Eat · Exeter
Where to eat in Exeter
Independent places to eat in Exeter, from The South West Guide. 50 entries, chosen for being good rather than for paying to be here.
Somboon Thai Shop
Half Thai grocery, half noodle bar - everything from the noodles to the sauces made fresh in house, daily.
Al-Farid
Moroccan restaurant near Cathedral Yard, known for its tagines and atmospheric, authentically decorated dining room.
Apple Blossom Deli
St Thomas deli known for homemade sausage rolls, focaccia and a well-loved coffee and walnut cake.
Arcadia Exeter (by Utopian)
Small plates and craft beer bar tucked off the High Street, run by local coffee/hospitality group Utopian.
Aris Healthy Life Food Store & Cafe
Organic food store and cafe on Sidwell Street, strong on ethically sourced ingredients and vegan options.
Baobab Deli
Small independent deli on Fore Street, fresh-cooked salads and baklava, praised for generous portions.
Boatyard Cafe and Bakery
Artisan bakery and cafe on the Quay at Haven Road, known for weekly-changing pastries and fresh sourdough.
Chapters Coffee House
Family-run coffee house on Warwick Way, bakes handed down three generations, a real community hub.
Choy's Fish & Chips
Small, cash-only chippy in Wonford praised for hand-cut chips and generous portions.
Cosy Corner
Chinese restaurant on Sidwell Street, popular with the local Chinese community, known for roast duck and pork.
Devon Coffee
Compact specialty coffee shop on Queen Street, known for carefully extracted espresso.
Dinosaur Cafe
Small Mediterranean restaurant near New North Road, known for mezze, halloumi and baklava.
Duke's Deli
New independent sandwich shop on Paris Street, already known locally for its generously filled steak and meatball subs.
Eat On The Green
Cafe right by Exeter Cathedral, known for its cream teas and views over Cathedral Green.
Goto
Owner-run Japanese restaurant on New Bridge Street, known regulars by name and consistently excellent ramen and sushi.
Hanlees
Deli and salad bar on Bedford Street, popular for build-your-own salad boxes and toasties made fresh daily.
Herbies
Long-running vegetarian and vegan restaurant on North Street, tapas-style small plates menu.
Hook Fish and Chips
Fish and chip shop on South Street known for fresh fish, homemade tartare sauce and halal options.
How On Earth Vegan Deli
100% vegan deli on South Street, known for loaded sandwiches, salad bowls and a strong community feel.
iFood Thai Taste
Thai restaurant on Sidwell Street known for beautifully presented dishes and a fresh, high-quality menu.
ISCA Restaurant and Bar
Restaurant and bar near the Science Park, praised for its festive/seasonal menus and family-friendly atmosphere.
Istanbul Restaurant
Turkish restaurant on Sidwell Street, known for its mezze platter, mixed grill and Turkish breakfast.
JingDou Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Owner-run Japanese and Chinese restaurant tucked at the end of the High Street, sushi and sashimi praised as some of the best in the area.
LUNA CAFE
Stylish, healthy-focused cafe on Queen Street, known for granola bowls, juices and generous brunch plates.
Mango's Cafe & Bar
All-day cafe and bar on the Quay at Kings Wharf, a long-standing local favourite for brunch.
New Inn Alphington
Village pub in Alphington known for generous gastro-pub portions at fair prices.
Ping's Restaurant
Long-standing Chinese restaurant on Sidwell Street, praised for genuinely authentic (not westernised) cooking.
Pink Ginger Flower Cafe
Independent matcha and Japanese tea cafe on Paris Street known for its roll cakes and birthday cakes.
Portal Pizza
Neapolitan and NY-style pizza on Magdalen Road, started as a lockdown idea and now a genuine Exeter favourite.
Rogamo
Owner-run Chinese restaurant on Sidwell Street, all hand-made noodles cooked by the owner himself - a genuine hidden gem.
Sabatini
Family-run Italian restaurant on Catherine Street, known for its set lunch menu and consistent, no-fuss cooking.
Sacred Grounds
Vegan cafe and live music venue in McCoys Arcade, known for its vegan egg royale and seasonal menus.
Shimizu Sushi
Independent Japanese restaurant near Sidwell Street with an unusually large authentic menu, from okonomiyaki to ramen to sushi.
Smart Fish Bar
Neighbourhood chippy in Exwick, known for freshly cooked chips and a large gluten-free menu.
Sprout
Small vegan cafe right by Cathedral Yard, known for salads, quiches and Portuguese custard tarts.
Sundays
Surf-themed cafe on the Quay, family-run, praised for vegan-friendly food and warm service.
The (Tiny) Tasting Room
Small cafe down an alleyway near the Cathedral, known for homemade cakes and a genuinely warm welcome.
The Fat Pig
Cosy pub just off the High Street, known for its Sunday roasts and seasonal small-plates menu.
The Fish Supper House
Owner-run chippy near Exe Bridges, cooked in beef dripping, regularly named among the best fish and chips in Devon.
The Flat
Independent vegetarian pizza restaurant on Fore Street, locally famous for its crispy, fresh-topped pizzas.
The HeaviDeli
Owner-run deli in Heavitree stocking local Devon produce, fresh sandwiches and gourmet coffee.
The Press House
Cafe on Fore Street in a former letterpress workshop, known for a calm atmosphere and excellent brunch.
The Robin's Nest
Family-run cafe in Pinhoe with a play area for kids and homemade baked goods.
The Secret Garden
Garden cafe on Pennsylvania Road with views over Woodbury Common, known for cakes and a peaceful setting.
The Sunset Society
Locally owned coffee shop near Old Tiverton Road with a retro surf vibe and a loyal student following.
The Thatched House
Historic thatched pub in Exwick known for its carvery and strong gluten-free and vegan options.
The Undergrad
Independent cafe by day, bar by night, in The Depot near Exeter Central - known for its bacon pancake stack.
Trailways
Cash-only traditional greasy spoon in Pinhoe serving hearty, cheap breakfasts.
Tyepyedong
Long-running Asian fusion restaurant on Sidwell Street, a genuine Exeter institution for noodles and stir-fry.
VEG BOX
Vegan and vegetarian cafe on the Quay at Haven Banks, dog-friendly with river views.