Devon


<p>Looking for the best restaurants in Exeter? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re after a long, lazy lunch by the Quay, a blow-the-budget tasting menu, a cosy Cathedral Yard hideaway or pizza so good it deserves its own postcode, Exeter’s food scene is seriously on form.</p>



<p>This compact Devon city punches well above its weight when it comes to eating out. Think independent institutions, student-run stars in the making, seasonal farm-to-table menus, global flavours and proper West Country produce (yes, Dartmoor beef and Brixham seafood, we see you), these are the top places to eat in Exeter right now. Loosen the waistband and scroll on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harrys"><a href="https://harrysrestaurants.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harrys</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/Harrys.jpg" alt="Exterior of Harrys" class="wp-image-83957" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/Harrys.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/Harrys-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/Harrys-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/Harrys-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In the Pounds family for over 30 years, Harry&#8217;s is something of an Exeter institution. Housed in an iconic 19th-century Gothic building (formerly Harry Hem’s architectural workshop) it marries heritage bones with that reliably buzzy, always a good idea atmosphere. Still proudly independent, the kitchen champions local produce and with generous portions this is not a&nbsp;place you’ll be leaving peckish. Order the lasagne for a can&#8217;t-go-wrong&#8217; classic, settle in, and prepare to loosen the waistband discretely. Best seats in the house? The fairy-lit, floor to ceiling windows. Perfect for a cosy catch up that turns into a ‘just one more’ situation. Fun fact for your dinner date: Will Young of Pop Idol fame waited tables here as a student. Yes, really.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-al-farid"><a href="https://www.alfaridrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Farid</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/img2.jpg" alt="Al-Farid wooden tray of small plates" class="wp-image-84003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/img2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/img2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/img2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/img2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked inside the historic Three Gables building in Exeters Cathedral Yard, Al-Farid is your passport to Moroccan and Lebanese comfort food without&nbsp;leaving Devon. Small, intimate and richly dressed in traditional interiors, this is a restaurant made for lingering. Start with meze, graduate to the mixed grill (trust me) and absolutely do not skip the cardamon coffee. And because no Moroccan meal is complete without it, take advantage of the authentic hookah bar with flavours from grape to mint, should you fancy going full Marrakech for the evening. Head to the third floor for extra charm, but the front tables tend to be the prime perches.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crave"><a href="https://craverestaurant.co.uk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crave</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1638" height="2048" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/577630463_122194892816439690_5450981487652277012_n.jpg" alt="Crave Restaurant Exeter dish" class="wp-image-84008" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/577630463_122194892816439690_5450981487652277012_n.jpg 1638w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/577630463_122194892816439690_5450981487652277012_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/577630463_122194892816439690_5450981487652277012_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/577630463_122194892816439690_5450981487652277012_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/577630463_122194892816439690_5450981487652277012_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1638px) 100vw, 1638px" /></figure>



<p>Right on Exeter&#8217;s Quay, Crave nails that relaxed, slightly coastal, surf-and-turf energy. Built around fresh, locally-sourced ingredients (think Brixham seafood &amp; Dartmoor steaks) the menu leans into well-loved classics but adds just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. Best seats? By the windows for those scenic river views or the covered outdoor terrace if you’re feeling optimistic about the British weather (it&#8217;s usable all year round which is a win). Customers rave about the homemade fried chicken with hot honey and kimchi so take your pick and settle into Quayside life. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stage"><a href="https://www.stagerestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stage</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/stage-2.jpg" alt="Stage Restaurant exterior" class="wp-image-63527" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/stage-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/stage-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/stage-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/stage-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/stage-2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Opened in 2020 by a group of friends with serious culinary chops, Stage is Exeters answer to the immersive tasting experience. It’s blind tasting only (4 courses at lunch, 6 at dinner) and entirely guided by the seasons and what’s growing in their garden or available from local producers. They brew, ferment and cure their own produce, butcher in-house, and make their own charcuterie, misos, soys, vinegars and even beers. It’s farm to table with proper commitment. The bread alone? Like eating a cloud. For maximum theatre, book the chef’s table right by the kitchen and watch the magic unfold. It’s high energy, high skill and entirely captivating.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-view-restaurant-at-courtyard-by-marriott-sandy-park-nbsp"><a href="https://www.theviewexeter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The View Restaurant at Courtyard by Marriott, Sandy Park&nbsp;</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/The-View.jpg" alt="Food at The View" class="wp-image-83954" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/The-View.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/The-View-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/The-View-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/The-View-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/The-View-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Perched on the 8th floor of the Courtyard by Marriott Exeter, The View does exactly what it says on the tin. Panoramic sweeps across Devon&nbsp;countryside and coastline; so do yourself a favour and book on a clear day!</p>



