Bedda To Open In San Diego's South Park, Bringing A Warm, Sicilian-Inspired All-Day Concept To Former Matteo Bakery Space

An all-day, Italian dining concept called Bedda is preparing to open in San Diego’s South Park, taking over the former Matteo bakery space on Juniper Street and ushering in a fresh chapter for the well-known corner location.

The space previously housed Matteo, a bakery and café concept that opened in early 2020 and permanently closed in December 2025 after nearly five years in operation, marking the end of an era for the longtime South Park fixture.

Bedda is being led by Angela Catania, who is no stranger to the neighborhood. Catania also owns Carbon Angela’s Kitchen, located just blocks away, which she fully took over from the Buona Forchetta group in 2023 and has since operated independently.

The new concept is deeply personal in both name and intention. “Bedda comes from the Sicilian word for ‘beautiful,’” Catania explained. “But it also has personal meaning for me. Many years ago, I sent my boys to Sicily for the summer to spend time with my family. When they came back, ‘Bedda’ had become their name for me instead of ‘Mom,’ and it has stayed with us ever since.”

That sense of family, care, and warmth is central to the concept. “Everything I build is done with my children in mind,” Catania said. “Bedda reflects that care, intention, and sense of warmth.”

Bedda is designed as a flexible, all-day restaurant that evolves with the rhythm of the neighborhood. During daytime hours, the focus will be on brunch and lunch, anchored by a concise menu built around high-quality, rotating ingredients. Guests can expect distinctive daytime offerings alongside pastries, cookies, gelato, and thoughtfully curated grab-and-go options.

The concept will also feature focaccia sandwiches, charcuterie selections, and a dedicated deli component aimed at diners looking for something quick yet elevated whether stopping in on a walk through South Park or picking up food to go.

In the evening, Bedda will transition into a relaxed, tapas-style bar environment. The nighttime menu will showcase a curated selection of hot and cold plates, designed for sharing, alongside vermouth-forward cocktails, sangria, and a complementary wine program. Once operations are fully settled, reservations will be introduced to support the service experience.

Located in one of San Diego’s most established and walkable neighborhoods, Bedda aims to serve as a welcoming gathering place rather than a destination built around hype or exclusivity. The goal, according to Catania, is to create a space that feels lived-in and accessible. She describes it as a restaurant that neighbors can return to regularly, whether for a casual lunch, an early evening drink, or a relaxed night out.

Bedda is currently planning a soft opening during the week of February 10-15, allowing the team time to fine-tune service and offerings before fully settling into regular operations. Additional details, including hours and reservation availability, are expected to be announced closer to opening.

Bedda will in mid-February at 3015 Juniper Street in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. For more information, follow @bedda.sp on Instagram

Originally published on January 27, 2026.