Why Shared Plates Make Better Evenings
There's something about Indian and Asian food that's fundamentally different from most Western dining. It's designed to be shared. A table covered in dishes — curries, rice, naan, dipping sauces, starters in the middle for everyone to pick at — creates a meal that's communal by nature. Nobody's guarding their plate. Nobody's eating in isolation. The food moves around the table, and so does the conversation.
This is why Indian and Asian restaurants are some of the best places to eat with friends. The format encourages exactly the kind of social eating that brings people together — ordering for the table rather than just for yourself, trying things you wouldn't have chosen alone, debating whether the lamb rogan josh or the chicken tikka masala is the better order. It's the opposite of sitting in silence over individual plates.
Exeter has a genuinely interesting Indian and Asian food scene. It's not London or Manchester in terms of sheer variety, but what it lacks in volume it makes up for in quality and character. You'll find restaurants that have been serving the city for decades alongside newer spots bringing fresh perspectives. And for a city of Exeter's size, the range is impressive — Indian, South Indian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and pan-Asian fusion are all represented, and most of the best options are independently run.
If you believe, as we do, that sharing a meal can genuinely change your social life, then this guide is your starting point.
Indian Restaurants
Namaste Exeter
If you're looking for something beyond the traditional British-Indian curry house, Namaste is where to go. Located at 1 Guinea Street, this award-winning restaurant specialises in South Indian cuisine — think dosas, biryanis, and dishes built around spice profiles that feel genuinely authentic rather than anglicised.
The interior is modern and well-lit, a welcome departure from the dimly-lit flock wallpaper that still haunts too many Indian restaurants in this country. The dosas are outstanding — crispy, generously filled, and served with proper chutneys and sambar. The biryanis are widely considered the best in Exeter, layered and fragrant in a way that suggests real care in the kitchen.
Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the staff clearly take pride in explaining the menu to anyone unfamiliar with South Indian food. It gets busy on weekends, especially during South Asian festivals, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Prices are moderate for the quality — you're paying for ingredients and skill, not tablecloths and formality.
Ganges Restaurant
Ganges has been a fixture on Fore Street for years, and it's earned its reputation through consistency rather than flash. This is a traditional Indian restaurant that does the classics well — generous portions, flavoursome sauces, and tender meat without the greasy heaviness that lets down too many curry houses.
The menu is large, covering everything from tandoori starters to a full range of curries, with vegetarian options well represented. Some regulars recommend pushing past the familiar dishes and exploring the more traditional options further down the menu — that's where the kitchen really shows what it can do.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with staff who seem genuinely pleased to see you. Portions are generous enough that ordering a few dishes to share across the table works brilliantly. It's not the cheapest Indian in Exeter, but the quality justifies the price, and it's a reliable choice for a group dinner where everyone needs to be happy.
When eating at an Indian restaurant with a group, order communally rather than individually. Get a selection of curries, rice, and breads for the table to share. It's cheaper, more fun, and you'll try things you wouldn't have chosen on your own.
The Gandhi Indian Cuisine
Located just by the Clock Tower on New North Road, The Gandhi is one of Exeter's most consistently well-reviewed Indian restaurants. The food is praised for freshness and flavour, with the Salmon Tikka standing out as a particular favourite among regulars.
The interior is clean and inviting, with comfortable seating and background music that sets the mood without drowning out conversation. Staff are welcoming and accommodating, happy to guide you through the menu and make recommendations. There's a good selection of vegan options, and the drinks list covers wine, beer, and spirits.
The Gandhi hits a sweet spot between quality and value that makes it ideal for regular visits rather than just special occasions. It's the kind of place you can suggest for a midweek dinner with friends without anyone worrying about the bill — the sort of regular social ritual that keeps friendships alive.
Spice Magic
On Fore Street at number 139, Spice Magic has built a reputation as one of Exeter's most reliable Indians. The menu features a strong selection of tandoori specialities — Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Mixed Grill — alongside an assortment of Indian breads and a range of curries that covers everything from mild kormas to fiery Ceylons and Madras options.
Portions are generous, prices are reasonable (most mains in the eight to twenty pound range), and there's a good selection of vegetarian dishes. Spice Magic seems to be the Indian that Exeter locals most frequently recommend to newcomers, which tells you something about consistency. They also offer takeaway and delivery for those evenings when you want to bring the curry night home.
The Pukka Indian
The Pukka Indian has earned a loyal following for its well-thought-out menu, which takes a slightly different approach from the traditional curry house format. Dishes come as all-in portions with just the right amount of rice, naan, and accompaniments — no need to order sides separately and watch the bill climb.
The food is described by regulars as faultless, with modest pricing that makes it one of the better value options in the city. Staff are polite, helpful, and knowledgeable about the menu. The decor is pleasant without being overly formal. It's the kind of place that rewards repeat visits — a proper local Indian where the quality never dips.
