Al-Farid Restaurant

01 The Arrival

Al-Farid is one of those restaurants where the inside is completely different from what you expect from the street. The historic building opens into a gorgeous, atmospheric interior with Moroccan decor, colourful cushions and warm lighting - it feels like a little escape from Exeter.

02 The Food

I went for a selection of hot and cold mezze, including hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, Moroccan salads and lamb dishes, with Moroccan mint tea afterwards. The mezze was easily the highlight - everything had its own character, from smoky aubergine to creamy hummus and beautifully seasoned lamb. The Moroccan salads brought a lighter, fresher element alongside the richer dishes.

03 The Experience

Service was friendly and helpful, with staff happy to explain the less familiar dishes. The lighting, cushions, historic setting and Moroccan decoration make this one of the most atmospheric restaurants on the list.

04 Was It Worth It?

Good. It's not a cheap takeaway-style meal, but the quality, portions and overall experience make it feel worthwhile.

05 The Verdict

Pros: incredible atmosphere, beautiful mezze, interesting menu, lovely setting. Cons: easy to spend more than intended when ordering lots of mezze. Perfect for anyone who wants something a little different from standard Exeter dining, especially for a date night.

Location — 3 Cathedral Yard, Exeter, EX1 1HJ, England