The Cottage italian bistrò in Central Bedfordshire

Modest but genuine Italian food. We'll return.

We visited as a larger group for dinner and I can't say we were overly impressed. It was very much a mixed bag on the food front; the mushroom lasagne and Bolognese were nice, yet the gnocchi with nduja needed seasoning and the salmon tagliatelle was bordering on tasteless and had to be sent back. The bruschetta was fine but for a starter priced at £8 you'd expect nicer tomatoes...pleasant enough but a far cry from better examples of the dish we'd had. One of the starters we ordered was also forgotten about. On the plus side, the staff were friendly enough, it had a nice atmosphere, and some of our group were very happy with the food. The total came to around £35 per head, which is not expensive but still managed to feel steep considering the uneven food. Not bad but you can do better in Leighton Buzzard and most other places, we wouldn't return.

Beautiful food, great atmosphere and service. Thanks!

My first visit, a treat from my lovely friends. Amazing food, friendly and attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere. Looking forward to a return visit.

An ok to good visit, but nothing outstanding or special unfortunately. We visited as a large party and shared some starters and had a main course each, along with two bottles of wine for the table and a couple other drinks. The menu seemed reasonably priced but the bill worked out to be around £35 each which seemed expensive for what we had...was expecting around £30... we didn't note the price for the garlic bread starters/sides (which werent on the menu) so that could have been expensive. We did check the receipt and did seem to order everything on there but for the average quality food, it just seemed a lot so I can't say the value for money is good here. The wine was tasty though, but the mains ranged from ok to good. One did get sent back (salmon tagliatelle as was too plain to eat), replaced with spaghetti bolognese which was better and had taste. The service was pretty slow, half expected for a Saturday night and a big table? The waitresses weren't overly friendly with us but again was ok. The setting in the restaurant was lovely though. Overall, I cant recommend for dinner (although price of a main alone without any extras does seem reasonable), but maybe lunch service is better?

A very nice all-round experience with service and food. No rush and a good atmosphere

Had a really lovely last minute meal here last night, delicious food, drinks and wonderful service. Free entertainment was also provided by a nearby table of 4 being very rude and difficult with the waitress, complaining about the food (after they’d eaten it) and clearly just trying to scam a free meal from the owner. We’ll be back (but hopefully they won’t!).

lovely Lasagne and cozy atmosphere

Love this place. It’s the fourth time I’ve been here and it never disappoints. The food is always excellent and the service is great. The two waitresses were amazing. We were a party of six and they really looked after us. I had prawns as a starter and salmon for my main. Both really tasty and well cooked. The tiramisu, which is served in a plant pot, is to die for. Would highly recommend.

Service has gone downhill I'm afraid! Very slow, took an hour to take our order. No options for vegan choices. Unfortunately, I am lactose intolerant and had trouble choosing anything I could eat! Will not go back!

Amazing food and great service, sat outside lovely atmosphere would highly recommend

Disappointed regarding the food. The salad was inedible due to being old, floppy and past its prime. Tasteless. The mushroom lasagne was dry at the edges and was not value for money. The tables were wobbly and covered in plastic tablecloths. The daily menue sheets were grubby and stained. Overall insufficient value for money and with an added and enforced service charge.

1 small piece of cheese, cut into slices with a few biscuits and a few grapes should not cost £9!

The food was absolutely stunning. We were shown upstairs to their beautifully decorated 1st floor. The mural painting around the ceiling and walls had a really cosy cottage feel to it. The chef and waitresses checked on us often for refills and to check if our food was alright. I had a lovely meaty cod on a creamy bed of peas with prawn. The truffle and parmesan chips were a nice addition, too. The portion sizes were very generous. All in all a 10/10 dinner experience. We'll definitely be back again!

