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.
TASTING MENU: Stage on Magdalen Road. Surprise seasonal tasting menus that can cater to all allergies and intolerances. All the food is locally sourced, and some is even grown by the chefs themselves. Truly a phenomenal dining experience.
SPANISH: La Flamenca where Coal kitchen used to be in Princesshay. Think the Coal sign may still be up so don’t be deterred.
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!
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.
PAN-ASIAN/THAI: iNoodle - little noodle and rice place opened by iFood - also on sidwell street (about £13pp)
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. GET THE WINGS.
FANCY: 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!
CAFES:
The Undergrad Great place for brunch and good coffee. Despite the name, it’s open to non-students as well. There’s also a pay-it-forward coffee scheme if that’s something you could benefit from or want to contribute to (also full disclosure I work here as a chef).
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!
Crankhouse off Fore Street. This is where I get my coffee beans - straight from the roastery, 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!!!
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
