Tea on the Green in Exeter

Quite nice spot right in front of the cathedral. Great on a sunny day. Pretty standard cafe lunch food but nice all the same! Fairly good vegan options.

Very pleasant greeting into a fairly typical tea room vibe. As an Ulster man I was pleased to see an Ulster Fry on the menu. This was where the disappointment began. Super thin bacon, half grilled tomatoes, an American McDonald’s hash brown, and sausages browned only on one thin strip on one side. Poor for any fry up! Now what made this an Ulster Fry? White pudding was quite tasty and cooked well however the Wheaten bread was really dense and not authentic at all and as for the round soda bread, well wrong shape, tasteless, not authentic and not fried. Where were the fried potato bread farls or squares? All in all I have a deep appreciation for their efforts however more hard work required. Look up Northern Irish Soda Farls on the web and you can make delicious homemade bread baked on the hob. Fresh wheaten is so easy and similar in prep to the farls but 35 mins in the oven and you have a slice of N. Irish perfection. I will go back again. Excellent Cappuccino btw.

Walked in and gave it the benefit of the doubt, as we went on recommendation. Upon arrival, some might call it cosy, but looking back it was dingy and had an old smell to it that could be likened to a wet dog towel that had been left in the car for a week. Anyways, I sit down with my mum and the server told me I could order from the extras menu and make my own breakfast due to a stomach condition. He then sent another server over, and she told me that wasn’t allowed, and I would have to pay the full £12 for the breakfast only to deduct everything and end up with bacon on toast. I proceeded to explain. I order bacon on toast and my mum orders egg on toast with some extra bacon… (£8 might I add- I almost hoped the chicken had laid golden eggs for that price). She brings out our food, and my mum politely reminds her that she ordered bacon, as the only bacon to be seen are two slices on my own plate. The server proceeds to tell us that we are to SHARE the two slices been given to me… for MY bacon on toast. So again, she asks for extra bacon. The server brings out a rather large plate with a comically small SINGLE slice of bacon. Yes. One rasher. We eat, and get the bill, to be charged close to £25… I asked if that was correct, to which I was told yes… apparently it’s normal to charge £2 per slice of bacon these days. I was told by the server that it’s not her restaurant and she’s not responsible, which of course is true. So I begrudgingly pay the bill. Walk outside the restaurant and unfortunately was so appalled at your prices that I had to go back in to speak to a manager and let him know about this daylight robbery. To which, he didn’t really care, and said all the right things to get rid of us. He proceeded to tell me that it does say extra bacon costs £2, but what the menu FAILS to tell you, is it’s £2 for one single rasher. You could go to any up market eatery, and “extra” bacon will always by default mean at least 2 slices. I will never ever, recommend anyone to eat here. Your prices are appalling and the breakfast was mediocre at best. If you like stone cold toast, and paying through the nose for less than a child portion then this is the place for you. And not to mention, staff who actually couldn’t give a rats arse about the customer.

Toast was hard and cold, although gf options available extremely overpriced. Ordered gluten free toast and bacon, menu was not clear and ordering a side of 2 slices of bacon cost me 4 pounds extra. So two tiny slices of gf toast with 2 slices of bacon was 7 pounds. Won't be coming back or recommending.

Very helpful staff, Oliver was especially accommodating when we needed a table for 9 (5 adults 4 children) at short notice. . Excellent service, good food well prepared, Child friendly with separate menu for the little ones. Fabulous views and a historic building. I shall certainly be back and recommending to all my friends.

first class, caters for dietary needs. Quality food, quick service . attentive staff .

Fantastic lunch fabulous service and thanks so much to Alice in particular for her super friendly service. Will definitely return!

Loved having a hot mocha and eggs funghi looking at the cathedral. Was well located and the staff were lovely.

Fish and chips are superb! Not sure but I think the owner seated us and helped us with drinks suggestions. We loved everything.

