Best Restaurants in Exeter, Devon: Top 10 Places to Eat

Exeter is one of Devon’s most appealing destinations for food lovers, offering everything from traditional British dining and independent restaurants to Mediterranean specialities, contemporary European cooking and Caribbean cuisine.

Whether visitors are planning a romantic evening, family celebration, business lunch or casual meal with friends, Exeter has restaurants suited to different tastes and budgets.

The historic city centre, Cathedral Quarter, South Street and Exeter Quayside are particularly popular dining areas, combining convenient locations with a variety of culinary experiences.

This guide explores the 10 best restaurants in Exeter, Devon, highlighting their food, atmosphere, locations, typical prices, customer ratings and opening hours to help diners choose where to eat.

Why Is Exeter One of Devon’s Best Places for Dining?

Exeter has developed a diverse restaurant scene that combines traditional British cooking with international cuisines and contemporary dining experiences.

The city’s historic streets, independent restaurants and waterfront locations create an attractive environment for residents and tourists looking for somewhere memorable to eat.

Visitors can explore Italian restaurants, Turkish grills, Caribbean kitchens, modern European dining and independent British establishments without travelling far from the city centre.

Areas such as Gandy Street, South Street, High Street and Exeter Quayside are particularly convenient for combining dining with shopping, sightseeing and entertainment.

Another attraction is the availability of restaurants across different budgets, ranging from affordable casual dining to more sophisticated tasting-menu experiences.

The wider county also has a strong culinary reputation, with several excellent restaurants across Devon offering dishes inspired by local produce, regional traditions and modern cooking techniques.

How Much Does It Cost to Eat at Restaurants in Exeter?

Eating out in Exeter can cost anywhere from approximately £10 to more than £80 per person, depending on the restaurant, menu and drinks ordered.

Budget-conscious diners can find affordable options at Babylon and Bill’s, where many casual dining choices fall within the £10–£20 range.

Mid-range restaurants such as Istanbul Restaurant and VINO Italian Restaurant generally offer meals in the £20–£30 bracket, making them attractive for relaxed lunches and evening dining.

Those looking for a more premium experience can explore Harry’s Restaurant, The Ivy Exeter and Stage, where the final bill depends on the courses, drinks and dining experience selected.

Dining category	Typical price per person
Budget dining	£10–£20
Casual restaurant	£20–£30
Mid-range dining	£30–£50
Premium dining	£50–£80+

These prices are indicative rather than fixed menu charges. Drinks, service charges and additional courses may increase the final bill.

For visitors exploring other dining destinations in East Devon, the restaurants in Exmouth provide further options for seaside lunches and evening meals.

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Exeter, Devon

1. Crave Restaurant

Located on Commercial Road near Exeter’s historic Quayside, Crave Restaurant offers contemporary European-inspired dining in a relaxed setting.

Its convenient waterfront location makes it particularly attractive to couples, families and groups looking for a memorable meal while exploring Exeter.

The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, modern small plates and carefully prepared dishes designed to bring together familiar flavours and creative combinations.

Its menu includes options for different dietary requirements, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices available.

Crave is also recognised for its cocktail selection, making it appealing to visitors who want to enjoy drinks alongside lunch or dinner.

Outdoor seating provides an additional attraction during warmer weather, particularly for those spending time around Exeter Quay.

The restaurant’s combination of modern cooking, welcoming surroundings and flexible dining options makes it suitable for everything from casual lunches to evening celebrations.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 343940
• Website: craverestaurant.co.uk
• Price range: £10–£60 per person
• Best for: Modern European dining, cocktails, casual dates and waterfront meals

2. Babylon

Situated on South Street in Exeter city centre, Babylon is a popular Mediterranean restaurant known for its generous portions and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.

The restaurant offers a welcoming environment for diners interested in traditional Turkish, Mediterranean and Arabic flavours.

Its menu features grilled meats, kebabs, rice dishes, fresh salads, soups and sharing platters, providing plenty of variety for individuals and groups.

Popular choices include mixed grills, lamb dishes and freshly prepared mezze, allowing guests to explore several flavours during one visit.

