One of a growing number of value for money dining options in High Street Northcote, Cafe Bedda's approach is informal, friendly and unpretentious. The standard menu offers Sicilian specialties such as dried cod fritters and truly mouth watering pork & fennel sausages to start, and some very good mains like their orange influenced lamb ragu pasta. There are always specials and the pizzas are good value. Dishes cater for vegetarians as well as omnivores. The wine list is small but offers a good range of wines at affordable prices. The listed wine of the day was a Nero D'Avola, one of Sicily's most important varieties, and was similar to a young shiraz

Approximate cost: $40 pp with glass of wine

Service was disappointing, with staff/owners more consumed with internal discussions and how to work the ordering system on the computer. However, the Konju Varuthadhu (prawns marinated in a spice paste of chilies and onions) were moist and well spiced , and the vegetable samosas similarly well prepared. The Cochin Chicken Fry (described as marinated chicken drumsticks fried with chef's special spice mix) were dry pieces of breast meat fried to arid dryness. The Uzhunnuvada (lentils ground and mixed with salt, green chilly and curry leaves in deep fried in oil served with coconut chutney) were bland and dry. The coconut chutney seemed more like re-hydrated desiccated coconut.
The Chicken Stew (Kerala special chicken prepared with potato, vegetables and coconut milk) was very moist, well spiced and fresh, as was the Kizhangu Curry (a Kerala style potato curry prepared with onion and spices). I am not sure that anyone who has eaten Keralan food in and around Emakulam and Kochi would rush back here. Small but balanced and inexpensive wine list.

Approximate cost: $18

Have been shopping here for 25 years and love the consistent quality. We know people who travel here from suburbs 15km away to get their meats. The owner, his son and all staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Approximate cost: $a little more than average but great value