Exmouth fast becoming a gastronomic delight

EXMOUTH IS FAST becoming a gastronomic delight. With two superb high-quality restaurants, a couple of new gastro pubs and a new Indian in the town, plus two quality eating places on the fringes, things are certainly on the up. So if you want success on a plate where should you go?

Les Saveurs at The Seafood Restaurant deserves to be number one on your list. Launched three years ago by talented Breton chef Oliver Guyard-Mulkerrin and his wife Sheila, the bijou restaurant – hidden away in Tower Street – has already received two AA Rosettes for its "culinary excellence". In addition, it has been mentioned by The Times online, has had glowing reviews on tripadvisor and, of course, on Exmouth People.

With an emphasis on fresh seafood – but with meat dishes available – TheGreenMan describes the restaurant as "piscatorial perfection" and "an utter gem". He says that "Les Saveurs offers outstanding food, excellent presentation, great ambience and, considering the quality of its food and the careful attention to detail, good value for money. And once he's finished his cooking, chef Olivier even comes out to talk to customers, to find out what they think of his food and his restaurant, and, if need be, to make improvements."

AuntDahlia agrees. "For an outstanding dining experience, Les Saveurs stands head and shoulders above any other establishment in Exmouth and is fast acquiring a national reputation for excellence". She says that that "even if you're not a fish lover, you'll find something gorgeous on the menu – local duck or rabbit, perhaps". She also flags up the monthly special, where there's a set menu for under £30 for three courses.

If one excellent restaurant wasn't enough, Exmouth has recently gained another one! Kathy Evans and partner Ricardo Derossi opened The Chronicle on Chapel Hill – round the corner from Les Saveurs – in May 2011 to rave reviews on tripadvisor and, naturally, Exmouth People. "A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you at this high-quality restaurant in the centre of town," says soulman1. "The staff are very friendly and helpful... top marks from my partner and I all round." 

FutureExmouth is equally enthusiastic, saying that The Chronicle is "a tremendous new addition to the town's blossoming restaurant quarter. Offering a reasonable range of dishes – including locally sourced meat, fish, seafood and vegetables – the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. Hard to fault, The Chronicle shows that Exmouth really can do fine-dining in style. Highly recommended."

Encouraging reviews

Not quite in the same league, but also picking up encouraging reviews is Goa Spice, just opposite Les Saveurs on Tower Street. Offering Indian and Goan food, it's "a treat for the tastebuds," says Grapenut. "Good to have a new Indian in Exmouth, this one's a little bit different. Offering good-quality Indian and Goan food, the dishes are lightly spiced so that you can actually taste the individual ingredients. For my money this is currently the best Indian in Exmouth."

Gastro pubs

Gastro pubs are on also on the rise in the town. The Grapevine, launched by Bristol publican Oliver Bainbridge late last year, has picked up a strong reputation for good live music on a Friday night, real ales and fine wines. In addition the pub's food is also receiving positive reviews. "The food I had at The Grapevine was easily the best I have had in town," says jensen67. "The atmosphere was perfect." Gastronomes is also impressed, saying that the venue has "a tasty range of food, particularly the starters to share". Meanwhile, Andrewjww69 has had a good Sunday lunch there. "My wife and I both had a very generously portioned roast pork lunch with a mixture of French red and Chilean white wine – both delicious and well priced," he says. "The atmosphere was really welcoming, the food was yummy and the service was really efficient and friendly." 

The Grapevine's near neighbour, the new gastro pub/bistro Spoken, is also picking up fans, with some encouraging comments from locals about its food, and its relaxed atmosphere.

Outside Exmouth

Away from the town centre, two eateries in neighbouring communities are maintaining their fine reputations. The Swan Inn at Lympstone is a firm favourite. "An enjoyable dining experience at a reasonable price," says AuntDahlia. "Many of the ingredients, including the meat and fish, are locally sourced, and there are some imaginative vegetarian dishes on the menu. Portions, in the best pub tradition, are generous."

Meanwhile, The Quay Brasserie in Topsham is noted for its high-quality food and cool jazz. "What a joy!" says krop46. "The food was excellent and the music was terrific." culturelle is equally impressed with the food. "I thoughly enjoyed the 'Quay Sharing Platter' with my cousin. Highly recommended peeps!"

So Exmouth – and neighbouring communities  – are now firmly on the gastronomic map. What's your favourite restaurant in Exmouth and why? Let us know...