishes, such as Osso Buco and Lasagne al Forno, as well as delicious pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Giovanni’s is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, and for being a favourite among locals.

The Italian Kitchen

This beautiful restaurant serves authentic Italian food at a reasonable price. The warm and friendly atmosphere, with its rustic interior design, makes it an excellent spot for romantic dinners or get together with friends.

The location of the restaurant is convenient, making it accessible to locals and tourists.

The Drift Restaurant

The restaurant serves nicely cooked spaghetti carbonara, hake and scallops too. They also offer good Bailey’s cheesecake and more.

The Drift also offers a diverse wine list that can satisfy the needs of all visitors. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also enjoyable.

These Italian restaurants in Bideford are some of the best in the area, offering delicious food, excellent service, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you are a local or a visitor to Bideford, be sure to check out these top-rated Italian restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.

How to choose the right Italian restaurant in Bideford

When it comes to choosing the right Italian restaurant in Bideford, there are several factors to consider to ensure a memorable dining experience.

Here are some tips on how to choose the best Italian restaurant in Bideford:

Read Reviews

One of the best ways to get an idea of the quality of food and service at a restaurant is to read reviews from previous diners. Websites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp can provide valuable insights into the dining experience at a particular restaurant.

Check Menus

Before choosing an Italian restaurant, it’s important to take a look at their menu to ensure that they offer dishes that cater to your taste and dietary requirements. It’s also a good idea to check for any daily specials or seasonal dishes that may not be listed on the regular menu.

Consider Ambiance

The ambience of a restaurant can greatly influence the overall dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a cosy and intimate setting or a lively and vibrant atmosphere, there are many Italian restaurants in Bideford to choose from to suit your preference.

Support Local Businesses

Choosing to dine at a locally owned Italian restaurant in Bideford not only supports the local community but also provides an opportunity to sample the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Many restaurants in Bideford take pride in sourcing their ingredients from local suppliers, which can greatly enhance the quality of the food.

Ask for Recommendations

Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations on the best Italian restaurants in the area. Whether it’s your hotel receptionist or a friendly passerby, locals can often provide valuable insights into the best places to dine in Bideford.

Choosing the right Italian restaurant in Bideford is all about doing your research, considering your preferences, and supporting local businesses that are committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

With so many great Italian restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next meal in Bideford.

And Finally

Bideford, a town in North Devon, England, is a popular destination for foodies, offering a range of food, including Italian. Italian menu has a rich history in Bideford, with the first Italian restaurant opening in the area several decades ago.

Today, Italian cooking continues to flourish, with many Italian restaurants that offer a unique dining experience. Some of the best Italian restaurants in Bideford include Belluno, Giovanni’s, The Italian Kitchen, and The Drift Restaurant.

To choose the right Italian restaurant in Bideford, it’s important to read reviews, check menus, consider ambience, support local businesses, and ask for recommendations from locals.

Bideford is a perfect destination to experience some of the best Italian food in the South West.

FAQs about Italian Restaurants in Bideford

Q: What is the history of Italian cooking in Bideford?
A: Italian cooking has a rich history in Bideford, with the first Italian restaurant opening in the area several decades ago. Since then, the Italian menu has continued to evolve and flourish in the town, becoming a firm favourite among locals and tourists.

Q: What makes Italian cookery so popular in Bideford?
A: Italian cookery’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, its versatility, and the use of simple, flavorful ingredients and traditional cooking techniques make it popular in Bideford. Italian menu has something to offer everyone, whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian.

Q: What are the best Italian restaurants in Bideford?
A: Some of the best Italian restaurants in Bideford are Belluno, Giovanni’s, The Italian Kitchen, and The Drift Restaurant. These restaurants offer delicious food, excellent service, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Q: How can I choose the right Italian restaurant in Bideford?
A: To choose the best Italian restaurant in Bideford, you can read reviews from previous diners on websites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp, check menus to ensure that they offer dishes that cater to your taste and dietary requirements, consider ambience, and support local businesses by choosing to dine at a locally owned Italian restaurant.

Author Matt Ogborne
Matt Ogborne
About the Author

Welcome to Bideford.com! I’m Matt, a seasoned explorer and avid fan of Bideford and the broader North Devon area. With over a decade of consistent family visits, virtually every weekend, I’ve immersed myself in the rich history and vibrant culture Bideford & North Devon.

On this site, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge amassed from my adventures here. From in-depth local guides to engaging blog posts about Bideford. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on things to do or guidance on where to stay we have you covered. Join me as we delve into the heart of Bideford, North Devon – a town that’s more than just a destination, but an experience waiting to be discovered.

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