£££Modern Cuisine
A fun, trendy spot set up on a budget by an enthusiastic group of young men known as the ‘Taco Boys’. Foraged ingredients and produce from the kitchen garden inform the daily changing, surprise tasting menus, and the original, modern dishes have bold flavours and contrasting textures.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Stage in Exeter specializes in modern cuisine with generally high praise for food quality. Dishes are noted for creativity, presentation, and excellent homemade bread, accommodating vegetarians well. Service is typically friendly and knowledgeable, though isolated reports cite rudeness or poor communication. The atmosphere is trendy and lively, but loud music and a somewhat gritty interior have drawn mixed feedback regarding comfort. Value perceptions vary significantly; while some find the experience worthwhile, others criticize portion sizes relative to cost. Overall, it offers a distinctive dining experience suitable for adventurous eaters, provided one is mindful of potential service inconsistencies and noise levels.
Suitable for diners seeking innovative modern cuisine who can tolerate variable noise levels.
££Modern Cuisine
This characterful 1720s coaching inn has a surprisingly contemporary interior, which is matched by its understated bedrooms. Take your seat in either the intimate dining room or in the airy, glass-covered historic courtyard – the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon. In the evening, choose between a tasting menu and a seasonally themed à la carte, where the colourful modern dishes are well-judged and nicely balanced. Be sure to pick up some goodies from their deli and wet fish shop on your way out.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Salutation Inn, featuring The Glasshouse, holds a 4.4/5 rating. Food quality is highly praised for its creativity and dishes like grilled mackerel and asparagus soup, though some afternoon tea pastries were deemed dense. Service is generally professional and friendly, with isolated reports of pacing issues or staff training gaps. The ambiance is elegant and comfortable. Value perceptions vary; while many find it worthwhile, some criticize small portions and high prices, especially after lunch menu changes. Overall, it suits diners seeking refined modern cuisine.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and an elegant atmosphere.
££Seafood
In the older part of this delightful town, not far from the River Exe, you'll find this cosy, rustic bistro that comes with a cheery atmosphere. Seafood from the southwest coastline is the primary focus of the fixed-price menu, sometimes paired with punchy accompaniments and global influences. Examples could include the likes of tiger prawn wontons with crispy leeks or Cornish octopus with salsa verde, potato rosti and picked shallots. If you aren’t a local, this taste of the region will make you wish you were one.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Topsham, The Galley specializes in seafood with an average rating of 4.5/5. Guests frequently praise the freshness of ingredients, highlighting oysters, scallops, and dishes by Chef Han such as Cornish octopus and monkfish tail. The fish and chips are also noted for their quality. The atmosphere is described as cozy with estuary views, and service is generally friendly. However, some reviews cite issues including a freezing indoor environment, slow meal pacing, and unresponsive staff. Occasional complaints mention small portions or overly hard batter, leading to mixed opinions on value.
Ideal for seafood lovers seeking fresh catches and river views, but allow extra time and dress warmly.
£££Regional Cuisine
Set in an old 16th-century salt house, this long-standing, proudly run restaurant is a pleasant blend of the old and the new – and is the type of place that’s always evolving. Dine in either the Abbots Den or the Garden Room, and start with a small plates selection, followed by a hearty, classically based main course that will come with minimal fuss but plenty of flavour. Alternatively, just come down for a spot of afternoon tea. If you're looking to explore the area, then extend your visit by booking one of the bedrooms.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Salty Monk in Sidmouth holds a strong reputation with an average rating of 4.5/5. Diners consistently praise the high food quality, particularly the eight-course tasting menu featuring fresh ingredients like trout, monkfish tails, and homemade desserts. The ambiance is described as bright, airy, and elegantly decorated, with a well-tended courtyard garden. Service is generally friendly and welcoming, though some guests noted issues with meal pacing, overly attentive staff, or occasional inconsistencies in food temperature and doneness. While a few reviews criticized specific items like afternoon tea sandwiches or vegan options, the overall consensus highlights a sophisticated dining experience suitable for those seeking refined regional cuisine.
Ideal for travelers seeking high-quality regional cuisine and an elegant dining atmosphere; booking the tasting menu in advance is recommended.