Harden's survey result
Summary
Dan & Katie Goto’s humble Japanese café relocated to Exeter from Plymouth in 2020 and is one of the beacons of decent eating to be had in this still very under-served city: “A top choice in town. Book well ahead or you will be disappointed. Surely time to move to bigger premises, guys!”
Summary
Dan & Katie Goto’s “small” Japanese has “become an absolute must in a slowly improving Exeter scene” [or, a ‘go-to’ one might struggle not to say: Ed] since upping sticks from its former home in Plymouth three years ago. It’s still “unusual to have a small independent restaurant” in these parts, let alone one turning out top-quality sushi, sashimi, ramen and rice bowls in a room featuring Dan’s own anime-style paintings. Top Tip – it is “very popular with local residents and therefore booking is essential!”.
Summary
“When it opened, it was pretty straightforward snagging a table – good luck right now!”. Dan & Katie Goto moved their Plymouth business to Exeter a couple of years ago after their lease expired, and its “really good” sushi, sashimi and other traditional Japanese dishes have won it quick popularity locally: “it could thrive in bigger premises”.
Summary
“There’s not really much choice for Japanese cuisine in Exeter, but this recent opening (during lockdown) has really good sushi and sashimi as well as other traditional Japanese dishes”. “It’s slightly away from the city centre, but worth the walk down Fore Street” because “the food is authentic and the staff extremely nice”. Top Menu Tips – “some really delicious vegan options – the agedashi tofu was delicious, as was the tempura. The ‘carnists’ enjoyed their sashimi and nigiri and the wine was pretty good too”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Goto?
38 New Bridge Street, Exeter, EX4 3AH
Goto Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Shabby from the outside, not helped by scaffolding when I visited. But, wait a minute, it is packed out with happy customers. There is a good reason for this. Outstandingly good Japanese food. Prepared in a small kitchen open to the dining area so, from my table, I could watch the masters at work. And oh boy do they work! Waitresses manage to keep up with an endless delivery but have time for a brief friendly chat. I like this place! If you like expertly prepared Japanese food, you will too! Tip: chilled Nanbu Bijin Sake is intriguing, sweetening as it warms to room temperature."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
38 New Bridge Street, Exeter, EX4 3AH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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