Best cream tea I've had a long time! Beautiful view of the cathedral as well.

My daughter treated me to afternoon tea at Eat on the Green during a surprise weekend trip to Devon to celebrate my birthday, and it was the perfect way to end our stay. She booked in advance, and we were delighted to find that the window table on the first floor overlooking the cathedral had been reserved for us. The staff were friendly and attentive and the food was delicious - fresh and tasty sandwiches, a wonderful selection of homemade cakes, including an assortment of macarons, and some of the best scones I have ever eaten (and I am a bit of a scone connoisseur!!). The scones came with strawberry and blackcurrant jam, both of which were wonderfully fruity. There was a good selection of teas and we were offered refills without needing to ask. The only disappointment was that we had to rush off to catch our train home, and although we were given a box to pack up the left overs, we would much rather have taken our time and stayed longer - but that was our problem and not theirs! It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and we would definitely return if we are ever in Exeter again.

Always busy with quick friendly service I enjoyed the Benedict with black pudding.

A poor experience with food that is well below par and not cheap. I had a croissant with brie etc and at nearly £7 was nowhere near as good as you might get in your local supermarket. A shame as the setting promises so much

What a find! Such friendly and attentive staff, nothing is too much trouble. The food is excellent and reasonably priced, good helpings too. Highly recommended

Great little place on the Green. The menu is good for the size of the place. Staff very friendly and service was very quick. Will return when next in the area.

We had a delicious afternoon tea. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was well prepared and the portions were very good. There was lots of choice and we could have as many drinks as we wanted. Our table had a great view of the Cathedral.

The cream tea is the BEST in Exeter. Fantastic value amazing cakes and the best service from the loveliest staff. This place is a must visit

We had a lovely time afternoon on Sunday for afternoon tea, it was a gloomy October day but by the time we had left the sun was shining and we were very full. Of course the location is amazing - we had a great view of eth cathedral from our upstairs table which made the experience that bit more special. Oliver was very friendly and quickly got us drinks and when I changed my mind he didn't bat an eyelid. Prosecco and non alcoholic beer, tea and hot chocolate and possibly the best jug of water we have ever had - with mint, lemon and raspberries - amazing. The sandwiches soon arrived, 4 smoked salmon and 4 Coronation chicken accompanied by a huge pile of perfectly dressed salad - this was all excellent. and then the cakes... wow. They were also all presented so beautifully The scones are perfect, so light and so taste, nice and warm - 2 types of jam and plenty of cream. There was an amazing selection of the tastiest and most indulgent cakes and macarons. Each one a flavour bomb. There was no way we could finish it all so we were presented with a box so nothing was wasted. The service was exemplary - the attention of the waitress just right, she really looked after us alongside Oliver. If I have a criticism maybe the décor could do with a refresh – the quality of the servcie and food is such that you expect everything to be the highest of standards but this is a small criticism. I also think it is tremendous value - £25 with the prosecco and £30 with, we have spent far more and had far worse. I would recommend 100% - we will go back again but maybe in the summer when it is warmer. Thank you all for such a lovely experience.

After almost giving up looking for a nice brunch in the city centre as a treat, I am so glad to have stopped at Eat on the Green. Helpful front of house staff, locally sourced quality produce, beautifully cooked and presented. I thoroughly enjoyed my brunch (I think it was called Eggs Karlito), where every element was full of flavour with perfectly 'dippable' eggs. The scone (with cream and jam of course) I had afterwards was simply the best scone I have had since I was a baker myself and would have one straight from the oven. Far superior to any of the franchised/chain offerings that are all over the town. I know where I will be going next time I'm in town and want some proper, tasty food.

Incredibly average food for way too much felt like an old peoples home.

Excellent lunch stop, the fishcakes were brilliant

We loved this eatery, service is great very busy and food was great.

Sat outside and had one of their lovely smoothies. Great location.

Excellent service and brilliant food! Will definitely visit again!

