Huxham Restaurant Guide

“There‘s a dearth of good restaurants in Exeter, so Rendezvous stands out” – a “lovely little place tucked away downstairs” and fusing a “charming” and “calm” restaurant and wine bar. “High-quality locally sourced ingredients are cooked carefully and imaginatively” and abetted by an “interesting wine list with a good selection by the glass”.

It’s all change at this well-known Exeter pub and restaurant (handy for the M5) where, in April 2024, longtime owner Paul Parnell, who ran the venture with his wife Judy for over three decades, handed over the keys to young couple Craig & Miranda Griffin. Easing the transition, Craig was head chef under the former regime for several years (his wife serving as pub manager) so we’ve retained the venue’s rating despite the change of ownership. According to the new website, “pub grub classics are given a delicious kick up the backside”, and there’s also a £65 per person tasting menu.

Dan & Katie Goto’s “small” Japanese has “become an absolute must in a slowly improving Exeter scene” [or, a ‘go-to’ one might struggle not to say: Ed] since upping sticks from its former home in Plymouth three years ago. It’s still “unusual to have a small independent restaurant” in these parts, let alone one turning out top-quality sushi, sashimi, ramen and rice bowls in a room featuring Dan’s own anime-style paintings. Top Tip – it is “very popular with local residents and therefore booking is essential!”.