Stage in Exeter

I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who will listen! Great staff, great atmosphere and food! Props to the owners!

Easily the best restaurant in Exeter. Fantastic, creative food. Excellent drinks pairing. Attentive and knowledgeable service. All the simple things done to a very high standard make for the best culinary experience in Exeter. Frankly great value too for what’s on offer.

We had the set lunch menu. Delicious. Small but interesting wine list, which is helped by the staff for suggestions to lair with lunch. Staff helpful, friendly, passionate and knowledgable. A great surprise package in Exeter.

Easily the best place to eat in Exeter. Always interesting and surprising with fantastic friendly service. The tasting menus are reasonably priced. We keep coming back.

Superburb Would highly recommend

Terrible experience due to rude, condescending, and unprofessional waiter. While the food was pleasant, the whole evening we have been interrupted by the waiter who explained each dish in the most obnoxious manner possible. Furthermore, when it was time to pay, the waiter shamed me for paying less than my friends (I did not have alcohol). This is an extremely tasteless thing to do to a customer and to anybody in general. All in all, while the food is ok, I recommend that the intrusive, obnoxious, and all around disturbing and odd service be revised as it is putting a huge dent into what could be a quaint restaurant like there are many on Magdalen road.

Superb food, wine & service. We have eaten at Michelin starred restaurants which are not as good as this. Would highly recommend.

Words cannot express how amazing it was. Excellent food & service.

Absolutely amazing food, service and drinks - the best we've had in Exeter. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Stage and can't wait to come back!

This was my second visit. Sadly on this occasion the evening was spoiled by the very loud music which made meaningful conversation impossible. We asked the staff to turn it down twice but they paid no attention. The food is very good, but I’m doubtful I will come again.

Such a fabulous dinner at Stage! The entire team are so warm and genuinely friendly. It’s clear they are all passionate about what they do and really let the food shine. This creates a really wonderful atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Their low waste approach is incredible too; really enjoyed learning about some of their methods. The food itself is exceptional. Every dish was beautiful and tasted amazing. If you’re looking for a non-pretentious tasting menu but with all of the flair and flavour, come here!

Such a fabulous dinner at Stage! The entire team are so warm and genuinely friendly. It’s clear they are all passionate about what they do and really let the food shine. This creates a really wonderful atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Their low waste approach is incredible too; really enjoyed learning about some of their methods. The food itself is exceptional. Every dish was beautiful and tasted amazing. If you’re looking for a non-pretentious tasting menu but with all of the flair and flavour, come here!

Best restaurant in Exeter. Clever, fun and good value.

WOW!! First time at Stage!! What can I say other than I need to return. The food was absolutely amazing. Honestly amazing!! The chefs put some great flavours together. From the moment we arrived the experience only got better. Tom,Tom and soon to be Tom (AKA Grace) we're so on point. What a great experience! Thanks 🙏 👍

Consistently good. No, consistently amazing! We’ve been over a dozen times now and Stage is utterly fabulous. It’s modern, laid back, passionate with eclectic easy music vibes and a buzzing atmosphere. This is all aside from the star of the show which is their stunning food! You never know what you’re going to get but you will be inspired by the flavours they put together. Lots of home grown veg, homemade charcuterie, home brewed ales and stouts, excellent wines. Each dish is carefully put together with fantastic sauces, layers upon layers of flavours, top quality ingredients paired with unexpected tastes. It’s a food journey, a foodie’s heaven, a feast of a show. Everything presented with a perfect verbal description from lovely people who care about your experience. This place is special.

Best food experience in Exeter, 10/10 service

Friendly staff, food is exceptional. Need to book in advance. Creative and inspiring.

My partner and I spent a weekend at a cabin nearby and had heard of Stage several months prior. From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were blown away by the friendly, warm, and sincere nature of the servers. The food was exquisite, and you can tell that they’re proud of everything they serve, from the tomatoes that they’ve grown themselves, to the sourdough chocolate mousse that they use from the ends. It seems that nothing is wasted, and wow the flavours are incredible. We will be returning and will try the wine pairing next time. Also…you absolutely MUST sample the sourdough starter!!!