Richies South Indian — North Street West
One of the most exciting new additions to Exeter's Indian dining scene, Richies South Indian opened its doors on North Street West after building a loyal following at its original Torquay location. The restaurant specialises in authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine from the Kanyakumari district, and the early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
The dosas here are exceptional — crispy, paper-thin, and filled with spiced potato and served with proper coconut chutney and sambar. The biryanis are fragrant and generously portioned, and the vegetarian options go far beyond the usual afterthought. If you have eaten at Namaste and want to explore a different regional approach to South Indian food, Richies offers a complementary experience rather than a competing one.
Richies is at 18 North Street West, EX4 3QS. It is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm to 10:30pm, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 11pm, and Sunday from 5pm to 10:30pm. You can check their menu and book at richiessouthindian.co.uk.
The Gurkha Kitchen — Heavitree Road
Tucked away in the Heavitree area at 164 Heavitree Road, The Gurkha Kitchen is one of Exeter's best-kept secrets for Nepalese and Indian cuisine. The restaurant has a 98% recommendation rating from reviewers, and the momos — traditional Nepalese dumplings — are reason enough to make the trip.
The atmosphere is relaxed and nostalgic, with an interior that feels more like a neighbourhood family restaurant than anything flashy. Tuesday evenings feature an Indian Thali night, and the first Thursday of every month brings a special Nepalese Thali — both excellent value and a good excuse to try a broader range of dishes than you might otherwise order. The lamb shank has developed a particularly devoted following among regulars.
If you enjoy discovering restaurants slightly off the beaten track, The Gurkha Kitchen rewards the short walk from the city centre. It is the kind of place where the food is consistently excellent and the staff make you feel genuinely welcome from your first visit.
Korean
Oh My Kimchi — Blackboy Road
Exeter's first dedicated Korean restaurant has landed, and it is a genuinely welcome addition to the city's Asian dining scene. Oh My Kimchi at 57-58 Blackboy Road serves authentic Korean dishes — sizzling bulgogi, colourful bibimbap, fried chicken, rich stews, and warming soups — in a clean, modern space about five minutes' walk from the city centre.
The restaurant uses free-range beef and pork, halal chicken, and fresh ingredients throughout, with vegan and gluten-free options clearly marked. The self-service ordering system keeps prices competitive, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for both a quick lunch and a longer evening meal. The space seats around 36, with ample free street parking nearby.
Oh My Kimchi fills a gap that Exeter's dining scene has needed for a while. Korean food is inherently social — dishes arrive in sharing portions, banchan (side dishes) encourage picking and tasting, and the flavours reward the adventurous. Check their menu and hours at ohmy-kimchi.com.
If you are new to Korean food, start with a bibimbap — a bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables, meat (or tofu), and a fried egg, mixed together with gochujang (chilli paste) at the table. It is endlessly customisable, deeply satisfying, and a perfect introduction to the cuisine.
Thai
Thai Orchid
Thai Orchid introduced Thai food to Exeter in 1995 and has been one of the city's most successful restaurants ever since. Set in a stonemason's cottage built around 1540 with views over St Peter's Cathedral, the setting alone would be worth the visit — but the food more than matches it.
The menu runs to around 140 dishes, covering everything from satays and fishcakes to stir-fries, hot-and-sour salads, curries, and noodle dishes. Everything is prepared by Thai chefs using recipes perfected over nearly three decades. The Chicken with Roast Peanuts and Sweet Potato curry is a standout, but you'd struggle to order badly here.
Prices are in line with what you'd expect from a quality Thai restaurant, and the service is consistently praised as friendly and attentive. Food arrives quickly and hot. For a group dinner, the breadth of the menu means everyone can find something they love, and the sharing format of Thai food makes it naturally communal.
Thai Orchid is one of Exeter's longest-running restaurants, having served the city since 1995. Their recipes have been perfected over nearly thirty years, and the views of the cathedral from the dining room are among the best in the city.
Japanese
Goto Japanese Restaurant
Located at 38 New Bridge Street, Goto is Exeter's standout Japanese restaurant. Chef Dan brought his restaurant to Exeter after his previous Goto in Plymouth closed in 2020, and the city has been better for it ever since.
The focus is on sushi and ramen, with the Tonkotsu Ramen and Chicken Katsu Curry being particularly popular. The Soft Shell Crab tempura is excellent, and the sushi — whether you go for classic maki rolls or more elaborate options — is notably fresh for a city this far from London. There's a good selection of vegetarian options including avocado maki and vegetarian ramen.
Goto is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and sits comfortably in the top 30 restaurants in Exeter, which for a small independent Japanese place is an impressive achievement. Reservations are strongly recommended — it's popular for good reason. A meal for two will typically run between thirty-three and fifty-seven pounds, which is fair for the quality.