Staff are lovely and the food is amazing

I don't normally write reviews, however.... This place is really poor value for money particularly for food, the food wasn't even that great. And the difference between a regular and large iced tea was 10ml. Would not recommend going here.

Had the Ulster fry, very good it was too.

Really lovely glad we booked as it was getting very busy (probably last nice Sunday we are getting for a while) sitting outside would be amazing but very glad we had a little nook in the corner by the window prefect space for the 3 of us with a wheelchair Ortho small inside we had plenty of space between us Now the breakfast not cheep but worth every penny for the ulster breakfast it's difficult getting good hogs pudding and this was very good soda bread a little dry but really didn't matter at all potato cake spot on Only real complaint would be the beans on the plate not in a ramekin but that's personal choice My home made lemonade was lovely and my wife has said we have to go back for the smoothie she had with her gluten free full English was prefect

Lots of options on the menu for meat eaters and veggies alike, excellent service, indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely recommend.

We had a lovely visit to this cafe myself and my husband. There was plenty of space to sit outside but you could also sit inside if you wanted. The service was really good and the prices very reasonable. We ordered a cream tea each and were really impressed! The scones had only been made two hours ago according to the waitress and they were the best we had eaten in a long time! We would highly recommend the cafe.

Super friendly staff. The girls serving were just lovely and chatty. The full English was just perfect, right portion and extremely tasty. And next door we can look out on the green and the cathedral. Have a look on the walls for the Queen and Rollings stone’s memorabilia. And, the coffee is excellent.

Outstanding experience, there was so much attention to detail in the service. Felt like I was being served in a fancy restaurant ! The food was also really good and well presented..I'll be back.

This spot is great for anybody looking for a good meal at a decent price served by fabulous friendly staff. 5 of us visited yesterday lunch for a family meal. Great food. Service second to none. I’m sorry I didn’t get the name of the lady who served us on the upper floor but she couldn’t have been more helpful, either to us or any others in the room. Hubby is coeliac and - I don’t say this lightly - he was spoilt for choice! After some dialogue with our server he could eat in total confidence. What a find! We will definitely visit again the next time we visit family in Exeter. A little gem. Happy customers. Thank you to the chef and the server for such a lovely experience. Keep doing what you are doing, you made our day!

Went here yesterday and ate inside which had lovely paintings on the wall and was a generally nice atmosphere! I had a lovely blonde waitress who was very polite and smiley, she seated me and my mother at a very nice table with view of cathedral green and was very quick to take our orders and bring our (simply delicious) food! Best coffee I’ve had and will be returning again!

Stunning view to the Cathedral. Wonderful eggs royale, lovely place, served quickly, great staff 👍

Lovely views of the cathedral and green, friendly staff and amazing food and drinks for a reasonable price.

We visited for breakfast during the week. Outside seating is great and our Labrador was welcomed. I had the Emmental and tomato croissant with a side of mushrooms, this was absolutely delicious 😋 My husband had poached eggs (perfectly cooked) on toast. Lovely friendly staff and very reasonably priced. Will definitely return

Lovely good and very polite staff.

Made an appointment for afternoon tea the day before. We had a delicious meal and drinks at a table in a beautiful reserved area and were served by friendly staff. We also received tourist tips about Exeter.

Very good service and staff .. food and coffee are very good .. stop and try

This café opposite Exeter Cathedral is a must visit! Freshly squeezed orange juice, Cheese & tomato panini plus fries was just the ticket on this drab afternoon. Managed to resist their delicious looking pastries.

We had breakfast here today. Sufficient and very tasty. There's nothing to complain about. I can only recommend

Had a really nice cream tea.. and we were offered hot water bottles as it was a bit nippy.. Nice touch and appreciated by the kids

Staff stood about talking to each other instead of taking orders. My husband had to wave at them to grab their attention. Scrambled eggs tasteless.

