r/exeter Feb 07 '23

Food Best foods in Exeter! (In my humble opinion)

160 Upvotes

This is updated as regularly as my wallet allows

THAI: Kinkhao on Well St, best place there is. Incredibly authentic with weekly specials (check their Instagram). Vibe is very cute and cosy, the owner does art and ceramics which are also for sale in the restaurant (cash only for them, but they take card for food and stuff). Turn up earlier or you’ll have to wait.

THAI pt.2: iFood on Sidwell street has a chokehold on Exeter and it’s no surprise why. Great food, generous portion sizes, and fast service. Not the best place if you’re looking for atmosphere, but definitely one to visit.

FANCY/TASTING MENU: Stage on Magdalen Road. Featured in the Michelin Guide, written about by Jay Rayner in The Guardian. Beautiful seasonal tasting menus, immaculate service, able to cater for dietary requirements. If you drink they have a wine pairing which I’ve heard really good as well! Book ahead!

SPANISH: Calvo Loco Tapas Bar on Magdalen Road. A bit more on the expensive side, but a phenomenal selection of delicious tapas in a cosy setting. Perfect for a date night or special occasion.

PIZZA: Portal Pizza on Magdalen Road. They have amazing pizza and tiramisu, and I frequent their pizza van outside Topsham Brewery on the Quay. Just a banging pizza really. Both are usually busy, so get there early! They’ve also just opened a new location by Central Station (where Exploding Bakery used to be), I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but I’m sure it’s just as good as the other two spots!

PIZZA pt.2: Old Firehouse - very cosy, only downside is that it tends to be full of students and thus very hard to get a table unless you go early.

PIZZA pt.3: The Flat on Fore Street. I can’t believe it took me a year to come here. It’s all vegan/veg, and honestly I was kinda ready to dislike it, but I was so pleasantly surprised. Pizza dough is perfect, the flavour pairings on the toppings are phenomenal, and the vibes as really lovely. Make sure to book in advance so as not to be disappointed!

JAPANESE: Goto Japanese on fore street (more on the spenny side). Their fish is fresh caught and locally sourced too.

JAPANESE pt.2: Shimizu Sushi on Well Street. I’ve never eaten in, but their food is really good, albeit a bit on the pricier side.

SEAFOOD: Rockfish for seafood (also more on the spenny side but not too bad), very cute and nice view of the Quay esp in the evening.

FAST FOOD: Slim Chickens, right next to Nandos. Get the fried onions and texas toast.

CHINESE: Cosy Corner, Sidwell Street. Good Hong Kong style food, big portions. Recommend the Yangzhou fried rice!

CHINESE pt.2: Red Panda on Gandy street. Delicious bao and salads, only open Tues-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm. No seating but there are standing tables outside. There is a main restaurant in Lyme Regis as well I think.

FILIPINO: Wings n Things at the Guildhall Outdoor Food Market, go on a weekend and get the special (pork humba is my fave)! The lumpia (spring rolls) is another favourite! Haven’t had any of the fried chicken yet, but looking forward to it. TAKEAWAY ONLY

TURKISH: Effes Grill (sidwell street). Also not very vibey, but huge portions (you could probably share one big plate amongst two or even three ppl).

MOROCCAN: Al Farid (by the cathedral - more on the spenny side). Even if you don’t go for food, drinks and shisha on their enclosed terrace is really nice and not expensive either.

KOREAN: Oh My Kimchi - Blackboy Road (near Henry’s). Absolutely delicious Korean food - japchae, Korean wings, bulgogi, jjigae. So so good. A bit more expensive but definitely worth it.

KOREAN pt.2: Real Korea on South Street. Really good authentic Korean food in the centre of town. Very similar offerings to Oh My Kimchi but equally good. The bibimbap is served in the authentic stone bowl and is absolutely delicious. Portions are generous too!

GASTROPUB: The Hourglass Inn. Great little pub with great beer selection and a phenomenal dining room. Food is a little bit on the more expensive side, but is 10000% worth it. Standout stars are the boquerones and a massive sharers steak pie with thick cut chips.

CAFES:

*The Common Beaver* Lovely independent cafe on Magdalen Road, homemade bagels and cakes, phenomenal coffee, great location.

The Ridge down by the Quay. Huge selection of yummy sandwiches and pastries.

