Herbies

01 The Arrival

Herbies is colourful, cosy and instantly feels different from most Exeter restaurants - a relaxed, independent atmosphere that's particularly appealing if you like food that feels imaginative rather than predictable.

02 The Food

I started with crispy mushroom bao buns and kimchi arancini, then had the banana blossom fish and chips with skin-on fries and minted pea puree. The mushroom bao were incredible - crispy oyster mushrooms with chilli oil and soy-sesame dip. The banana blossom fish and chips were the biggest surprise - the beer-battered banana blossom works remarkably well as a fish alternative.

03 The Experience

Friendly and relaxed service, with staff happy to explain ingredients and make recommendations - especially useful when trying something like banana blossom for the first time. Cosy, colourful and distinctly independent, feeling much more personal than a chain restaurant.

04 Was It Worth It?

Very good. The portions are generous and the food is interesting enough that it doesn't feel like a premium simply for being vegetarian.

05 The Verdict

Pros: creative vegetarian food, excellent flavours, huge choice, cosy independent atmosphere. Cons: the menu has so many tempting dishes that choosing is genuinely difficult. The restaurant I'd recommend to anyone who thinks vegetarian food is boring.

Location — 15 North Street, Exeter, EX4 3QS, England