Top 7 Best Restaurants in Exeter for Uni Foodies
Best restaurants in Exeter are more than just places to eat. They’re where friendships grow, group chats come alive, and moments become memories.
For students living in Exeter, food plays a bigger role than most people realise. Whether you’re grabbing a bite after lectures or planning a mate’s birthday dinner, finding the right spot matters.
This guide isn’t about fancy menus or stiff tablecloths. It’s about real food for real student lives.
We’ve rounded up the places that students actually recommend. They’re local favourites with atmosphere, affordability, and flavour, perfect for everything from quick lunches to celebratory dinners. Here’s where to eat, meet, and repeat in Exeter.
Crave
Located on the scenic Quayside, Crave has become a favourite for students who appreciate bold flavours and casual, contemporary vibes. The menu is centred around small plates, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local produce.
Crave is a go-to for relaxed lunches, easy-going dinners, and catching up with friends over food that feels elevated but never pretentious. The atmosphere is stylish yet comfortable, and it caters well to dietary needs, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to eat well without formality, especially if you enjoy splitting a few dishes and chatting over shared bites.
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Red Panda
Red Panda is small, fast, and full of character. Tucked away on Gandy Street, this tiny takeaway packs a big punch with Asian street food that’s affordable and customisable.
Students love the quick service and vibrant flavours. Choose from bao buns, rice boxes, or salad bowls, then top with options like teriyaki chicken, spicy tofu, or satay pork. Everything is made to order using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
There’s no indoor seating, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a lunchtime favourite. Grab your box and head to nearby Cathedral Green. It’s fast, fresh, and surprisingly satisfying.
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Harry’s Restaurant
Harry’s has been part of Exeter’s dining scene since 1993. Set inside a gothic-style building on Longbrook Street, it’s both stylish and welcoming. With a menu full of comfort food favourites, Harry’s draws in students looking for big portions, reliable service, and a warm, energetic atmosphere.
Think loaded burgers, rich pasta dishes, and hearty vegetarian burritos. It’s also known for its quality steaks and locally sourced ingredients. Harry’s strikes a balance between casual and classy, making it perfect for midweek meetups or a celebratory dinner after submitting a big assignment.
It’s not just the food that keeps people coming back. The friendly vibe, helpful staff, and buzzy dining room all add to the experience.
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Turtle Bay
Located on Queen Street near the Guildhall Centre, Turtle Bay brings the flavour and fun of the Caribbean to central Exeter. It’s colourful, and full of energy, making it ideal for students who enjoy bold food and upbeat surroundings.
The menu features jerk chicken, curry goat, chickpea curry, and plenty of plant-based options. Students often gather here for group dinners, particularly for the popular bottomless brunches or generous sharing platters.
The interior is decorated with tropical touches and vibrant colours, and the music adds to the festive feel. Whether you’re going for a casual dinner or a group celebration, Turtle Bay delivers a fun, flavourful experience.
Côte Exeter
Côte offers a more refined experience while still remaining student-accessible, especially thanks to its generous student discount via UNiDAYS. Situated on Cathedral Yard, it’s centrally located and easy to reach.
The menu is filled with French classics like Steak Frites, Croque Monsieur, and crème brûlée. There are also dedicated menus for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Côte works well for students looking to enjoy a proper sit-down meal without the high price tag. It’s a great spot to bring visiting family or to mark a special occasion. The interior is sleek and polished, but the service remains relaxed and friendly.
Bill’s Restaurant
Right in the heart of the city on Gandy Street, Bill’s is a well-loved student choice for all-day dining. Its warm, rustic interiors make it feel both casual and inviting, whether you’re popping in for brunch or settling in for dinner.
The menu covers everything from buttermilk pancakes and avocado toast to burgers and plant-based bowls. It’s the sort of place that caters for mixed groups well, with plenty of variety for different tastes and dietary needs.
Brunch is particularly popular here, especially on weekends. The central location makes it a convenient meeting spot between lectures or on lazy Sunday afternoons.
Miller & Carter
For those moments when you want to treat yourself to something a bit more upscale, Miller & Carter is a solid option. Located in Exeter Business Park, this steakhouse is best known for its expertly cooked British and Irish steaks, aged for 30 days for extra flavour.
Students come here for special occasions, from birthdays to post-exam celebrations. While it’s more expensive than most student haunts, the fixed-price lunch menu helps keep it within reach. Two courses start at £18.50, and the menu includes more than just steak, with seafood, salads, and vegetarian options also available.
The ambiance is polished but not intimidating, and the staff are known for being helpful and professional.
The best restaurants in Exeter is as diverse as its student population. From riverside dining to back-alley bao spots, the best restaurants in Exeter combine affordability with quality and character. They’re not just about good meals. They’re about good memories.
When you live in a city like Exeter, where history and community meet daily life, your food experiences become part of the rhythm of your studies. One lunch turns into a tradition. One dinner becomes the start of a new friendship.
So whether you’re in the mood for quick street food or something more refined, the best restaurants in Exeter are waiting to be discovered, shared, and enjoyed again and again.