Chandos in Princesshay. It’s paramount to get there before the lunch rush or there’ll be nothing left. A little spennier than your traditional cafe, but their sandwiches are to die for. Check their Instagram @chandosdeli.exeter for their specials too!

Alma off Fore Street. Previously known as Crankhouse coffee, they’re recently relaunched their cafe on Batholomew St West. The cafe itself is beautifully and thoughtfully designed, bright, airy, it’s simultaneously elegant and cosy. I’ve been buying Crankhouse coffee beans for years and they’re SO GOOD. Cakes are phenomenal, with a good selection for intolerances and stuff.

Lilac Bakery in St. Thomas. I have yet to go as it’s slightly difficult to get to if you don’t have access to a vehicle, but I’ve heard phenomenal stuff about their homemade pastries. Check out their instagram for more!

MISC (in no particular order):

  • The Big Kebabski food truck (Guildhall and other places). The do the most amazing multi award-winning vegan kebabs and other specials (special mention to their sexy spuds). As far as I know their only regular day in Exeter is Saturday, but keep an eye on their Instagram for appearances throughout Devon!
  • POP (Princesshay, near where Luciano’s was). Phenomenal toasties, ribs, wings, pizza, salads, the whole shebang. I ate so many lactase pills before I came here, and it was worth it. Check out their Instagram @webuildarestaurant for specials and events!! Highly highly recommend!!!

*Notable restaurants near Exeter but not in it*
- *The Galley* in Topsham is a phenomenal dining experience. Headed up by a Chinese chef, the ever changing menu is always slightly Asian inspired and based on fresh ingredients. Great pricing for fine dining.

- *Emilia* in Ashburton. Tiny little Michelin Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant set inside Ashburton’s old town bank. We had the big Italian Sunday lunch, which is at set four course menu at £42pp. The kitchen also open so you can watch whilst you’re enjoying your meal. 10/10 would recommend.

Source - am a massive foodie. I have recommendations for most of these places (especially the Asian ones being Asian myself) so feel free to shoot me a message!

Will keep updating this over time x

Last edited 1/6/26


r/exeter 7h ago

Local Information request Anyone know a great private dentist?

5 Upvotes

I used to be with Mr Day at Southernhay but he’s retired. I’m interested in good experience and also dealing with nervous patients rather than cost - just looking for a really good dentist I can trust.


r/exeter 1h ago

Miscellaneous Lost tin at arena

Upvotes

Hi all

My roommate lost her smoke tin over the weekend near the arena in pinhoe. It's a little brass colour tin with a picture of a dinosaur on the front. Let me know if ya find it, its sentimental to her


r/exeter 14h ago

Local Information request Private hire venue suggestions in or around the city

3 Upvotes

Hi my partner and I met and used to live in Exeter and we would love to have our wedding there or nearby.

We’re not looking for official wedding venues because they are very expensive. Instead we’re looking for any private hire pubs / restaurants / village halls / dry hire venues we can host 40 people for dinner and drinks etc. happy to have our civil ceremony somewhere else.

Ideally we want to spend less than £5,000 on the venue hire and food for everyone.

Has anyone got any suggestions we can look at?

Thanks.


r/exeter 13h ago

Local Information request Solar panels in conservation area

1 Upvotes

Has anyone had an experience of getting solar panels installed on their house living in one of the conservation areas of Exeter?

It looks like I need to apply for planning permission and pay an additional £600 for the planning application? Am I missing something surely this a little backwards


r/exeter 1d ago

Local Information request Need some help with two things

1 Upvotes
  1. I'm looking to make a monitor stand. I'm thinking of wanting to do something with a live edge wood. I hope that's the right term. Is there any places around Exeter where I could get some live edge wood?

  2. I'm also looking for two long thin bits of fabric. Looking around I can find places where I can buy fabric that matches the height but not the width. So I'd be required to cut it but I know for a fact if I cut it I'd end up with an uneven cut. So I'm looking for fabric to a size 226x22cm. Is there a place or person that anyone knows that could help me?

Any and all helps and suggestions will be appreciated


r/exeter 1d ago

Local Information request Can they force me out?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone i live in an accommodation owned by francis louis and i was supposed to move out today to a new place but the new place is going through a tenant referencing and its taking longer than expected because francis louis hasn’t approved my residential check yet so i mailed them and told them that my move in is delayed because of you guys and i wont move out of my current accommodation till I get the keys to the new place. Can they force me out of my apartment? Change the locks or something?


r/exeter 4d ago

Miscellaneous RD&E

117 Upvotes

Over the past year I’ve been really unwell with a sudden illness that has resulted in multiple trips to RD&E, admissions to several wards, A&E, ambulance, surgery, tests etc.

