20 Most Delicious Things That You Need To Eat In Exeter Before You Die
There are so many delicious things that you need to eat in Exeter. Exeter is a small city filled with big flavour, from student essentials to something a little more indulgent, Exeter has it all tucked away in unique and friendly cafes and restaurants. And so, if you are bored of microwave meals or fancy a new spot to show off your #foodporn, here is your complete guide of things to eat and places to find them before you reach your final year.
1. Pizza at The Old Firehouse
Rumored to be the site of inspiration for The Leaky Cauldron in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, The Old Firehouse is a magical pub decorated in fairy lights and candles, serving pitchers of cider and real ale.
But it’s real selling point is the promise of a delicious, larger than life pizza as late as 2am. These square pizzas are big enough to share between three, toppings can be vegetarian or even vegan and most importantly won’t break the student bank!
2. Curly Fries at The Ram
A bar, in the same building as the library? On campus, cheap and cheerful The Ram has always got your back if you need a break from studying, or a hangover cure!
Famed for their curly fries, if you have not had these bad boys before graduating, did you even go to Exeter?
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3. Cream Tea at Tea on the Green
You are in Devon now, afternoon tea is an essential, and where better than Tea on the Green.
Situated directly opposite the beautiful cathedral, on a sunny day sit outside, admire the views and devour a traditional cream tea complete with fresh, homemade scones.
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4. Moroccan Mezze at Al Farid
Tucked away on Cathedral Green, Al Farid is a cosy, beautifully decorated restaurant serving up authentic Moroccan dishes, so good you shouldn’t just have one dish!
Grab a mezze selection to share between friends for the full experience, their homemade hummus is a favourite.
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5. Brunch at No.1 Polsloe Café
An Instagram girls absolute dream, although a small café, No.1 Polsloe serves up some of the most delicious and aesthetically pleasing brunch options around.
Be it eggs and avocado, pancakes and milkshakes or coffee and a full English, this place has you covered.
6. Coffee at Artigiano
Cocktails, cakes, smoothies and food, Artigiano does it all, but something it prides itself on is its coffee.
Artigiano travelled the globe to find the best beans from the best growers, as self confessed coffee geeks they like to experiment adapting to the seasons to provide you with the tastiest coffee around. Combine this with their excellent barista skills and stunning latte art, you may have just found your new favourite coffee stop.
7. Gourmet Burger at Urban Burger
Arrive hungry, because Urban Burger do no half measures! Situated in the heart of the city, this restaurant serves up some of the best gourmet burgers in Exeter. From pulled pork to vegetarian, toppings galore and gluten fee options, this is not one to miss.
Psst, and if that wasn’t exciting enough, head downstairs to ‘Urban Underground” for a trendy drinks bar complete with cocktails served from a teapot!
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8. Hot chocolate at The Glorious Art House
This colourful, welcoming and cosy café is tucked away at then end of the high street but it’s very hard to miss. Filled with cakes, waffles and specialist coffee there is something for everyone here.
But crowds are really drawn for their famous ‘Glorious Hot Chocolate’, cream, marshmallows, flakes and a chocolate straw it is a chocolate lovers’ heaven served in a quirky mug keeping you warm and making you smile.
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9. Veggie treats at The Plant Café
Being a vegetarian could not been easier when stopping for lunch at The Plant Café. Serving up fresh, homemade and locally sourced vegetarian and vegan delights, this café could turn even the biggest carnivore into a vegetable lover for an afternoon.
Stop by for delicious salads, sandwiches and cakes in front of the stunning cathedral, or take away and enjoy as you stroll through the city. And if that wasn’t enough, students get 10% off!
10. A taste of Turkey at The Dinosaur Café
Very understated and unknown to those who don’t venture away from the high street, this café is rated in the top 20 places to visit in Exeter for a bite to eat.
Traditional, fresh, homemade Turkish food served with a smile, it is truly unique to the city and a must visit even just for the service.
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11. Baked Goods at Exploding Bakery
Right next to Central Station, this bakery tends to supply a lot of wholesale produce, however open up for a few hours a day to sell their delicious tray bakes and croissants to the public, making this place that little bit sweeter.
Drop in for beautiful latte art and freshly baked treats making writing your dissertation seem more bearable with every bite.
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12. Falafels at Oasis Falafel and Grill
Food van Oasis is never in one place, but on a Thursday you will usually find this falafel heaven on campus in amongst other street food delights.
These traditionally made falafels are the real deal, have them mild or spicy, whatever your preference but leave the library and get your lunch here, it will not disappoint.
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13. Ethical, Locally Sourced Food at Real Food Store Exeter
This community driven store sells organic produce, rustles up bread and cakes, offers vegan salads and pies. All their food is seasonal, organic and ethical and not to mention really tasty!
So drop in for some food and produce that not only taste good, but feels and does good too.
14. Cocktails at The Bike Shed
Hidden away in an underground cellar, The Bike Shed Theatre is one of the most happening places to come out of Exeter. Hosting regular theatre nights, décor consisting of old games from our childhoods and a warm welcome makes this bar something special.
Their extensive cocktail menu is not only kind to our student budgets but is also inventive, exciting and just plain delightful. Visit for some old favourites or a taste of something out of the box, they have it all.
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15. All Under One Roof at The Fat Pig
Boasting its own smokehouse, brewery and distillery The Fat Pig on John Street has it all.
Promising food that comes straight from the farm, locally sourced and lovingly prepared as well as an extensive range of local spirits and beer, take a Sunday afternoon visit and enjoy.
16. Street Food Galore at Exeter Street Food
From homemade bread to American style BBQ the Exeter Street Food provides local fresh produce for all to enjoy.
Catch them at Southernhay Gardens, The Quay or Piazza, but planning is needed as they only set up at each venue once a month, not to be missed!
17. Cheese at Quicke’s
Produce straight from their farm, Quicke’s is famous for their homemade cheese and butters.
Drop into their farm shop and pick up the cheddar they are renowned for as well as luxury honey, ice-cream and artisanal food.
18. Devon at its Best at Jack in the Green
A little more out of the way, but if you are looking for a little fine dining the Jack in the Green is the place to be.
This place like so man in Exeter prides itself on sourcing all of its produce locally but where it stands out is its ‘Totally Devon’ inspired menu. Visit for a little taste of Devon refined for fine dining, a one off that you need to visit before graduating.
19. Chocolate at Choccie Bar
For those of you with a sweet tooth, independently owned Choccie Bar is at hand to satisfy your cravings.
This is the perfect place to pick up a gift for a friend or family, grab a hot chocolate and sample some delicious tasters, their chocolate is practically a work of art.
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20. Thai at Jasmine Thai Restaurant
Offering a fusion of traditional and modern, with Eastern and Western influences, the Jasmine Thai Restaurant is one of the best Thai restaurants in Exeter.
Freshly prepared, the Jasmine Thai is welcoming to anyone who who has not tried Thai before, offering to tailor the spice to your needs, as well as being the perfect spot for those more familiar with the dishes.
Whatever your preference, Exeter has something for everyone, so take your pick and enjoy.
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