We’ve been to Stage half a dozen times and each visit reinforces the fact that this is an outstanding restaurant. The food is amazing, a taste experience, even ingredients I normally don’t enjoy are presented in such a way that I do enjoy eating them. The staff are engaging in a natural manner, knowledgeable and on top of the service. Atmosphere is perfect, always a great playlist in the background. Finally the revamped seating is much better, more comfortable and seems roomier than before. Will visit again and again.

One of the best night out anywhere, ever, because this place is 100% confident in being itself, in creating a great experience with incredible food, and not copying anyone. The drinks flight was a valuable upgrade. The real stars here are the Taco boys and their team which elevate this little restaurant from excellent to ‘hall of fame’. You would be hard-pressed to have anything other than an incredible evening here.

The food and drinks were amazing and the staff were very friendly and polite. Excellent food and service and an overall fantastic experience. Well done Taco boys, will definitely be coming back

We arrived here as a default as our friend thought she’d booked the nearby tapas restaurant. However we sat down and were quite overwhelmed with the enthusiastic welcome and menu description. However, once we’d asked to have windows closed, music softened and the menu explained, again, things got better. There was no choice, just a 4-course tasting menu at £30 per head. We didn’t know what was to be offered. Wine choice was expensive. However we went with the flow and were glad we did. The four courses were delicious. An oriental soup/oyster starter, a fish/lentils course, pork dish and a rhubarb pudding. Beautifully presented, tasted delicious, and if you broke it down to £7.50 per course, a bargain. The place has recently been refurbed. You cannot fault the enthusiasm of the owners/chefs who have starred in a Simon Reeves film about Cornwall. We wish them all the best - they deserve it.

Delicious and creative menu, fresh products and very friendly service! I highly recommend this restaurant, it's amazing.

Exceptional place! The food is fantastic, the service is superb, would highly recommend.

Last minute booking for an impromptu date night and oh boy!!! So glad we did. We were treated to the most amazing service and a six course taster menu that was seriously a joy to eat. Definitely coming back

Simply the most original and exiting culinary experience I’ve had in a long time anywhere, with great service from a team who are passionate about food.

Best meal of the year! The food is outstanding, imaginative and very tasty. The waiters are passionate and knowledgeable about the menu. I like that there is just one set menu (with alternatives for different diets)The drinks‘ flight was excellent, some unusual and very well matched choices. We‘ll be back!

5 out of 5! We absolutely loved our experience at Stage. The food was delicious, and they have this setup "surprise" menu where each dish is better than the previous one. Fresh products and an amazing balance between fish and meat. We couldn't ask for anything better! The service was also extraordinary, and this was the cherry on top of our road trip around Devon! I would recommend this place to EVERYONE! I hope we can come back soon.

Went by myself and left lost for words, had the 5 or 6 menu dishes, all of them well presented and delicious. Service was attentive and professional explaining each of them, 100% recommended

What a show. Never disappoints. Drinks pairing recommended

Absolutely wonderful evening our group had at Stage for a birthday. Waiters were fantastic, very personable with great knowledge. Drinks were served promptly and the food was simply out of this world, we loved every surprise and catered well to our vegetarian. We'll definitely be coming back! Keep up the great work guys.

Brilliant lunch, food and service were top notch. Highly recommend.

Another great dinner at Stage 🎉 this was only the second time we've been, this time bringing along my father- and brother-in-law after a long time spent raving to them about our first visit. Loved every single course; favourite three were the mackerel, the truffle tortellini and the insanely delicious mint and cucumber sorbet with a perfect hint of sweetness. Genuinely blew a kiss to the chef after trying the tortellini it was that good. Blimmin' 'ansum. My husband and I are massive foodies and enjoy all sorts of different restaurants, and there is nowhere quite like Stage. It's so nice to enjoy sustainable, delicious and inventive fine dining in such a laid back, friendly, non-judgey environment. Thanks for looking after us again! We will come back :)

Outstanding authentic creative food . Absolutely a must

Over a long weekend in Exeter a visit to Stage was a highlight (along with otters!) Food was inventive - especially liked the cuttlefish fish and beef broth, the pastrami on crumpet was great and would’ve forsaken the beef for another one of those - and the service from the owners is chatty and good fun. We sat on the ‘high table’ (it’s very high) as it was the last one available but it gave us a good view of the kitchen and room. Try the local wine, it’s worth it!

