Despite the name suggesting an Italian trattoria, Beccafico on Tuckton Road is really a small-plates restaurant built around Spanish and Sicilian influences, tapas-style sharing dishes, homemade specials and a rotating monthly menu, in a relaxed, independently-run neighbourhood spot on the Southbourne/Tuckton border near the river.
The food
The core of the menu is small plates that change monthly, so regulars keep coming back to see what's new. Alongside the tapas there are set theme nights: Pizza Tuesdays and Tapas Thursdays bring dedicated menus, and Sundays add a roast to the mix. To drink, there's Spanish lager on tap and a wine list that leans Sicilian, fitting the Mediterranean feel of the food. Next door, a small shop sells frozen ready meals to take home, handy if you've enjoyed a dish and want it again during the week.
Good to know
Beccafico has both indoor and outdoor seating and takes walk-ins, but it's a small restaurant that's built a loyal local following, so booking ahead is sensible for evenings and theme nights. It's closed on Mondays, open from around midday the rest of the week, with slightly earlier closing on Sundays, always worth confirming current times before you set out. You can reach the restaurant by phone, email or via its website to book or ask about the menu.
Beccafico sits a little away from the main Southbourne Grove shops, closer to Tuckton Bridge and the river, making it an easy stop if you're exploring that end of the village, see our Southbourne guide for more. For other places to eat nearby, browse the rest of our food & drink guide.