Drakes Cafe in Exeter

Small cozy noisy great service staff and food.

Really good food, nice place hidden in the city center, definitely recommend this place!

In a world of chain cafes and restaurants offering predictable, boring menus, we struggled to find an independant establishment to have lunch in Exeter. It was only by chance we passed Drake's sign on the pavement and walked down the little alley. And what a find it was! It was a busy Friday lunch time and all the tables were full but the lovely waitress (Mum of the owner), asked us if we'd wait a moment or two as a table was becoming available. Once seated the service was excellent. We struggled to decide what to order due to the lovely dishes on offer and once served, the food was delicious. The atmosphere was vibrant in this querky little cafe/bistro and clearly all the family are passionate about providing good service and delicious food. Our visit was brief but this little gem made a big impression on us. Pity we were only visiting Exeter during a weekend away, otherwise we'd become regulars!

A little tricky to find but once you’ve made it down the alleyway the staff make you welcome. The portions are very generous and both the smoked salmon with cream cheese sandwich and the sourdough with avocado, salmon and eggs were delicious. Service was fast but friendly. A great lunch experience.

Been here several times. Food is consistently good and not expensive. Good service

Always amazing! They do the BEST jacket potatoes. Always a treat to go to Drakes!

This cute little cafe is like a hidden secret, I love it. I had the salmon & cream cheese sandwich, possibly the best I've ever had, so much so that I couldn't finish it and the waitress asked if I'd like it wrapped to take home, yes please. Go there for a fabulous lunch 😋

I like drakes, yes it is a little expensive but it is good quality food. You pay for good quality food. Staff are always nice and it's always busy. We come regularly. And if you can't eat it all, you can take it away.

We visited Drakes on a glum and rainy day. The service we received and the food we had certainly brightened up not only my day, but four members of my family who were with me too. The staff here are super friendly, the food was amazing, and the location is perfect. Very reasonable pricing for the quality of food that was served.

Whenever I visit Exeter, I think of Drakes Cafe first; their food is exceptional, offering a delightful taste of freshness. ❤❤❤😋😋😋

I've not been in since pre-Covid and was really pleased by what I found. Been tastefully decorated, food was always good but its refreshing to see things have been built on and the breakfast was pretty faultless. Some friendly faces still there and have only improved with time (though admittedly there never used to be anything to complain about). Gone from strength to strength. Thank you so much for showing how it should be done. Great example of understated excellence

Excellent service Well presented Very tasty

Our favourite Exeter cafe on a cold winters day. Always busy but staff are friendly, food is good and reasonably priced and speed of service is impressive. It's only got a few tables without much space between, so it can feel a bit crowded but the atmosphere is good and as it's well tucked away most visitors to the area are not aware it exists despite being in the heart of the city.

Great little cafe, food was delicious and reasonably priced. Very generous portions. A wonderful find. Special mention must go to our waitress Julie who was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful little cafe, food was delicious. Our waitress, Julie, was very friendly and helpful - a credit to the cafe. Highly recommended.

Had Earl Grey with lemon and a jacked potato with tuna. It was the best meal this month by far. I can't recommend this place enough.

Nice food, great service. Happy to come back soon!

Great breakfast and atmosphere top chef was doing the breakfast would highly recommend and will be coming back here again.

Great food and service. Will definitely visit again

Nice location for lunch, nice service and the food is really delicious. Highly recommended!

On a grey Monday this tiny cafe was a real find. Great menu, delicious food and staff very friendly service. Sourdough with avocado, smoked salmon and egg and coronation chicken baguette both very tasty.

Excellent coffee, food and service. If you eat outside beware of the local seagulls. They'll steal your food if you give them a chance.

What a lovely find on a quiet Monday morning in a historic part of Exeter. Delicious, freshly cooked vegan breakfasts delivered with such friendly service. And good value too.

A beautiful and spottless cafe. The staff are very attentive. The food is very good quality and very well priced. Didn't know I loved baileys iced lattee. This place will be a regular eatery.