Stunning breakfast in front of the catherdral. Eggs Benedict with extra mushrooms - wow! Possibly the best eggs I’ve ever had - highly recommend.

Hearty portions of food with views of the cathedral make for a enticing place to eat. However, what really stood out was the friendly and exceptional customer service. Always so polite and welcoming. Would definitely recommend!

Had an amazing breakfast here. Nice environment with nice food. Service is also good. Highly recommend for tasty breakfast.

Food was quite nice. The service was beyond exceptional. Everyone was so friendly and attentive.

After me and my partner came here last year, it was the first place we decided to return when we came back to Exeter for a weekend away. There's nothing better than sitting outside when the sun's out. My girlfriend has coeliac disease and is a vegatarian and is spoilt for choice here, while I went for the hummus and falafel panini and really enjoyed. They do nice hot drinks, but last time we had an elderflower cider and a cherry spritz with our brunch and really enjoyed those too. The staff are all friendly and polite too – really great service even though I wouldn't have blamed them for being miserable given how busy they were in the hot weather. Next time we come back I think I need to try the full English breakfast!

Wow what can I say ! What a fantastic find ! We had been on holiday on the coast and fancied a day out on the way home ! I had a few disappointing meals out being celiac and to be honest I’m used to it. I did a quick Google search and was led to “Eat on the green” ! From the minute we got there I knew it would be good ! Every single member of staff was on point ! They knew the menu inside out - they were happy, jovial, knowledgeable, informative, friendly and attentive !! I was blown away by the menu as it was 95 % gluten free ! I could not decide for ages !! The food was delicious, substantial and extremely tasty! My husband and 2 kids thought it was the best food of the holiday ! The staff were so fantastic with lots of little touches ! I overheard a family discuss between them to remind themselves of the car park limit. A lovely member of staff heard this and set an alarm on her personal phone to give them a gentle reminder !! Simply lovely !!!

We went there for brunch, food was very good. Unfortunately weather a little cold to sit outside. We were seated upstairs on our own very quiet. Would go there again.

Quite expensive but then you are right opposite the cathedral. Lovely scones. The menu was a bit scant and it would appear there are 'specials' that are not widely advertised.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I’m actually speechless. It was my friend’s birthday and I asked them last minute to celebrate with us with a little birthday note, and they really went above and beyond!! Thank you SO MUCH guys, you’ve all been really amazing! High tea was great, staff were very very nice as well. Definitely worth a visit, will be back again! Again thank you so much you guys! Amazing food, service, everything! Much appreciated!

Excellent gluten-free vegetarian breakfast. Friendly, attentive staff. Right in the city centre. Great artwork on the walls

Great cafe with a lovely view of the cathedral. Great way to start the day.

Just got back from afternoon tea with two friends, and WOW!!! Absolutely amazing. The sandwiches were delicious, and the sweet treats were sent straight from heaven. I have never had a better scone in all my life. it was absolutely huge, and the perfect consistency. Such good value for money. All the staff were lovely, and extremely attentive. Overall they and the chefs made sure we had the perfect experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

**Update 09/07/24 delicious vegan burger with Rooibos tea (random concoction). Service was excellent. A service dog was with us and the staff were extremely accommodating. Beautiful full breakfast and lovely service. Thank you

This is about the cream tea we had last week. The recipe for your scones is not good. The scones are far too crumbly and trying to put jam & cream on just made them fall apart. The amount of jam was abysmal and the cream not much better. I believe it was £11.95 for one cream tea. This is expensive. Staff were friendly but for the cost we did not think the cream tea was worth it. Unfortunately we will not be returning.

Excellent service, great allergy options. Really helpful staff. There was vegan options, gluten free and vegetarian! Very happy & full!

