Time has a tendency of flying past all too fast; one moment I was panicking about Christmas presents, and the next I am going headlong into 2026 with a list of New Year’s resolutions that I am most probably going to blow at some point. Hopefully, one that will be fulfilled is another visit to Crave, which opened in the summer of 2024 on Exeter’s historic quayside.

​A New Vibe for the Historic Quay

If you don’t know Exeter, the Quay is a favourite spot for many Exonians. The River Exe bends past historic waterside buildings and ’80s redevelopments which offer a pleasant spot for a walk or a drink. Events take place, people meet for coffee, and though it’s a stroll from the centre, it’s worth the trip down for a coffee at Sundays or a pizza at On The Waterfront.

Some of the best restaurants in the city live here, and the newest addition to this colony of eateries is Crave: a fiercely independent restaurant that has set out to champion local produce while creating delicious, innovative menus.

​Organic Hype and Social Savvy

If you’re a local foodie on Instagram, chances are you’ve already seen Crave’s visually stunning dishes popping up on your grid or in your feed. But interestingly, I heard of them through word-of-mouth well before I saw a single piece of content. It just goes to show that even in a digital-first world, personal recommendations still carry the most weight. That’s not to downplay their social media prowess, though; their “SM playbook” is incredibly strong. Between the regular updates and behind-the-scenes videos, the staff felt like familiar faces the moment I arrived. It’s a rare example of a restaurant that manages to balance high-tech marketing with a personal, independent feel effectively.

​The Space and the Ethos

​I visited for lunch with a friend just before Christmas. The last time I was in this space was for the opening of Wabi Sabi Bay a few years ago. It’s an oddly laid out (blame the architect), multi-level space with bare dark brick and natural light from one end, with the bar and more seating on a lower level. It is redeemed by the main seating area being right next to the windows with nice views of the river.

​Their roster of awards speaks volumes, recently including Gold at the Food Drink Devon awards, Gold at Taste of the West, and a Muddy Stilettos award too.

​If you had any doubt about where the ingredients come from, there is a big map on the back of the menu showing you where the thing you are eating swam, ran, or grew. This ethos runs strong. In a city largely dominated by corporate, shareholder-friendly brands, restaurants like Crave (and in the same league nearby, Harry’s in Longbrook Street and Rendezvous Wine Bar in Southernhay) all trumpet local ingredients with an independent edge. Exeter needs more Craves and fewer generic Marston’s or another “Taco Hell.”

​Behind the Menu

The restaurant was founded and is owned by Sameer Shetty, an experienced hospitality professional. I’d had the pleasure of meeting Sameer a couple of years ago when we did a collaboration for his Wingleaders project at The Stand Off, which I genuinely loved. Bringing his expertise from a tenure as operations manager for the immensely successful Rick Stein Group, Sameer – along with head chef Connor Symes and senior chef Tom Lodge – has managed to create something quite special, blending his high-level industry experience with a passion for the local, independent food scene.

​Our Lunch Selection:

• ​Pulled Beef Rosti (£15.00)
• ​Broccoli Caesar (£11.00)
• ​Beef Tacos (£17.00)
• ​Cauliflower Tacos (£14.00)
• ​Roasted Orange & Lemon Soda (£4.50)

​At Crave, it’s surf n’ turf, small plates, large plates, craft cocktails, and daily specials. Although I am cynically wary of small plates as a concept, I’ve found my recent experiences have made that cynicism unnecessary. It’s just a different way of doing things. Psychologically, it’s the same as a fine-dining tasting menu: you have lots of bits and bobs, a mouthful of this and a nibble of that, and before you know it, you’re full.

​The Pulled Beef Rosti was a delightful introduction; the beef was tender and combined perfectly with the horseradish cream and the umami punch of the XO oil. The cascade of small plates appeared as and when they were ready, taking us from the warm creaminess of the Broccoli and Leek Caesar (adorned with Parmesan and speckled with crispy onions and crunchy croutons) all the way to a “traditional with a twist” tartness in the Sage & Onion, Cauliflower, and Chilli Cranberry Tacos. Essentially Christmas tacos—I didn’t see that coming!

​You get three soft tacos with the filling in the middle; all you do is scoop it up and shove it in your gob. Done. The pulled beef was tender, and while the beef tacos also featured horseradish cream, I was happy to have a similar combination again as I love that gentle burn tamed by cream.

​The Verdict

​The notes I made during the meal had no quibbles. The price point reflects food worth writing a good review for, and the service is absolutely faultless, attentive, and friendly. We got a really warm greeting when we arrived and a wave goodbye when we left. We waddled away happy and eager to return.

​As of writing, TripAdvisor has it ranked at #11 in the whole of Exeter, and there are good reasons for this. If you come in the evening, you need to book in advance. That’s just a fact. We didn’t have any cocktails this time, but next time I visit, I’ll be having one or two for sure.

​With spring to look forward to, put Crave on your list of places to visit. And remember it’s kid friendly and dog friendly too.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re ready to see what the fuss is about, you can find Crave at 60-61 Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD, situated right on the historic Quayside. Because they are a popular independent spot, booking is highly recommended, especially for evening service; you can reach them by phone at 01392 491111 or book via their website. They are open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner, but it’s always worth checking their Instagram (@crave_exeter) for the latest daily specials and seasonal opening hours.

Over to You!

Have you visited Crave yet, or is it still on your 2026 “must-visit” list? I’d love to hear what you think of the small plates—did you find them as filling as I did? Or perhaps you have another hidden gem on the Quay that I need to check out next?