Popped in here today having an hour spare in Exeter. Great little place, welcoming staff, good menu and nice food. Always think the food should be a little different to what you can do at home and it was. The loaded sourdough options made for great choices for my wife and I. Would definitely return. Many thanks.

Great value for money, very tasty fresh food, although the sausage could use a little more seasoning, but still very nice though. Lovely friendly chill atmosphere Easy to miss the entranc they could use a little more advertising outside. Great place 100% would come again

Lovely fresh sandwiches and great service. I would highly recommend the parmesan chips.

Lunch at Drake's Coffee Shop is an unexpected gem. With a cozy atmosphere, great service, and a menu featuring tasty high-quality ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty sandwich, a refreshing salad, or just a drink, Drake's Coffee Shop will not disappoint.

Friendly staff Nice atmosphere Just had drinks

Best breakfast in exeter always fantastic

Very cute cafe. Sat outside which was lovely in the sun. Food was ok but wouldn't be in a rush to go back. Salmon & Cream cheese baguette was very stindgy on the cream cheese, bacon brie could do with cranberry sauce and not the weird chutney it came with and the iced coffee was soooo sweet it was undrinkable. Also wouldn't take cash which really annoys me.

My very first visit and I was very impressed. The staff were very pleasant and the service outstanding. The quality of the food was stunning. I was also impressed at how quickly tables were cleared and cleaned once vacated. It was a busy lunchtime and the staff coped very well with demands. Highly recommended and I look forward to my next visit.

Lovely little independent cafe/coffee shop good reasonably priced food with something to suit everyone. Really nice coffee and such a treat to not be some massive national company. All the staff were great and all we ate was really tasty. Did I mention the lovely coffee.

I had seen the good reviews for Drakes, so on my trip to Exeter, I decided the first stop was here. It did not disappoint. As soon as I walked in, there was a warm welcome as I was seated. I ordered a breakfast and pot of tea. The tea arrived quickly, followed shortly by the breakfast and toast. All were lovely and consumed, leaving an empty plate. 100% recommend this cute coffee shop. I was looking at the lunchtime orders starting to come out and they were looking just as appetising as my breakfast. I will definitely be back here next time I am in Exeter. Thank you to all the staff working there.

Very nice, cramped food good value ok.would not recommend for disabled users as access to tables and shop restricted plus toilets a no no. They have no choices to improve as very old building and alley no better. In city centre no parking close by

On Friday at dinner time we went in for a jacket potato 🥔 I have been in there a couple of times with people very lovely staff and clean all the time lovely people who go in their to have lunch

I ordered the open sourdough sandwich with smoked salmon, prawns and avocado and a side of chips absolutely delicious highly recommend this. Will definitely go back again. The staff are so nice and friendly

Good coffee and food in a friendly cosy environment

Walked into a busy time, but we were soon seated and order taken. Prompt coffee delivery and breakfast was delicious. Eggy bread with bacon and maple syrup - yum!!

What a lovely place for breakfast. I had a doorstep granary bacon and sausage sandwich, which was divine. Fresh and tasty. Will certainly be returning and would definitely recommend

Service is excellent. Staff are friendly attentive and alert. Good quality is very good. Prices are very reasonable. Worth queuing if they are full

Good choice of food, speedy service and friendly staff. Recommended!

Great breakfast always nice and hot reasonable prices friendly staff!

Lovely little cafe in centre of exeter great food worth a visit

Great service and food,very busy at lunchtime, can sit outside

Really lovely place to go for breakfast very friendly staff service is amazing

the avocado toast is really good! Bacon is a bit too thick, would be nice to replace with pancetta.

Oh my goodness, what a find. If you blink you'll miss the entrance so look carefully. Beautiful food, prompt and superb service. A great menu selection for all tastes.

Such a hidden gem!! One of my favourite places in Exeter, they do amazing food and amazing variety of teas! They were so friendly and kind to us! I had a fabulous time and I would absolutely come back! I would recommend this to everyone!!