Best cream tea - EVER. and service with a smile! Excellent 😋😋😋😋

Absolutely lovely staff. I mistakenly popped early as they where setting up for the day. But it was no problem they kindly let me stay and have a coffee and a cheeky bit of toast. Thankyou very much for your kind hospitality. 😊

Food was tasty and clearly of good quality. Despite it being extremely busy, waiting staff were friendly and efficient. Lovely location and the gazebo shading in the heat, was a welcome addition. My only slight negative was the poached eggs weren't runny, but that's something I can more than live with.

Great spot for breakfast ( or lunch ). Well priced menu. Alongside a Full Breakfast we had a Eggs Royale and selection of juices and coffee's. Lovely way to start the day before exploring

Love this place. You can sit outside under the awing rain or shine. It has a great view of the cathedral and is very close to shops. The staff are welcoming, helpful and attentive. Really enjoy going to eat here.

Excellent service with a lovely view sat outside. Full English breakfast was delicious, but could have been warmer. Overall very good place for breakfast.

Slow service but a great hot chocolate and earl grey in the sunshine.

I visited ‘Eat on the green’ after a long time, very dissatisfied with the lunch, we ordered cheese Tomato and pickle panini and was full of pickles didn’t have any cheese and wasn’t toasted at all! We were very hungry so I did eat 3/4 of it but my friend ate only a piece! We travelled from Plymouth and were looking forward to have lunch and was embarrassed. Don’t think will go back or will recommend . Thank you

Very poor customer service. Myself and two others went to visit Eat On The Green on 13/06/2024 at 14:40 and was declined a table because we only wanted afternoon tea. We were told we could only sit inside if we purchased a lunch and our only option if we wanted an afternoon tea was to sit outside in the wind and rain. Attached picture, the board outside clearly states to ‘come on in’ for afternoon tea. Whilst we were at the door enquiring we were rudely told to shut the door by another member of staff because of the cold draft but two minutes before that we were told to sit outside for our afternoon tea.. Make it make sense?! Can i just state, there were available tables to which we were told they would be for people wanting a lunch. Shame on you Eat On the Green, custom is custom. We used to love visiting but after our terrible experience we will never be returning or recommending.

Stopped off today because it looked inviting, sitting opposite the Cathedral. My husband and I shared a panini because we were dining out later and didn't want too much! OMG worst ever bacon, brie and cranberry panini I've ever had. Literally 3 very small pieces of bacon, not a rasher!! Smallest ever piece of brie, couldn't taste either bacon or brie and cranberry sauce. Worst nearly £14 spent. If we had ordered 1 each it would have been sent straight back. I never complain but this offering was unbelievable. Will definitely not be visiting again would go opposite end of the green where there is a wonderful cafe with decent food.

lovely place to sit and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.Lovely food and excellent service,could have sat there all day enjoying the scenery.

Lovely meal and service. But the best thing is that I've finally found a place that has a mostly gluten-free menu. My cousin is GF, and we struggle to find places where she can eat anything. When discussing the menu with the staff, I found that they were very knowledgeable about GF, which filled me with confidence to go back there with my cousin next time.

£10 for full English and coffee - great price, but quality wasn’t there Eggs overcooked, hard toast and cold Service could be faster but was fine Eggs royale was very poor- both eggs weren’t runny and very little to no sauce Great for students as cheap breakfast but fail to see how much better than spoons this is? Except there’s a nice view… kinda off as there’s scaffolding next to the outdoor sitting dog friendly outside, not sure about inside Wouldn’t come back

felt really sick after eating here, ruined my day

Such a lovely place to try, such good food and marvellous service, set in a lovely location.

The service was fine but I got extremely sick after coming here with my son. I think it was the sausages. My son also was very sick as well after eating the same thing. Will not be coming back. Ben

Brilliant. Really tasty food and a great selection. The gluten free options were outstanding too.

What a terrible institution. Rude staff and the poorest hygiene I have ever witnessed. I noticed how one of the staff dropped a toast on the floor and immediately picked it up and put it on the plate as discreetly as possibly. Served it to the poor old fella. I also noted the general lack of cleanliness and the reheating off food. Do Not come here.