High quality, locally sourced and beautifully tasty food - a model which more restaurants should be replicating in an era of sustainable dining. I could say what everyone says - the bread is amazing (and it really is). However, it merely sets the baseline for the high quality of food and drinks throughout. The flavour combinations in every dish along with the clever sequence of tastings make for a really excellent experience. The homemade Yorkshire puddings with local beef and the mint sorbet were game changing - but ignore this detail because the menu changes regularly to keep it fresh and exciting. Plus the staff are genuine and lovely people. Can't wait to visit again soon!

Fantastic service paired with even better food. If you’re looking for something special this is definitely it! The food here is absolutely delicious! Great atmosphere , some of the best food I've had recently!

Best tasting menu I’ve had in years, excellent drinks pairings served by friendly knowledgeable staff. Can’t wait to book again.

Amazing experience , thoroughly recommend. Fabulous place run by Fabulous people.. Bravo Stage, Bravo..

Such a delightful gem this place and staff. Amazing atmosphere, food is absolutely delicious and service superb! Loved everything! Thank you for such a great experience ❤️

Dinning at stage is the balance of returning home while experiencing the new and exciting. Every dish and it's pairing is balanced, full of layers and compliments every element bringing old memories and flavours back from your past in a brand new way. The immersion within the atmosphere of effortlessly sleek and comfortable environment leaves you smiling and satisfied. The Team at stage and all they do is a genuine and authentic piece of excellence!

We drove from Windsor to sample this wonderful little restaurant in Exeter. We were five friends celebrating a birthday. We loved the element of surprise and enjoyed the several varied and innovative plates on the fixed price menu. Non meat eaters were expertly catered for with skill and care. These were accompanied by the expertly paired "drinks" flight. No spoilers so take the plunge and try it, it was great fun and great value! Stage is not a posh fine dining restaurant. It's a relaxed, laid back small space run by a lovely young team with such interesting ideas in terms of food, drinks, decor...even the crockery was different. Especially loved Robbie and somellier Tom, whose passionate descriptions were so entertaining. Can't wait to go again!

Went here on Monday. I have heard great things about it and it did not disappoint. The 6 courses were amazing along with some lovely drink pairings. What really impressed me is how well they adapted the dishes to suit my pregnant partner and was taken aback at how much thought went into the non alcoholic drink flight. Top marks.

I’ve been here three times now with my family. It’s a 6 course tasting menu so you get to try food you wouldn’t usually order and it’s incredible every time. The dishes are always unique so you won’t get bored of what’s on the menu. I’m not a huge fan of seafood but I will always go with what’s on offer because there’s not one dish I haven’t enjoyed so far. Even if you think you are a fussy eater, they will cater for dietary preferences or requirements. The quality of the food has been amazing and they usually have connection to each producer, most ingredients are locally or ethically sourced. Most importantly for us, we had a gluten free (celiac) in our group, they catered for her perfectly, she had almost the same dish but with a couple of tweaks, she didn’t feel she was being comprised by size or taste by having a slightly different dish to ours. All the portions are generous, so even if one of them isn’t to your taste (all of them were) but you will come away full. To really top it off is the service is impeccable, they are friendly and explain the each dish without being pretentious or take to long as most places with food like this. I highly recommend and always order the bread.

A wonderful experience having the tasting menu and drinks flight - exceptional and fun service, with outstanding courses and excellent drinks pairing. Had such a good time and couldn’t recommend this enough.

Excellent food with a proper service.

The best restaurant in Exeter - and probably the South-West - by a country mile. Great, friendly, passionate service and inspired flavour combinations that will enthuse even the most jaded of palates. There's real joy and curiosity at work here, with surprising and exciting flavour combinations (the wine flight is really worth it for some daring and sympathetic pairings) and insane attention to detail. As a vegetarian it's amazing that they put as much heart into their veggie options as they do their meat courses and there's a something to delight, inspire or intrigue in every course. The essence of fine dining and worth the short walk out of the city centre to experience this absolute gem.

