Top Exeter Restaurants - Complete Student Dining Guide 2025

Exeter's got amazing food for students, with meals from £3 to £25. Get student discounts at Côte (20% off), cheap pizzas at The Old Firehouse (under £10), and brilliant Asian street food at Red Panda. And when your student accommodation in Exeter is just a short walk from these gems, food becomes one of the best parts of student life. Food, friends, and campus buzz—here’s why Exeter is an ideal study destination. Exeter's food scene is actually incredible for students.

Want to know how many students say food is their #1 love? Check out these fun facts about student life in Exeter. Yes, this isn't another boring list of fancy restaurants in Exeter you can't afford. It's the real deal about where students go, what they actually spend, and how to eat well without going broke. From quick bites between lectures to celebratory dinners when you nail that assignment. One reason Exeter's food scene is so diverse? Top universities in Exeter bring in a global student crowd, mainly contributed by the University of Exeter.

Budget Breakdown: What Students Actually Spend

Let's talk money first because that's what matters most. Eating out is part of the real cost of living in Exeter for students, and budgeting for that early makes a difference. 

Craving variety on a budget? Exeter offers both. But eating out is just one part of the picture. From transport to housing costs, check out the full pros and cons of living in Exeter as a student to see how your lifestyle fits into the city’s rhythm.

Here's the honest breakdown of what eating out costs in Exeter: 

Price Categories That Make Sense

Most students spend around £10 - £12 for a proper meal out. That's the sweet spot where you get good food without feeling guilty about your bank balance. Choose affordable student accommodation in Exeter, and you’ll have more to spend on food and fun.

Student Discounts You Need to Know

• Côte Exeter: 20% off everything with UNiDAYS 
• Bill's: Student discount via UNiDAYS
• Turtle Bay: Regular student deals 
• Pizza Express: Student discount available 
• On The Waterfront: 2-for-1 deals on specific days

Always ask about student discounts. They are one of the major benefits of student life in Exeter. Seriously, even if it's not advertised, loads of places offer them. Use this cost of living calculator to balance your food spending with rent and transport.

Quick Bites: When You've Got 20 Minutes Between Lectures

Red Panda (Gandy Street)

This tiny Vietnamese place is a student legend. Bao buns for £3.80, rice boxes for £6 - £7. Everything's made fresh while you wait. No seats inside, but Cathedral Green is right there.

The teriyaki chicken bao is unreal. You can also try the soft steamed bun, perfectly cooked chicken, and fresh salad. It's healthy too, which is rare for quick student food.

Chopstix (City Centre)

Asian fast food done right. Noodle and rice boxes from £6.89. You pick your base, protein, and sauce. Always busy, but the service is rapid.

Their sweet and sour chicken with egg noodles hits different when you're rushing between seminars. The best part? They give you generous portions.

Fish & Chips (City Centre)

Classic cod and chips for £7.50. Proper portions, not greasy, and you can load up on mayo and ketchup. Sometimes the simple stuff works best.

They do mushy peas if you're feeling fancy. The curry sauce is decent, too.

Casual Dining: Where Students Actually Go

Harry's Restaurant (Longbrook Street)

This place has been feeding Exeter students since 1993. Set in a gorgeous gothic building, but don't let that put you off – it's totally relaxed inside.

Their burgers are massive. Like, proper challenge-your-jaw massive. The veggie burrito is loaded with beans, rice, cheese, and salsa. Pasta portions could feed two people easily.

Students love it because the staff are friendly, the atmosphere's buzzing, and you know you'll leave satisfied.

The Old Firehouse (Various Locations)

Student institution alert. This pub does square pizzas big enough to share between three people. Under £10 each. They're open until 2:30 am too, which is fantastic for post-night-out munchies. 

Students can look forward to the pub quizzes on Wednesdays. Live music events are regularly held here. It's where you'll bump into coursemates, societies, and basically everyone you know. The atmosphere is cosy and rustic.