Went for a lovely meal at The Cottage for our joint birthdays 25th May food was good. Atmosphere good, service good thoroughly enjoyed our birthday meal thankyou for a lovely experience, and our lemonchello surprise at the end of 😊👏🍾

I was expecting this place to be good as it was recommended, however, I was left disappointed. When we arrived we were put upstairs in a cramped corner, there was a party of approx 15 people obviously celebrating something, who were extremely loud, we couldn't hear each other speak so asked to move. We were moved downstairs which was better, however the chairs were very uncomfortable, bolt upright, almost pushing me forward. The food was nothing special. The bruschetta was soggy and the Rigatoni alla Salsiccia (Sausage Pasta) had too much broccoli and not enough sausage. My husband's main meal, Calves Liver alla Veneziana was not worth the price, small portion. We were expecting more Italian options, like a risotto or calzone but these were not offered. We both had a Passion Fruit Martini which were good. The service was good, however we were never asked if everything was ok with anything, including our food, even after we were moved. We won't be returning unfortunately.

Perfect place for birthday brunch! Wonderful hospitality and delicious food. The pistachio cheesecake was divine. Will definitely be visiting again.

Arrived at restaurant. Cold evening so they moved our table away from the door. 3 of 6 asked for amendments to menu. No problem at all. Can't fault the place. Lovely

This was my wife's and my first visit to Martinis since it was rebranded as "The Cottage". The staff remain the same (which is a good thing); there is tasteful new furniture (also good); and the standard menu has been updated and complimented with a "specials menu" that changes each month - yes, good again. We were there for just two courses (plus pre-dinner drinks, and a bottle of win) and the standout item for my wife was the "Calves Liver alla Veneziana (GFA)" I had the "Vitello Milanese" (which was huge!) - and including the side tomato marinara sauce as standard was a good call by the chef, otherwise it would have been a little too dry for my palate. Although we are carnivores, we think it's good that a separate Vegan Menu is available (our son and daughter-in-law are vegans). The Vegan Menu is small right now, but if/when more Vegans ask for it, I feel sure that the team would love to hear suggestions for improvement.

I must express my sincere appreciation for the remarkable dining experience we had. The food and customer service were truly outstanding. Our choices of salmon and beef stew surpassed all expectations, with generous portions that delighted our palates. The variety of drinks offered added to the enjoyment of our meal, and the dessert was simply exquisite. The beautiful decor and tranquil atmosphere further enhanced our dining pleasure. Without a doubt, we eagerly anticipate returning to relish this exceptional culinary haven once more.

We always have a great time at The Cottage. The food is fresh and delicious. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed. The wine choices on the menu are excellent. And last but not least, the people who run the place go above and beyond to make sure we’re having a good time.

Booked again but Manager phoned and said I am banned. Well my wife an I did walk out midway thru meal and didn't pay. There was a party if 20 or so with children who rampaged around, all were playing silly noisy games... manic... and few we knew, neighbours! Asked waitresses to ask them to tone it down, they didn't. Went to manager who said he wouldn't as they were regulars... Didn't appreciate this, told him this may be OK in a Palermo Pizza Parlour but not an upmarket Italian Restaurant. Left food and drink and walked out. Booked again to give him some trade etc and the food is good. Hi de hi, the world isn't going to stop spinning ... Other fish in the sea... So spend= £0

Absolutely love the cottage staff & food are amazing everything tastes so fresh vegan breakfast is amazing.

Very nice atmosphere, great service and the food is really good

Great place great and amazing food and friendly helpful amazing staff. It's the only Italian restaurant I go to in Bedfordshire. Highly Highly recommend 👌

The service was excellent, the staff were very helpful and friendly. The food was really jice

We dined here for valentines day and really enjoyed the whole experience. The food was lovely and the atmosphere was friendly. We will definitely visit again.

Great meal, haven't been there for about 10 years, place done up really nice, great atmosphere not rushed through service and table service very good, will be going back real soon thanks for a great evening.

We visited after work and the food was reasonably prices, delicious and decent sized portions. Definitely recommend the Nutella cheesecake.