Babylon also caters to different dietary preferences, with vegetarian and vegan options available alongside its meat-based specialities.

One of the restaurant’s main attractions is its comparatively affordable pricing, making it an appealing option for students, families and visitors seeking substantial meals without a large bill.

Its central South Street location makes Babylon convenient for shoppers, residents and tourists exploring Exeter Cathedral and the surrounding streets.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 342626
• Online menu: Babylon Restaurant Menu
• Price range: £10–£20 per person
• Best for: Mediterranean food, grilled meats, affordable meals and family dining 

3. Bill’s Exeter Restaurant

Located on Gandy Street, Bill’s Exeter Restaurant offers a modern British dining experience close to some of the city’s most recognisable attractions.

Its colourful interior and relaxed atmosphere make it particularly suitable for families, couples and groups looking for a comfortable place to eat throughout the day.

The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, giving diners flexibility when planning their visit.

Its menu includes traditional breakfast dishes, pancakes, burgers, salads, steaks and contemporary British favourites.

Vegetarian, vegan and children’s options make Bill’s particularly attractive to groups with different tastes and dietary needs.

The restaurant also offers cocktails, desserts and afternoon dining choices, allowing visitors to enjoy anything from a quick brunch to a longer evening meal.

Its location near Exeter Cathedral, independent shops and Exeter Central railway station makes it a convenient stop for tourists and local shoppers.

Bill’s combines familiar food, relatively accessible pricing and a welcoming environment, making it a dependable choice for everyday dining.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 020 8054 5400
• Website: bills-website.co.uk
• Price range: £10–£20 per person
• Best for: Breakfast, brunch, family meals, British favourites and casual dining 

4. Harry’s Restaurant

Situated on Longbrook Street, Harry’s Restaurant is one of Exeter’s established independent dining destinations.

The family-run restaurant has been operating since 1993 and occupies a distinctive nineteenth-century building with characterful interiors.

Its combination of historic surroundings and contemporary dining creates an appealing setting for romantic dinners, celebrations and special occasions.

The menu offers a broad selection of dishes, including carefully prepared steaks, burgers, vegetarian meals and seasonal specialities.

Harry’s is particularly attractive to diners who appreciate traditional restaurant hospitality alongside a varied menu.

The availability of a private dining space also makes it suitable for birthday celebrations, business gatherings and family events.

Its location near Exeter city centre allows visitors to combine an evening meal with shopping, entertainment or a walk through the surrounding streets.

For diners looking for an independently operated restaurant with a long-standing local presence, Harry’s remains a strong choice.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 202234
• Website: harrysrestaurants.co.uk
• Price range: £30–£80 per person
• Best for: Steaks, romantic dinners, celebrations and private dining 

5. Istanbul Restaurant

Located on Sidwell Street, Istanbul Restaurant brings traditional Turkish cuisine to the heart of Exeter.

The restaurant focuses on authentic Turkish flavours, offering diners an opportunity to enjoy Mediterranean cooking in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Its menu includes traditional mezze, grilled meat dishes, generous sharing platters and a selection of Turkish specialities.

Diners can explore dishes prepared with aromatic herbs, spices and ingredients commonly associated with Turkish home-style cooking.

The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it suitable for guests with different dietary preferences.

Its drinks selection includes Turkish-inspired cocktails and wines, which complement the food and provide an additional attraction for evening dining.

With its central location, Istanbul Restaurant is particularly convenient for visitors exploring Sidwell Street, Exeter’s shopping areas and surrounding attractions.

The restaurant’s emphasis on traditional recipes and hospitality makes it appealing to couples, families and groups seeking a different dining experience.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 681154
• Website: istanbulrestaurantexeter.com
• Price range: £20–£30 per person
• Best for: Turkish cuisine, grilled meats, Mediterranean sharing platters and group dining 

6. The Fat Pig

Tucked away on John Street, The Fat Pig offers a distinctive alternative to Exeter’s conventional restaurants.

This independent pub has developed a reputation for combining traditional hospitality with thoughtfully prepared food and locally sourced ingredients.

Its relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly appealing to diners who prefer the character of an independent pub over a formal restaurant setting.