Their Sunday roasts are legendary among students. Vegan and veggie options are available. You will find that student nightlife in Exeteroften starts with pizza and ends with late-night karaoke.

Turtle Bay (Queen Street)

Caribbean vibes in the heart of Exeter. The décor's colourful and tropical, and the music's upbeat. Perfect for group dinners and celebrations.

Students rate the bottomless brunches and sharing platters. Staff are really welcoming, and the energy's always good. A bit pricier than everyday spots, but worth it for special occasions.

International Flavours: Because Variety Matters

Taco Macho (Fore Street)

Tiny Mexican takeaway with massive flavours. Fresh stuff prepared right in front of you by Gus, the chef. Authentic, budget-friendly, and properly filling.

Their burritos are stuffed. Like, how did they fit all that stuff? Under £8 usually. Perfect when you want something different from the usual suspects.

Comptoir Libanais (Guildhall)

Lebanese food with appetisers from £4.95. You can try loads of different mezze for under £10. The hummus is creamy perfection.

Great for groups because you can order various small plates and share. The flatbreads are fresh and warm. Proper comfort food.

YO! Sushi (Various)

Conveyor belt sushi that's actually affordable. You can eat as much or as little as you want. Colour-coded plates make pricing simple.

Perfect for when you want something healthy and different. The miso soup is a bargain. Students love the theatre of it all.

Pepe's (Sidwell Street)

Halal chicken and beef that's properly good. Some students say it's the best chicken they've had in Exeter. Portions are generous, prices are fair.

Their chicken burgers are huge. The sides are decent, too. Popular with international students, especially.

Study-Friendly Spots: Where You Can Actually Work

Tea on the Green (Cathedral Green)

Right opposite Exeter Cathedral with gorgeous views. They do proper breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, and West Country pasties. The cream teas are Instagram-worthy.

WiFi's decent, the atmosphere's calm, and the location's unbeatable. Perfect for solo study sessions with good coffee. Places like Tea on the Green let you eat and revise between sessions at the student libraries in Exeter.

The Undergrad Cafe

West Country institution doing comfort food classics. Full English breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream.

Students come here for the reliable WiFi and relaxed atmosphere. Good for morning study sessions with proper coffee and food.

Campus Cafés

Don't overlook on-campus options. BARiSCA outlets across campus serve decent coffee and light meals. The Forum café gets busy but has good WiFi.

Building: One café does hot lunches cooked to order. Devonshire House has the famous £2 hot dish of the day. This is a real bargain for students.

Date Night and Special Occasions

If you’re staying in luxury student accommodation in Exeter, you’re steps from fine dining spots like Côte and Crave.

Côte (Cathedral Yard)

French dining that doesn't intimidate students. A 20% student discount with UNiDAYS makes it affordable. Their steak frites are proper good.

Central location, lovely atmosphere and varied menu are the highlights. Perfect for impressing dates or celebrating good grades. The lunch menu's particularly good value.

Miller & Carter (Exeter Business Park)

Steakhouse for when you want to treat yourself properly. Their 12-oz ribeye won gold at the 2024 World Steak Challenge. Fixed-price lunch menu from £18.50. After lunch, you can explore some museums in Exeter for students within walking distance.

It's a bit of a trek from campus, but worth it for special occasions. Students like the professional service, quality food and fine dining experience. 

Crave (Exeter Quay Restaurant)

Small plates, seasonal menu, lovely waterfront setting. Popular with students who want something a bit more sophisticated.

The sharing style works well for dates. Quality ingredients, creative flavours, and the Quayside location is romantic. Prices are reasonable for the quality.

Late Night Munchies

Food runs after dark? Check the student safety guide for Exeter to stay smart.

The Old Firehouse

Already mentioned, but worth repeating – they're open until 2:30 am. Those square pizzas save lives after nights out.

