A highly regarded, cosy Exeter plant-based restaurant with creative sharing plates, generous portions and warm service, though reservations, a 12.5% service charge and occasional flavour or speed inconsistencies merit attention.
Herbies stands out for strong food quality across mains, sharing plates and desserts, with attentive, friendly service that diners repeatedly praise. Its relaxed, intimate room and central Exeter location make it a dependable plant-based choice, though its ambiance and comfort are less distinctive. Occasional reports of uneven dishes and noise keep it just short of the very top tier.
Herbies is a small, popular Exeter city-centre restaurant with a cosy, relaxed feel and the kind of welcome that turns a meal into an occasion. Diners repeatedly describe warm, attentive staff, thoughtful birthday touches and music that sets the room just right; the practical takeaway is simple: book ahead, especially on Friday nights. The cooking is creative plant-based food rather than austere health fare, moving comfortably from gochujang mushroom bao and banana-blossom tacos to Thai curry, lasagne and generously built bowls. Sharing plates are the star attraction, with crispy potatoes, bao, broccoli, roast dishes and desserts earning especially strong praise. Most diners find the portions and pricing worthwhile, although a minority report blandness, soggy textures, uneven salads or slow service, and the current menu’s 12.5% service charge deserves checking before ordering. Families can find accessible choices such as fries, garlic bread, burgers, lasagne, sticky toffee pudding and brownie with ice cream, but this is still a creative vegan-led menu rather than a conventional children’s restaurant. Reviews suggest mixed-diet groups can enjoy it, while picky eaters may prefer the familiar burger, potatoes or dessert over adventurous options such as kimchi rice, bao or banana blossom.
Area vibe: Compact provincial city centre with a mix of historic streets and student-focused amenities.
Safety: Generally safe with decent evening footfall near the university and high street, quieter side streets later at night.
What's nearby: Close to Exeter St Davids station, University of Exeter campuses, quayside, shops and pubs.
Start with bao, tacos, or crispy potatoes, then choose between hearty mains such as lasagne and Thai green curry.
Plan ahead for a busy room and creative plant-based food, while keeping an eye on service times and the final bill.
Expect a cosy, welcoming room where well-chosen music and thoughtful birthday touches give plant-based meals an occasion-like feel.