The kitchen focuses on freshly prepared meals, with dishes changing according to ingredient availability and seasonal inspiration.

Its menu reflects an interest in reducing food waste while making use of produce sourced from local suppliers wherever practical.

Alongside the food, The Fat Pig serves local beers, ciders, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.

The pub is also dog-friendly, providing a welcoming option for visitors exploring Exeter with their pets.

Its Sunday roast is another attraction, although advance booking is advisable because kitchen service is limited.

The Fat Pig is particularly suited to people who appreciate independent pubs, changing menus and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 07777 184010
• Website: thefatpigexeter.co.uk
• Price range: £10–£40 per person
• Best for: Independent pub dining, local produce, Sunday roasts and relaxed meals

7. The Ivy Exeter

Located on Exeter High Street, The Ivy Exeter offers an elegant British dining experience close to the city’s historic cathedral.

Part of The Ivy Collection, the restaurant combines distinctive interior design with an extensive all-day menu.

Its stylish surroundings, floral-inspired decoration and Art Deco influences make it particularly attractive for romantic meals, birthdays and special celebrations.

The menu features modern British favourites alongside internationally inspired dishes, with options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

Guests can choose from a variety of starters, main courses, desserts and carefully selected drinks.

The restaurant also caters to different dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan preferences.

Outdoor seating provides another dining option during suitable weather, while a private dining room is available for organised gatherings.

Its location in the centre of Exeter makes The Ivy convenient for visitors exploring the Cathedral Quarter, nearby shops and cultural attractions.

For diners seeking a more polished restaurant experience with an extensive menu and sophisticated surroundings, The Ivy is an appealing choice.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 323360
• Website: ivycollection.com
• Price range: Approximately £20–£80 per person
• Best for: Romantic dining, celebrations, modern British cuisine and special occasions 

8. Stage

Situated on Magdalen Road, Stage is one of Exeter’s most distinctive restaurants for diners interested in seasonal tasting menus and creative cooking.

Unlike restaurants offering extensive à la carte selections, Stage focuses on a more structured experience where several courses are presented throughout the meal.

The restaurant entered a new chapter in September 2026, with chef-owner Rob from Circa taking over kitchen leadership while continuing its seasonal approach.

Its cooking is influenced by produce grown at the Koo Yong market garden in South Devon, alongside ingredients sourced from smaller farms and local suppliers.

The kitchen also makes use of preserving and fermentation techniques, bringing additional flavours and textures to its changing menus.

Stage currently offers a four-course weekday lunch and a six-course tasting experience for dinner and Saturday lunch.

Its relatively intimate setting encourages guests to concentrate on the food, presentation and progression of each course.

For couples, food enthusiasts and visitors celebrating a special occasion, Stage provides a more adventurous alternative to conventional dining.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 496700
• Website: stagerestaurant.co.uk
• Price range: £35 for four courses; £60 for six courses, excluding drinks
• Best for: Tasting menus, seasonal British cooking, food enthusiasts and special occasions

9. VINO Italian Restaurant

Located on South Street, VINO Italian Restaurant offers an intimate Italian dining experience in Exeter city centre.

The restaurant focuses on traditional Italian cooking with contemporary influences, making it appealing to diners who appreciate pasta, risotto and carefully selected wines.

Its menu includes Italian favourites prepared with an emphasis on flavour, presentation and complementary ingredients.

Pasta dishes, Italian starters and desserts create a familiar dining experience, while the wine selection provides opportunities to explore different Italian styles.

VINO’s comfortable setting makes it particularly suitable for couples seeking a relaxed evening meal.

The restaurant also appeals to small groups looking for an alternative to larger high-street dining chains.

Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, while its central location allows visitors to combine dinner with an evening exploring Exeter.

For diners searching for an independent Italian restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and a focused approach to food, VINO is worth considering.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 305352
• Online menu: VINO Restaurant Menu
• Price range: £20–£30 per person
• Best for: Italian food, pasta, romantic dinners and small-group dining 

10. Turtle Bay Exeter

Located at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, Turtle Bay Exeter brings Caribbean-inspired cuisine and a lively dining atmosphere to the heart of the city.

The restaurant is particularly popular with groups looking for bold flavours, colourful surroundings and an energetic place to socialise.

