Cafe Reed

Reviews

• Joanna K.

  star star star star star_border 19 May 2026

  Cute cafe in Exeter with a decent selection of coffees, teas, alcohol, and inexpensive food (~£5 and under) ranging from Spanish omelettes to chicken pies to Thai salads to all kinds of pastries.  Menu is seasonal too, so it's always changing.  Between 12 - 3 PM, they open a larger backroom with more formal dining, in addition to the general cafe area, and a different, slightly more expensive menu.  Service is always friendly and helpful -- you order at the counter, located in a narrow adjoining area, grab a seat at one of the couches or small tables in the main area, and someone will bring you both your drink and/or meal.  Also, since it's located on the University of Exeter's campus, it's in an easily accessible location for students, though all times I've been, never crowded.
  
  While I've only eaten at the cafe area -- and never the formal dining backroom -- I've always had a pleasant experience: everyone is friendly & the food is delicious (though, forewarning, the portions can be a bit small and they don't offer takeaway/to-go).  In all, Cafe Reed provides a nice, quiet atmosphere that's great for catching up with friends or doing some light reading.  One of its major downsides, though, is that it's only open from 8am - 3pm on weekdays.