Fantastic visit for lunch, had the 4 course tasting menu with drinks flight, full of surprises, great service, attentive, fun, a must try and worth a trip if not local, 10-15 minutes walk from train station so you can enjoy the drinks flight as well as the great menu.

Absolutely delicious, would 100% recommend! I am coeliac so in February before going my partner had a chat with some staff before booking. They were very friendly and accommodating and very knowledgeable and left him feeling very confident that they would be able to feed us safely so we booked for April (our anniversary). We both had the tasting menu and I had the accompanying drinks flight, thinking it would be small drinks but instead it was 6 full size drinks including two cocktails. Every dish was incredibly well thought out and each drink went perfectly with the course it came with. It was clear the chefs put thought into what gluten-free alternative we would have instead of just replaced with a generic gluten-free item and almost every course felt like it wasn't missing anything - apart from the cheese course which didn't come on a cracker but we got little forks and were happy with that! I would 100% recommend eating there if you are able, although my partner feels that the coffee served was a bit of a let down, especially in comparison to the incredible meal. I hope I will be able to eat there again in the future.

This restaurant is so good I almost want to give it 1 star so I can get a reservation more easily. Price: 30 pounds for a four course lunch menu of this quality is very reasonable. 25 pounds for the drinks pairing. Drinks: insane pairings, I had a 2/3 pint of incredible beer, a glass of amazing champagne-style english wine, an incredible cocktail and a super interesting rosé that I loved. Food: wowowowow I was taking photos but I missed the dessert because the food was so good I forgot. Particular highlights this week were the first course with homemade beef sausage and then the third course sauce (emulsion of soya and chicken stock) that if served in a pint glass would have found a happy home. Service: Best service experience you can get. Two brilliant waiters and dessert served by a lovely chef. They manage to be relaxed and willing to chat with all the tables whilst maintaining quick and efficient service. Overall, can't believe they haven't got at least one michelin star - way superior to most 1star places I've been to. If this restaurant was in paris it would be booked up for a year. P.S for all dietary requirements just say in advance and it'll be sorted. Served us quickly as mentioned I needed to get a train. PPS get the bread!!!

The best restaurant in the south west! Top quality food and service, what a special place. Beautifully prepared, locally sourced food and delicious in-house brewed beer. The team is composed of so many young talented individuals who all work together to put on an incredible experience. This is what you get when you mix talent, creativity and ambition, making the most of their opportunity. Definitely my favourite place to eat in Exeter now, will be coming back again soon!

We had dinner last night at Stage with some friends. It was our first time, and we were blown away by the quality of food, the creativity of the dishes, ambience and service. I’m so pleased we tried the bread, midway through! What a culinary experience - it did not disappoint. Thank you for a fun and enjoyable evening. We had a fabulous time and will be back, for sure!

Absolute 10/10... Amazing food, loved the flight of drinks. Fantastic atmosphere and service! Can't wait to go again!

Lovely food and the wine pairing was well thought out. Staff very attentive and knowledgeable to the food and drinks. Thank you for a great evening

Incredibly good, local food with fabulous sercive and lovely atmosphere. Try their homebrew porter - it is amazing!

I have eaten some amazing meals but nothing compared to this. Every course was faultless. Amazing creations. Finest ingredients. Perfectly seasoned. After eating here I felt like I never wanted to eat again, because it would never be as good as this meal. I wanted to remember these flavours forever.