My son brought me here for a meal on my birthday and we had a great time. I chose things I don’t make for myself…😀 The calamari tasted freshly cooked - crisp and hot - and the calves liver was tender and flavoursome. The gravy was very tasty with a good depth of flavour and consistency and the mashed potato silky. Service was attentive (but not overly so which can be annoying) and responsive. All in all, I thought it was brilliant evening

Really lovely restaurant. Had brunch here and the food was lovely. Really friendly staff and great atmosphere.

A really lovely brunch today, gorgeous food, really good service. The place looks brilliant inside, really nicely done out. The new people have done a great job. Great coffee as well.

Lovely newly done up little restaurant. Had the veal & missus the calves liver - both of us really enjoyed it! Loved the Nero D'Avola red wine too - very moorish. Great service too & decent pricing. Will definitely visit again.

Food very good. Very disappointing service ( I think a new young waitress who may not have been trained and nervous ) Our order was messed up so I was served my food but my wife's didn't come ( and had to ask if we could eat together. Was sorted out though but not a great impression and long wait. Manager apologetic but would have expected some discount and not to have to asknfor the automatically included service charge to be removed and have to explain why. Kind of ruined the epxeriencence for us and don't get out much as a couple did go childcare . So a bit disappointed. Food was great though and imagine just a mistake that can happen. They would do well to make service charges and tips optional , and make sure staff are trained and supported. Clearly an error , but have never been to a restaurant in my life that gives one dinner food only and then says they didn't take the order. We're told the manager was angry with the waitress , who was young and nervous. Didn't like that really and made us feel awkward . May go back but not in a mad rush too

Martini/The Cottage is a very cozy spot for some Italian food. We’d long been meaning to go in and decided to book in for a table of 6 last night. I like the old building a lot. Low ceilings, nice and warm inside, old architecture meets modern decor. Our food was great. I thought the garlic mushrooms with pancetta and cheese were incredible. Very filling and full of flavour. The veal I had for the main course didn’t disappoint either. Some of the most amazing mashed potatoes I’ve had and some very flavourful meat. I’m very impressed. The prices were very good as well. I expected the final bill to be much more. Lastly, they serve a very good pint of birra moretti in here. We hope to return soon!

Delicious dinner served by lovely hosts.

Fantastic food, strongly recommend 👌

Food heaven. Made from scratch tastes sooo different from your packaged products. This was divine. Cosy and personal. Perfect.

Had a lovely meal at this wonderful cosy cottage feel Italian restaurant yesterday evening. Great ambience (upstairs is lovely) and the food is delicious - catered for meat, vegetarian as well as vegan (vegan lasagne was delicious)! Order the tiramisu - just don't water the pot ;)

The mushroom starter I had was a bit uninspired but the rest of the food was great. Service very attentive and the owner came out to have a chat, which was nice.

Renovated, warm, welcoming place. Friendly and professional service. I ate wonderfully well. I highly recommend it.

Just moved to Leighton Buzzard and booked The Cottage for my Girlfriend’s Birthday. Everything from the food to the service was amazing. The setting of a cosy English cottage with Italian food was the perfect combination. And a special shout out for singing Happy Birthday and putting a candle on top of my Girlfriend’s tiramisu, it’s the little things that go away a long way. Definitely coming back

What a hidden gem. The new decor is great. Such friendly service - I have been in the hospitality industry for almost thirty years and its such a joy to experience such great food and service. Up a side road in Leighton Buzzard, and just across the road from a car park - so convenient and peaceful when you leave the restaurant. This restaurant recently renamed definitely gets my vote !

It's OK.. Food was OK but nothing I'd say was memorable good or bad. Service was prompt and it is a well presented restaurant.

Lovely little restaurant, staff welcoming, atmosphere relaxed. Disappointed in the menu and lack of choice.

Lovely Italian restaurant in Leighton Buzzard. Opted for the stuffed mushrooms and vegan lasagna. Both were ok but acknowledging other reviews just seemed a little dry and I need of flavour and/or seasoning. Fabulous vibe.