<p>Executive chef Matt Mason (Devon born and bred) draws inspiration from his grandparents’&nbsp;allotment, weaving sustainability and local sourcing throughout the menu. The standout dish is their seasonal three-course menu; currently, a Dartmoor Farmers 10oz ribeye with a Worcestershire sauce reduction. The meats are cooked on a mibrasa grill for a charred yet succulent taste and this dish is served with triple cooked chips. Where to sit? Pick a&nbsp;window. Any window. Made that reservation yet?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rendezvous-nbsp-wine-bar-amp-restaurant"><a href="https://winebar10.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rendezvous&nbsp;Wine Bar &amp; Restaurant</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/square1-Copy-1024x1024-copy.jpg" alt="interior of Rendezvous" class="wp-image-83979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/square1-Copy-1024x1024-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/square1-Copy-1024x1024-copy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/square1-Copy-1024x1024-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/square1-Copy-1024x1024-copy-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/square1-Copy-1024x1024-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Down a tiny entrance and into the basement of a listed building in Southernhay, Rendezvous feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. Low beamed ceilings, exposed brick and with a hidden walled wine garden you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re in the middle of the city. Originally conceived to complement a 60-strong global wine list, the food soon stole the show here and 20 years on is still firmly on Exeter&#8217;s foodie map. Fresh, locally-sourced West Country dishes are key and the roast saddle and shoulder of lamb is a hit with diners. For the cosiest vibe request a table in the main room beside the bar. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thirtyfour-nbsp"><a href="https://exe-coll.ac.uk/about/facilities/restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@thirtyfour&nbsp;</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/@thirtyfour.jpg" alt="@thirtyfour food" class="wp-image-83955" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/@thirtyfour.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/@thirtyfour-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/@thirtyfour-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/@thirtyfour-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Home to the Michael Caines Academy, @thirty-four is the Exeter College student run restaurant, and it’s quietly brilliant. With an AA Highly Commended College Rosette and crowned AA College Restaurant of the Year in both 2023 and 2025 (the highest accolade going), this is far more than a training ground. Open for lunch and selected evenings, the restaurant also hosts regular takeover nights with local chefs; allowing students access to culinary expertise. Request a table in the main open-plan area to soak up the atmosphere and keep an eye out for dinner events, often with a complimentary drink on arrival (we’re here for it). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pop-kitchen"><a href="https://www.popexeter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pop Kitchen</a></h2>



<p>Home of the Detroit style pizza (DSP, if you’re in the know), Pop Kitchen has brought a slice of Forties Michigan to Princesshay. Rectangular, thick-crust pizzas are baked in seasoned blue steel pans with cheese pressed right to the edges for that glorious crispy caramelised border. Toppings go directly onto the cheese, and the tomato sauce is layer on top. It’s technically ‘pizza in reverse’ and we are fully on board. The Classic Marg and Old Peppy (Pepperoni) are runaway faves, but there’s plenty of room to branch out. Prefer thinner? Try the Detroit-style slims and Gluten-free options are available across the board too. Grab a table by the entrance for prime people watching. Booking recommended. </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more">HUNGRY FOR MORE?</h2>



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Where to eat in Exeter right now (book first, thank us later)

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