Underwhelming is the best way to describe my first (and only) visit to The Stage. This is more tapas than fine dining with service that is friendly but came across as rehearsed and formulaic rather than attentive and genuine. I had to ask our server to repeat what the dishes were more than once as she rushed through them so quickly. The last time service left me with such a feeling was at the Fat Duck in Bray. Don't get me wrong, the food was nice and the staff were friendly, the concept just didn't work and it was expensive and rushed. So for £55 per person (dinner), you get a 'surprise' tasting menu, which means you have no idea what's coming. You can, alongside the food, pay almost as much again for a drinks flight (£45). That's also a 'surprise', so you don't know what's coming with that either. Hmm. So we opted for very nice home brewed beer to start and would have chosen some wine too, but as we didn't know what food was coming, we couldn't safely match wine to our food, so we stuck to beer. As I say, not an unpleasant evening, just underwhelming and a little disappointing to be honest. Another issue was that a number of guests came early for their table(s), probably because the website makes it clear that they will only hold tables for 10 minutes. These guests were invited to sit outside until their table was ready, and as one couple pointed out, it was a cold and rainy night and they decided to stand inside. OK, I get that space is limited, but why not make it clear when booking that people will not be seated before their allotted time and that there are tables outside, rather than just point out that they could lose their table if they're more than 10 minutes late. We're pleased we went as we like to try different dining experiences in beautiful Exeter, and The Stage has been on our list for some time. But it's not a performance we'll want to see again in a hurry.

I was expecting more from The Stage as you have to wait so long to get a table. My wife and I booked dinner for a special occasion. The Stage offers a tasting menu for £55. There is an optional £45 drinks flight which we declined as there's no explanation as to what this entails and would, in effect, be doubling our costs from the outset. We would have liked to have some wine, but as the tasting menu dishes are 'a suprise', it's difficult to order wine to suit the forthcoming dishes. The food itself was pleasant enough, but more tapas than fine dining. Staff were very pleasant, but it all felt too rehearsed and superficial. There's nothing I could complain about specifically, the food was nice enough, but the whole experience just doesn't work.

My friend & I were really looking forward to going to eat at Stage having been highly recommended it by several people. I booked in for a Wednesday evening dinner for 2 people 2 weeks in advance, unfortunately on the Sunday my friend (a student nurse) told me she had to work on Wednesday evening, so I rang Stage first thing Monday morning & left a voicemail explaining we could not make Wednesday evening & that we will book again as we were looking forward to it, I didn’t hear anything back so followed up on the Tuesday with an email to make sure they got my message… I got an email back confirming they did but I had to pay a cancellation charge… £94 pounds taken from my bank account! Will never forget that poor customer service & will therefore never book again, real Shan as I was so looking forward to it

Just had an absolutely amazing lunch. The service was first class. The food was some of the best I’ve had in recent years. If you’ve experienced mediocre food and disinterested service since the pandemic (or even before) go to Stage as it is the complete opposite. Affordable Michelin standards tucked away on Magdalen Road.

This is hands down the best meal I’ve had in Exeter for years. The service is attentive and well-informed. The food was so delicious and exciting. Some of the ingredients used I hadn’t tried before. I loved the way there is a focus on sustainability and using food in a different way.

Stage team, Thank You! For the colours, the flavours, the beautiful blend of taste perfection you put in every dish, it was love at first bite! And the atmosphere created by the best people one can ask for, hats off! You go above and beyond in the most simplistic way possible and that is not an easy job. Cannot wait to come back again and again for more, for the best! ♥️

Fantastic food!! Great customer service! Look forward to my next visit😊

Excellent 6 course set menu with good beer and wine list. Great service, not rushed.

Absolutely amazing, the service is the best ever too!! The knowledge and delivery absolutely perfect

Robbie is an absolute sweetheart, I can’t believe the service we have received tonight. Food & drinks were incredible 100% recommend.

Tried on a recommendation & it did not disappoint. Incredible food, atmosphere & service- I’d go as far to say the best customer service I’ve ever received. Don’t miss the bread & butter as an optional side- WOW it’s a show stopper. Home brewed ales were fantastic too. 1000% will be back very soon.

Another wonderful dinner at Stage, but noticeably more expensive each time. Dinner is now £55 and it is amazing, flavourful & delicious. The staff is wonderful & the service great. However, the drinks flight for £45 is not recommended. A nice ale, vodka (questionably choice as far as we were concerned) & four tiny portions of wine. At least give us a 125ml servings please! Last time we had dinner (Oct) the wine measures were good, but not this time. Felt a tiny bit short changed on this occasion.

Outstanding food and atmosphere! A unique restaurant with a stunning menu and incredible hospitality throughout your visit. I absolutely loved it. I went with my 20 year old son and we were both blown away by the innovation and quality of each dish. Definitely not style over substance! Own brewery and produce make it local and sustainable. Highly recommended!

