Thai Orchid

You'll find yourself on Cathedral Yard, right in the heart of Exeter's medieval centre, walking past the cathedral and into somewhere that smells unmistakably of lemongrass, fish sauce and proper cooking. Thai Orchid doesn't mess about with fusion or compromise—this is the real thing. The dining room feels intimate without being cramped, the kind of place where regulars nod at each other and the staff remembers what you ordered last time. After nearly 1,200 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it's clear this place has earned its reputation the hard way: by being consistently good.