Wagamama
At 16 Bedford Street in Princesshay, Wagamama is Exeter's most accessible Japanese option. Yes, it's a chain, and no, it's not going to give you the same experience as an independent like Goto. But it does what it does well — reliable pan-Asian dishes served quickly in a buzzy, communal setting.
The long shared tables are worth mentioning. Wagamama pioneered the communal dining format in the UK, seating strangers alongside each other. It's a format that works surprisingly well for social eating — the informality removes the pressure, and the speed of service means it works for everything from a quick lunch to an evening out.
Open daily from 11am to 10pm, no booking needed for smaller groups. It's a solid fallback when you want something reliable without the hassle of planning ahead.
Pan-Asian and Noodle Bars
Tyepyedong Noodle Bar
Pronounced "tye-pye-dong" — meaning "a place to eat without the fuss" — this independent family-run restaurant on Sidwell Street has been serving oriental fusion food for over twenty years. The menu blends Japanese and Chinese cuisine with broader Asian influences, focusing on noodle soups, stir-fries, and ramen-style bowls.
The lunch menu is exceptional value — a main course with a drink for around five pounds, served between noon and 3pm. Evening dishes are reasonably priced too, with generous portions of freshly cooked food. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with the family-run warmth that chain restaurants can never quite replicate.
Tyepyedong has vegan and gluten-free options, and the Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup are both popular choices. It's the kind of restaurant that rewards the adventurous — the more you explore the menu, the more you find to like. At these prices, it also earns a mention in our cheap eats under a tenner guide.
Buffet City
Located in the city centre, Buffet City offers an all-you-can-eat Chinese and Asian buffet format. The spread covers traditional Chinese dishes alongside some Japanese and Thai options — sweet and sour pork, beef in black bean sauce, crispy aromatic duck, sushi, and tempura are all represented, with vegetarian options available.
The draw here is value and variety. Evening buffets are around eleven pounds, and the spacious seating can accommodate larger groups easily. It's not going to win any Michelin stars, but for a relaxed evening where everyone can eat exactly what they want without negotiating a menu, it works. Especially useful if your group includes fussy eaters or people with different preferences.
The Social Angle: Why Asian Food Is Perfect for Groups
The reason we keep coming back to Indian and Asian restaurants for group dining isn't just about the food — though the food is obviously the point. It's about how the food changes the dynamic at the table.
When you order individually from a Western menu, you're making a private decision. You eat your meal, your friend eats theirs, and you talk between bites. When you order from an Indian or Asian menu for the table — a selection of curries, a pile of naan, a few starters to share — the meal becomes a collective experience. You're negotiating, recommending, passing dishes, reaching across the table. The food becomes a conversation starter rather than just an accompaniment to one.
This matters more than you might think. Research consistently shows that shared meals strengthen social bonds, and food plays a real role in emotional wellbeing and connection. The physical act of sharing — of choosing something for someone else to try, of trusting their recommendation — builds the kind of low-level trust that friendships are made of.
If you're organising a group dinner and want everyone to feel included, an Indian or Asian restaurant is almost always the safest bet. The variety of dishes means there's something for every dietary requirement, and the sharing format naturally breaks down social barriers. Order a few dishes nobody's tried before — the shared adventure makes the evening more memorable.
Practical Tips for Group Dining
Booking: Most of the restaurants in this guide get busy on Friday and Saturday evenings. Namaste, Goto, and Thai Orchid in particular benefit from advance booking. Midweek is generally easier, and a midweek catch-up can be just as enjoyable as a weekend one.
Budget: If budget is a concern, Tyepyedong's lunch deals and Spice Magic's generous portions offer excellent value. Buffet City works well for groups where everyone wants to control their own spending.
Dietary requirements: South Indian food (Namaste) is naturally strong on vegetarian and vegan options. Thai Orchid and Goto both cater well to dietary needs. Always mention allergies when booking.
The order-for-the-table approach: If you're with friends, agree on a budget, pick a range of dishes together, and put everything in the middle. It's more fun, usually cheaper per head, and you'll eat better than if everyone orders individually.
Exeter's Indian and Asian food scene is one of the city's genuine strengths. Whether you're after a quick noodle bowl on your lunch break or a long, leisurely curry with friends on a Saturday night, the city has options that are worth celebrating. For the full picture of Exeter's dining scene, pair this guide with our complete restaurant guide and our cheap eats under a tenner guide — Tyepyedong's lunch deals feature in both for good reason. If you are new to Exeter, the city's Asian restaurants are one of the quickest ways to find your favourite neighbourhood spots.
You can also browse the latest reviews and ratings on TripAdvisor's Exeter Indian restaurant page and TripAdvisor's Exeter Asian restaurant page to catch any new openings or seasonal changes.
The best meals, after all, aren't just about what's on the plate — they're about who's around the table.