
On The Waterfront
Iconic Exeter Quayside restaurant in a 19th-century warehouse, famous for massive pizzas and waterfront views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

On The Waterfront

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Exeter Quayside restaurant in a 19th-century warehouse, famous for massive pizzas and waterfront views.
Book for Peak Times
Book a table in advance to secure the best seats, especially during busy periods.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Visit on a warm, sunny day to enjoy the pleasant outdoor seating by the quay with water views.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
International / Pizza / Pub Fare
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1392 210590
Address
Southern Warehouse, 4-9, The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AP, United Kingdom
Website
waterfrontexeter.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gigantic Pizzas with a View
Enjoy massive, hand-made pizzas with creative toppings while overlooking the picturesque Exeter waterfront.

Quirky Waterfront Ambiance
Dine in a 19th-century warehouse with a chic, industrial-boudoir interior or enjoy the outdoor terrace.

International Flavors & Pub Classics
Savor modern pub classics, burgers, fish dishes, and vegan options alongside specialty pizzas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for Peak Times
Book a table in advance to secure the best seats, especially during busy periods.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Visit on a warm, sunny day to enjoy the pleasant outdoor seating by the quay with water views.
Cocktail Deal
Enjoy two cocktails for £12.50 for a delightful and budget-friendly experience.
Table Choice for Pizza
Opt for rectangular tables for generous portions or specific pizza preferences.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for Peak Times
Book a table in advance to secure the best seats, especially during busy periods.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Visit on a warm, sunny day to enjoy the pleasant outdoor seating by the quay with water views.
Cocktail Deal
Enjoy two cocktails for £12.50 for a delightful and budget-friendly experience.
Table Choice for Pizza
Opt for rectangular tables for generous portions or specific pizza preferences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
On The Waterfront offers a scenic dining experience with its prime Exeter Quay location and impressive pizzas. While many praise the atmosphere and the sheer size of the pizzas, some reviews note inconsistencies in food quality and service during busy periods. It's a popular spot for both casual meals and drinks, with a particular draw for its waterfront views and vegan-friendly options.
"Had an amazing meal with my mum and brother here. Service was great, Molly was our waitress and she was very friendly and helpful with us ordering what we wanted.
Food itself was really good, we especially liked the dough balls. Really recommend trying them if you haven't before, they were as good as last time I came here with some friends.
Pizza dustbin 16" was very tasty, we had this between us with sides being the dough balls, coleslaw/houseslaw, and chips.
Highly recommend going, we booked and I'd advise it as you're more likely to get pick of seat although they were very accommodating in any case."
Connor Felix
"Lovely river side place to be. Sunny seats out the front. Lovely inside. Clean toilets.
They took a long while to make two latte drinks but they tasted nice.
Place to be if you want pizza or a burger."
Sophie Lines
"Came here for an event with 30+ people. We had a section of the resturant blocked off and the atmosphere was lovely and great location by the quayside.
Food however was late and took ages to come out and everyone’s dishes arrived at different times making it very difficult to enjoy the evening smoothly. I got the beef wagyu pasta which was large portions (expected considering the price) and tasty. Good ratio of meat to pasta and would recommend. For dessert i got the sticky toffee pudding and it was too sweet it was sickly. The pudding itself was dry and tasted rather horrible like it was microwaved making it impossible to finish, the ice cream saved the dish!
Doubt i’d be back for the food but the outdoor seating seems like it would be nice for drinks.
Staff did the best they could and seemed very apologetic for all the mess up with the order and timing."
Remika
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
This restaurant is renowned for its massive, hand-made pizzas and its prime location on the Exeter Quay waterfront, offering beautiful views.
Yes, the restaurant proudly offers vegan cheese options for pizzas at no extra cost and also caters to gluten-free dietary needs.
It is advised to book a table in advance, especially during peak times or for larger groups, to ensure you get the best seating.
The restaurant has a unique atmosphere, housed in a 19th-century warehouse with a chic, industrial-boudoir interior and an outdoor terrace with water views.
Yes, they offer a popular cocktail deal of two for £12.50, which is often highlighted as a great value.
Beyond pizzas, the menu includes modern pub classics, burgers, fish selections, and occasional themed nights like Spanish Tapas.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In Exeter, Devon
Housed in a 19th-century wool warehouse located, as the name suggests, on the waterfront, this restaurant has to be one of Exeter’s most sumptuously decorated. Inside features warm lighting and exposed brick, and there’s a lovely outside dining area for the warmer months with views of the water. The menu is international in flavour, with modern pub classics aplenty, a selection of pizzas as a speciality as well as burgers and, naturally, the hearty fish selection you expect from any Exeter restaurant worth its salt.
