A highly regarded Exeter restaurant pairing polished modern British food with an excellent, approachable wine list, though £31 mains and advance dietary notice make it better for planned occasions than casual budget dining.
Rendezvous Wine Bar delivers strong food quality anchored by skilled cooking and local ingredients, paired with attentive service and notably knowledgeable wine guidance that elevates the experience. Consistency across repeat visits and a distinctive cellar setting with garden appeal support reliable special-occasion dining, though the overall package keeps it just short of the very top tier.
Rendezvous feels like a tucked-away Exeter find: cellar-style rooms, warm rustic decoration and a garden that becomes especially appealing in good weather. The mood is relaxed rather than formal, with staff who generally make wine guidance feel welcoming rather than intimidating. One concise verdict from the sample would be: “It is polished enough for a celebration, but still comfortable and unpretentious.” The cooking is modern British with a creative streak, using West Country produce alongside combinations such as Thai-spiced beef, romesco and Asian slaw. Steak, pork, duck, seafood and the cheese board attract the most repeat praise, while the current menu supports a genuinely polished, ingredient-led experience. It is a strong choice for diners who enjoy thoughtful combinations and wine pairing, though pricing is premium and the food is more adventurous than basic pub fare. Families can dine here, but this is not primarily a children’s-menu venue. The current menu offers familiar possibilities such as steak, fries, roast pork and brownie, alongside simpler vegetarian choices, yet much of the cooking is sophisticated and flavour-led. Parents should check the menu and mention dietary needs in advance; one vegan diner was accommodated, but reported an uncomfortable same-day interaction and limited on-the-spot choice.
Area vibe: Compact, historic commercial centre with civic landmarks, shopping and restaurants.
Safety: Generally safe with good evening footfall around main streets but quieter side streets after midnight.
What's nearby: Close to Exeter Cathedral, High Street, Princesshay shopping, Exeter St. David's transport links and several hotels.
Think warm cellar rooms, a garden for good-weather visits, and a polished but unpretentious setting where wine advice feels welcoming.
Start with Lyme Bay scallops or the Thai-spiced beef croquette, then choose between Dartmoor sirloin, Brixham stonebass, and a particularly tempting brownie.
It is relaxed enough for a date but comes with premium pricing, adventurous cooking, late-evening noise, and a few practical caveats.