I’ve now had the surgery I needed after a 4 month wait, and I’m at home recovering. ❤️‍🩹

I just wanted to share somewhere how incredibly moved I feel about the NHS / RD&E staff. It’s hard to put into words but here goes. I’m not on Facebook or anything, so here felt right for me.

I have experienced something every time I come home from the RD&E. I can only describe this as an ‘afterglow’. This feeling lasts for months. It’s simply because of the outstanding care I have received from all members of staff I have interacted with, which must be in the 100s now!

Of likely over 100+ staff-patient interactions I’ve had over the last yr, I can only remember 2 people who were a bit off.. which I think statistically, is pretty amazing..!

From the receptionist to the porters, surgeons, admin, test result team (bloodworks?) doctors, nurses, auxiliary, housekeepers, paramedics, catering team (and many more I have probably missed!)

The thing that always gets me is they are literally just doing their job - but the kindness I have experienced has really healed me (emotionally/mentally) after going through so much (physical) trauma.

THANK YOU 🫶😭❤️


r/exeter 3d ago

Local News Exeter University approves deal with Saudi Arabia to train military officers and officials | University of Exeter

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1 Upvotes

So apparently we're just cool with genocide now?


r/exeter 4d ago

Local Information request driving instructor recommendations?

6 Upvotes

hey I'm moving to Exeter this September and I'd like to continue doing driving lessons there. Does anyone know any good driving instructors?


r/exeter 4d ago

Local News Swipe to see what’s happening tomorrow at Whipton and Heavitree Festival!

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5 Upvotes

📅 Saturday 29 August

☀️ 12–4pm

📍 Hamlin Lane Playing Fields


r/exeter 5d ago

Food View to the Bakery

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47 Upvotes

Sat having a couple of beers, view across to the Boatyard Bakery x


r/exeter 5d ago

Local Information request Moving To Exeter Area Advice

7 Upvotes

Hi all 👋🏻 My partner and I are planning on moving to Exeter next year. We currently live in Bristol, I grew up in Cornwall, so we are migrating a bit further down south and want a smaller, more wholesome, quieter place to settle now.

We will both be 30 next year, I'm a qualified art teacher so would be looking for that sort of work, both of us are creatives. We want to start a family over the next sort of 3-4 years so this obviously comes into the decision of where to live.

I've been to Exeter quite a few times over the years and my partner and I have visited together a few times recently before deciding we absolutely loved it and settled on it as a place to move to. But my question is for you all, which are some areas to look at that you would recommend AND avoid?

We both drive so aren't too bothered about being super close to city centre, it would be nice to live in an area that has a couple of shops/cafe's nearby (ish) but also not a deal breaker.

We also aren't rich lol, so somewhere wholesome but good value would be the sweet spot!! We will also probs rent first, before we buy a property, but it's good to get locals who really know the area's advice.

We stayed in St Thomas previously and that seemed like a nice area, any other suggestions would be fabbbb

Thanks in advance!! 😊


r/exeter 5d ago

Local News New family accommodation at Hospiscare

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16 Upvotes

Some good news for local families with loved ones using Hospiscare - a new family accommodation space, The Lodge, has opened at Hospiscare'a Searle House to provide a comfortable place for relatives of loved ones receiving care.

Having stayed at a children's hospice with my own family during my sister's life, I know that being able to stay close by can make an enormous difference.

This fantastic project has been made possible thanks to £898,600 in Department of Health and Social Care capital funding, supporting Hospiscare in continuing its incredible work for people and families across our community.


r/exeter 5d ago

Food Recommendations please.

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm coming to Exeter for a few days, and I am looking for independent restaurant recommendations in and around the city. Do you have any local legend eateries, hidden gems or locals favourite restaurants. Thanks so much.


r/exeter 5d ago

Uni ACCOMODATION NEEDED URGENTLY!!!!!

1 Upvotes

hi, I’m looking for a room, studio, or 1-bedroom property in Exeter, ideally within walking distance or a short bus ride of the city centre. Happy to consider a house share or living alone open to anything that fits.

Looking to move in from 4 Sep.