Best Student Bars in Exeter
If you’re after a nice cold brew with a stunning view, look no further than this waterside bar which is housed in a gorgeous 19th century warehouse on the Exeter Quayside. The star attraction is the waterfront terrace which can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the patio heaters and cosy blankets. When you can drag yourself away from the pretty vistas outside, make sure to step inside and discover the quirky interior decor which lies somewhere between an intimate boudoir and chic minimalist industrial space.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Exeter
It’s impossible to find a more picturesque place for a slice of pizza than On the Waterfront, outside of Rome, of course. Situated – as the name suggests – on the Exeter waterfront, this Italian restaurant is the perfect place to tuck into a massive slice while you watch the world go by. What makes On the Waterfront even better is that it offers a vegan cheese option at no extra cost, as well as vegan cheesy chips for on the side.
We've rounded up Exeter's best first date food spots
They have DELICIOUS cocktails at two for £12.50 which aren’t exactly Spoons prices but they are definitely worth the buck. They are very yummy, and alcoholic enough to get the conversation juices flowing for sure. Who knows, they may even help you to take down that big wall of yours that you’ve kept up ever since your year six crush Jamie Edwards told you that he won’t kiss you in spin-the-bottle because your nose is too big.
Exeter’s Best Restaurants for Your Business Lunch
Looking for a restaurant to enjoy some pretty amazing pizzas on the quay?. Then this may be the perfect place to stop by for lunch – especially on a warm, sunny day!. This restaurant can be very busy at times, but it’s well worth visiting to try their tasty food – also a great range of delicious cocktails, quality beers, and last but not least, excellent pizza with imaginative options on huuuuge plates!
10 Things to do Exeter UK
It can be difficult for those with additional dietary requirements to find somewhere to eat, which is why On The Waterfront is such a fantastic lunch option. Catering for those without allergies and individuals who are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan, the restaurant provides mouth-watering burgers and crispy pizzas with views over Exeter Quay. It’s an absolute win for everybody.
Devon Picks
No matter how long I have left it, I always return time and time again to the waterfront on Exeter’s beautiful quayside. For me, they have been banging out the best pizzas in the city for as long as I can remember. In a casual setting situated right on the waterfront, I have many happy memories of sitting in the sunshine and enjoying great quality food in the company of my family and friends.
Top 8 places in Exeter for a breakfast date
Serving breakfast from 10am until 12pm, On the Waterfront offers its guests an exciting menu that’s full of variety and flavour with options such as breakfast pizza, spiced bean cassoulet and the classic bacon and egg sandwich, there’s something there to tickle your fancy. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available. To see a copy of the menu click here.
Wine and Dine: Best Romantic Restaurants in Exeter for Date Night
If you're looking for stunning views to complement your meal, On the Waterfront is the perfect choice. Located along Exeter's Quayside, this restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with gorgeous views of the River Exe. Famed for its gigantic pizzas, On the Waterfront also serves a wide range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including seafood and fresh salads.
Best Italian Restaurants In Exeter
There’s no better place in Exeter to dine out than at the city’s famous quayside. On The Waterfront is arguably the quay’s marquee independent restaurant and serves up gigantic pizzas as one of its menu highlights. On The Waterfront marries fine dining with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere and as a result, is continuously rammed during the weekend and the summer months.
A student guide to the best independent cafes and bars in Exeter
Located right on Exeter Quay, this is one of my favourite restaurants to take friends who come to visit. If not for the huge size of their pizzas, then the fact that this restaurant has a really friendly feel to it makes it a must-visit restaurant. Why not try coming here for a meal with new flatmates at the end of your crazy Freshers’ Week?
Five of the best places to visit in Exeter
Known for its dustbin-sized pizzas, this bustling restaurant on Exeter Quayside is a long standing indie in the city. This year’s priorities have been to expand its vegan menu and because more accessible for customers with disabilities. It won Silver-Gilt award from the Free From Food Awards 2018 with a focus on allergen awareness.
Short Breaks in Devon | Sea View Rooms
Salcombe is a hub of watersport activities year-round, especially during the Summer months when the estuary really comes alive. During the warmer season, Salcombe and South Sands beach benefits from moorings in the water, which fill up quickly with an array of boats brimming with Summer fun. The South Sands Ferry is busy all Summer.
The best places to eat in and around Exeter
If you’re looking for an affordable, yet delicious place for a spot of lunch, you can’t go wrong with Brewers Fayre in Exeter, which is close to our homes at Cavanna @ Elm Park. There’s something for everyone on the menu so that you can enjoy delicious food that won’t blow the budget. Visit their website for more information.
The guide to eating out in Devon as the coronavirus restrictions ease
During lockdown, this popular Exeter eaterie started deliveries and takeaways (including handcrafted pizzas). It reopened on 4 July and has stopped deliveries to concentrate on the venue once again. At the moment, there is a reduced menu and it is no longer doing breakfast to help with social distancing in the kitchen.