Used to use Martini’s frequently but also for special occasions between 2000 and 2020 when we moved to the north east. Booked tonight as part of a trip down memory lane. I was a little surprised to get a table 3 days beforehand on a Friday evening! The service was amazing, although we were both hoping to see familiar faces, the food ( stuffed mushroom, mussels, lamb, veal and extra potato’s/ broccoli) was very underwhelming, far too much garlic and olive oil trying to hide the main event. Spoke to the new current owner who sounded passionate about the restaurant, food and ambiance. This is a gem waiting to shine again in my honest opinion. I really do hope Alexandro takes this on board, I know the vast majority of feedback is 5/5 but on this visit - sadly very sadly underwhelmed.

Great pasta, great service, will definitely go back for desserts.

Quite a bland and under-seasoned food offering. Expensive and fairly small portions. Would we visit again? Probably not.

a bit more on the expensive side but the food is delicious! my wine came with lots of debris in it, but they changed it as soon as we let them know. good service and nice ambiance

Lovely evening with friends. Food was delicious. Not too big a menu that you dont know what to choose, but more than enough choice. Would definitely go back.

Leider war die Heizung defekt, daher war es sehr kalt im Restaurant. Das Essen war herrlich!!

Amazing food, professional and friendly staff and owner, beautiful interior. Had a lovely meal, very tasty. Will definitely be back again!

It was a shame that we were the only customers in that night

Warm and friendly atmosphere, speedy well timed service, recommended wine and went through the menu with us. The food was superb felt like I was back in Italy. Very authentic. Good quality ingredients and all food arrived nice and hot. I won’t go anywhere else now.

Really lovely food - (and good house wine)nice to have a good Italian that is more than a pizza place!

Great Italian place. Good food. Excellent service. Waiterresses do an exceptional job. Keep up the good work.

Food disappointing & bland, service good ladies toilets no handle or lock no way to dry hands

Authentic Italian food and it is some of the best food I have ever tasted. Lovely for a classy night out. The staff are very friendly and the owners are on the ball and remember the people that have been there really recommend this place.

Great service and delicious food. Will be back.

Great food as always and highly recommended

Went for my birthday treat, and it was very good, staff very pleasant, good food, and a nice restaurant, will be going back.

Lovely little Italian restaurant with a lot of potential! If you are around Leighton Buzzard, definitely you need to give it a try! 100% will recommend:)

We had a lovely evening at Martini. It was our first time and eating alfresco felt like we were abroad somewhere! Food was fantastic, staff were friendly, we can’t wait to return, next time with our pasta loving little boy!

First time eating here and will definitely be returning. The food was lovely the staff were friendly and efficient and the prices were very reasonable. Lovely surroundings too.

Excellent service and excellent food, friendly and welcoming

Wow what an amazing experience the athmosphere and the starff were on top form will definitely be coming back oh the food this is probably no definitly the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. Just everything the wine, the food, the music the staff!!!

Great food, great service, great night, but very expensive for what we had. Wont rush there any time soon.

Lovely food, great service a lovely experience thank-you Martini's x

Amazing food in a wonderful setting with great service, always

Martini café (not the main restaurant) is a Great place to grab delicious Italian lunch, proper Italian taste and very good and rich ingredients, quality is as you will expect from proper Italian place. Few tables inside so eating inside is optional, it’s always busy so that’s also says a lot. Prices are very comparable and affordable. Highly recommend to visit.

Good food friendly staff bit expensive

Best Italian food you’ll find in Leighton Buzzard. Top service and cozy atmosphere.

First time last night. Had Melanzane alla parmigiana. The option was to have it as a starter £9ish or as a main £16ish. I ordered a main. When i received a small dish with barely two layers and a side salad i checked with the waitress they got my order right as it looked too small to be a main (for £16!!). I was told the only difference between starter and main is the added side salad. The dish tasted really good but in all onesty overpriced for what you get. Make the main bigger portion or reduce the price. The pistachio cheesecake was good. Nice atmosphere.

