Quick info
About Caffe Espresso
Caffe Espresso is an independent French-style cafe in Exeter, housed in an old building at 12 Castle St, just off the high street near the Castle Gate. The building has a view of the castle, which gives the cafe a setting few lunch spots can match. Homemade shakshuka leads the food, and the lunch menu also lists Pea and Basil soup served with bread on the side and a chicken and ham pie. Ciabattas and a selection of homemade cakes fill out the counter for lighter visits. The cafe holds a licence, so it works as a bistro as well as a coffee stop. Coffee is LaVazza.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lavazza coffee, shakshuka, homemade cakes and ciabattas.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lavazza coffee, shakshuka, homemade cakes and ciabattas.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee is the most frequent draw, with reviewers praising the LaVazza coffee and one lifelong coffee drinker calling it the best they have tried in Exeter. Close behind is the food, led by the homemade shakshuka, which two reviewers single out as delicious or phenomenal. Others mention the Pea and Basil soup with bread, a chicken and ham pie, and ciabattas, while the cake selection and homemade cakes come up repeatedly. Reviewers describe friendly staff and a quaint, independent cafe just off the high street near the castle. The one criticism comes from a reviewer who found the bacon dry and salty, though they called the eggs, bread and avocado good. Several say they plan to return, including regulars who have been coming for years and still order the ciabattas and homemade cakes.
Customer Review Summary
Coffee is the most frequent draw, with reviewers praising the LaVazza coffee and one lifelong coffee drinker calling it the best they have tried in Exeter. Close behind is the food, led by the homemade shakshuka, which two reviewers single out as delicious or phenomenal. Others mention the Pea and Basil soup with bread, a chicken and ham pie, and ciabattas, while the cake selection and homemade cakes come up repeatedly. Reviewers describe friendly staff and a quaint, independent cafe just off the high street near the castle. The one criticism comes from a reviewer who found the bacon dry and salty, though they called the eggs, bread and avocado good. Several say they plan to return, including regulars who have been coming for years and still order the ciabattas and homemade cakes.
Featured reviews
- Charlotte Chei
“Best cafe in Exeter town centre! We have been coming for years and still enjoy the great coffee/ ciabattas… not to mention room the homemade cakes. Friendly staff too :)”
- Andy Marshall
“Delightful place to have lunch on a beautiful sunny day. Highly recommend.”
- Michael Goodroe
“We had their Pea and Basil soup with bread on the side and it was delicious 😋 The cafe is very quaint and it is near the old Castle Gate! We highly recommend going to this cafe for coffee or many options on their menu.”
- Richard Knowles
“Great little spot just off the main drag in Exeter by the castle, perfect coffee stop and heading back to try lunch offer soon”
- Sophie Amelia
“What a wonderful little gem!! Gorgeous French-style cafe tucked away in an old building with a gorgeous view of the castle and other old historic Exeter buildings, but just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of the high street. Delicious coffee and absolutely amazing food!! I had the homemade Shakshuka and my goodness, it was phenomenal! Lovely friendly service too and very attentive. The owner clearly takes a lot of pride in this beautiful cosy quaint cafe!! What a find! My new favourite!!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- Closed
Good to know
“Licensed Cafe / Bistro”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Assistive hearing loop
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Cafes near Caffe Espresso
- Artigiano Espresso & Wine Bar4.21,1580.1 mi£10–20Outdoor seatingVegetarian optionsVegan options
sunday roast, live music, english breakfast
- Pink Ginger Flower Cafe4.91350.1 mi£10–20Outdoor seating
taro roll cake, choux buns, cold brew
- Suki Cafe4.92580.2 mi£1–10Outdoor seatingVegetarian optionsDelivery
matcha, pastries, coffee
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caffe Espresso | 4.7186 | — | — | lavazza coffee, shakshuka, homemade cakes |
| Artigiano Espresso & Wine BarOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Vegan options | 4.21,158 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | sunday roast, live music, english breakfast |
| Pink Ginger Flower CafeOutdoor seating | 4.9135 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | taro roll cake, choux buns, cold brew |
| Suki CafeOutdoor seating · Vegetarian options · Delivery | 4.9258 | 0.2 mi | £1–10 | matcha, pastries, coffee |
The 3 nearest cafes by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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