Excellent food, freshly made. Quick service and friendly staff.

Gem of a little bistro hidden away. Great food and a decent price. Quality was really good and service excellent. Will definitely be going back.

Stopped in for a quick lunch. Very friendly staff. Portions were good sizes and tasty. Lovely outdoor seating area. Reasonably priced for the quality and quantity of food

What a great breakfast... just as it should be...soft poached eggs, tasty and perfectly cooked bacon, plenty of avocado and a sourdough toasted to perfection. One of the most delicious breakfasts I've had in a long time. Try it when you can...

Two slices of bread with cheese and too few vegetables. More vegetables and salad dressing would have been nice.

Thank you Sean and Wendy. Fantastic service and very friendly and helpful.

Couldn't fault it. Great menu selection.

Had breakfast absolutely gorgeous sausages are the best I have tried anywhere 😋

Impromptu breakfast stop here while pausing on the way to Cornwall and visiting the Underground Passages. Drakes breakfast was excellent. Very fresh and cooked perfectly. Portion size was spot on. Both our kids enjoyed their lovely hot chocolates with cream and marshmallows! Friendly and prompt service. Would definitely go back and recommend to others. Many thanks!

I have been going here for years. Lovely independently own cafe. Nice cooked food. Well worth a visit.

Friendly, helpful staff. Enjoyed good cappuccino coffee ☕

Hidden gem, worth a visit for the lovely staff.

Un déjeuner à l’ombre des vieux murs bien agréable. Les pommes de terres farcies sont excellentes, les lasagnes aussi et la quiche du jour saumon et brocolis était parfaite ! Nous avons mangé à 8 personnes et le service était au top. Petit plus une formule sandwich pas très chère à 7£

I came across this little gem tucked away in Catherdarl's yard in Exeter. Originally from Exeter however come home to visit regularly I have never walked down this little passage before. I was far too late for brunch but managed to catch the last order of the afternoon to have a late snack. A willing and friendly family business run by a mother and son team. They had a good selection of good simple food, well cooked and well presented. I can't wait to revisit Exeter to try other dishes on the menu.

We stumbled across Drakes coffee house while sheltering from the summer rain. Our food was excellent with generous portions and everything that came from the kitchen looked equally appetising. Lively atmosphere with sufficient staff to keep service turning quickly. Wish we'd been able to stay for cocktails!

Lovely little spot near the cathedral in Exeter. Not many outside tables and you can't book so need to be lucky if you have a dog! Ihad the chilli chips - to be honest, there was a distinct lack of chilli for the price - a bowl of chips with a scraping of chilli and light dusting of cheese hence the score! Other meals were much better value.

I had a breakfast and hubby had a big breakfast with extra mushrooms and black pudding. The food was faultless - high quality ingredients cooked perfectly. The cafe was busy but the staff were very attentive and couldn't do enough for us. 10/10....we will be back x

Excellent little independent cafe right in the centre of Exeter, just off cathedral close. We had a fab veggie breakfast. Service was great, food brilliant and such a lovely atmosphere. You’ll definitely come back.

Excellent little independent cafe right in the centre of Exeter. We had a fab veggie breakfast. Service was excellent food great and such a lovely little place to eat. You won’t be disappointed.

Excellent breakfast, very friendly service and wonderful location. Coffee was excellent too. We loved finding this little cafe! Everything cooked to perfection and a busy little place!

Service was first class as was the food. Would recommend Drakes without hesitation .

Went to Drakes for the first time with my wife today Fantastic breakfast so tasty and hot brilliant service highly recommend it

Lovely place, staff and food. And they still take cash spread the word

This is a great place when visiting Exeter. Good food selection (something for all food types). Some nice local drinks & the coffee is great. Service always friendly and cosy atmosphere.

Us likes goin Drakes cuz Shawn and Wendy and Sam, thame aw luvly. The food is always exceptional and of top quality and the coffee, well I don't know of a better tasting coffee or in how it's presented by Sam's expert barista skills. I had an uncanny likeness of Jackie 'O' on my froth yesterday. I'd never go anywhere else when visiting Exeter and can't recommend Drakes or its staff highly enough.

Lovely food, service good , very busy when we visited but didn't have to wait too long for food to arrive Tucked away a hidden gem .would recommend

First visit with my wife and we were both really impressed. The atmosphere was really good and felt as though we had left Exeter far behind. Food and drinks were tasty and the service was really good. We noticed that it became very busy as soon as midday arrived and then felt a little cramped. We will certainly visit again.

We had the veggie breakfast, everything perfectly cooked. Really good coffee too. Staff so friendly and nothing too much trouble.

Always the best breakfast in town, fresh, hot and quick, quality local ingredients!

Fantastic lunch today , brilliant service , been coming here for years , We were not rushed , and staff very friendly .

My husband and I regularly visit Drakes Bar. Today I went for breakfast with my friend. Wow it was freshly cooked, great quality and locally sourced too (I asked them) you can choose what items you like too! The staff are always pleasant. As it is only small if it's full when we visit we wait as we love it so much.

Nice food and not too expensive

Me and my dad come here and have a latte and breakfast/brunch and it's always good

Went with my wife for a spot of lunch Excellent service and the quality of food second to none The staff went above and beyond after I left my satchel, and they organised delivery of it to my home address in Wakefield Again, I can't...

Hidden away, round the corner from Exeter cathedral, we found this great little cafe. Excellent food and friendly service!

Not only was the choice and quality of food good, but it was table service. We really have to search these days to find cafes that are table service, after all, who enjoys queueing up with a tray? Well done Drakes for a really enjoyable...

Delicious breakfast, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere

Very nice little place to eat and drink. Also with children good choice I think.

Lovely little cafe, all had the cooked brunch. Piping hot and delicious.

They would not serve 2 coffees in a coffee house!!!! Told we had to buy lunch with a drink, or leave. We left immediately

Delicious food, friendly, fast service, really gorgeous coffee! A lovely find in a busy city centre and set in a period building.

We often cone here for lunch but today we were in Exeter early so it was time for breakfast at Drakes. Wow it was amazing. We chose the mini breakfast. You choose four items which was more than enough. I had sausage, bacon, hash brown...

Great place to eat excellent service and food

Just popped in for lunch. Very welcoming. Go there again

Just popped in for tea and toast. Very friendly, they don't mind that I just want a small snack whi h is unusual in this day and age. All cooked perfectly and presented perfectly. But I am reticent to recommend them for one selfish reason. They are so good that if too many people get to know I may not be able to get a seat next time I call in. Thanks to the staff for having such friendliness and high standards you do us proud

Great food, atmosphere and table service. The portions are generous and the prices are good. One thing I am a big fan of is that you get an actual bottle of mayo/ketchup not a teeny pot or sachets - no rationing here! The cafe is comfortable and is accessible for wheelchair which is always a plus. Gluten free options available and the staff were clued up on allergies. Absolutely no complaints at all, it was a lovely experience.

Called in to Drakes for a late Friday lunch A great choice Service exceptional and all the staff made you feel welcome and a valued customer Our breakfast was the best I’ve had for a long time - top quality local produce cooked to perfection...

Great little place tucked away near the Cathedral. Lovely people.

Much more than a cafe. Friendly service freshly made sandwiches and baguette and lovely coffee . Great for couples worth the wait

Nice, cozy cafe to get away from the city center while in the city center! The staff are nice and friendly, and the orders arrive super quickly! Everything tasted fresh, but the portion could be a bit small if you need a proper lunch, however, prices are reasonable. I will definitely go back to try out their breakfast and enjoy their chill vibe!

Beautiful! Had kids with a buggy which you've got no chance getting inside with but there's 3 - 4 outside tables in a little terrace that were perfect. Staff where attentive but not overbearing, my new breakfast joint.