Thank you for a huge warm welcome and amazing lunch today with our spaniel. I could not fault the food, service and super interesting tasting menu and drinks pairing. I love your enthusiasm for the whole set up and championing local and British products, we will definitely be coming back.

Huge congratulations to Robbie Ashby on receiving the coveted Michelin Guide Service Award tonight. That is some achievement, very well done indeed! The only disappointment is that Stage was not awarded the Michelin star it deserves.

Phenomenonal experience and such a lovely, no frills place with fantastic food and service. Can't wait to go back

A beautiful meal with great service

Fantastic 4 course tasting lunch with paired drinks. Definitely worth a visit. Probably need to book well in advance.

Our third annual visit to this exciting, fun place. It remains a great night out, brilliant ambience, good service and very enjoyable. The food remains interesting and unusual, bursting with flavours and looking great on the plates. Since our last visit, the six-course set menu has gone up, to £48, but it remains good value. Unfortunately the delicious and famous bread is now a chargeable extra but worth the expense. The charismatic serving staff are part of the entertainment (go, Simon). If I had one modest gripe, it’s that the two sittings per evening require the service at the 6pm show to be quite speedy. With food this good, it would be more relaxing to sit and enjoy it a bit. But I guess that’s how the chaps make the finances work. And it is, still, great value.

It was really Great, we loved the food and the service. There is no doubt that we will be back before long.

We had a Saturday 6 course lunch. Fantastic food, excellent service and a great atmosphere. Thanks guys 😊

An absolutely wonderful culinary experience! A must visit for all foodies in and visiting Exeter. All local ingredients and a new set menu every week is a lovely surprise every time you go. The staff is wonderful and friendly! I always recommend the drinks flight which is truly inventive and pairs beautifully with the courses!

Oh my word. What a fantastic experience. Amazing service, and friendly atmosphere. We had the 4 course taster for lunch. The food is unreal, and I mean every single course. I have never had food like this in my life. True artistry.

Simply wonderful. Food cooked passion, drinks flight chosen passion, and all served with passion. What more can you ask for?

So my twin sister bought me to her favourite place for our birthday celebrations with our husbands today. From the moment we walked through the doors, we instantly felt like we had been transported into a magical world, away from every day stressors. And forgot there was a world outside this beautiful place. We were met with kindness and absolute genuine hospitality by the boys, who create together a unique and beautiful experience, they are passionate about what they do and you lose yourself in their world of flavours and knowledge. The food, drink and experience is something so special. Our total happy place 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you and see you all soon xxx

Go to Stage. Go directly to Stage. Do not pass go. If you want an amazing experience and the best food in Exeter then come here - what an absolutely amazing evening. Can't wait to head back!

The food was insanely good! The advice was attentive, knowledgable and caring! The value for money phenomenal. Please go and experience this absolute gem!

Updating this review in December 2023 :) I cannot emphasise enough how good this place is and what good value it is - I honestly think this is one of the best places you can eat in Devon and the SW just now and you certainly won't eat better anywhere for £25 than the lunch menu - to get the quality you get for that price is mind blowing 🤌. The food is exceptional, and the service and the care the team takes with your experience is matchless - you won't feel more welcome anywhere. It sounds like I'm exaggerating but please go to this place as soon as you get the chance, you will be back again and again. Bravo 👏👏 ps the price is because we had the drinks fight too with our lunch 🍷 (my first review in 2022)....Absolute gem of a place, bravo. 4 course lunch was exceptional, and really great value. Very friendly and helpful service, all in all one of the best experiences I've had in a restaurant for a long time. Have already booked to go back in a few weeks time. Go now :)

Fantastic, ever changing and interesting food. Fun, relaxed but attentive service, always a great time.

Stage Restaurant is phenomenal. Where do I start. The entrance. You are so welcomed by front of house. Warm, upbeat and genuine. The restaurant is buzzing. They serve a tasting menu of 6 courses for £48.00. The food is outstanding; tasty, interesting, creative, different, delicious. You eat a dish and you say, "this is my favourite" and then you taste the next, and this becomes your new favourite and so it goes on. It never stops. I will never forget the sublime soup, ever. The service was impeccable and now there is no need to go to London for exceptional food. We will be back. Thank you. Ann Gardiner. Bath

lovely lunch relaxed atmosphere would highly recommend

Équipe incroyable. Moment magique. Nous reviendrons…

A wonderful experience for the two of us. Staff we're knowledgeable, funny and made you feel at ease. This was the nicest meal I've had in Exeter and a real treat.

We booked for our daughter's 22nd birthday. It was an absolutely fabulous experience. The staff were all very friendly, professional and attentive. The food was fabulous. 6 beautiful courses - all explained in detail and meticulously created. We were blown away - we will definitely be back!!

Very good lunch and excellent value on a week day.

We had a great lunch in this oh so amiable restaurant where a group of clearly talented and committed young friends are offering a different sort of eating experience. The enthusiasm is palpable as you walk through the door and you get treated as an individual guest throughout. It helps that there are only around two dozen covers in a space which is quirky and comfortable. It's a set menu for £25 a head so you can just sit back and enjoy it. The food we had was exceptional, as is the attention to detail, from the opening torn homemade bread and whipped, spicy butter to the perfectly judged macchiato to close. Each course showcased some great seasonal, occasionally unusual ingredients, all expertly combined and many grown by someone's nonna. The high spot was arguably the seared lamb with savoury stuffing, paired with cabbage, a root veg puree and punchy gravy. The seared plaice was also beautifully cooked, with a sesame tulle to add texture and bitterness and an unusual mild curry sauce flavoured with a hint of spearmint. Yum. The classic ile flottante in a light custard to finish underlined the classical skill at work in the kitchen. There a good-looking wine list which we didn't sample and local beers, as well some light herby concoctions. Our bill for two came to £66. This is an ambitious and refreshingly authentic enterprise with great charm and a strong team ethic which really deserves to succeed.

What great service and what great food!! A vegan, vegetarian, a nut allergy and one normal person and all needs catered for! Certainly kept Tom on his toes and the chef deserves 5 stars for all the fabulous food. We also had the drinks flight which made the meal even better. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the the sommelier was fabulous! Enjoy.....and make sure you try the bread!!!

Faultless. Friendly service. Magnificent food

Insanely good food, drink, service. Deserves a Michelin star

We thought our booking was for Saturday but realised it was for Friday after Stage debited £96 from our card. Phoned and e-mailed holding our hands up to our error and appealing for a refund or to keep the £96 but credit a £180 voucher as we would struggle to enjoy a meal with the charge on our minds. Given the £180 voucher was for dinner and drinks for 2, the £96 charge amounts to a 114% mark-up and presumably 100% margin for 2 covers. Keeping £276 for a table for 2 when the drinks are still in the bottle feels avaricious and money, rather than customer focused. This review was sent to Stage before posting but still no reply + Robbie really comfortable with taking, what for me was an upsetting call.

Our second time at Stage, and another really enjoyable meal - creative menu, great staff explaining the food and giving entertainment along the way, we only went 6 weeks ago and immediately re-booked.. considering many of the other restaurants around, and accepting the menu is ever-changing and somewhat experimental - this is brilliant value and a great evening out - we'll be back and hopefully the 3rd time will be as good!

A real gastronomic experience. We had the 6 course taster menu beautifully presented. Every course was a surprise well paired with wine if wanted. Very knowledgeable about food and drink. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Thank you.

We went for lunch - a 6 course taster menu. 3 of us chose a fish menu and 1 the vegetarian menu. The restaurant is sustainable, food locally sourced, and they reduce waste by doing taster menus rather than a la Carte. The food was...

We went for lunch - a 6 course taster menu. 3 of us chose a fish menu and 1 the vegetarian menu. The restaurant is sustainable, food locally sourced, and they reduce waste by doing taster menus rather than a la Carte. The food was fantastic, beautifully cooked, imaginative combinations and truly wonderful flavours. Prompt, friendly service, great atmosphere and just a really cool restaurant. If you are in Exeter just go - you won’t regret it.