We had the room upstairs for our group, the food was delicious and the service outstanding. We had a great time

What a great meal we had, first time we been in there since new owners took over, the service was superb, attentive staff and friendly, the menu had a great selection, they gave us time to select, both my starter and main was perfect, the place was packed, make sure you book. before leaving we asked to see the new open area at the back, it’s going to be really nice out there. 4 stars only because the facilities are unchanged in years, very small let’s hope they sort that out.

AS always great food and really lovely Italian atmosphere.

Great Italian restaurant in Leighton Buzzard! Pollo alla mostarda = 🔝

Great food . Excellent service. Lovely to sit outside in the garden .

Lovely meal and helpful staff. We had an enjoyable dinner. I did think that including a 10% service charge on a bill for 2 people was a bit cheeky.

Amazing service and food is incredible.

We've been here a couple of times now and each time the food has been amazing!! Quick and friendly service. Have recommended friends and family and will definitely go back. Thank you Martini's for such a lovely atmosphere and great food again

We had an absolutely great night and meal here. Service was spot on and the food was delicious. A really beautiful place 🇮🇹. Can’t wait to come back!

Very helpful in providing a table at short notice. Lovely meal and great atmosphere.

As I know pretty well that Italian food is the best in the world, I have visited many an Italian restaurant. Martini's has to be one of the best I have ever had. Fantastic, authentic food served by an efficient and attentive waitress (I think her name was Daisy). Recommended!!!

Very Covid aware and great food.

This restaurant was absolutely stunning, it was very comfortable inside and the food.. Omg the food 😍. I had a date night with my girlfriend here and we both really enjoyed everything about Martini, the owner also let us sit out back by ourselves and have dessert out there, the customer service was superb.

I'm Italian, I'm based in London since 3 years now and this is the first italian restaurant where I feel like at home. The Parmigiana di Melanzane is marvellous! Cozze alla Marinara are superb! I was in Leighton Buzzard for work and I went there twice in a row. The quality of the ingredients and the passion/love for food tradition does the most. No need to say, they have a selection of the best italian wines... this restaurant is a precious pearl in town! Bravi Ragazzi! I hope to see you soon! Tom & Faby

Incredible food, amazing service, the fillet steak is one of the best things I've ever eaten

My husband took me for a special meal recently and it really was special. The service was friendly and efficient. The food was wonderful. I had the fillet steak and it was cooked to perfection. My husband ordered the mussels to start and calves liver for his main. He was very impressed with his meal too. We ordered the house wine, which was also good. Its not cheap to eat here, but you get quality for the money paid. Highly recommended.

Nice decor, friendly staff and amazing cuisine. Highly recommended.

First customers to use the revamped upstairs restaurant, party of four well travelled characters Taste and flavours flourish here , along with amiable and attentive service.

Brilliant Italian food, best dining in Leighton Buzzard. Proper Italian food, warm friendly service

Fantastic meal staff really friendly

Had a lovely girls night out in your beautiful restaurant tonight great service delicious food great wine thank you so much to the waiting staff you do a fantastic job. We will definitely be back soon.

We went with a party of nine was brilliant very cosy seating, food excellent, good wine and staff very polite helpful and happy. Would definitely recommend great place with a car park almost opposite

This restaurant is in a wonderfully old building, with lots of individual seating areas. Clean and simply decorated with light beams and white tablecloths. Staff are very attentive and friendly. We had a table of nine and all of our meals arrived together and were all piping hot and really tasty. Desert was just as delicious. Wine menu was good and value for money was excellent. Highly recommend this little Leighton buzzard gem.

Seasonal and bespoke menu. Friendly staff and cosy venue.

According to their website, the restaurant has changed management and is closed until December. (I think they mean: December 2019 but maybe it's open again and they haven't updated the website)

We've been going to Martini's for years, so we were very pleased to find the food and service, with a lovely relaxed, friendly atmosphere just as good as ever. Definitely staying up the top of our places to eat out.