Various Takeaways

Gandyshops and Sidwell Street have loads of options that stay open late. Pizza places, kebab shops, and Chinese takeaways. All the usual suspects.

Campus Options

Some campus outlets stay open later during term time. Check the live opening times on the university website.

Group Dining: Feeding the Squad

Society meetups often happen at the Terrace or Waterfront. You can get group discounts when you’re out with student societies and academic clubs in Exeter.

On The Waterfront (Quayside)

Famous for extra-large pizzas with proper doughy bases. 

• Monday deal: 2 12" pizzas for £25. 
• Wednesday burger night: any 2 for £25.

The tapas deal (Monday-Friday 12-4 pm) lets you try loads for less. The peaceful location is another major draw.

The Terrace

Known for cocktails, but the food menu is impressive. Perfect for society dinners and group celebrations. A varied menu means everyone finds something.

Harry's Restaurant

Already covered, but their big portions make sharing easy. Popular with course groups and society meals.

Healthy Options: Because Balance Matters

Red Panda

Vietnamese street food that's actually nutritious. You can expect fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and minimal processing. Their rice bowls are filling without being heavy.

Campus Vegetarian Options

Most campus cafés have decent veggie and vegan options. Plant-based meals often cost less than meaty ones, too.

Salad Bars

Several places have built-your-own salad bars. Guildhall has options, and campus outlets too.

Delivery and Takeaway: For Those Deadline Days

Popular Apps

Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat all operate in Exeter. Coverage is good around student areas.

Direct Ordering

Many places offer direct delivery. Often cheaper than apps because you avoid platform fees.

Campus Delivery

Exeter’s transport system connects campus life to restaurants quickly. Most student accommodation accept deliveries. The parcel service is a major benefit of living in Exeter student accommodation. This allows you to have your food delivered to the reception. Some have specific instructions, so check with your accommodation. 

Money-Saving Tips That Actually Work

Happy Hours and Deals

Monday-Wednesday usually has the best deals. Apps often have exclusive offers. Networking over coffee is a great way to find professional opportunities in Exeter for students.

• Student Meal Cards: The university sells meal package cards for catered residences. 7 meals you can use flexibly.
• Too Good To Go App: Campus shops sell "magic bags" of food approaching expiry dates. Proper bargains.
• Cooking Together: Some Exeter restaurants do group deals. Organise course dinners for better prices.

What to Avoid: Student Honest Talk

• Tourist Traps Near Cathedral: Often overpriced and aimed at day visitors, not students.
• Places Without Prices: If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it on a student budget.
• Dinner Rush at Popular Spots: Book ahead or go slightly earlier/later to avoid waits.

Keep in mind, you can earn while you eat—explore part-time jobs in Exeter for students that support your lifestyle.

Location Guide: Where to Eat Near Your Accommodation

City Centre and Sidwell Street are among the best areas to live in Exeter for students if food is a priority. Whether you want to walk to late-night pizza or brunch with a view, where you stay matters. Here's a quick guide to great properties near Exeter's best restaurants:

These properties align with the best student accommodation in Exeter that are close to food, friends, and flexibility.

Final Student Wisdom

Exeter's food scene is genuinely brilliant for students. You've got quick lunch spots, proper dinner places, late-night lifesavers, and everything in between. The key is knowing where to go for what situation.

Don't just stick to campus food or meal deals. Try different places, ask about student discounts, and remember that eating out is part of the university experience. Some of your best memories will happen over shared meals with classmates.

Your student loan might feel tight, but smart choices mean you can eat well without going broke. Start with the budget places, save the fancy spots for celebrations, and always check for deals.

Exeter's compact size means everything's walkable from the city centre. The bus connections are decent, too. Food delivery covers most student areas. Most importantly, don't stress about it too much. Part of being a student is discovering new places and trying different foods. Exeter makes that easy and affordable. Once you’ve sorted food, explore the best things to do in Exeter for students—from hikes to hidden historic spots.