
Where to Eat in Exeter
General Warning: It’s probably not best to read this on empty stomach, you’ve been forewarned…check out all my recommendations for where to eat in Exeter. When James and I planned out study abroad trip to Exeter we agreed to live as cheaply as possible so that we could travel more. Unfortunately, that included eating cheaply. We created a budget and spent £15-£20 a week total for our groceries. Sometimes, we had left over money that we used for eating out in Exeter, especially since exploring Exeter was so affordable on its own!
Where to Eat in Exeter
The Old Firehouse
You simply cannot leave Exeter without eating The Old Firehouse. Especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. J.K. Rowling went to Uni at Exeter and The Old Firehouse is credited to being the inspiration of the Leaky Cauldron. In addition, the food is amazing. They are well known for their flavored Devon Ciders, tasty pizzas, and their fish and chips! Typically one pizza can range from as little as £5-£10 and you can get a pint of cider for a fiver. Seating is limited and it gets crowded fast so get there early!
Tea On the Green
Another must in Exeter is a spot of afternoon tea at Tea on the Green. A lovely tearoom with a view of Exeter Cathedral. James and I share a lovely Exeter Tea, which consisted of cream tea, 1 scone with clotted cream and jam, and smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches for just £15.
The Red Rose
The Red Rose is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Exeter. If you’re looking for delicious Indian food, on a budget with great service be sure to visit these folk. A popular offer that we frequently took advantage of was a £10/person for a three-course meal and a glass of wine. Any starter, any main, and a choice of rice or naan. Done deal. On our visits we were often given free tasters of Apple Schnapps, Baileys Liqueur and Ice Cream after dinner.
Raj India
If takeout Indian is more your style, definitely visit Raj India. A large order of chips doused in steaming hot curry sauce for just £3.95, what not to love? Trust me on this – I too was apprehensive about the idea of curry and chips mixing, but now I am loyal to the curry chips.
Steaks N Sushi
Our last night in Exeter we ate at Steaks N Sushi for our last feast. Think hibachi type menu, without the hibachi style cooking. James and I ordered some sushi to share, and I ordered a rice bowl with fried chicken in a curry sauce, while James ordered a spicy ramen bowl. Both meals were amazing, and the staff was super friendly, plus it only cost us £20!
Starz
If you’re looking for American Style food in Exeter be sure to check out Starz Bar and Grill. You’ll find the typical burgers, ribs, and steak joint that’s got a rock n’ roll theme. We sampled some curly fries and ribs from Starz courtesy of our flatmate Donald and it was delicious.
Firezza
Firezza, located on the High Street, is an artisan brick oven pizza joint that had just opened while we were there. We were lucky enough to receive a slice of free brick oven pizza and wine during their grand opening. You could taste the smokiness of the oven, and the pizza was delicious.
Nandos
Did you really go to the U.K. unless you had some “Cheeky Nandos?” Fortunately for you there’s a Nandos in Exeter located in PrincessHay. Home of the Peri-Peri Chicken, be sure to check it out on your trip to Exeter.
Exeter Street Food
If you’re like me and you’re a fan of Street Eats, be sure to check out the Exeter Street Food Festival. Hosted by the Quay you can find an array of vendors, from pancakes, to Greek food, German sausages or Moroccan dishes. Often times there’s live entertainment and it makes for the perfect evening to sit by the Quay and eat your dinner.
Hotel Chocolat
If you’ve gt a sweet tooth definitely check out Hotel Chocolat, located in PrincessHay. The Choclatier Chain has its own plantation in St. Lucia and the products speak for themselves. Fancy a chocolate truffle infused with mango extracts? This is the place for you.
Jamie’s Italian Exeter
We visited Jamie’s Italian on one of our last days in Exeter because I got a £30 voucher. They had a lunch special where you got a small starter, a main and a dessert for £12 from a select menu. Two lunch specials cost us a total of £24.
Edit: Since the writing of this post Jamie’s Italian Exeter has permanently closed.
Walkabout
If you’ve got the hankering for a Kangaroo steak, then this Australasian Chain is your place! We managed to get a promotion for a free burger during Freshers Week, at Walkabout so obviously we redeemed it. With the promotion we had the option of a Falafel Burger, or a regular Beef Burger. I did the former while James did the latter, and both burgers, were absolutely delicious, especially for a freebie.
Edit: Since the writing of this post Walkabout has permanently closed.
Where to Drink in Exeter
The Imperial
If you’re looking for a pint in a unique setting The Imperial is the place for you. It has the most fascinating architecture with a massive semi-circle mirrored wall. Definitely be sure to get a pint of local Devon Cider!
The Monkey Suit
Good news students, The Monkey Suit offers a 2 for 1 deal at on Monday nights. Why not enjoy two Bailey’s Cocktails for the price of one at just £4? The Monkey Suit offers a unique bar and lounge experience and is definitely a place to visit on your night out.
The Fat Pig
Are local produce, onsite distilleries and onsite brewing more your style? Then be sure to pay a visit to The Fat Pig, located in the heart of Exeter.
These are my picks for where to eat in Exeter, I’d love to hear yours! Comment below.
Your blog is very funny!!
Thank you! Xx
Nice post! The food at the Red Rose looks delicious and Tea on the Green sounds like a place I would love!
It’s delicious! Definitely try it out when in Exeter 🙂
Did you go in the Impy? It’s a window, not a mirrored wall.
Author
Haha yes I did, mirrored wall was just how I thought to describe it!