Short answer: Babylon on South Street is the highest-rated restaurant in Exeter. The Fat Pig does a Sunday roast people travel for, including a gluten-free version. The Prospect Inn on the quay takes dogs seriously.
Babylon on South Street — the highest-rated restaurant in the city, and the one to book for an occasion.
The Fat Pig, just off the high street. People travel for it, and there is a proper gluten-free version rather than an afterthought. Book — it is not a big room.
The Prospect Inn has a serious commitment to dogs and sits right on the water, which makes it the obvious stop after a walk along the canal towpath or through Riverside Valley Park.
The quay itself is the pleasanter end of Exeter to eat in — converted warehouses, cafés on both banks, and quieter than the high street.
Exeter is a university city, so the back streets off the high street are better value than the chains on it. The Guildhall centre has the free indoor family garden on the first floor if you need somewhere for children between stops.
The Prospect Inn is the one. Killerton, just outside the city, has the Stables Coffee Shop, which explicitly welcomes dogs and muddy boots — unusual at a National Trust property.
Exmouth is twenty-five minutes on the Avocet Line, where the Point at the marina opens at 8.30 and the River Exe Café is moored out in the estuary.
Devon's good rooms are small rooms. Book at weekends and always for Sunday lunch, and ring rather than trusting a booking form out of season.
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