Exeters Best Streets for Indie Food Lovers

Magdalen Road

This is one of the most delightful streets in Exeter that showcases the city’s diverse dining scene. Here you can find the famous Calvo Loco tapas bar, a Spanish dining destination perfect for an intimate dinner or group outings. And, don’t forget to try the Magdalen Cheese and Provisions Shop - a gourmet paradise that specialises in artisan cheese and local food items. For coffee lovers, The Common Beaver cafe offers a casual setting to sip your morning brew or indulge in their delicious cake selection. The Common Beaver not only serve great coffee but have a good selection of home made bagels, including gluten and dairy free bagels.

Fore Street

Fore Street is an absolute must-visit when it comes to experiencing independent cafes in Exeter. Head over to the Press House, a beautiful coffee house serving delicious homemade cakes and pastries, situated just by the historical landmark, The House That Moved. Alternatively, stop by at Sacred Grounds, an ethically-conscious café known for its vegan menu, especially it's award-winning 'vegan poached egg'. For a more detailed write up check out our review of Sacred Grounds here.

Whilst on Fore Street don’t forget to explore The Glorious Art House, a unique, multi-storey cafe-come-art gallery that is ideal for indulging your artistic and culinary tastes at the same time. It's worth noting that Exeter Farmers market is held every Thursday 9am-2pm at the top end of Fore Street (on the corner with South Street). Fore Street also host their independent 'Fore Street Flea Market' a few times a year, so it's worth checking out when this is on if you enjoy local handmade crafts and food stalls.

Gandy Street

Often dubbed as the heart of Exeter’s ‘indie scene’, Gandy Street is brimming with eclectic restaurants and bustling eateries. Head over to Coolings, a trendy late night bar and restaurant that serves inventive cocktails and a selection of scrumptious dishes. You can also try Red Panda, an eatery serving a delicious variety of Asian street food. Don't miss the Exeter Phoenix, an arts and cultural centre, offering a rich calendar of events and boasting a cafe that is perfect for a light meal or refreshing beverage. With a range of indie boutiques and stylish cocktail bars, Gandy Street has a distinctly bohemian vibe and is the perfect place to experience Exeter’s vibrant nightlife. If you're a Harry Potter fan, look closely for the details that are rumoured to have inspired Diagon Alley whilst here too. There's plenty of independent shops and eateries in Exeter's Gandy Street, and it's found right on the high street (if you know where to look).

These three streets encapsulate Exeter's charm and character, serving up a gastronomical feast of independent cafés and restaurants that will have your taste buds begging for more. Whether it's savouring local cheeses on Magdalen Road, discovering artisanal crafts on Fore Street or exploring Exeter’s indie scene on Gandy Street, there's always something to entice the senses.