If anyone has any leads, knows of anything becoming available, or has any recommendations, I’d really appreciate it if you could share.✨


r/exeter 5d ago

Music The Macc Lads play Exeter on Friday 11th September

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1 Upvotes

The Macc Lads are a rock band from Macclesfield, formed in 1981 and long celebrated as one of the UK’s most notorious cult acts. Self-proclaimed as “the rudest, crudest, lewdest band in the land,” their music blends punk energy with tongue-in-cheek humour, fuelled by raucous live shows and lyrics steeped in mischief. Across the 1980s and 1990s they released albums such as Beer & Sex & Chips n Gravy (1985) and Live at Leeds (1988), cementing their place in alternative rock history with songs that were as provocative as they were anthemic.

Though often controversial, The Macc Lads built a loyal following through relentless touring, with gigs becoming infamous for their chaos, comedy and crowd participation. After disbanding in the mid-1990s, the group reformed in 2018, returning to the stage with a sold-out tour that proved their cult status had endured. Today, they remain a quintessential example of British rock irreverence—raw, rowdy and impossible to ignore.

Tickets £26


r/exeter 6d ago

Local Information request Where can I dispose of n20 empty canisters?

9 Upvotes

NO2/ laughing gas I’ve tried both tips, newsbury scrap yard and a gas shop, but it seems nowhere will take them, does anyone know a scrap shop or junk yard that will take, I will deliver them so no need for collection


r/exeter 6d ago

Local News New investment in children’s social care

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6 Upvotes

Some really positive news for children's social care that may interest members of this subreddit.

The Government has announced a £3.46 million investment into children's social care across the region, including funding for a new South West Fostering Hub to help local authorities recruit, assess, approve and support foster carers through a shared approach.

I'm really pleased to see this investment; by strengthening support for foster carers and helping recruit and retain more people, we can give more local children the start in life they deserve.


r/exeter 6d ago

Local Information request Looking for a sports physio for a torn Achilles

3 Upvotes

I've messed up my Achilles tendon pretty badly and after mid-October I'm going to need some help getting it as close to full health as I can

Anyone know a good, reliable physiotherapist within hobbling distance of one of the train stations (or failing that a bus stop)?


r/exeter 6d ago

Local Information request WiFi / mobile phone signal at Exeter Airport

0 Upvotes

I have to travel from Exeter Airport this week and I will need to rock up an hour or two early and take a few calls on Teams before my flight.

I seem to remember that you got one hour of free Internet access, which is no problem – just wondering if anyone has any experience of taking calls at the airport departures and any tips? Mainly, if the Wi-Fi fails or is rubbish, has anyone had any success using 4G or 5G there?

Cheers 🙏


r/exeter 7d ago

Miscellaneous Anyone else noticed that Pinhoe currently smells of poo?

18 Upvotes

I just went out the front and walked round to sainsburys and the whole area stinks


r/exeter 7d ago

Miscellaneous Heritage Open Days unlocks Exeter’s hidden history for free

36 Upvotes

Heritage Open Days is back in Exeter from 11 to 20 September, with the chance to explore some fascinating places across the city for free.

This year’s theme is Everyday Histories, celebrating the people, places and working lives that have shaped our communities.

There’s a packed programme of free events, including:

  • A look inside medieval Tuckers Hall, dating back to 1471
  • Britannia Making Waves on Exeter Quayside, with demonstrations of seafaring and wooden boat-building skills
  • Guided walks around the City Wall and Exe Bridges
  • A chance to explore the history of policing through Exeter’s archives
  • Free Red Coat Guided Tours, covering topics including the Exeter Blitz, local writers and Exeter’s women through history
  • Guided tours inside Exeter Guildhall, one of England’s oldest civic buildings

The free Underground Passages tours have already been snapped up, but there are plenty more events to discover.

All Heritage Open Days events are free, although some need to be booked in advance.

See the full programme and find booking details on the Heritage Open Days website:

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Which bit of Exeter’s history would you most like to explore?


r/exeter 7d ago

Miscellaneous Lost Passport

8 Upvotes

Anyone lost a passport around Heavitree/Wonford?

If you can DM me the name that's in it, I'm happy to arrange collection in person.


r/exeter 7d ago

Local Information request Slightly Unusual Request

5 Upvotes

Hi, I have a bit of an odd request:
Does anyone know of a park in or near Exeter that has one of those walls with a goal painted on it? I dont remember having seen one at all in Devon in years of living here, maybe its a Southeastern thing?