Remember having a dish called Eggs Benjamin! Very nice setting and views near to the cathedral. Owner was very nice and professional. Highly recommend a visit

Great gluten free options. Lovely view of the cathedral. Staff were very nice and helped move us inside when it started raining.

Great Food! Great Service and Exeter Cathedral. Could anyone ask for more? No! If you're ever in Exeter, 'Eat On The Green', is a must! Miss it and miss out!

Lovely spot and the drinks and food were good quality. Just slightly got the impression that as we only wanted drinks initially, they felt we were a bit of an inconvenience.

Had breakfast here last week. The Full English was nice, not the best I've ever had but did the job. One of our party had the caramelised onion and brie croissant and said it was delicious. The orange juice here is so fresh and some of the best I have had in the UK. The service was very good, especially given how busy it was. Would definitely recommend.

Had a superb vegetarian breakfast here. Could not fault the food or the service. Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. Well worth a visit, especially if you are a veggie!!

What a spot to have a beer or bite to eat on a Sunny day in Exeter, perfect

a pretty place for breakfast and lunch as well

Really lovely, unpretentious food. I've been here for breakfast and lunch and both times not been dissappinted. The service is friendly but efficient and sitting outside in the shade watching the green is an added bonus.

Great service and friendly. Good selection of food available. It is lovely to be able to eat outside or in.

Had a wonderful experience on Sunday, lovely food and great service. High recommend if looking for something to eat in Exeter

Amazing smoothies and nice staff

We came in for a bit of lunch and there were very few choices unless you wanted something hot or a bigger meal. On asking for just a sandwich we were delivered salmon and Cucumber sandwiches with no frills. Charged £8 per sandwich which seemed incredibly expensive. Wouldn't go back in a hurry

Great atmosphere and a lovely prime location on the edge of the cathedral green, Only popped in for a sit down and a cuppa, but I ended up with a creamy hot chocolate yummy, Staff were professional and friendly

I have just recently lost my father & haven't been out for a long time. I've just visited Exeter and thought I would treat myself to a cuppa & some cake. I've been here before where the service was wonderful. Today I've been served by Leo who has been so kind & attentative. I could almost cry but in a good way. He has made me feel so much better. Thank you so much Leo & you didn't even realise!

One of the best indie coffee places in Exeter and great fresh tasty food, always delivers with the best view of the City.

A lovely breakfast, great ambiance and views, attentive friendly staff. Very enjoyable

Average breakfast and a little expensive for portion size I would recommend drakes

Nice place for lunch, polite attentive friendly staff and good food. We will be back. Thank you.

Best hot chocolate we have had in exeter till now. It was incredible and the flavour amazing. The staff was friendly and efficient and we had some granola and croissants which were good also. Nice place to have a breakfast with views to the cathedral

Prepay for Afternoon Tea - err.. I don’t think so. We booked to go to Afternoon Tea on Easter Saturday, booking about a month in advance because the reviews were good. The next day, (a Saturday afternoon) I got a phone call, can you please pay now and what sandwiches would we like - my husband was out so I said I’d discuss it with him when he got back. Well, can you please pay now. No, I’ll discuss it with my husband when he gets back. Spoke to him when he got home. Said I was not happy with the attitude of the restaurant and he agreed, things did not sound right so on the Monday, I cancelled our booking. Every person I have mentioned this too said it seemed a very unusual request. We regularly go out to eat or have afternoon tea and not once, unless it’s for a large group have we ever been asked for full payment in advance or even a deposit

Over priced for the basic ingredients served, the owner was swatting flies with his apron on the table behind me and was speaking down on his younger staff members that to be quite honest were the only redeemable quality about this place. Prisoners of war get better food than this.

Very nice little cafe with lots of gluten free options. Easy to find and reasonably priced over looking the cathedral. Well done 👏