Richie's South Indian Restaurant

Richie's South Indian Restaurant is on North Street in St Davids, Exeter, a sister site to the original Richie's in Torquay, both serving authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine rather than the more familiar North Indian menu found at most curry houses in the city. The building itself is part of the appeal - it doesn't look like much from the street, but the main dining room has painted historic wall panels dating back to the 16th or 17th century, and the restaurant proper is tucked into a cosier space at the back.

Dosas are what most reviewers come back for, consistently singled out as the standout dish alongside the wider Tamil Nadu menu of curries, rice dishes and South Indian specialities rarely seen on other Exeter menus. Prices run reasonable for the quality on offer, and there's a 10% student discount, which fits a location a short walk from the university. Between the unusual building and a menu that steps well outside the standard curry-house formula, it has built a loyal following as one of the more distinctive Indian restaurants in the city, reflected in a 4.3 rating from over 80 reviews.