Where to eat in Exeter - British cuisine and gastronomy in Exeter
On the Waterfront is a restaurant that overlooks the beautiful quayside. Famous for its extensive selection of pizzas, this restaurant is a popular lunch and dinner spot. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, the latter of which is covered and heated - perfect for taking in the tranquil sights of the quay.
Romantic restaurants in Exeter | Tangelo
Sat in the heart of Exeter’s beautiful Quay, On The Waterfront is a popular independent restaurant. Famous for their giant pizzas as well as other top quality food too. The ideal spot for date night however they also offer pizza delivery locally for those who want to stay at home for Valentine’s.
A local's guide to Exeter
Down by the River Exe, try out the similar pub, On the Waterfront, if you fancy some pleasant views with your evening meal. For something exotic try out the friendly Dee Yi, a Chinese restaurant that also offers takeaways. A favourite with locals, it’s been plying its trade for over a decade.
Top 6 Reasons to Study in Exeter
The city of Exeter will not disappoint you when it comes to entertainment. From the vibrant shopping streets, and bustling nightlife, to creative theaters, you will find numerous entertainment options in Exeter. It is amongst the oldest cities in England and currently the hub for education.
Exeter Stag Do Weekends & Activities 2025
And for some sophisticated dining with a view why not try out On The Waterfront. A quayside restaurant and pub that is an extremely popular place to eat. Especially when the weather’s nice as you can sit right on the waterfront outside and enjoy the view, good food and even better weather.
The best pubs with beer gardens in Exeter
On the Waterfront, a 19th century former docking warehouse, offers a menu brimming with sumptuous dishes perfect for intimate dining or a group gathering. In the warmer months, admire the views extending out across The River Exe from the pub’s heated terrace with a pint in hand.
A definitive list of the best places to go for graduation dinner in Exeter
Every Exeter student seems to flock to the quay in the summer. Can you think of a more idyllic setting to celebrate your graduation?. The restaurant boasts stunning views of the quay, irresistible cocktail deals, and gigantic pizzas that you will struggle to finish.
Dog Friendly Exeter - UK Pet Guide
Set in a converted 19th Century warehouse at the heart of the Quayside, On The Waterfront is a popular and sizeable family-orientated pub and restaurant. In addition to a selection of real ales and buffet dining, there’s also homemade pizza and riverside views.
Food & Entertainment in Exeter Town Centre
If music and live performance is your thing then there’s no shortage of entertainment, all year round in the city. Both the Great Hall and the Lemon Grove, here at the University of Exeter, have an extensive programme of music for all genres to enjoy.
The 50 Best Gluten-Free Lunch Spots in Exeter
If you’re gluten free just save your money and time and go elsewhere… was so bad I struggled to eat it. Was burned and was very dry. Wasn’t too happy I had to pay an extra pound considering I can’t help my allergy and don’t think it’s totally fair.
Best Exeter Pubs, B. Cathedral Quarter, Exeter
We'd recommend a trip to The Old Firehouse which is 'widely acknowledged to be one of Exeter's best ale and cider pubs'. It's located on New North Road close to the big department store John Lewis at the top of the High Street.
Doggie Pubs | Find out where you and your best friend are welcome
Great pub with great entertainment and amazing pizzas, plus very friendly staff. We came and sat outside and had a bite to eat with our two dogs and the staff were very welcoming and brought out a bowl of water for our dogs.
13 best Restaurants in Exeter (UPDATED 2021)
Popular eatery on the waterfront set within a series of brick caverns. There is a terrace on the outside, and the food fuses American and Mediterranean favourites such as ribs, giant pizzas, pasta and burgers.
The definitive #TeamBigwave Exeter pub guide
Bustling and popular with locals, great for food and delightful views of the quay. They do massive dustbin lid sized pizzas, the duck and hoisin is a firm favourite with the team. We built their website.
THE BEST 5 Pizza in Exeter City (Updated January 2025)
Southern Warehouse, 4-9, The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AP, United Kingdom. “The first choice for me when I want pizza, even more so when its hot and sunny. Who wouldnt want to sit out by the river, eating pizza?
THE 30 BEST Restaurants in Exeter
Went for the drag show entertainment and staff great, Will go again as great fun. Pizza was ok, I suppose it's not the easiest thing to serve on mass, there was plenty of it. TakeawayDrive-Through
100 Fun & Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Exeter & Nearby!
Famous for their pizza menu, On The Waterfront is a quay-themed restaurant. The indoor has a cozy old dock warehouse interior, while the outdoor is perfect for dining with a view of the quay.
177 Local Restaurants near Exeter
On the Waterfront is an award-winning restaurant and pub that offers top quality food and drink in the centre of Exeter. The eatery is well situated within ...
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit