Discover the best plant-based food Exeter has to offer
Veganism has seen a boom over the last few years, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Not only are chains offering more plant-based options than ever before, but there has also been an influx of independent vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafés and bars across the country. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these are the best vegan restaurants in Exeter.
1. Best vegan restaurant in Exeter – Herbies
This vegan restaurant has been a staple of one of Exeter’s busiest and most bustling streets for 20 years, which is a testament to the quality of food served. Herbies is the sort of place you’d take a staunch meat-eater if you wanted to convert them to the ways of veganism. Almost everything on the menu is either vegan or has a vegan option, from their spinach and mushroom lasagne to the carrot and cashew nut loaf. There’s a reason why photos of celebs regularly pop up on Herbies’ Instagram: this is one of the places to be if you find yourself in Exeter. If you want our advice, try the Buddha Bowl – who said healthy can’t taste good?
Where is it? 15 North St, Exeter EX4 3QS
How to get there? Take the H2 bus from St Davids train station. If you’re journeying into Central it’s just a three minute walk.
2. Best vegan café in Exeter – Veg Box Café
There aren’t many better spots to have breakfast, lunch or dinner than Exeter Quayside, and Veg Box makes it an option for everyone! Boasting a wide array of vegan and vegetarian drinks, sweet treats, and mains, this waterfront café is perfectly situated to let you soak up the atmosphere of one of the most bustling areas in Exeter. If you’d prefer to sit inside, you’ll be met with a pretty and quaint interior that perfectly suits the relaxed vibe of the area. Don’t be fooled, though – the Biscoff milkshake and dark chocolate brownie pack a serious flavour punch.
Where is it? Unit 7, Piazza Terracina, Haven Banks – The Quay, Exeter EX2 8GT
How to get there? From St Davids, the M bus takes you straight to the Quay, taking just 8 minutes. There are plenty of options from Central station: you can walk 14 minutes or take the H1 or I bus.
3. Best vegan Sunday roast in Exeter – The Oddfellows
A quick search for the best pubs in Exeter will show you how popular The Oddfellows is, and for good reason. This award-winning gastro pub serves up one of the best Sunday roasts in the city, with an outstanding vegan option available. If a plate overloaded with roasties isn’t enough, you can wash it down with one of their carefully selected craft ales or wines. Or, for those who love Sunday dinner but despise washing up, order yours to go via their takeaway service.
Where is it? 60 New N Road, Exeter EX4 4EP
How to get there? If you’re arriving at St Davids, take the 56 from stop B. Otherwise it’s just a seven-minute walk from Central.
4. Best vegan pizza in Exeter – On the Waterfront
It’s impossible to find a more picturesque place for a slice of pizza than On the Waterfront, outside of Rome, of course. Situated – as the name suggests – on the Exeter waterfront, this Italian restaurant is the perfect place to tuck into a massive slice while you watch the world go by. What makes On the Waterfront even better is that it offers a vegan cheese option at no extra cost, as well as vegan cheesy chips for on the side. Be warned: when we say these plant-based pizza slices are massive, we mean it!
Where is it? Southern Warehouse, 4-9, The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AP
How to get there? From St Davids, the M bus takes you straight to the Quay, taking just 8 minutes. There are plenty of options from Central station: you can walk 14 minutes or take the H1 or I bus.
5. Best vegan breakfast in Exeter – Boston Tea Party
A booming chain which is being introduced to more and more cities across the country, this Bristol-born café has become famous for its breakfast and brunch. Boston Tea Party’s vegan English breakfast shows that life doesn’t have to be all bacon, sausage and egg. Instead, fresh, in-house-made hash browns play a starring role on the plate, perfectly accompanied by turmeric scrambled tofu. A trendy café wouldn’t be complete without a range of teas, coffees and smoothies, all of which you can find in abundance here. Don’t forget to ask for soy or oat milk with your hot drinks at no extra charge!
Where is it? 84 Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RP
How to get there? Take the H1 bus from St Davids or walk two minutes from Central Station.
6. Best pub with vegan options in Exeter – The Old Firehouse
Ask any local the best place to grab a pint of ale or cider and chances are they’ll tell you The Old Firehouse. This historic building turned pub is a favourite amongst students and locals, giving it a perfect vibe which combines an inner-city bar and a country pub. Not only does it have a great atmosphere, but it more than caters for vegans, too. There are plant-based options clearly marked on the extensive menu, but The Old Firehouse is most famous for its vegan pizza. Just make sure you get a seat early – this popular pub tends to get a bit busy in the evening!
Where is it? 50 New N Rd, Exeter EX4 4EP
How to get there? Take the 56 bus from St Davids or walk four minutes from Central Station.
7. Best Asian restaurants with vegan choices in Exeter – Red Panda
Southeast Asian cuisine can be notoriously difficult to find as a vegan because of key ingredients like fish- and oyster-sauces. If you find yourself searching for some Asian flavours in Exeter, look no further than Red Panda. This unassuming restaurant can be found amongst rows of shops, but that doesn’t mean it’s easily missed; you can often recognise the restaurant by the huge queues it amasses, particularly at lunchtime. If you can wait long enough, here’s a tip: try the tofu bao buns. You won’t regret it!
Where is it? 29 Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS
How to get there? Take the H2 bus from St Davids train station or walk two minutes from Central Station.
8. Best chain with vegan options in Exeter – Zizzi
Restaurant chains have done a lot to improve their vegan offerings over the last few years, most notably Italian places like Prezzo and Ask Italian. But no one does plant-based like Zizzi. The restaurant uses MozzaRisella – a vegan mozzarella substitute made in Italy – on its pizzas to make them taste exactly like the real thing. We’re also 100% certain you won’t believe the Millionaire Slice is free of animal products. People love chains because they know exactly what they’re going to get, and at the Exeter branch of Zizzi that’s high-quality food.
Where is it? 21 Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS
How to get there? Take the H2 bus from St Davids train station or walk two minutes from Central Station.
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