Its menu features Caribbean favourites, including jerk chicken, curry dishes, grilled meats, rice, plantain and other island-inspired specialities.

The use of traditional spices, marinades and Caribbean cooking influences gives the restaurant a distinctive identity compared with conventional British dining venues.

Turtle Bay also offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring visitors with different dietary preferences have choices available.

Its extensive cocktail selection is another attraction, particularly for groups organising birthdays, celebrations and evening gatherings.

Breakfast and brunch options allow diners to visit earlier in the day, while the restaurant’s late opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays suit those planning a longer evening.

Its central Guildhall location is convenient for shopping trips, social occasions and visitors exploring Exeter city centre.

Turtle Bay is especially suitable for people looking for lively surroundings, Caribbean flavours and a restaurant experience that combines food with socialising.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01392 425928
• Website: turtlebay.co.uk
• Price range: £30–£40 per person
• Best for: Caribbean food, cocktails, group celebrations and brunch 

How Can Diners Choose the Right Exeter Restaurant for Their Occasion?

Choosing a restaurant in Exeter depends on the type of occasion, preferred cuisine, atmosphere and available budget.

For romantic evenings, The Ivy Exeter and Harry’s Restaurant offer attractive surroundings that are well suited to couples and special celebrations.

Stage provides a more distinctive experience for food enthusiasts who appreciate seasonal ingredients, creative presentation and structured tasting menus.

Families looking for a relaxed environment may prefer Bill’s Exeter Restaurant or Babylon, where broader menus and accessible pricing can accommodate different preferences.

For birthdays, social gatherings and group celebrations, Turtle Bay Exeter offers a lively atmosphere with Caribbean-inspired food and cocktails.

Meanwhile, Crave Restaurant and The Fat Pig appeal to diners seeking independent establishments with a more relaxed character.

Visitors planning a full day out can also explore the best things to do in Exeter before selecting a restaurant close to their preferred attractions.

Booking ahead is particularly advisable for weekend dinners, larger groups and special occasions.

What Can Visitors Explore in Exeter Before or After Dining?

Exeter offers plenty of attractions within convenient reach of its central restaurants, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a memorable meal.

Exeter Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, surrounded by historic buildings, independent shops and restaurants.

Visitors dining near High Street or Gandy Street can explore the Cathedral Quarter, browse the surrounding shopping streets or visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

Exeter Quayside is another attractive destination, particularly for those visiting Crave Restaurant. Its historic waterfront, walking routes and independent businesses provide opportunities to spend time outdoors before or after eating.

Those interested in local history can explore Exeter’s Underground Passages, while visitors seeking green spaces may prefer Northernhay Gardens.

For tourists staying longer, Exeter also provides a convenient base for discovering the best places to visit in Devon, including coastal towns, countryside attractions and historic destinations.

Combining restaurants with nearby attractions allows visitors to experience more of Exeter while making the most of their time in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Best-Rated Restaurant in Exeter?

Babylon, Stage and VINO Italian Restaurant are among the highest-rated restaurants on this list, each with a reported Google rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Which Restaurants in Exeter Are Best for Couples?

The Ivy Exeter, Harry’s Restaurant and Stage are excellent choices for couples seeking romantic surroundings, quality food and a memorable dining experience.

Are There Any Cheap Restaurants in Exeter City Centre?

Yes. Babylon and Bill’s Exeter Restaurant offer affordable dining options, with typical spending ranging from £10 to £20 per person.

Which Exeter Restaurants Offer Vegetarian and Vegan Food?

Crave Restaurant, Bill’s, Istanbul Restaurant, The Ivy Exeter and Turtle Bay offer vegetarian or vegan choices, although menu availability may vary.

Do Restaurants in Exeter Require Advance Booking?

Most restaurants accept walk-ins when tables are available, but booking ahead is recommended for Stage, Harry’s Restaurant and popular weekend dining times.

Which Restaurants in Exeter Are Suitable for Families With Children?

Bill’s Exeter Restaurant, Babylon and Turtle Bay Exeter are popular family-friendly choices, offering relaxed dining environments and menu options suitable for different ages.