Welcome to Exeter, foodies! 🍔
Whether you’re rolling dice over a well-earned victory at a board game bar, sipping a craft beer surrounded by vinyl or indulging local delights whilst gazing across the rolling Devonshire countryside, Exeter has something to satisfy every palate.
Get ready to explore the very best spots this compact yet cosmopolitan corner of Devon has to offer. Let’s dive into the best bars and restaurants in Exeter.
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1. The Ship Inn
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Reportedly frequented by Sir Francis Drake, the Ship Inn is one of Exeter’s most loved, historic taverns. The Tudor-beamed pub is right in the heart of the city and is the perfect place for a laid-back pint of real ale or Devonshire cider.
The tasty Sunday Roast menu is always a treat and the lively weekend entertainment (including karaoke!) makes this dog-friendly, Exeter pub well worth the visit.
2. The Old Firehouse
This candlelit pub is often packed and for good reason! Spread over three floors of an 18th-century building, the good food and classic selection of drinks at The Old Firehouse just seem to reel in the foodies.
With weekly live sport, pub quizzes, pizza nights and live music, you won’t be stuck for things to do! Open until late and with a cosy pub garden to relax in, this is also the place to come for a handmade rustic pizza at the end of your night.
3. The View
Perched high above Exeter, The View lives up to its name with sweeping, panoramic vistas of the Devonshire countryside. With splendid floor-to-ceiling windows, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed lunch, romantic dinner or sunset cocktail.
The menu, led by Executive Chef Matt Mason, celebrates the best of West Country produce. With seasonal dishes that highlight local meats, seafood and vegetables, every plate is fresh, flavourful and beautifully presented. Whether you’re tucking into a perfectly cooked steak or a delicate fish dish, the quality shines through. The sleek bar area is also worth a visit! Grab a drink and soak up the incredible views.
4. The Fat Pig
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Tucked away in Exeter’s West Quarter, The Fat Pig is a hidden gem pub full of character and charm. With its cosy, rustic interior and friendly vibe, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels like home. The Fat Pig is the kind of spot where you can easily settle in for a long, relaxed evening with friends, good drinks and even better food.
The menu is a celebration of the South West, with meat sourced from nearby farms, game from Dartmoor and a real passion for nose-to-tail cooking. Their in-house smokehouse adds a rich depth to dishes like honey-smoked pork ribs or smoked duck leg, and the pub even brews its own beer downstairs. Whether you’re here for a hearty Sunday roast or just popping in for a pint, The Fat Pig delivers comfort, flavour and a true taste of Devon.
5. Becketts Rooftop Bar
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Perched high above the city, Becketts Rooftop Bar is a go-to spot for stylish cocktails with a view. With its sleek indoor lounge, vibrant seating and beachy outdoor terrace, it strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and relaxed.
Step outside and you’re greeted with sweeping views of Exeter Cathedral and the city’s rooftops. Plus, the drinks menu is just as impressive as the view. From perfectly mixed classics like Negronis and Aperol Spritzes to creative house specials, there’s something to suit every taste. With regular live music sessions, graze on mezze boards and sharing platters – perfect for a leisurely afternoon or lively evening out.
6. Mill on the Exe
Considered one of the best restaurants in Exeter, Mill on the Exe is home to a picturesque waterside gastropub menu. Nestled beside the tranquil River Exe and Blackaller Weir, Mill on the Exe feels like a peaceful country oasis within easy reach of the city centre.
In the summer, the sunlit terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy your meal while watching the river flow by. It’s often hailed as one of Exeter’s prettiest beer‑garden views. But what really sets Mill on the Exe apart is its consistently excellent food. With hearty classics like grilled seabass, truffle burgers, salad bowls and notably lip-smacking Sunday roasts.
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7. Crave
Perched along Exeter’s picturesque Quayside, Crave offers a laid-back, all-day dining experience that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails or drinks and nibbles. Whether you’re visiting for a quick bite or settling in for the evening, Crave blends casual charm with sophistication.
What makes Crave stand out is its commitment to quality and creativity. The kitchen showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from Brixham seafood to Devon-reared beef, and a menu full of vibrant, flavour-packed dishes. The service is consistently friendly and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a favourite for both locals and visitors looking for something fresh, fun and full of flavour!
8. Board
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Step inside Board, Exeter’s exclusive board game bar and restaurant tucked away on South Street, and you’re instantly transported to a haven of playful energy. With a library of over 300 games, from beloved classics to the latest adventures, it’s an ideal spot for laughter, strategy and fun.
Of course, games are only half the fun. Board pairs its entertainment with a tasty menu of pub classics, burgers, grilled cheese, chickpea curry and fun extras like cocktails and milkshakes. A café-meets-bar, Board offers a relaxed yet lively environment for families, friends or date nights alike.
9. The Stand Off
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Nestled on Longbrook Street, The Stand Off is a vibrant Irish bar, founded by former rugby pro Gareth Steenson. With its rich walls decked in rugby memorabilia, including signed jerseys and club gear, the venue perfectly blends sport with warmth and personality.
Hosting seven large TVs and a giant projector screen, it’s a magnet for rugby fans and sports lovers alike. Food is clearly a passion at The Stand Off, with a menu built on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Beyond great grub, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming with stellar reviews calling it a top spot for roasts, burgers and (of course) rugby.
10. Lloyd’s Lounge
Just a stone’s throw from Exeter Cathedral, Lloyd’s Lounge offers a stylish yet relaxed lounge bar experience that’s perfect for everything from brunch to evening cocktails. The modern pavilion-style space dazzles with marble counters backlit by LED panels and plush lounge seating beneath show-stopping lighting.
Their generous tapas-style plates pack big flavours and great value! A hearty full‑English breakfast or brunch is a reliably delicious homage to locally sourced ingredients. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you’ll find live music paired with colourful cocktails and small bites that make a night at Lloyd’s feel fun and social. Friendly staff, pretty courtyard seating and a warm local buzz make this one of Exeter’s best-loved spots for dining.
11. Stage
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Stage is a compact but vibrant tasting‑menu restaurant with a fiercely loyal following – just don’t forget to book ahead! Founded by the original ‘Taco Boys’ in 2020, Stage brings a farm‑to‑table ethos full circle: the team makes their own charcuterie, misos, beers and even ferments and cures much of the produce themselves.
Whether you’re settling in for a four-course lunch or a six-course dinner, expect playful yet refined dishes. Stage has even earned a prestigious Michelin Service Award for creating a joyful, inclusive dining experience without pretension. And with its sustainably-minded approach and reputation for delivering Michelin‑guide quality at moderate pricing, Stage stands as one of Exeter’s most memorable culinary spots.
12. 12 Bar Music & Social
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Located in the heart of Exeter, 12 Bar Music & Social is a cosy, independent spot that effortlessly blends a record shop, coffee hangout and vibrant live music venue. Whether you’re stopping by for an artisan flat white, browsing their carefully curated vinyl collection or catching one of their live listening nights, the atmosphere is unbeatable!
As evening falls, the venue transitions into a snug live‑music hub. Acoustic sets, DJ nights and quirky listening sessions fill the calendar every week. The drinks menu is equally thoughtful. Expect great wine, cocktails, craft beers and more to enjoy alongside smooth tunes and record spinning. It all adds up to a uniquely Exeter experience!
13. Rockfish Exeter
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